The Wanderings Archive

WANDERINGS
No. 1 --- to --- No. 171
29 March 2002 --- to --- 04 June 2010
==========
Since Wanderings first appeared in The Citizen Scientist (TCS), there have been several
problems that resulted in a mixup between the numbering sequence in TCS and my archive.
I tried to patch things up the best that I could and I think that the result is good enough for
scientific purposes. ;-).
Yes, you will find dead links throughout these columns. Unfortunatlly, many excellent Web
Sites disappear or have changed their original URL. But you may still be able to find what
you are looking for with a little bit of work. For example --- in #1 there is a dead link:
Electronic Circuit Guidebook : Sensors
http://halljava.com/computer_science/circuitry/90.shtml
If you do a Google search on the subject --- Electronic Circuit Guidebook : Sensors you
will find references to the book at Amazon.
rjc
==========
1
WANDERINGS
No. 1
29 March 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--In this column, I will be sharing with our members, some of the interesting web sites that I
have found during my WANDERINGS along the Information Highway.
At first, the selections will be limited to my finds; in future columns, I hope to include your
favourites too. So, please send them along to me.
I will neither be listing links to the ramblings of New Age Einsteins, nor to sites that may
have a dangerous content. On the other hand, occasionally I may list an interesting site that
may be on "the edge". It will be left up to you to decide whether it's legitimate or pseudo
science.
Please remember that anyone can publish on the web. Therefore, care should be taken,
before spending time or money trying to duplicate the impossible.
The INSPIRE Project … http://image.gsfc.nasa.gov/poetry/inspire/
The INSPIRE Project is an exciting opportunity for students and amateurs to participate in
an ongoing space physics research program. INSPIRE is an acronym for Interactive NASA
Space Physics Ionosphere Radio Experiment. Since 1990, The INSPIRE Project has been
involved in the investigation of very low frequency (VLF) radio signals in the earth's
magnetosphere. These signals are both manmade, such as LORAN navigation system
transmissions; and naturally occurring, most of which originate from lightning.
RADIO JOVE … http://radiojove.gsfc.nasa.gov/
The Radio JOVE involves students and amateur scientists in the observation and analysis
of the natural radio emissions of Jupiter and the Sun.
The Joggins Fossil Cliffs … http://museum.gov.ns.ca/places/joggins/joggins.htm
Feel like digging bones? Fortunately, there is no need for us Easterners to travel out west in
search of fossils. Located, near the head of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia Canada, is a
world-class palaeontological site, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs. The cliffs have yielded fossils
that give an unprecedented glimpse into life during the Carboniferous Period, including a
rich variety of flora, a diverse fauna of amphibians, some exciting track ways of the
Arthropleura, and some of the world's first reptiles.
2
Build an Earth Resistivity Meter … http://www.thunting.com/geotech/geo/erm.html
This article gives the construction plans of a device that can measure ground resistivity.
Such data might indicate buried anomalies such as large stones, compacted regions, or
conductive targets. This may be of use to the amateur archaeologist. Use it perhaps, to
locate the buried foundation of an old dwelling.
The article also covers the background on resistivity measurement as well as some of the
pitfalls to watch out for.
Software is provided at … ftp://ftp.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/pub/PICS/Earth.Meter/ … to
assist in the plotting of your measurements.
Web Site Garage … http://websitegarage.netscape.com/O=wsg/start.html
Building a web site? This free service provides an analysis of how to tune-up your site. It
contains, among other things, a feature that will assist with such things as browser
compatibility, HTML errors, spelling errors, access speed and dead links.
Electronic Circuit Guidebook : Sensors
http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Circuit-Guidebook-Vol-Sensors/dp/0790610981
( ISBN 0790610981 ) … I haven't seen this book yet, but you can bet that I have a copy on
order. It looks great!
In this book you will find information about typical analog sensors, sensor circuitry, and
analog to digital conversion. This looks like one of those books that is a "must have" for the
amateur’s bookshelf.
Build Your Own Underwater Robot
http://www.yesmag.bc.ca/review/r_underwater.html (ISBN 0-9681610-0-6) … This book
may be a little juvenile for some, since it was written for the middle school level.
Nevertheless it provides a good entry level for those who, with persistence, PVC pipe, wire,
and electric motors, can build and pilot their own ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicles).
======1======
3
WANDERINGS
No. 2
12 April 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--This week's column has links to Bill Beaty and Don Lancaster's sites. Both of which are a
tremendous resource for the amateur. I have also included a link showing how to test your
dog's IQ. This could be the basis of an interesting science fair project.
Remember, if you have any favourite sites, please send them along.
Lindsay Books … http://www.lindsaybks.com
Lindsay is a great source of technical books, of every nature, especially re-prints of older
material.
For example, they have a re-issue of John Strong's Procedures in Experimental Physics
( http://www.lindsaybks.com/bks/expphy/index.html ) listed for $24.95 US.
The Science Hobbyist … http://www.amasci.com
If you haven't seen this site before, it's well worth the visit. Maintained by Bill Beaty, this site
contains original material plus many links to other science resources.
Bill, also hosts an e-mail amateur science forum. Unfortunately, it is not too active at the
present time. But check it out at … http://www.amasci.com/sci-list/sci-list.html.
The Guru's Lair … http://www.tinaja.com/
Like Bill Beaty's Science Hobbyist site, Don Lancaster's The Guru's Lair is a treasure trove
of amateur resources. He covers many topics and includes links to thousands of interesting
sites.
I would also suggest that anyone who is interested in electronics, check out some of Don's
books … TTL Cookbook, CMOS Cookbook and The Active Filter Cookbook.
Doug Coward's Analog Computer Museum … http://dcoward.best.vwh.net/analog/
Yes, Virginia, there was a time long - long ago, when every home did not have a PC. In fact,
in the late '50's and early 60's owning a digital computer was beyond the budget of most
4
notable universities. I am including this link for all of us "old guys" who remember working
with analog computers.
Dog IQ Test … http://abc.net.au/animals/dog_test/default.htm
In the 05 Apr '02 e-Bulletin, Chris Bridges asked if there was a science project that her 6 th
grade daughter could do with their 4 Lab's. I immediately thought of this site.
These exercises are designed to test the dog's adaptive intelligence- the ability to solve
problems, understand language and learn social cues, like responding to a human smile.
The tests were devised by Dr. Stanley Coren, professor of psychology at the University of
British Columbia, a prize winning dog trainer and an authority on canine intelligence.
Chris, if your daughter uses this idea, please post her report.
======2======
5
WANDERINGS
No. 3
14 April 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--Included, this week, are a couple of freebees … a graph paper engine and an e-text on
assembly language programming. Also, I came across an interesting link to John Walker's
site and his duplication of Henry Cavendish's torsion balance gravity experiments.
Retraction:
Re : Electronic Circuit Guidebook : Sensors …
http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Circuit-Guidebook-Vol-Sensors/dp/0790610981
In the first column, I listed a reference to this book. Since then, I've read some bad reviews,
such as many typos etc. I think that I will still order one, but I wanted to let you know that it
may not be as good as I may have led you to believe.
Remember, if you have any comments or favorite sites, please send them along.
=====
Graph Paper
http://perso.easynet.fr/~philimar/
Do you need a sheet of log paper? How about some log-log paper? Dr. Philippe Marquis
has a downloadable freeware program that may be of interest to a wide range of users. It
prints numerous kinds of graph paper, music manuscripts and a great variety of pattern
papers.
=====
The "Art of Assembly Language Programming "
http://webster.cs.ucr.edu/
Get down and dirty with your computer! With all the Windows programs on the market these
days, we seldom have a need to get back to basics. If you ever have the need to get into
assembly language programming, then by all means, download this free resource. Caution
… It's BIG!
I found this link on Bill Beaty's Amateur Science Mailing List that was listed last week.
=====
6
Bending Spacetime in the Basement
http://www.fourmilab.to/gravitation/foobar/
An amateur's duplication of Henry Cavendish's torsion balance experiments. Should be
good for a high-school physics lab. Included are some good MPEG/JPEG/RPZA videos of
the apparatus in operation.
http://mist.npl.washington.edu/eotwash/
Further interesting reading on the same topic.
=====
National Genetic Resources Program (NGRP)
http://www.ars-grin.gov
The National Genetic Resources Program (NGRP) responsibility is to: acquire, characterize,
preserve, document, and distribute to scientists, germplasm of all lifeforms important for
food and agricultural production.
Also linked from this site is Dr. Jim Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases
at …. http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/
=====
The Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of North America
http://www.cambiumbooks.com/pgs_books/1-56098-296-9.cfm
This book, by Edwin Tappan Adney & Howard I. Chapelle, is not really off topic. It illustrates
the evolution of boat building technology developed by the First Nations Peoples of North
America.
This site contains other books of a similar nature, such as:
Hooper Bay Kayak Construction …. by David W Zimmerly
Building Skin-on-Frame Boats …… by Robert Morris.
======3======
7
WANDERINGS
No. 4
26 April 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--This week I am pointing to the source of two screen savers, SETI @ Home and Folding @
Home. Both are scientific projects that connect thousands of personal computers together
via the Internet. This results in a super computer in the form of a distributed computing
network, with each computer running a separate part of the common application. If you
choose to be part of one of these projects, the screen saver will begin crunching project
data whenever you are not actually using your computer
==========
BEAM Robots
http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/6897/beam2.html
http://www.tragauer.at/
The acronym BEAM stands for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics and Mechanics. Most of
these little robots do nothing except frolic and scamper around in the sun light. But, there
has been some speculation that BEAM type robots could be used to clear mine fields or
explore hostile environments (Mars?).
==========
Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab
http://www.spartechsoftware.com/reeko/
Your source of free science experiments for parents, teachers, and children of all ages. This
site contains many simple science activities for parents to do with their children.
==========
Plant Viruses Online:
http://image.fs.uidaho.edu/vide
Descriptions and Lists from the Virus Identification Data Exchange (VIDE) database.
While searching for something else, I came across this link and thought that it might be of
interest to some of our members.
==========
8
Image Reduction and Analysis Facility (IRAF):
http://iraf.noao.edu/iraf-homepage.html
IRAF is a general purpose collection of image analysing and editing programs, along with
routines that control a telescope, telling it where to point, how long to keep the shutter open,
etc. The image analysis capability includes such things as a two-dimensional Fast Fourier
Transform capability. The IRFA collection is pretty well all the software that a professional
astronomer -- or anybody working with images -- might need to extract the maximum
amount of information from an image. IRAF is an ongoing program within NOAO (National
Optical Astronomy Observatories) financed by NSF and is based in Tucson. The suite is
gratis to non-profit organisations.
I found this link on the web site of my frind, William Lonc SJ, Ph.D.
http://apwww.stmarys.ca/~lonc/lonc.html
==========
Screensavers
Do you want a screen saver that can actually do real work and that is a bit different than the
normal run of the mill pretty pictures. If so, then the following two links may just fill that need.
SETI @ Home … http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/ is a scientific experiment that uses
Internet-connected computers in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). You can
participate by running a free program that downloads and analyses radio telescope data.
Folding @ home … http://folding.stanford.edu/ is a distributed computing project that
studies, protein folding, mis-folding, aggregation, and related diseases. We use novel
computational methods and large scale distributed computing, to simulate time scales
thousands to millions of times longer than previously achieved. This has allowed us to
simulate folding for the first time, and to now direct our approach to examine folding related
disease.
======4======
9
WANDERINGS
No. 5
03 May 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--Freebees! … We all like to find some free stuff, once and a while. This week we’ll have a
look at a few of the thousands of sites offering useful and free or nearly free software
downloads.
First, a couple words of caution …. Before downloading any software from the web, you
should invest in a good virus detection/protection program. While downloading from
reputable sites, like Tucows, will probably be OK; it’s always advisable to practice “safe
computing”. Secondly, some of the files, that may be of interest to you, may be very large.
So, unless you have a very fast Internet connection, the download can take upwards of an
hour.
Software
The following are three of the sites that provide many selections of shareware and freeware
software for you to download. Selections cover software for Windows, Mac, QNX, and Linux
etc.
Freeware is usually just what it says; it’s free for your personal use, while shareware, may
request a nominal license fee of $25 - $50.
There are many good programs out there, but it may take a lot of searching and
downloading to find that one that’s just right for you.
Please, if you find a gem, drop a line to the Bulletin, and let the rest of us know.
One of my favourite finds is HTMLed (http://www.ist.ca/htmled.html). This is a very easy
to use web-authoring tool.
Cnet …... http://download.com.com
Tucows .. http://www.tucows.com/
Simtel … http://www.simtel.net/
Calculators On-Line
http://www-sci.lib.uci.edu/HSG/RefCalculators.html
10
This site has links to over 15,435 calculators. You name it … they probably have it.
Part I: ….. General and Specialised calculators.
Part II: .… Math and Stats.
Part III: … Science
Part IV: … Engineering.
I found this resource when I wanted to compute the range and bearing between any two
points on the earth.
Mathematical Formulas and Tables
http://www.math.com/tables/index.html
Math from the simple to the complex. I found this when I was looking for a table of
trigonometric identities.
Calculators for Windows
http://www.winwarelinks.com/apps/business_productivity/calculators.htm
A search for metric to Imperial conversions yielded this a collection of general-purpose
calculators.
======5======
11
WANDERINGS
No. 6
10 May 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--A few weeks ago, I was reading a back issue of the paper version of The Amateur
Scientists' Bulletin ( Vol 4, Number 2 ). In this issue, Roger Baker* describes how he uses
window glass and silicon rubber (RTV) as an easy prototyping medium. This got me thinking
about what other common materials could the amateur use to prototype an idea. Then it
came to me … Lego®. This child’s toy building block … IS … an ideal material or rather
system for prototyping as it can be used to quickly assemble and/or modify your idea. Not
only does Lego® supply a variety of bricks, they also make many types of wheels, gears,
shafts, motors, sensors … and … for those who may be interested … little plastic people .
One of the latest Lego developments is the big kids Lego ® … the Mindstorm system. The
Mindstorm®, together with the RCX computer brick, enables you to build and program a
wide variety of devices.
Probably the majority of the Lego work has been done with robots, but the possibilities are
by no means limited to this area. For example, in the Applications group, below, you will find
a link to a Lego ® scanner. Then, in the Nanoworld link, there is a model of a
spectrophotometer, which could be expanded to become a full-fledged computer controlled
scientific instrument made mostly out of Lego® bricks.
This week's column looks a little heavy, but it only touches on the surface of the Lego ®
resources that can be found on the Web.
* A good example of Roger’s prototyping tequnique can be found at:
http://www.central-jersey-sas.org/projects/tidal_forces/magnetic_gravimeter/baker/
=========
Lego Kits
Lego Home Page
http://www.lego.com
Lego MindStorm lets you design and program real robots.
http://mindstorms.lego.com/
Lego Robolab … Lego Mindstorms sets for schools
http://www.lego.com/dacta/robolab/home.asp
12
The Lego RCX Computer
A description of the internals of the Lego RCX computer brick.
http://graphics.stanford.edu/~kekoa/rcx/
MIT's implementation of the Logo language for the LEGO RCX brick.
http://el.www.media.mit.edu/projects/ybl/
NQC … "Not Quite C" … a simple “C like” language for the RCX.
http://www.enteract.com/~dbaum/nqc/index.html
RCX Command Center
http://www.cs.uu.nl/~markov/lego/
Lego Sensors
MindStorms RCX Sensor Input Page
http://www.plazaearth.com/usr/gasperi/lego.htm
Homebrew Lego sensors
http://www.stormyprods.com/lego/
Lego Mindstorms compatible devices
http://philohome.free.fr/sensors.htm
A Lego simulation of a stepper motor
http://home.earthlink.net/~mrob/pub/lego/stepper.html
Zero Force Limit Switch, Rotation and Linear Motion Sensor
http://www.umbra.demon.co.uk/sensor1.html
Power Steering Mechanism
http://www.umbra.demon.co.uk/power_steering.html
Lego as logic blocks
http://anon.razorwire.com/lego/
Gordon's Brick Programmer
http://www.umbra.demon.co.uk/gbp.html
Applications
Exploring the Nanoworld with Lego Bricks
http://mrsec.wisc.edu/edetc/LEGO/
A Lego scanner and more …
http://www.mop.no/~simen/lego.htm
13
Lego Wall Hugging Mouse
http://www.grasp.upenn.edu/vgrasp/projects/mouse/
An Application for Graphing Data from Crickets and RCX Bricks
http://el.www.media.mit.edu/projects/logo-graph/
Lego Glove
http://www.pulsar.org/archive/int/timswork/Legoglove.html
http://www.pulsar.org/archive/int/timswork/dataglove.html
Lego Spider Robot
http://schalburg.homepage.dk/Spider/Spider.html
Miscellaneous
LEGO CAD … Lego prototyping software.
http://www.lego.com/dacta/legocad/about.htm
The International Lego Users group Network
http://www.lugnet.com/
Lego building resources from the University of Queensland, AU.
http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~robocup/junior/toc.htm
Lego surgery competition
http://cisstweb.cs.jhu.edu/~cissrs/Activities/LEGOComp/overview.html
Trinity Lego Mindstorm Competition.
http://www.cs.tcd.ie/research_groups/cvrg/lego/
Andrew Lipson's Lego Page of Interesting creations
http://www.lipsons.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/lego.htm
Let anyone on the Web control your Lego robot.
http://www.sckans.edu/~sireland/webcam/webrcx/
Jin Sato's LEGO MINDSTORMS: The Master's Technique ISBN: 1-886411-56-5.
http://www.nostarch.com/sato.htm
======6======
14
WANDERINGS
No. 7
17 May 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--It’s the middle of May, already. Pretty soon, most of us, hopefully, will be thinking and
planning our summer vacations. This week, I am including a site that lists many of the
hands-on science centres, around the world and a couple of sites that offer some science
activities that the kids can look into, on those rainy summer days, when you hear " Mom!
There just isn't anything to do."
==========
Before starting on your vacation, you might want to check this list of Hands-on Science
Centres , as there might be one close to your route.
Fun Science offers instructions showing how to build scientific equipments from relatively
cheap materials. Projects include instructions for making telescopes, microscopes,
batteries, sidereal indicators, and several other instruments. This might just be a
perfect rainy day project, for the kids.
NASA's "Space Place" … More rainy day projects for the kids, such as a balloon powered
nano rover.
Many branches of science, such as archaeology, geology, biology and ecology, may
depend on accurately surveying and mapping the area of study. A good resource, in this
area, can be found in the following US Army Field Manuals:
FM 3-34.331 … Topographic Surveying
FM 3-25.26 … Map Reading And Land Navigation
And … If you happen to get lost while surveying and mapping, the following FM may prove
to be very useful.  … FM 21-76 … Survival.
These, and a wide selection of other Field manuals, are available from the General Dennis
J. Reimer Training and Doctrine Digital Library.
Map and Compass and Introduction to GPS Navigation Course … I made this page as
an addition to the course handouts for a Map, Compass and GPS course that I
was teaching. It hasn’t been updated since the last course, but most of the links
should still be active.
15
During some of my Internet WANDERINGS, I found this interview with our founder, Shawn
Carlson. Check it out !
Finally, what would summer be like without the North American ritual of burning various cuts
of meat on the backyard barbecue ? For some of those good old recipes, take a look at
Barbecue'n on the Internet … and … The Barbecue Bible
======7======
16
WANDERINGS
No. 8
24 May 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--Disclaimer
http://www.sas.org/E-Bulletin/archive/about.html
I am including this link to Science Cartoons for Brian Mansfield, the editor of the Science
'Toons column. Enjoy … 
Here are a few more links to science activities for the kids. Stock up now and keep 'em busy
all summer.
Tim Hunkin's collection of hundreds of cool cartoons will have you experimenting with
food, light, sound, clothes, and a whole lot more!
Exploratorium Science Snacks are miniature versions of some of the most popular
exhibits at the Exploratorium
The Training Room offers a wide variety of science activities for all age groups
Member, Greg Randall, sent in another screen saver program. The GOLEM screen saver
evolves robots on your computer to be as efficient at moving as possible. Eventhough the
project has ended, it is still wourth while to have a look at.
Here is reference to another GOLEM project. This one is a numerical model that simulates
the evolution of topography over geologic time scales.
Still on the same topic … here link, for those of you who may not be familiar with the Golem
legend.
Many of us have, at one time or another built a crystal radio receiver. The following two sites
take crystal radio construction up a notch or two.
Peter Friedrichs' Instruments Of Amplification is sub-titled Fun With Homemade Tubes,
Transistors, and More. This is planned to be a sequel to his earlier book Voice of the
Crystal ISBN 0-9671905-0-9
17
Nyle (Leny) Steiner has been investigation the negative resistance characteristics of
various common materials. He has, in turn, used these materials to construct simple
oscillators, transmitters and other devices.
Member, Roger Marin, put me on to Wenzel Associates collection for the amateur scientist
and technical hobbyist.
Take special note of the section Fun With Ion Chambers.
======8======
18
WANDERINGS
No. 9
31 May 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
coppolar<at>sas.mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Note: Please remove the "sas" to reply.
As you can see, I added the " sas. " tag in my e-mail address. Hopefully, this will foul the email harvesters that have been plaguing me, lately.
During the past few weeks, I have been getting some feed back with pointers to some great
web sites. Since these sites seem to be of a similar nature, I am saving them for another
"special" like the one on LEGO. In fact, I am working on three specials. In the mean time,
here is a mix of URL's that I hope will be of interest to you. Enjoy ! … rjc (9)
The Robot Store … I was cleaning up my office, when I came across one of their older
catalogues. They carry some neat items that can be used for other things besides robots.
Science Toys … Make science demonstrations, in only a few minutes, with common
household materials. They also have an on-line catalogue that lists various hard to find
items such as Field's metal that melts at 62C.
Santa Barbara Science … Their primary goal is to support all who are doing any kind of
science experimentation. This support is in the form of an on-line catalogue, descriptions of
science activities and a list of related links.
Do you think that you should patent your table top cold fusion generator? If so, here is the
Official Web Site of the US Patent and Trademark Office. Also, see this quick link to their
Patent Search Page.
While you are at it, you should also cover the European patents at the European Patent
Organisation Patent database
The Laws List … This is a compilation of various laws, rules, principles, and other related
topics in physics and astronomy.
Ingenta … is reported to be the world's largest web site for the search and delivery of
research articles. Ingenta offers you access to article summaries from over 27,000
publications linked to the full text of over 5,200 titles
Protein Folding … Another screen saver …Donate your computer time to help us fold
proteins. Our science seeks to understand how proteins fold and assemble into living cells.
Understanding protein folding will help make better treatments for diseases.
19
======9======
20
WANDERINGS
No. 10
07 June 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
[email protected]
Note: Please remove the " sas. " to reply.
I am going to be out of town for a week. Therefore I will not be able to get out a
WANDERINGS for the 14 June Bulletin. As a consolation, I have included a few extra links
in this week's column. The two highlighted sites this week are the HyperMath/HyperPhysics
and the Science Playwiths, both of which are well worth the visit. Hope to be back for the
21st. (10 - rjc)
==============
HyperMath … HyperMath is a growing collection of examples of applied mathematics with
links to their applications in physics and astronomy. The many JavaScript-enabled
calculations will provide opportunities to answer "What if .." type questions. See, also, the
page on HyperPhysics. This URL was sent to us by Charlie Neuhauser. Thanks Charlie !
Keep 'em coming.
Science Playwiths … Simple science is often done with junk, and it involves using
everyday things to pose interesting questions. Check out the page of Simple Science
Experiments and the set of more complex experiments, methods and enquiries.
This home page for Eclipse Photography, together with The Solar Eclipse Newsletter is
reported to be the ultimate resource for solar and lunar eclipse information.
Science Forum … This web page is provided by the Geophysical Institute, University of
Alaska. It contains general science articles about Alaska.
Some times, for one reason or another, we have to translate something from one language
to another. Here are two sites that may be of some help. Try Systran and/or Babel Fish.
On these nice summer days ( Northern Hemisphere) get out side and have some fun.
What can you do with all of those used soda pop bottles? Build a Water Rockets, of
course! Or … try your hand at Paper Airplanes. Then for the ultimate form of relaxation …
Go Fly A Kite!
What is science? What is technology? What is meant by the scientific method? Find out
here at Industry Canada. Also, contains links to activities in different branches of science.
21
Natural Radio Signals produced by atmospheric phenomena such as lightning and aurora
can be detected from as far as 32000 km above the earth. When these signals are
converted to audio, an assortment of unique sounds such as whistlers and sferics can be
heard. This link and others can be found on the Hobby Space web site.
Have you seen Junkyard Wars aka Scrapheap Challenge? Here is another TV series
from the UK. BBC's Rough Science puts a team of contestants on a deserted island with a
list of scientific tasks that they must accomplish, with minimal tools and supplies.
American Science and Surplus … Their web page shows a wide selection of items that
may be of interest to the amateur. Please let us know if you have had any good or bad
experiences with them.
The ph Factor … A virtual chemistry lab experience brought to us by the Miami Museum of
Science.
= = = = = = 10 = = = = = =
22
WANDERINGS
No. 11
21 June 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--I'm back at the PC, after a week in Toronto learning about the "care and feeding" of
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's). I did get to see the Royal Ontario Museum, but
unfortunately, not the Ontario Science Centre.
Again, we have a little mix of this and that for you this week, plus two excellent links from
Charlie Neuhauser. I really like the "From Caveman to Chemist", as one of my interests is
the evolution of technology. Enjoy!
For those attending next week's Philadelphia conference, I hope that you all have a great
time. I wish that I could be with you. (rjc 11)
================
WOW! … Another couple of submissions from Charlie Neuhauser.
The first is Kevin M. Dunn's award winning site, From Caveman to Chemist, which
outlines a college level course covering the evolution of technology
The second is Richard A. Muller's Physics for Future Presidents. This is a one-semester
course that attempts the impossible task of covering everything of importance in physics.
The original "On Being a Scientist," published by the National Academy of Sciences in
1989, was designed for beginning researchers. It sought to describe the ethical foundations
of scientific practices and some of the personal and professional issues that researchers
encounter in their work. Also, have a look at the NAS Site.
Mrs. Grimm's Resource Page! is a resource for K12 resource as you research your
science topics.
Mrs. Gibson's Periodic Table Adventure website was created in accordance with the 8th
grade chemistry curriculum at Princeton Community Middle School in Princeton, Indiana.
This goal of this website is to introduce and explore basic chemistry concepts and to
practice these concepts using engaging web-based research and activities.
The following are a few of the laser resources that I have come across:
Britney Spears' Guide to Semiconductor Physics …A useful reference to anyone that
wants to know about semiconductor physics of lasers.
Samuel M. Goldwasser's Sam's Laser FAQ, has a great deal of practical information on a
variety of laser related topics
23
And lastly, Epanorama.net's laser information page. Also, check out their main page and
especially look at their Amateur Science Experiments.
The Cool Experiments with Magnets web site is an extensive resource on magnets,
magnetism and things that you can do with magnets.
Also on the topic of magnets, the Simple Electric Motors page has plans for building
various types of brushless DC motors. They also have kits available for those of us who are
not that good with tools.
For the student, who may have started thinking of what to do for next term's science project,
have a look at ScienzFair™ Project Ideas. The various categories provide numerous ideas
or outlines which may be developed into a science fair project.
A few weeks ago I listed a link to American Science and Surplus noting that I did not have
any experience dealing with them. Since then I have received the following comment from
one of our members … " I have been ordering from Am. Sci. Surpl. for over 15 years. They
offer a wide range of low cost surplus items (materials, electronic components-kits,
glassware, military surplus, office supplies, magnets, optics, batteries, tools, etc. Shipping is
usually prompt. You may talk with the business office to negotiate volume pricing. Even if
you don't purchase from them the catalog is fun to read. "
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24
WANDERINGS
No. 12
05 Jly 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--Where are all the women in science? In my line of work, I have come across a few women
scientists, engineers and technicians, but let's face it -. these are still male dominated fields.
The Tomorrow's Girl site may give you or your daughter the support to investigate
science/technology as a career.
When you finally make that big discovery, how are you going to present yourself to the
media? Have a look at "You and The Media" for some useful suggestions.
Finally, for those of you who are going to the conference - I hope you had a great time! (12
rjc)
This site is of special interest to me, as I have a daughter in science. Tomorrow's Girl,
among other things, strives to keep young women fascinated by the science that surrounds
them every day.
Please check out the excellent article - 10 Ways to Keep Your Daughter From Becoming a
Science and Technology Dropout.
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) has a document that may be of interest/use to
some of us. "You and the Media" is a researcher's guide for dealing, successfully, with the
news media.
Since this article is in pdf format, you will have to download a copy of the Adobe Acrobat
Reader. in order to read it.
SciTT® Home School Science Kits offers a complete program, designed to teach handson science. The kits are supplied with all the required materials and are individually labelled
for each investigation.
The ExplorerTM is a collection of educational resources - instructional software, lab
activities, lesson plans, and student created materials for K-12 mathematics and science
education.
An extensive collection of links can be found at the Science and Education Resources
web site.
25
Do you know who said - "In Science the credit goes to the man who convinces the world,
not to the man to whom the idea first occurred."? Find out, this and more, at Science
Quotes.
Does window glass flow over time? Perhaps you can find the answer in Science Urban
Legends.
More robot links can be found on the University of Minnesota's Robotics, Learning,
Chaos, Complexity, Systems Theory web site.
The pulser pump, a combination of an airlift pump and tromp, is reported to be the world's
simplest hydropower device. This site is a little rough in the html coding but a good read,
nevertheless.
This site from Turkey contains a list of distance and Internet education resources plus
some other interesting links.
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26
WANDERINGS
No. 13
12 July 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--Adaptive Lego Robots or Toybots evolving toward artifical pets!
A huge list of Robot Links …. Including links to ROV's and under water robots.
Lets Make A Cloud Chamber … from the Science Museum (Japan) which is part of The
Science Learning Network.
PCB123 … Is a free printed circuit design package that includes schematic capture and
routing capabilites. Your final design must then be sent to PCB for processing of the printed
circuit board.
Science Magazine Online … contains huge archives of past articles
Graduate Careers … Where can your science degree take you ? A service of The New
Scientist Online.
Globalspec … The Web’s fastest, searchable database of technical products and services.
Hard Science the Easy Way , Science-is-Cool and Cool Links … Are collections of web
links to science and mathematics sites.
Science Adventure … Contains links to "science for the young, the young at heart, and
anyone interested in the world around us."
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27
WANDERINGS
No. 14
02 August 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--Many years ago, my uncle gave me an old Model T Ford spark coil and a couple of dry
cells. I still remember the sense of wonder and the fun that I had producing 2 or 3 cm
sparks. Plus, I received quite a few shocking experiences! Along this line, this week we will
be looking at a few high voltage sites that have coils that are a wee bit more dangerous than
my old coil. (w14-rjc)
Electric Blue Sparks!… This site has some simple devices for generating hefty sparks
such as a simple pizza pan electrophorus
Ross O's Tesla Coil Page is presented as a lab notebook of his various high voltage
projects. He also includes links to other HV sites.
Steve's High Voltage page looks like another good Tesla site.
This circuit uses a TV flyback transformer to produce up to about 30KV.
How Van de Graaff Generators Work, contains instructions on how to build a simple
generator, experiments to conduct and much more.
This novel Heat Engine could be the basis of a science fair project.
How many Kcalories are there in a BTU? Find at this unit conversion site. By the way,
there are 0.2519968 Kcalories in 1 BTU.
This online educational resources for Physics teachers contains many Java type
demonstrations plus loads of useful links.
HyperPhysics / HyperMath contains more Physics and Math resources.
This laser information page contains a tremendous amount of laser related links. The
many topics include safety, building your own and conducting experiments to mention just a
few.
Here's another Lego link … The First Lego League … is an internationally organised
robotics competition for teams of kids (grades 4-9)
28
This is the homepage of the Microscopical Society of Southern California.
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29
WANDERINGS
No. 15
13 September 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
[email protected]
Summer's just about over and it's time for me to get back to the WANDERINGS column. I
hope that everyone had a good summer. During my time off I got to see the kids, got my
daughter off to grad school and was able to study some fascinating sea creatures ( on the
B-B-Q ). (w-15)
Kennewick Man … The controversy over the 9000 yr old human skeleton found near
Kennewick, WA. Also see the court decision, the PBS NOVA presentation, and an article
by Armand Minthorn, Board off Trustees with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla
Indian Reservation
The Telson Spur … A swift caravel rigged for exploring the lee shores of the imagination,
The Telson Spur is a jump page or "hub": it carries a cargo of links, mainly to academic
resources, organised on the theme of necessity vs. contingency
Books, Books, Books … Brough's Science Books in association with amazon.com,
provides an index to science related books.
Field Journal and Scientific Note Taking. This link brings back some fond memories.
About the same time as the author, I "discovered" the rapidograph pen and gave up writing
notes in favour of printing. The site contains examples of journals and links to related sites
including … A Naturalist's Notebook or, The Most Cost-Effective Science Project You'll
Ever Do. by our Sheldon Greaves.
The following are three sources of info on Nanotechnology and fractal robots
MIT , PARC, Robodyne Cybernetics Ltd
CommLinx Solutions Pty Ltd has a site that lists over a thousand schematics for useful
electronic circuits.
Physics Web. … Physics news, jobs and resources.
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30
WANDERINGS
No. 16
20 September 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--This week I have listed a couple of ideas that may be of interest. The first is a group of
organised birder projects that can be found on Cornell University's Ornithology site. The
second is water. Building on the old saying …Water, water everywhere …and not a safe
drop to drink! … The World Health Organization estimates that over a billion people lack
access to suitable clean drinking water, resulting in the death of more than 3 million children
every year. This opens up many opportunities for amateur experimentation. Can you
develop a method of providing safe drinking water to villagers in the developing countries?
Any method must be effective, low tech, zero or low cost and feasible with locally available
materials. I've listed a few leads to get you started. (w-16)
As an addition to Paul Dito's previous article on stepper motors, I found this application for
using stepper motors for a computer controlled drilling machine. This same technique
doesn't have to be limited to drilling. What about automatically processing biological or
chemical samples? Also, from the same site … Build a Mini Wing Generator from a
stepper motor … or … experiment with colloidal silver.
Other wind and solar power projects can be found at
Windstuffnow.com.
Otherpower.com and
Gordon Couger's Microscope Page contains an extensive collection of links to light
microscope sites.
I came across an other collection of Electronic Circuits for the Hobbyist that some
readers may find of some use.
Educational Innovations has an online catalogue of their science equipment that they have
been supplying to students, teachers, scientists and tinkerers from around the globe.
This Stirling Engine page, from Japan, offers the history, theory, construction plans and
links to other engine sites
Citizen Science … Projects in Ornithology from Cornell University. Get involved in their
many projects.
Bioacoustics … The instruments & techniques for sound recording and analysis.
31
Tapping Into Fog … Using a simple technology villagers along the coast of Chile are able
to harvest drinking water from fog. Fog Catcher Photos from Ecuador. How a bumpy
beetle collects its own water.
The seeds of the Moringa Oleifera tree help in water purification.
There has been some research done with simple solar pasteurisation of drinking water. 2L
plastic soda-pop bottles are filled with bacterially contaminated water and placed in the sun.
A combination of ultra-violet radiation and temperature rise makes the water suitable for
human consumption. Or at least, better than the raw water. See UNESCO's report on Solar
Disinfection Studies
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32
WANDERINGS
No. 17
27 September 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--This week, I have included a couple more links relating to bioacoustics. For those of you
who are interested in this area, namely listening to underwater sounds such as whale songs
, you might want to check some back issues of The Amateur Scientist or order one of our
CD's. Look for Oct.'60, Mar '64 and Aug '70.
This week is #17, so as the number of links that I list grows, I am bound to list duplicates.
So, if and when I do, please forgive me.
As a follow-up to the bioacoustics link, from last week, I found a reference to a cheap
sensitive hydrophone and it mating preamp.
For those who may not have the facilities to construct their own hydrophone, they might like
to look at the DolphinEAR, an inexpensive commercial unit.
There was an item in last week’s bulletin about the Senior Watershed Summit. There is a lot
of low-tech science available that can be used to preserve or reclaim our precious wetlands.
For example, Gordon Couger sent us the following link to using natural and artificial
wetlands to treat a community’s wastewater.
For some more stepper motor applications, have a look at Mel Bartels Computer Operated
Telescopes
The Virtual Museum of Bacteria is a production of The Foundation of Bacteria, a nonprofit organization for education and propagation of bacteriology.
Florida State University’s Molecular Expressions Website features their acclaimed photo
galleries that explore the fascinating world of optical microscopy
This link, Popular Science’s Women in Science: web links, is for my daughter, Jennifer.
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)
The Programmer’s Heaven is an extensive resource for the programmer or want-a-be.
The Amateur Scientist and the ancient hominid
33
David W. Zimmerly's has done an extensive study on the history and methods of
construction of the Arctic Kayak.
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34
WANDERINGS
No. 18
04 October 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--I would like to start spotlighting our members' websites. Recently, we saw Gordon Couger's
Microscope Page and this week I would like to share, with you, Dick Fergus's Severe
Weather Project site. So, let me know if any of you have a site that may be of interest to
our membership.
SA Watch allows you to monitor and analyse, both graphically and statistically, the
wandering that your GPS receiver appears to do when it is at a fixed location. This package
is well worth the $20US registration fee. I have been a satisfied user for about 4yr.
Here is an extensive source of C and C++ Compilers on the Internet, from Unofficial C for
Dummies Web Page
As Amateur Scientists, we may use or come in contact with a wide assortment of chemicals
or products. How dangerous are they? How can they be safely stored and handled? The
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System or WHMIS was legislated into
existence, to give the worker information on hazardous chemicals that they may be working
with. This information is relayed to the worker by way of the Material Safety Data Sheets or
MSDS sheets. Other safety related links can be found at the Office of Environmental
Health and Safety of the University of Toronto.
Here are a couple more links to LEGO sensors. There is a site dedicated to the LEGO
Rotation Sensor that could have applications in other areas.
The First Lego League offers a challenge, to groups of international students, in hands-on
robotics design and authentic scientific research.
A Turing Machine Implementation in Conway's Game Life is a bit over my head, but,
never the less, it might be of interest to some of our members. Also, have a look at the
Turing Machine Web Site.
A Guided Tour of the Visible Human will show us how we are all put together.
There are a few amateurs who are getting into side scan sonar. This technology has the
potential of producing high definition images of underwater objects. Have a look at Dan's
Home-grown Sidescan Sonar Page
35
The Teacher’s Guide is a good source of lesson plans and other info for teachers. For
example, see their collection of science lesson plans.
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36
WANDERINGS
No. 19
11 October 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--A number of years ago, many amateurs would have given their eye teeth to own a laser.
Unfortunately, many of us did not have the funds to buy nor the skill to build our own. Now,
with the advent of low cost laser pointers, we can all afford a laser. But where are all the
projects and experiments that we can do with our pointers? Help! If you know of any web
sites containing some projects using laser pointers, please send them to me.
Bill Beaty has an interesting item relating to an inexpensive infrared viewing system on his
Amateur Science site.
The Amateur Sky Survey (TASS) project builds astronomical cameras and distributes
them to sites around the world, with the goal of studying bright objects across large sections
of the sky.
Sam's Laser FAQ is A Practical Guide to Lasers for Experimenters and Hobbyists
Here is a list of links to Laser Safety Sites. Please have a look if you are working with
lasers.
Here is a link to The European Union Contest for Young Scientists or EU Science Fair
and some success stories from some of the past participants.
The Fun Science Gallery provides some fun, simple, and low cost science experiments for
amateur scientists!
This is different ….. Flying Frogs and Levitation
Here is another link for the robot experimenter.
If you are into weird and strange stuff, have a look at The Museum of Questionable
Medical Devices Online.
How many of you "old timers" used to read Popular Electronics, back in the late '50's? The
first thing that I read, in each new issue, was the Carl and Jerry column. This was the on
going story of two young electronics experimenters who, from time to time, also got into
some amateur science.
Here is a simple ballistic simulator that should be suitable for classroom use.
37
On the lighter side:
Dr. Fun has a collection of "Mad Scientist" cartoons. Also, check out his archive.
For years, it has been believed that electric bulbs emit light, but recent information from Bell
Labs, has proved otherwise. Electric bulbs don't emit light; they suck dark. Thus, we have
the Dark Sucker Theory.
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38
WANDERINGS
No. 20
18 October 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--Some of you may have noticed that there were some bad links and run-on words in last
week's column. Apparently, sometimes, Sheldon's Apple machine does not like to read my
MS Windows documents. Here are the correct URL's:
Young Scientist Success stories … and … Laser safety links.
Science for Kids … A resource from the Seattle Community Network.
PJ Engineering is a personal non-profit DIY hobby-for-fun site devoted to Robotics,
Electronics and Software
The Space Science Group’s mission is to develop and implement educational programs
that use aspects of the space program to motivate students to study mathematics and
science.
Mike's Electric Stuff offers a wide selection of resources and links, such as … More Fun
With Neodymium Magnets.
Magnet FAQ’s is brought to us by Forcefield, a source of surplus ceramic and rare earth
magnets
Have you ever been to a Mousetrap Car Race?
Mike Flamino and Kevin McHale's Honours Physics Mousetrap Car design.
Doc Fizzix has a commercial site that offers designs, plans, information, books, and stepby-step instructions for building mousetrap cars, boats, racers, and vehicles.
Hypography Sci-Tech is a privately owned web site which aims to provide popular science
and technology content to a general, worldwide audience on a daily basis. See
Hypography’s Mousetrap Car page.
The LEGO Dacta site specializes in educational solutions by offering innovative hands-on
products and activities including ROBOLAB™, eLAB, the Aquaport Launcher, and the
revolutionary Spectrum System K-6 curriculum
Pitsco offers a wide selection of science kits and materials for the educator.
Project Mentifex deals with robots and artificial intelligence (AI). See, also, The Free
Robot AI Mind Project on-line. (Site map)
39
More from "The Lighter Side"
How to determine the height of a tall building with the aid of a barometer."
Research has shown that the colour RED is faster than the other colours.
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40
WANDERINGS
No. 21
01 November 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
[email protected]
A week or two ago, I came across an interesting DIY project relating to the Farnsworth
Fusor, which any skilled amateur with a good vacuum system could build. It can be seen,
from the links below, that there is a wide interest in the fusor in both the amateur and
professional fields.
This week, I am starting "The Kids Room" which will contain resources for students and
teachers in the K-12 group.
Dan Lasley sent us this link to The Random Factory, which supplies CDROMS of scientific
software for Linux. We haven't reviewed any of the products but there might be something
of interest there.
Did you ever want to own your own cyclotron? Check Fred's World of Science to see how
one amateur built a working cyclotron.
Build a Farnsworth Fusor and generate neutrons on your kitchen table.
Fusion from Television is an article, on the fusor, from the July-Aug '99 issue of The
American Scientist
Some further "fusor" links can be found at the global discussion group on fusors,. Richard
Hull's article that appeared in the Bell Jar(Vol 6) and Fusor construction and fusor
safety.
The Music Intelligence Neural Development (M.I.N.D.) Institute is a non-profit,
interdisciplinary scientific research institute which was formed to use music as a window into
higher brain function. See The Mozart Effect.
The Kids Room
The Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement Program (SMILE) is a
collection of single concept science lessons, in the areas of Physics, Chemistry, Biology,
and Mathematics.
The Global School Net provides online opportunities for teachers to collaborate,
communicate, and celebrate shared learning experiences
41
The Intercultural Email Classroom Connections (IECC) is a free teaching.com service to
help teachers link with partners in other cultures and countries for email classroom pen-pal
and project exchanges
On The Lighter Side
See the winners of the 1991 to 2002 Ig Nobel Prizes.
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42
WANDERINGS
No. 22
15 November 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--What's that old saying about being "a day late and a dollar short"? A few weeks ago, I found
a site that provided real time monitoring of the seismic activity at Mt. Vesuvius.
When I first looked at the site, all was pretty much quiet. But several days later, when the
quake hit South Central Italy, it was quite another story. Things appear to be getting back to
normal, now. I'm sorry that I was not able to get you this URL sooner as it did show some
remarkable activity.
Here are some more Internet-based Distributed Computing Projects, like the Seti At
Home that was presented earlier.
Alex's Electronic Resource Library and Tutorial is an online guide to useful electrical
and electronic information.
Circuit Cellar Online offers articles illustrating creative solutions and unique applications
through complete projects, practical tutorials, and useful design techniques
Amateur Astronomy is alive and well. Just have a look at the collection of Astronomy
Clubs … and … Societies.
Laurie Hall's Astro-Tel site contains info on telescope mirror making, including the spin
casting of epoxy mirrors. Also, have a look at this 0.6m spun epoxy mirror prototype.
HAZE-SPAN … The Haze Sun Photometer Atmospheric Network is Forrest M. Mims III's
pet project. It offers a great opportunity for amateur participation.
Sam's Neat, Nifty, and Handy Bookmarks contains a bit of everything but mostly
electronics and lasers.
The Kids Room
Pathfinder Science … is devoted to creating student scientists not science students.
Newton’s Apple … The PBS science show.
43
ERIC is the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), a federally-funded
national information system that provides, through its 16 subject-specific clearinghouses,
associated adjunct clearinghouses, and support components, a variety of services and
products on a broad range of education-related issues.
Here is a list of physics curriculum links and notes from Ross Sheppard High School.
Speed of light: A Historical Timeline of measuring the speed of light.
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44
WANDERINGS
No. 23
22 November 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--This week we again have a diverse collection of links. One item that may be of interest is
An essay on Citizen Science by Jonathan Miller as appeared in the July/August 2002
issue of the Cornell Alumni Magazine Online
I haven’t tried this program for converting hard copy graphs and plots into machine
readable data, but it may prove to be useful.
Paul Bourke has a page on Image Filtering in the Frequency Domain for astronomy.
FreeView is a Java based gene expression dendrogram viewer. It supports basic
visualization of dendrograms, zooming, colour and visualization schemes and image saving
in JPG, BMP or PNG formats.
The Public Library of Science is a non-profit organization committed to making the world's
scientific and medical literature freely accessible online.
A fossil hunter uses a sensitive homemade scintillation counter to locate dino bones.
A team at the University of Toronto researches has developed a computer program that
analyses the specific rhythmic and tonal patterns from a person's unique brain waves. The
program then converts the data to “brain music”, which when played back seems to lessen
a person’s anxiety and allows them to relax and fall asleep easier. See Brain Music NeuroFeedback for Treatment of Insomnia and Anxiety.
The Kids Room
The California State Science Fair resource page contains an awesome collection of useful
links and subject resources.
Design and build a musical instrument that will produce all eight notes in an octave.
The Big Book of Physical Science is a modest attempt at providing beginning high school
science students with an accessible physical science resource.
45
On The Lighter Side
Crank Dot Net is devoted to presenting Web sites by and about cranks, crankism,
crankishness, and crankosity. Not all Web sites featured on Crank Dot Net are indeed the
work of cranks. Some are fringe science material while others may be humour and parody.
It is ultimately up to the astute reader to decide for themselves.
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46
WANDERINGS
No. 24
29 November 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--This week I'm featuring a look at James Lovelock ,the author of the controversial GAIA
theory and inventor of the Electron Capture Detector .
The following quote, that was taken from a Resurgence Magazine article, TRAVELS WITH
AN ELECTRON CAPTURE DETECTOR, I think, shows Lovelock as a follower of DIY.
" … Until the 1950s it was usual for scientists to make or at least design their own
instruments. Most laboratories then had a workshop with metal-working tools, lathes and
milling machines, and scientists were expected to be able to use them. Electronic devices
were made by hand using thermionic vacuum tubes manufactured for use in radio and
sound equipment. Because we made our own equipment we understood its limitations and
capabilities. Such insight is denied most scientists today who use commercial instruments
without understanding what goes on inside the decorous case of their chromatograph,
spectrometer or other device. The greatest advantage to come from making one’s own
apparatus is that sometimes it is an invention whose novelty makes it years in advance of
anything available in the marketplace. …"
A detailed biography of, Lovelock can be found (HERE).
Want to compute pi to 33.55 million digits? See Harry J. Smith's Fun With Mathematics!
Be sure to check out his Java depiction of a tesseract (a 4-dimensional cube)
Convert easily to and from the Imperial and metric systems.
Rice University’s Galileo Project is a hypertext source of information on the life and work of
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) and the science of his time
Need a project? Why not build a 10-inch f/4.9 Dobsonian telescope or the Explorer
Robot.
Dr. Thomas Chasteen's Home Page features links to Chemiluminescence, and
Movies, Sounds and Flash Animations of chemistry-based demonstrations.
How many of us remember having a Mamod model steam engine when we were young?
The Kids Room
47
Check out the Home Experiments from Science is Fun web site. Other simple
experiments can be found on the Science Experiments You Can Do web sites.
Jefferson Lab’s site contains a wide assortment of teacher and student science resources.
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48
WANDERINGS
No. 25
06 December 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--Well this is "IT" … The count down to the Christmas Holidays has begun. In light of this, I've
found two interesting articles that may help to get you into the spirit of the season:
Santa as seen thru a Quantum Fizzicist's Eyes … and … Santa From a Physicist's
Perspective.
SAS member, Peter Baum has an interesting article … Using A Photographic Light Meter
For Photometric Purposes on his Web Site.
We’ve had Don Lancaster's site listed before. Even though it may be hard to navigate
around the site, it is still well worth a revisit now and then. If you happen to have a palladium
rod and 500ml or so of deuterium oxide laying around, have a look at his article…. Try Cold
Fusion for Yourself. While at his site have a look at the Pseudoscience Library,
especially the piece on How to Bash Pseudoscience
The Skycycle is a Human Pedal Powered Aircraft site hosted by the Australian National
University.
The Electric Ben Franklin is a collection of articles on Franklin, his life and his
accomplishes.
Cavendish Science shows how to do the Double Slit Experiment the way Thomas Young
originally did it. Well …. Almost. For another interesting demonstration with light, check
Herschel’s Infrared Experiment at Caltech’s SIRTF site (The Space Infrared Telescope
Facility).
The Kid’s Room
Caltech’s SIRTF site (The Space Infrared Telescope Facility) also sponsors The Kid's
Zone
On The Lighter Side
49
Have you ever wondered why Wyllie Coyote and other cartoon critters seem to constantly
defy the laws of physics? Well, they don’t. Have a peek at The Cartoon Laws of Physics
for proof that they are governed by laws of their own. 8-)
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50
WANDERINGS
No. 26
13 December 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--This week I am going to deviate from the norm and present a single topic … LIFTERS.
In the spring of '65, I visited the local science fare in Huntsville, Alabama. After all these
years, I still remember two displays. First ... a young lady, used Barbie dolls, to illustrate a
detailed history of embalming … from pre Egyptian to the present times. The second was a
device that looked much like a balsa wood spider. When high voltage was applied to the
apparatus, it levitated above the tabletop. No magnets! No motors! No moving parts! No
strings attached! This crude lifter used, I think, about +500vdc and required a counter weight
to achieve levitation, but it DID work! I put this incident out of my mind, until Sat 07 Dec,
when I heard an item, on the radio, about three high school students who built an antigravity machine.
Before continuing, please have a look at Bill Beaty's … "The Antigravity Underground"
taking special note of his comments on mainstream scientists and electrogravity research.
Also, have a look at his list of "crazy scientists" 8-)
Anti-gravity? …. No, I don't think so … Ion drive? … Perhaps, but then, I do not know
enough about the subject to comment one-way or the other. But, the field looks like an
interesting and challenging area for amateur experimentation.
Jean-Louis Naudin's web site contains up to date resources that will be of assistance to
those who may wish to try building their own lifter. … 30KV power supply for your lifter
… Lifter experiments … Ion wind tests
Also, see American Anti Gravity's lifter resources on Yahoo Groups, for more info on
construction, testing and trouble shooting your lifter.
Yahoo has another Lifters Group that is open to members only.
American Anti Gravity's site contains many links to other lifter sites.
Blaze Electronics Lab offers a freeware Lifter Simulator for Windows
Unfortunately, lifter technology is usually grouped in with some of the pseudo-science or
“odd ball” theories, such as over unity power sources and perpetual motion. Even though
lifters appear to be legitimate (NASA's Patent #6,317,310) keep an open mind and don’t be
seduced over to "the other side".
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To close, I found this interesting quote from Ben Franklin on Bill Beaty's page: … “… We
may learn to deprive large masses of their gravity, and give them absolute levity, for the
sake of easy transport. …"
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WANDERINGS
No. 27
20 December 2002
Ralph J. Coppola
--As you may notice, I have changed my e-mail address. Now I can pick up my mail form
anywhere.
I might not be able to get out a weekly WANDERINGS, as I will be out of town until mid Jan.
I hope that you all have a safe and happy holiday.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Peter Baum sends along the URL for the Xerces Society, which is an international nonprofit organisation, focused on public education about the conservation of invertebrates and
their environment.
An Interview with Prof. Joseph Nagyvary, professor of biochemistry at Texas A&M has
stirred up a hornets nest with his claim to have discovered the secrets of Stradivari and his
contemporaries, the renowned violin makers of Cremona, Italy. See:
• Secrets of the Stradivarius
• Stradivarius: Artisan or accidental chemist?
• Science and the Stradivarius
• Violin Mythology
• A letter to the editor of the Chicago Tribune from Fritz Reuter & Sons, Inc
The Map Collection at the Perry-Castañeda Library at the University of Texas contains an
extensive collection of online maps.
For those of you who may be interested in producing vast quantities of distilled water, have
a look at the plans for making a world class Reflux Condenser.
The Geometry Junkyard has a link to a Klein Bottle or zero volume flask. Spend some
time here, as there are many interesting links.
This home made detector might be the start of a simple scintillation counter. I found it on
one of ePanrama’s web pages containing Amateur Science Experiments
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The Great Mersenne Prime Search offers a freeware program that can run in the
background of your PC. While you are not using your computer it will be off searching for
Mersenne primes.
Has anyone come across The Art of Science: A Practical Guide to Experiments,
Observations, and Handling Data by Joseph J. Carr? Is it any good? Please let us know.
Electronix Express’s site contains a collection of links of special interest to Electronic
Technicians, Students, and Instructors. This site is well worth a visit.
Andrew Lipson's LEGO Page contains, among other things, a collection of Mathematical
LEGO Sculptures
The Kids Room
The Space Physics Textbook is a tutorial appropriate for students at the high school level.
The '2003 Online Math Madness' competition is designed for high school students,
although anyone who wishes can enter. All you need is a computer, a web browser, and an
Internet connection! We supply the problems and puzzles; you supply the brainpower to
solve them!
Articles for Educators provides free lesson plans, classroom activities, field trip ideas, and
general tips & tricks for educators. For example … Geometry students can build a
"tomahawk" to trisect an angle.
Could Scienceman.com be the ultimate on line science resource?
The Chemistry Calculator is a Java Applet that will balance almost any valid chemistry
equation
On The Lighter Side
Why not visit Eve Astrid Andersson's Pi Page?
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WANDERINGS
No. 28
31 January 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--Things are starting to get back to normal after the holidays. That is, if you can call having a
new “baby” in the house as being back to normal. She’s a 26kg Labrador/German Shepard
cross that we were lucky enough to get from the SPCA shelter. And, yes … she’s a hand full
8-)
This week I am starting a new section called From The Far Side which will contain a
selection of links to the outer regions of science. Some may be cutting edge, some may be
just weird stuff and others pseudoscience, but all should be interesting. You decide.
During the holidays, I had a chance to visit the exhibit … The Mysterious Bog People at
the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. The Bog People are natural occurring
mummies that have been found in peat bogs throughout northern Europe.
To get you started, further Bog People info can be found on the Archaeological Institute
of America’s or the Drents Museum sites.
Museums Canada has adopted a set of Ethical Standards for the Display of Human
Remains such as those of the Bog People.
The goal of the Degree Confluence Project is to visit each of the latitude and longitude
integer degree intersections in the world, and to take pictures at each location.
David Manthey wrote a program to construct a world map from the mosaic of all the
photographs that were submitted to the project. It would be nice to have something like this,
showing the distribution of SAS members.
The Atomic Orbital Viewer is another project written by David Manthey. The electron
orbitals that are presented by the viewer represent a volume of space within which an
electron would have a certain probability of being based on particular energy states and
atoms.
The Kids Room
Here are two links to reports about three Halifax students who discovered that scallop shells
could be used to naturally purify polluted water Item from CBC-TV. Article from the Halifax
Herald.
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The Eye Opener Series, which is a collection of Java applets that illustrate various math
problems, is just one of the numerous links that may be found on the Interactive
Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzles site.
The Bad Science page is maintained by Alistair B. Fraser in an attempt to sensitize
teachers and students to examples of the bad science that is often taught in schools,
universities and offered in popular articles and even text books.
A couple of teacher resource pages can be found at Physics Demonstration Resources
Online and DarylScience's E-World.
These interactive physics applets enable you to study simple physical systems in a
playful way.
On The Lighter Side
Just in time for Valentine's Day …. The Science Connection provides a network of single
people interested in science or nature. Perhaps ;-)
There has been some discussion, in the Bulletin about Texas law and the amateur scientist.
Apparently, if you are unlicensed and travelling with a handgun in your possession and are
stopped by the police, you may be able to get "off" if you present a positive attitude !!!! I
wonder if the same thing would work if someone were caught carrying an unregistered test
tube. Check out Texas Handgun Laws
From The Far Side
Before venturing into the Far Side, you should have a look at Don Lancaster's Tech
Musings … Taking Low level measurements. This article shows how easily one can be
led astray by bad measurements.
The Petrovoltacic Effect … is it real or just bad measurements?
We can't forget Bill Beaty's site when looking into the Far Side.
Rex Research was established in 1982 by Robert A. Nelson to archive and distribute hardto-find information about unconventional, suppressed, dormant, and/or emerging
technologies, inventions, theories and therapies that offer real hope of liberating humanity.
The JLN Labs web site is dedicated to the search of Free-Energy solutions and new
generations of space-propulsion systems.
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WANDERINGS
No. 29
07 February 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--I am always amazed at the content of Bill Beaty's Amateur Science Site. His huge
collection of links and original material must take him ages to maintain. I know, it would take
me a lifetime just to read it all. Bill, how do you find the time? You must have a "day job"
and home life. Great work Bill!
This page presents a real time graphical interface to selected seismographs in the
western Washington/Oregon region. This resource is made available by the Pacific
Northwest Seismograph Network
Ned Wright's Cosmology Tutorial is an attempt to summarise the many discoveries made
during the past century.
SME Source offers an extensive collection of Freeware and Shareware software down
loads from the Web.
Lancaster University's Ionosphere and Radio Propagation Group's, main interest is the
study of high latitude ionospheric radio absorption events and their effects on HF
propagation
TESLA'S BIG MISTAKE? is one of the many items that can be found on Bill Beaty's site.
The Kids Room
Build your own ecosystem and watch as environmental changes affect the balance of life. A
demo version of SimLife and other simulations and games can be found at the Game Zone
The LEVITRON, a demonstration in magnet levitation, has been called the best new
science toy in a generation - by members of the American Association of Physics Teachers.
Tired of walking to work or school? Try building a simple hovercraft.
On The Lighter Side
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Jim Hannon alerted us to the Lateral Science site, which seems to be the "Monty Python of
science. Their aim is to present unusual science topics & projects. Should I mention …
"DON'T TRY THESE AT HOME!"
Here is another jewel from Bill Beaty. Come on, Bill, get a life! 8-) Great stuff!
From the Far Side
Crank Dot Net is devoted to presenting Web sites by and about cranks, crankism,
crankishness, and crankosity. All cranks, all the time
Weird Research, Anomalous Physics is Bill Beaty's collection of not your average
construction projects.
Grand Unified Theory: Wave Theory - the Theory of Everything
Gravitirepulsion … Universe Structure: A New Theory
Perhaps you are interested in time travel or flying saucers? If so, checkout Future
Horizons.
"The US Government and the Oil Companies will not let us or anyone else manufacture
these powerful engines right now, they say it could destroy our economy." How often have
you seen similar statements? Have a look at the Fuel Less Engine and other "wonders".
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WANDERINGS
No. 30
14 February 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--Tomorrow, 15 Feb 2003, marks the 15 th anniversity of the death of Richard Feynman, Nobel
Laureate in Physics. As some of you may remember, Dr. Feynman took part in the Rogers
Commission hearings on the Challenger space shuttle accident in 1986. I wonder what he
would have thought about this latest disaster?
This week, I will be devoting the entire column to the memory of Richard Feynman.
Richard Feynman as an Amateur Scientist … Some time ago, I read an essay on Amateur
Science by Feynman. But, I can't remember where I found it. This is the closest on line
reference that I could find. Can any one shed some light on the source?
Richard Feynman's Obituary from the Boston Globe, 17 Feb 1988.
As usual Bill Beaty has a vast collection of Feynman related links. Also, check out these
additional sites.
The University of St Andrews, Scotland, has a page on The Life of Richard Phillips
Feynman
Charles Hirshberg's Popular Science article … My Mother, The Scientist, is about
Richard's sister, Joan, a world class scientist in her own right, who recently retired as a
senior scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The following are a couple of Dr. Feynman online essays:
Cargo Cult Science, How Will Physics End?
Besides science and writing Dr. Feynman had some pastimes, such as:
Lock Picking
.…. How Stuff Works on Lock Picking
….. The MIT Guide to Lock Picking
Drum playing
….. Play the Bongos like a pro
The music and culture of Tuva.
….. The Friends of Tuva
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….. Scientific American's September 1999 issue … The Throat Singers of Tuva
….. Tuvan Throat Singing from CNN
Nanotechnology
.Piezo driven linear nano-motor
….. National Nanotechnology Initiative. Have a look at their Education Link.
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WANDERINGS
No. 31
21 February 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--Off to the library! … It was pointed out to me, that Feynman's Amateur Science essay can
be found in Part 2 of his book … "Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman".
I’d like to caution you again … especially our younger readers, that some of the material
that is linked, via From The Far Side, may be pretty far out on the Far Side 8-)
Doug Strain sent along a pointer to Larry Cochrane's website for the Public Seismic
Network, a worldwide network of amateur seismologists who (often) build and maintain
their own stations and report events to a centralized server. … Thanks, Doug.
Grid.org is a destination site that enables you to volunteer your PC's quiet time to become
part of a virtual supercomputer that can be harnessed to power computational research and
analysis projects on a massive scale.
While searching for the Feynman column, I found the following interesting pages on the
University of St. Andrews, Scotland's Web site.
…… The Famous Curves Index
…… The Famous Curves Java Applet Index
…… The History of Mathematics
…… Longitude and the Académie Royale
…… English attack on the Longitude Problem
…… Science for All. An outreach program for schools.
Wow! … What are you doing between 11 and 22 Apr 2003? If you’re free, why not plan to
attend the Edinburgh International Science Festival, in Edinburgh, Scotland?
LabX is a clearinghouse for new and used laboratory equipment.
This site, hosted by the Florida State University, offers many Interactive Java Tutorials
and Demonstrations
ePanorama.net offers a selection of miscellaneous Amateur Science links.
1667 Schematics! Have a look. There should be something to interest you.
I came across a couple more Feynman sites:
…… Feynman Online
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…… The Weirdo Pages
The Kids Room
The Newton BBS Online contains a host of resources for K12 students and teachers. For
example, have a look at the Newton Outreach Program and the Teacher Classroom and
Curriculum Development Page.
Argonne National Laboratory's Rube Goldberg Machine Contest Home Page
On The Lighter Side
This site has a Funny Periodic Table Poster for sale. Have a look around, as there are
some other interesting things here.
From The Far Side
Thomas Townsend Brown, a controversial American physicist, was a leader in developing
theories concerning the link between electromagnetic and gravitational fields.
Perpetual Motion ... using $5.00 magnets !!!
Here is an article titled .. The Invention Of Hans Coler, Relating To An Alleged New
Source Of Power … allegedly attributed to The British Intelligence Objectives SubCommittee.
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WANDERINGS
No. 32
28 February 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
---
While doing an unrelated Internet search I happened to come across:
Canada wide Virtual Science Fair …. Moving the Science out of the Gym into
Cyberspace! … I wish that there was something like this when I was younger, as my school
system did not support science fairs. Upon doing another quick search on "virtual science
fairs" I found:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The 2000 NASA Goddard Space Center Virtual Science Fair
The 1996 Virtual Youth Science Forum
The 1995 Virtual Science and Mathematics Fair
CyberFair
Cyberspace Middle School (Florida) Science Fair
Internet Science and Technology Fair
Innovations - The Virtual Science Fair
The GREAT! Canadian Science Contest
Computational Fluid Dynamics via the Internet is a Java wind/fluid tunnel for studying
fluid dynamics.
Sensors Online index of online articles looks like a great resource for the Amateur who
may be doing physical measurements.
Everything you may have wanted to know about the Wright brothers can be found at The
Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company & Museum of Pioneer Aviation site
The Kids Room
Science Fair Innovators - Discovery Exchange Network (SFIden) is a resource to
promote student success in science project work. The site is designed so that students can
contribute to the resources here and find help with science project work.
Have a look at The Results of the 2002 Canada Wide Science Fair and see what the kids
were doing last year.
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The WWW Virtual Library List of Science Fairs lists many of the fairs that have Web
Sites.
Discover This is dedicated to offering award winning educational science kits and toys for
kids of all ages.
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WANDERINGS
No. 33
14 March 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--I recently came across several interesting sites. The first contains a schematic for an
Ultrasonic Range & Imager. This is sort of acoustic radar and should prove to be an
interesting and challenging project. There are several areas where experimentation may
improve the performance of the system such as trying to increase the transducer output
power and trying various different beam shapes. Also, I would also look into using
something better than the 4016 analogue switch, perhaps a 4066 or better.
Way back when some of us were going to school, we did not have the luxury of the modern
day handheld calculators. Instead we used our beloved "slip sticks" or slide rules. No …
they could never approach the accuracy of the modern calculators, but I think that, for many
complex operations the slide rule could be a lot faster. What do you think?
Have a look at Sphere Research's Slide Rule Universe and Eric's Slide Rule Site
Kevin T. Kilty has put together an interesting article showing An Amateur Science Project
in Geophysics.
John L. Park has a collection of Classic Papers from the History Of Chemistry and
Physics on his site. Here, you will also find Hermann von Helmholtz's lecture …. The
Modern Development Of Faraday's Conception Of Electricity [1881].
ePanorama.net has a list of links on building scientific equipment from relatively cheap
materials.
Both Graphis and DPGraph offer packages for the visualisation of data for mathematics,
science and engineering. These are not freeware but they do have free evaluation
downloads.
The Circuit Cellar has a nice article on a Smart Rocket or how to add instruments to your
model rocket.
The Kids Room
The ChemTeam provides study resources in all standard topics for students in high school
and Advanced Placement chemistry.
Molecular Expressions offer, among other things, an array of interactive Java tutorials
and demonstrations
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Science for All, outreach information for schools from the University of St Andrews,
Scotland.
On The Lighter Side
Perpetual Motion anyone? Have a tour of The Museum of Unworkable Devices.
From The Far Side
This is another one of those "DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME" projects. On Mike's Electric
Stuff Web Site you will find a description of The Ball-Bearing Electric Motor. The concept
of producing motion from electricity without magnetism is an interesting but not very useful
device.
Here is a report covering the invention of Hans Coler, relating to an alleged new source of
power. This document is attributed to the British Intelligence Objectives Sub-Committee
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WANDERINGS
No. 34
21 March 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--This week's highlight is brought to us by the Physics Dept. of Mercer University of Macom
GA. They have a page containing a collection of Non Classical Pendula. This reference
links to many other resources, one of which … A Symmetric Differential Capacitive (SDC)
Sensor may prove to be of interest to the amateur.
The 118 Atomflowers® Of The Periodic Table presents a very unusual way to view the
elements. For a more "normal" view have a look at WebElements Periodic table. Both of
these links were found on the Matchrockets pages.
Here is a link to another site providing Online Seismometer Data. This time it's from the
Dept of Physics at Harvey Mudd University.
The Experimental Aircraft Association and The Corrosion Doctors have information on
The Galvanic Series. The tables list metals in the order of their relative susceptibility to
corrosion in a seawater environment. Note … the metals do not have to be immersed in
seawater to be affected. This can be a valuable reference for someone who is building a
project that may be exposed to the weather.
Some of us use rechargeable NICAD batteries in various devices. To get the maximum
"bang-for-the-buck" they require a bit more care than the regular carbon-zinc or alkyd
batteries. Have a look at Jerry Smith's The Care and Feeding of NiCad Batteries
Here is an interesting article on the work of Jagadis Chandra Bose's RF research with mm
wavelengths … circa 1890's!
The Kids Room
The Physics Instructional Resource Association (PIRA) exists to serve the needs of
Physics Instructional Support Professionals through sharing ideas about demonstrations,
laboratory activities, learning centres, and instructional resources in general.
Future Scientists and Engineers of America (FSEA) is a national non-profit organisation
which provides the structure, project material, documentation and workshop training
necessary to establish after school technology clubs in K-12 schools. The FSEA program
focuses on technology that can easily and readily be implemented in every school.
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You can learn a lot of science in a junkyard. Here's a link to the Discovery Kids Operation
Junkyard TV show that can be seen on NBC at Saturday am.
The National Science Foundation's goal is to promote the progress of science; to
advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defence
From The Far Side
Urban legend … a hoax … or the real thing? In any case, The Tale of the Radioactive Boy
Scout is definitely another one of those "Don't try this at home" things.
This clip was found on The Dangerous Laboratory web site. All kidding aside, check out
their BioDiesel page which shows how to make diesel fuel out of waste vegetable oil. That
is, if you don't mind your car's exhaust smelling like fried chicken. 8-)
A number of years ago, there was some mention in the media of Maurice Ward, an amateur
chemist, who discovered a plastic, called Starlite. A thin coating of this plastic was said to
be able to withstand temperatures of 2,700 degrees C. Fact … or … hoax? What ever
happened to Mr. Ward and his Starlite?
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WANDERINGS
No. 35
02 May 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--HELP! I wonder if any of you can offer some suggestions for a good Bookmark or
Favourites organiser. What I’m looking for is something that works on the actual Favourites
file and uses a format such as Windows Explorer or Winfile. That is, the Favourites from the
right hand portion of the screen can be dragged and dropped into various folders displayed
in the left part of the screen. I've tried several, but they were not quite what I wanted.
A topologist's delight. Genuine Klein Bottles, handcrafted in glass
This collection of Japanese origami sites was compiled by the Geometry Junkyard.
Charlie Neuhauser gave us a heads up to Florida State University’s web site devoted to
microscopy. Check out their Java tutorial demonstrating how Intel QX3 microscope and
computer software work together to produce digital images. I’ve seen these advertised on
the web for around $48US!
Here is another pointer from Charlie … Caveman Chemistry is an experiential exploration
of chemical technology from the campfires of the Stone Age to the PETE plastic soda pop
bottle. Not only will you learn about these technologies but also you will be able to recreate
them. Instructions are given for making bronze from metal ores; paper from grass or straw;
soap from fat; alcohol from honey; photographs from egg whites; chlorine from salt water
and celluloid from cotton. The site has been updated since we first listed it in
WANDERINGS.
The MATTER Project at The University of Liverpool has a very good Seismic Wave Java
demo. Also see A-Level Resources for other Java demos.
The University of California Physics Department at Berkeley offers an on-line source of
information for performing undergraduate lecture demonstrations.
Further physics Java demos can be found on Indiana State University’s site. Also, see their
“physlets” page.
Which one of the “7 Daughters of Eve” are you descendent from? Female genealogy has
created an evolutionary framework going back 150,000 years, and reveals that almost
everyone, whose maternal roots are in Europe, is descended from one of only seven
women. Each of them founded a maternal clan whose descendants make up well over 95%
69
of modern Europeans. Oxford Ancestors is the World's first provider of DNA products for
use in genealogy and personal ancestry.
On The Lighter Side
Agilent Technologies provides Rand Kruback’s “artistic view” of some common
engineering terms.
From The Far Side
http://www.ultra-faster-than-light.com/
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WANDERINGS
No. 36
09 May 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--This week I have included a reference to Alan Alda’s Scientific American Frontiers. I
have always wondered why they have not opted to do a segment on SAS. After all, for a
number of years, Shawn was writing a column for them.
There are a couple of articles regarding how to obtain radioactive materials for
experimentation. First we have the 2 SAS postings An Easy Source of Alpha Particles
and Brian Smith’s More on Radiation Detection and secondly there is R.A. Herrmann’s
Obtaining Radium for Experimentation.
The Amateur Radiation Detection and Experimentation Page discusses some of the
experiments that may be performed with the GM-10 and GM-45 radiation detectors and
some of the interesting results.
How to Build a Cloud Chamber and view the tracks of radioactive sources.
The Museum of Unnatural Mystery offers a slightly bizarre, virtual science museum for all
ages
Have a look at the updated Science Toys site. They have the instructions on building a
small Van de Graaff generator. I built something this years and years ago before the time
of soda pop cans 8-). For my electrode, I used a small world globe.
Earthwatch Institute is the world's oldest, largest, and most respected organisation that
offers the public the opportunity to take part in scientific field research. This year,
Earthwatch will support more than 130 expeditions in 45 countries, and will send some
4,000 members of the public into the field to work side-by-side with leading scientists.
The Kids Room
In a recent broadcast of Alan Alda’s Scientific American Frontiers, a unique piece of
software was introduced. Hyperscore was designed to introduce children to musical
composition and creativity in an intuitive and dynamic way, the "narrative" of a piece is
expressed through freehand drawing: a linear gesture that is analysed to derive its
characteristic "feel."
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From The Far Side
Wilhelm Reich claimed to have discovered, ORGON, a universal cosmic and biological
energy present everywhere and detectable through specified experiments.
Interested in the concept of a fuel less engine or how to run your car on water? Check out
Creative Science & Research’s site for these and many other items.
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WANDERINGS
No. 37
23 May 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--It seems like there is just not enough time in a day to do everything that I want. Most of my
at home time seems to be taken up by a 1yr+ Shepherd/Labrador BIG puppy and a 5 week
old human foster baby! You’d think that we would want to slow down a bit in our old age.
8-) I haven’t had too much time for WANDERINGS, in the last few months, but I will try and
be better in the coming weeks.
Many sites relating to the life and works of Albert Einstein can be found on the web. For
example :
Albert Einstein Archives from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The Albert Einstein Archives Online contains scanned copies of his original notes and
papers
Albert Einstein Online contains web links to many Einstein resources.
I liked the article on the A One-Dollar Compound Microscope , in the 16 May 2003 issue of
the Bulletin. Building a Dobsonian Telescope, while a bit more ambitious, still follows
along this same idea.
Be like Tool Time’s Tim Taylor and beef up your lawn tractor with a gas turbine engine
made from an automotive turbo charger.
This web page links in with Internet bookshops that list some Scientific Dictionaries
The Kids Room
Rice University has a collection of student projects from their Galileo Project, which is a
hypertext source of information on the life and work of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) and the
science of his time.
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WANDERINGS
No. 38
30 May 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--This week I’ve added a few more links to try and make up for my short falls over the past
weeks.
Astro Notes On Line, the newsletter of The Ottawa Centre Royal of the Astronomical
Society of Canada carried a series titled Women in Astronomy Part I, Part II, Part III, and
Part IV
Along the same line, The Astronomical Society of the Pacific offers Women in Astronomy:
An Introductory Resource Guide
Washington State University hosts another Women in Astronomy archive and UCLA
presents an archive of 20th century women who have made original and important
contributions to physics.
Science News Online brings us an article, Test Flight: Young scientists earn—and
spread—their wings, about three young women, Anila Madiraju, Elena Glassman, and
Lisa Glukhovsky who, took top awards at the 54th Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair 2003 in Cleveland, Ohio. See a further link to Anila Madiraju’s project
below in The Kids Room.
On March 18, three SETI@home scientists (Paul Demorest, Eric Korpela, and Dan
Werthimer) traveled to the Arecibo observatory in Puerto Rico, to re-survey 300
"candidates" - points in the sky where interesting signals have been detected during past
observations. The Planetary Society web site has an excellent summary of the reobservations. The SETI@home web site contains a list of the re-observation targets.
And, lastly … a photo album of their trip to Arecibo.
Do you have a requirement for an inexpensive high voltage, high power or high value
resistor? If so, perhaps a water resistor will fit your bill. A water resistor is essentially a
tube filled with a salt solution and an electrode at each end. You can control the
concentration of the salt to control the resistance, for a given size tube.
Android World offers a 6-axis sensor board consisting of 3 gyroscopes and 4
accelerometers that could possibly find applications in various projects.
You have heard about NASA's Hubble telescope, but what about The Canadian Space
Agency’s Humble Telescope? Its actual name is MOST or Microvariability and Oscillation
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of Stars Telescope. It weighs in at just 60kg and measures 65cm x 65cm x 30cm. It will
carry only one instrument, a 15-cm telescope that will be used to determine the age of Sun
like stars by stellar seismology or measuring their vibrations.
Does anyone need The Phase Diagram of Water?
Download a free copy of ChemFont97. This is a Windows font package that simplifies the
entry of chemical equations and notation. Download your free copy, complements of
Scientific Consulting Services International.
Jim Campbell’s web site has construction details for an electric field mill. Check it out!
Jim Lux's Web site offers an intersting collection of high voltage and other info.
Unfortunately, it has not been updated in a while.
The Kids Room
The Youth Science Foundation Canada site reports that seventeen-year-old Anila
Madiraju, of Brossard, Québec, took a top award at the 54th Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair 2003 in Cleveland, Ohio for her project, "Silencing Cancer with DNA,"
Also see the web site of, Jonathan Sick, a fellow Team Canada member whose main
areas of interest are research into advanced telescope control, solar activity prediction and
astrophotographic techniques
The ThinkQuest library contains unique educational web sites that have been created
through various competitions and programs. The library currently contains more than 5,000
web sites to search and surf. Built by kids for kids to use and learn. It is also a great place to
get ideas for your own project in one of our many programs around the world.
Looking for something to keep the kids busy this summer? How about building some
homemade musical instruments? Is this science????? … Yes, of course … it’s called
acoustics 8-) While you are at it, have a look at Dennis Havlena excellent web page.
From The Far Side
America’s Army, a computer game devised, by the US Army, has come under fire from
parents anxious that it glorifies violence. The army hopes that the game will help it to attract
the tens of thousands of young people it needs to join its ranks each year.
UK Patent Specification # 0 310 990 … a flying saucer power supply.
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WANDERINGS
No. 39
13 June 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--This week I’d like to bring to your attention a company called Lee Valley Tools. While
mainly being a source for quality woodworking tools, they also carry items that may be of
interest to the amateur. For example, they carry a wide range of rare earth magnets that
includes a selection of disks, rod & ring, and spherical & hemispherical magnets. Their
laser level looks very interesting. It has several advantages over a laser pointer such as an
ON/OFF switch and a 1/4-20 tripod mount. Price? About $15US + shipping. I have had
many favourable dealings with them in the past. In fact, the majority of my Santa list comes
from their catalogue.
The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies hosts Cosmic ray / Gamma ray / Neutrino
resources on the Internet.
The Aerosol Optical Thickness Measurement Page shows the project results for a
graduate class in atmospheric measurements at the University of Nevada, Reno. The
measurements were planned for a short period of time during the Spring 1998 semester
Robot kits and resources are available from the Endtas Amateur Robot page.
Ferris State University offers an extensive list of Science Web Links
Another collection of assorted electronics and science may be found on ePanorama’s Site.
Last week I posted a link to the construction details for an Electric Field Mill. Now here is a
link to how it works. Field mills can be part of a Lightning Detection/Warning System.
Consumer Lightning Products’ web site has a collection of lightning links.
The Longwave Home Page is brought to you by members of the Longwave Club of
America. In the Longwave spectrum, you may encounter everything from utility beacons to
micropower license-free (Part 15) stations testing advanced modulation modes. In addition,
Natural Radio signals such as whistlers and sferics, give experimenters an opportunity to
delve into geophysics and solar physics as well.
Weather and Environmental Monitoring at the West Carleton Amateur Radio Club.
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is one of the world's premier
research facilities for radio astronomy. NRAO operates powerful, advanced radio telescopes
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spanning the Western Hemisphere. Their Tucson site carries an article about the work of
Jagadis Chandra Bose: 100 Years of Mm-Wave Research … aka …60 Ghz in 1890.
If anyone has seen Joseph Carr’s book …. Radio Science Observing, please send us a
review. It looks good.
Revisit A Longwave Transmitting Classic with A Working Poulsen Arc Oscillator.
The Kids Room
Ted Rowan’s Science Fair Primer was written to help his students develop science fair
projects. These ideas have been developed over twenty years of teaching science through
research projects. Others may find any or all parts of these documents helpful.
Science Fair Central from the Discovery Channel’s Discovery School offers ideas for
science fair projects and experiments.
The Science & Environment Collection of the Michigan Electronic Library (MeL) provides
a list of science fairs and forums.
PicoTurbine offers a free download of plans for their Educational Windmill Kit.
Want to build a crystal set? If so, The Xtal Set Society can help you.
Discover This is a commercial site that offers award winning educational science toys for
kids of all ages.
On The Lighter Side
Jupiter Scientific offers a page of science jokes.
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WANDERINGS
No. 40
20 June 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--Light Up The World Foundation is the world leader in utilising “small science”
technologies, in the form of LED lighting powered by renewable resources, to enhance the
quality of life of the poor in the developing world.
Dan Lasley sent us this link to SPACE.com’s article … Automatic Astronomy: New
Robotic Telescopes See And Think .
The Amateur Astronomy Magazine focuses on Amateur Astronomy, Observing, and
Telescope Making around the world.
NASA explains why we need different types of telescopes to look at outer space
Visit the University of Florida's Radio Observatory Online.
I was searching the Web for a supplier of a DB9(F) to DB25(F) Null Modem Cables when I
came across Leonard's Satellite & Space Views. How did I get from cables to space
views? It’s very easy to get me off track … 8-)
Interested in turbo or pulse jet engines? If so, have a look at Bruce Simpson’s page. Also,
check out Andreas Sunnhordvik’s project pages.
Associates of the late Sean-Thomas Morrissey, a Seismic Instrumentation Engineer, have
been able to keep his web site open. Have a look at the design for The STM-8 Leaf
Spring Seismometer.
iNFO-EQ offers links to software, resources and bookmarks for professional and amateur
seismology. Also have a look at their article … Phonoseismology A New Approach To
Seismic Analysis.
Have a look at the British journal Nature, on line.
The US Dept of Energy has a site devoted to the Human Genome Project. Other genome
resources can be found at The Genomeweb and at Gene-Clips.
Find info on the Game of Life along with Fractals, Spirographs, Mazes and other wonders
on Math.com. Also, check out the excellent Life page on Wolfram’s Mathworld. Other
Game of Life resources and downloadable programs can be found on Alan Hensel's Life
Page. While at it, have a look at Paul Callahan’s or David Eppstein’s page.
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Earl F. Glynn’s efg’s Web Sites contain more than 180 pages on a variety of technical
topics. Of special interest is the Science and Engineering section.
Among other topics, the Geometry.net carries links to Math and Science sites and books.
The Kids Room
Have you ever tried to trisect an angle? Impossible? Have a look at Angle Trisection from
The Geometry Center.
Blow huge, long lasting soap bubbles. All you need to become a bubble-blowing expert is
located in Bubble Town and at Bubbles at The Exploratorium .
More LEGO! Have a peek at The Beyond Black Box Project and other projects from the
MIT Media Lab Life Long Kindergarten Group.
From The Far Side
I put the The Visible Human Project and The Visible Human Gallery in the Far Side ..….
Just because 8-)
Among the links to free energy, anti-gravity, and UFO Propulsion, etc the energy 21 Web
site has an item about a 10 yr old girl who won awards at her local Science Fair by building
a Bedini North Pole Motor. She built the motor with a little phone help from inventor John
Bedini. The motor runs at 4000rpm and appears to generate power. Check out the energy
21 Web site! There is some good stuff here.
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WANDERINGS
No. 41
27 June 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--Amateur experimental rocketry unlike model rocketry is an activity whereby rockets are
designed and constructed entirely from "scratch" -- including airframe, motor and propellant.
While still under construction, Richard Nakka's Experimental Rocketry Web Site, is an
excellent source of the science and engineering involved in designing/building experimental
rockets.
Richard Nakka is a little light on info in the area of "onboard" instrumentation. But, please
have a look at the extensive list of links on Hans Olaf Toft's amateur rocketry
instrumentation page and The Utah Rocket Club's list of electronics links.
Do you like to play with rockets but you don't like all that fire and smoke? Well, try your hand
at Water Rockets! Included at this site is a Water Rocket Computer Program that will
allow you to predict the duration and altitude of any water rocket that you design.
While on the topic of rockets, what ever happened to the SAS Sassy Flea? For those of
you who aren't familiar with the Sassy Flea, it was going to be SAS's attempt at the CATS
(Cheap Access To Space) Prize that was offered by The Space Frontier Foundation
which also sponsors a space related bulletin board.
Take some time, while on Hans Olaf Toft's site. There are a LOT of items, besides rockets,
that will be of interest to the amateur, such as his GPS & Navigation links.
The Resonance Research Corp.'s site might be of interest to anyone involved in setting up
a science museum or just like big Tesla coils and Van de Graaff generators.
The Radio Astronomy Web contains an interesting article on The Brief History Of The
Indian River Observatory Radio Interferometer.
Russell Schwager has a page with an excellent source of info on the Nazi's cryptographic
system named the Enigma Machine c/w a Java demo of how it worked.
In the winter of 1932, a team of Polish Mathematicians solved the mysterious German
cipher machine. This single event was the beginning of the long journey to win the War.
The Royal Society, founded in 1660, plays a crucial role as the champion of top quality
science and technology.
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Practising Lab Safety is a comprehensive online bio-medical laboratory-training course
that shows students how to act safely in a laboratory. The site also offers an online quiz to
help users evaluate their knowledge. Aimed at older students and professional lab workers.
The Kids Room
Science Inside Out from the Royal Society of Great Britain.
Planet Science is for everyone, but it’s focused particularly on young people and their
parents and teachers
Come, have a visit with Bill Nye, The Science Guy.
Try some of the experiments from Beakman's World.
I listed this link to a Simple Electric Motor page, quite a while ago, but I think that it is
worth re visiting. They are available as a kit or there is enough detail so that you can build
one from scratch.
From The Far Side
The scientists at Nexia, a Quebec genetic engineering company, have harnessed the
strength of the spider's web by splicing a single spider gene into a goat egg. The milk from
these GM modified goats will produce a protein that is similar to spider silk. Coined
BIOSTEEL this synthesised silk will find many applications from medicine to the military.
Scroll down through Tom Hunter's page to his Alternate Scientist section. This is a
collection of imaginary stories dedicated to his friend, Mike Buyny. They never happened,
but they might have. The technical projects are all real but from other times and other
places.
The online magazine, The NewScientist.com, carried several interesting articles … Oil
And Water Do Mix After All, Icy Claim That Water Has Memory, and Bizarre Chemical
Discovery Gives Homeopathic Hint
The Ohsako Principle .. vs .. .the Bedini Fluxgate .. vs .. Stewart Harris TOMI. Is this a new
discovery?
Would you like to have a Magnetic Spaceship? Check this out along with other Magnetic
Energy devices.
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WANDERINGS
No. 42
04 July 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--I have an interest in grass roots technologies that would be practical for use in developing
countries. The other night I was lucky enough to catch part of a Discovery Channel program
called Peanuts. This program was about the need, design, construction and use of a handoperated peanut-sheller that has come to make a big difference in the lives of many
villagers around the world. The Malian Peanut/Groundnut Sheller is a simple machine,
requiring less than $10US of materials. It is capable of shelling 50 kilograms of raw, sundried nuts per hour.
For several years Hubert Stierhof has been developing Stirling engines. His goal is to find
a design that would be applicable for the needs of Third World countries, to serve as solar
water pumps or small-scale power stations (< 50 Watts).
Some other low-tech technologies are … A Simple Solar Water Pasteuriser … Solar
Disinfection Studies of Drinking Water … and … Fog Catchers: Tapping the Clouds
For Water.
Orrin B. Iseminger has a collection of Stirling and Heat Engine links. Some are "how to's"
while others are links to commercial sites. Pretty good, all around! For example … How
Stirling Engines Work.
The Keyence Laser Position Measurement / Stroke Measurement Guide may be of use to
robot builders.
Poptronix Online is a new, Internet only, e-magazine that has been designed to fit the
needs of the electronics activist
Have a look at Bill Beaty's Ridiculously Sensitive Charge Detector.
Forcefield.com is a source of surplus ceramic and rare earth magnets and other products
sold wholesale/retail for science projects, hobbies, industrial uses, or just plain fun!
Are you concerned about global warming or all the crazy weather we seem to be having
lately? Have a look around The World Meteorological Organization's web site.
The Amateur Geologist was created to bring the joy of exploring the geology of our world
and nature itself to all by providing information and services to our fellow amateur geologists
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The Kids Room
How about a simple Junk-box Stirling Engine. Can you improve it? Give it a try! It would
make a good Science Fair project.
Have a look at some of the many … Uses of Solar Energy and .at Solar Energy Notes
and Links.
Would you like to experiment with robots? If so, why not start small and try your hand at
BEAM Robots. BEAM is an acronym for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, and Mechanics.
Rutgers University has a good collection of Physics and Astronomy Lesson Plans.
From The Far Side
Do-It-Yourself Magnetic Water Treatment … Magnetic water and gas treatment are
controversial topics. Some people and industries swear the effects are very noticeable and
immediate, while others claim they could not possibly work
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83
WANDERINGS
No. 43
11 July 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--Summer has come again. Unfortunately, the warmer weather also brings those pesky
mosquitoes and the possibility of the West Nile Virus (US … Canada … WHO). One thing
that has been successful in controlling the population of mosquitoes is bats. How about
starting a bat colony in your area by building and placing bat houses? Further information
can be found at the site hosted by The North American Bat House Research Project
The National Speleological Society was founded for the purpose of advancing the study,
conservation, exploration and knowledge of caves.
Micro Images offers a free download of their TNTLite program for your image analysis, GIS,
cartographic, surface fitting or other geospatail analysis applications.
Further B.E.A.M. Robot resources can be found on the Solarbotics website. One
interesting section is a page on sensors. On their Field Sensor page, they link to a device
called a capaciflector, which might have some useful applications for the amateur.
The Robotprojects site is a source of projects for the robotics enthusiast.
Specially designed for robotics, the OOPic is a totally different approach in microcontrollers
utilising Object-Oriented programming and Virtual Circuits. Program the OOPic in Basic, C,
or Java syntax, clip on a battery and it is ready to control your project.
See Pete's Astronomy Page for a report of NASA's confirmation of the first known capture
of an object into Earth orbit from a Sun-centred orbit.
The Kids Room
Leaping leprechauns Batman! There's one missing! I first saw Pat Paterson's Vanishing
Leprechauns Puzzle, in the Mathematical Games column, of the Nov 1971 issue of
Scientific American. If you like puzzles, try and find where the missing leprechaun goes.
The British Interactive Group, an organisation for individuals involved in all aspects of
hands-on exhibitions and activities, has a page dedicated to the theory behind the missing
leprechaun. And, so does Ohio State University.
If you like puzzles, have a look at The Ultimate Puzzle Site and The Puzzle Jump Station.
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This page uses a roller coaster to discover how changing the aspects of one variable will
affect other variables
From The Far Side
David E. Cowlishaw's Gyroscopic Inertial Transfer (GIT) website is a detailed description
of his "reactionless" inertial propulsion device, along with the descriptions and devices of a
growing number of contributing inventors
Quantum Teleportation at IBM!
According to Alex Chiu, people are believed to be able to stay physically young forever by
using his new invention The Eternal Life Rings.
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WANDERINGS
No. 44
25 July 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--I liked Anna Hillier's item on dandelions, in the 4 Jly '03 Bulletin. Dandelions are not native
to North America. The early settlers introduced them either accidentally or as a garden
flower. This got me thinking about some of the other cases where humans have messed up
the earth by introducing non-native plants and animals into new environments. Take, for
example …. The Australian feral animal problems / the invasion of exotic plants in the
southern US / the spread of the caulerpa taxifolia seaweed throughout the Mediterranean
and US coastal waters / Green Crabs / Zebra Mussels / Northern Snakehead.
Science for Sale … There is a quiet revolution going on in laboratories and behind closed
editorial doors. A few brave souls have recognised the potential of the Internet and are
trying to fundamentally change the way scientists communicate their results
Have a look at the Handy Board and the Handy Cricket for small micro controller systems
that can be used for mobile robots and other projects.
Many moons ago, I recall that there was a discussion in the forum about corrugated roads. I
found several related discussions on the Australian Broadcasting Corp.'s web site.
Corrugated Roads Revisited / Corrugated Roads Part 2 / Corrugated Roads Part 3.
Ever wonder where "that" web site resides or where "that" email came from? Look it up in
the list of Internet Country Codes.
The Kids Room
15-year-old Gina Gallant, from of Prince George, B.C, has developed a new composite
road paving material. With the support of the local Mayor and the help of four companies
she was able to build a test section in a local road.
The School of Physics at the University of Sydney is sponsoring The 2003 Physics
Competition Gravity Drive. Competitors will be required to design, build and demonstrate
a mechanical gravity powered vehicle that travels a set distance. The exact distance will be
specified on the day of the competition. The winning entry will be the one stopping closest to
the specified distance.
How about collecting frog eggs or tadpoles and studying them as they mature into frogs?
Check out Tadpoles on the Hop for info on the care and feeding of your little subjects.
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From The Far Side
Why "From The Far Side"? To quote Bill Beaty …"While it's true that at least 99% of
Extraordinary Claims are just as crazy as they seem, we cannot dismiss every one of them
without any investigation." As I said before, some of the Far Side items will be in the
"strange but true" category. Others will be interesting and just perhaps …… While the rest
will be straight from the "loony bin" 8-)
If you are looking for something to play around with, Bill Beaty has a selection of Not Your
Average Construction Projects. Please heed his cautions.
Permanent magnet levitation is impossible! …. Or is it? … See the Levitron Top home
page.
I posted the link to Jean-Louis Naudin's site before. I notice that he has added some more
stuff such as a pico lifter and a section on cold fusion.
Zoltan Szabo sent me a link to a Hungarian site, which is a collection of links to free
energy-related issues. Most is in Hungarian but some is in English.
Alchemy is still alive! The Alchemy Web Site contains over 90 megabytes online of
information on alchemy in all its facets.
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87
WANDERINGS
No. 45
01 August 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--Pangaea Scientific's QUAKE allows you to simulate earthquakes on your home computer.
Indiana State University has produced a nice selection of Java applets demonstrating
various aspects of physics. Especially useful is an applet that allows you plot any function
and change the attributes of your graph. Also see the Vector Calculator and other files.
Here is another huge collection of Java demos.
The Institute of Physics is a leading international professional body established to
promote the advancement and dissemination of physics.
Astrobiology Magazine takes you on great voyages of adventure, to the far reaches of
the planet.
Also at Astrobiology Magazine there is an article about Stanley Miller who published a
two-page paper describing how he synthesised amino acids in the lab. Also see the article
Abiogenic Synthesis of Monomers and Miller's spark-discharge apparatus.
The Canadian Space Agency's RADARSAT Web Site links to Environment Canada's
Stratospheric Ozone Web Site which provides information on the history of stratospheric
ozone layer depletion and the science of ozone depletion.
Read the log that Mike Davis kept while he built and tested his junkyard turbo jet engine.
Do you need a high voltage power for your project? Try an EMCO miniature supply.
The Kids Room
The Physics Instructional Resource Association (PIRA) has been in effect since 1985
and was created to aid Physics Teachers with demonstration and laboratory information.
U.C. Berkeley has a collection of Physics Lecture Demonstrations.
The Newton BBS page contains Teacher's Classroom and Curriculum Development
Page.
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GirlGeeks is an online community for women and girls interested in technology and
computing.
On The Lighter Side
Bored? Try a game.
From The Far Side
Life O2 claims that its patented Super-Oxygenation process increases water's oxygen
saturation to ten times that of normal water. They say that tests have shown that by drinking
their oxygenated water will increase the oxygen content of the blood. Hmmmmm …
Perhaps …. if you were a fish 8-)
After a six-year search Japanese scientists are preparing to clone prehistoric woolly
mammoths from frozen DNA samples found in Siberia.
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89
WANDERINGS
No. 46
15 August 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--For the next three weeks I will be conducting a study of the effects of propane on selected
cuts of beef, pork and sea critters. 8-) In other words, I am going on vacation for a few
weeks. Therefore this will be the last WANDERINGS until mid-September.
The Coffee Can Foundry … a fun, simple, and best of all, CHEAP introduction to
aluminium casting.
NOAA's Acoustics Monitoring Program …. Monitoring the global ocean through
underwater acoustics
The Current Velocities of the Gulf Stream Page presents three maps of current velocities
of the Gulf Stream in the vicinity of the East coast of North-America. These velocity maps
are derived from near-real-time radar altimeter data
Integrated Publishing has a collection of online e-books on various subjects.
Pacific Silicon Sensor is a designer and manufacturer of Silicon Based Light Sensors.
The Programmers Heaven is a collection of over 20K files, links and articles relating to the
popular programming languages and applications.
Bill Beaty's Significantly Worthwhile Books contains short reviews of a collection of
science related books.
The Internet Archive is building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts
in digital form. Like a paper library, they provide free access to researchers, historians,
scholars, and the general public. Try searches on <www.sas.org> and <earth.
thesphere.com> (SAS's old site).
For something a little off topic … A Portative Organ is a small pipe organ that is placed on
the lap, pumped with one hand and played with the other. They first showed up about 1100
ad and flourished until about 1500 ad.
The Kids Room
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Post a question at WonderQuest or browse through their past questions and answers.
"Operation Ruby Throat: The Hummingbird Project" is a cross-disciplinary international
initiative in which people collaborate to study behaviour and distribution of the Rubythroated Hummingbird. This and other links can be found on the Science Man site.
The Virtual Courseware module for Earthquakes illustrates how seismic waves are used
to determine the magnitude of an earthquake and to locate its epicentre.
The Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance focuses on supporting Maine teachers
because we believe the quality of what they do with mathematics and science is what
makes the difference for students' learning.
The SDSC Science Enrichment Program is an education project whose main goal is to
encourage children of all socio-economic backgrounds to pursue a career in math or
science.
A "small-is-beautiful" approach to upgrading a beginning geophysics course from the
Department of Geological Sciences, Northwestern University
From The Far Side
High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) … An ionospheric research
facility or a Mass Destructive Weapon.?
Colloidal silver, a suspension of submicroscopic metallic silver particles in a colloidal base,
is often mentioned on weird science sites and in relation to dietary supplements. The
Quackwatch site contains information regarding the dangers of using these products.
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91
WANDERINGS
No. 47
19 September 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
---
Recently, as I was driving toward some rain clouds I was fortunate to observe a special type
of rainbow. At first it was just a splash of colour, but soon it grew in size until it was a full
ground to ground arc. As passing vehicles kicked up road spray, the rainbow seemed to
originate on the hood of my car. Then a secondary rainbow appeared above the first
rainbow. The primary one had the normal ROYGBIV colour distribution but the secondary
rainbow was a mirror image of the primary one and had a VIBGYOR distribution. See …
rnbw.gif.
Red Sprites and Blue Jets are upper atmospheric optical phenomena associated with
thunderstorms.
WOOFING ..…. No, it's not a method of communicating with the family pet. Woofing stands
for World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. The International WWOOF Association is
dedicated to helping those who would like to volunteer on organic farms internationally.
The Delft Institute for Earth-Oriented Space Research (DEOS) hosts a collection of Mean
Sea Surface and Gravity Anomaly Maps.
Peltier coolers are interesting semiconductor devices. You might find one here for your
projects?
Who's getting it right and who's getting it wrong in the debate about Science Literacy?
Do you wish to join a network of solar observers? Check out the CV-HELIOS Network.
The Solar Terrestrial Dispatch web site contains an Hourly Auroral Activity Report
Use NOAA's Sunrise/Sunset Calculator to find your local times.
Is anyone interested in a 5mw 532nm green laser pointer?
The Dog Genome Project is a collaborative study involving scientists at the University of
California, Berkeley, the University of Oregon, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center. It is aimed at producing a map of all the chromosomes in dogs. Such a map can be
used to locate the genes causing disease and those controlling morphology and behaviour.
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The Discovery Channel has coverage of Team O Canada's record breaking amateur
rocket launch. To view this you will require Windows Media Player.
The Society for Technical Aeromodel Research (STAR), an affiliate of The District Of
Columbia Radio Control Club, has successfully flown a model aircraft from
Newfoundland to Ireland, a distance of about 1950 mi.
The Kids Room
The Sourcebook for Teaching Science: Strategies, Activities, and Internet Resources,
provides new and experienced teachers with a wealth of useful teaching strategies,
resources, lessons, activities, and ideas to enhance science teaching and learning.
In 2001, Science Kit & Boreal Laboratories purchased Edmund Scientific. Science Kit,
located in Tonawanda, New York, is a leading supplier of educational science products and
the largest builder of science kits in the world
The Do Science Web Site has great science activities for parents, students and even
people that go out to eat in restaurants.
From The Far Side
The Museum of Unnatural Mystery is the brainchild of Lee Krystek. The museum explores
the fringe edges of science and at the same time uses those subjects to get people
interested in the more mundane aspects of scientific work.
Was Nigel Stubbingwicke part of a conspiracy to sabotage the expedition searching for a
living specimen of the Mokele-Mbembe or Apatosaurus?
Robert Park's Seven Warning Signs of Voodoo Science.
Lawrence S. Lerner's review of Robert Park's book … Voodoo Science: The Road From
Foolishness to Fraud
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WANDERINGS
No. 48
10 October 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--The Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, is searching for a possible molecular
target whose blockade would prevent the ravages of the smallpox infection. They plan to
use screen savers running on a desktop-computing grid to screen millions of potential antismallpox drugs against this target. Join the project and download the screen saver at
grid.org.
The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) has
an on line Chat Room.
Here is David M. MacMillan's index of Delightful Machines.
Jonathan Westhues has a page showing the plans for his computer controlled Printed
Circuit Board Router.
Theodore Gray writes the Popsci Adventure column for the Popular Science magazine. In a
recent column he covered Bert Hickman's Coin Shrinking experiments bringing a new
meaning to the term "small change". In another issue he tells of his experiments in melting
metals in a microwave oven. Also, have a look at his Periodic Table.
Here is a Discovery Channel interview, with a Utah State University student, Craig Wallis.
In it he describes his Farnsworth Fusor neutron generator.
The SAS Forum has an item inviting us to participate in the Amateur Science Information
Survey (AMSIS) that is being conducted by librarians at the University of Tennessee.
Please take a few minutes and fill out their survey.
Room to Read’s mission is to provide under-privileged children with an opportunity to gain
the lifelong gift of education.
Mers Kutt …. Was he the father of personal computers? His company marketed the
MCM/70, an APL driven computer, in 1974. See his Discovery Channel interview.
Matthias Wandel's DYI project consisted of building a functional Home Made Pipe Organ.
The Kids Room
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I am listing the Science Toys site again because they have added some more interesting
projects and stuff, such as Listening to Electric Fish.
The Miami Museum of Science has a page dedicated to hurricanes. Track the current
storm at NOAA's National Hurricane Center Tropical Prediction Center.
How would you like to have your own hovercraft?
The Omniscience Futureneering Club was a high school based science, engineering,
inventing club that was founded on the premise that the best way to learn about anything
was to design it, make it or modify it and then to use it.
Fun with physics on 1000 pages - for free download. The free physics text is available in
A 17mb .pdf file
MindRover is an intelligent robot simulator or 3D-strategy/programming game.
Have a look at the Robotic Arm Trainer from KitsUSA.us, a leading supplier of
Educational and Electronic Kits.
Parallax Inc carries a wide selection of robot kits.
The Federation of International Robot Soccer was founded 1997 with the goal of taking
the spirit of science and technology to the layman and younger generation through the
game of robot soccer.
On The Lighter Side
Physics & Science Humour from The Society of Physics Students (SPS).
The 2003 winners of the Ig Nobel Prize have been announced by the Annals of
Improbable Research (AIR).
From The Far Side
Marconi and ninety-seven scientists were said to have gone to South America where
they built a city in an extinct volcanic crater in the jungles of Venezuela. In their secret city,
financed by the great wealth they had created during their lives, they continued Marconi's
work on solar energy, cosmic energy, and anti-gravity. 8-)
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95
WANDERINGS
No. 49
24 October 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
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Engineers Without Borders is a growing registered charity dedicated to international
development. EWB works with developing communities around the world: a tiny village in
the dry heat of Burkina Faso, a town in the altiplano of Bolivia, or a slum in Asia. People,
there, struggle every day to overcome problems like unsafe water and insufficient harvests.
We help them reduce those hardships, thereby enabling them to improve their livelihood.
Note … EWB needs not only engineers, but also people with a variety of backgrounds.
The Endangered Languages Programme of UNESCO has produced a series of shortform programs on various endangered languages throughout the world.
United Nuclear has on line plans for constructing a small-scale ball mill. Also check out
their $10US key-chain micro UV source.
Stepper motors are interesting and useful devices that could find a place in many science
projects. The following are a few stepper resources that you may find useful:
…... Stepper Motor Information and Technical Forum.
….. The Stepper Motor Archive.
….. Stepper Motors
….. Working With Stepper Motors
….. Control of Stepping Motors, A Tutorial
….. Luberth's Plotter Page.
….. Jeff's Robotics Page
….. From Bits and Bytes to Bots.
….. Parts List For Bits and Bytes to Bots
….. Homebuilt Plotter/Engraver Forum for Your Questions & Answers
These Arithmetic Tutorials are characterised by an interest in doing arithmetic on
machines with just binary add, subtract, logical and shift operators, making no use of special
hardware
The mangonel.com web site is dedicated to ancient war engines such as the trebuchet.
Glow Inc. is the worldwide distributor of glow-in-the-dark paints and powders using the new
"Long Afterglow" pigments.
96
ScienceWeek, an on line science magazine, is delivered to subscribers by Email, in 3 parts
… the first on Mondays, the second on Wednesdays, and the last on Fridays.
University of Minnesota Turkey Genome Mapping Project might be of some interest
during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons 8-)
Bookbinding, A Tutorial by Douglas W. Jones
The Kids Room
The Bullying.ca Web Site is a resource about bullying in Canada and around the world.
The Youth Science Foundation of Canada has been Canada's leading organisation for
the support of youth innovation through project-based science and technology, aiding the
development of skills and knowledge for excellence in a global economy.
Using the laws of physics, it's possible to make a basketball jumpshot every time.
Download a paper airplane.
The Science Explorer is a collection of family experiments from the Exploratorium.
Miami University's Center for Chemistry Education (CCE) brings chemistry and the
companion sciences to life for teachers and students at all levels.
So you want to be a scientist. Do you know how much you may expect to earn?
From The Far Side
In spite of no evidence of success, many people have attempted to solve the Holy Grail of
free energy production. See Eric's History of Perpetual Motion and Free Energy
Machines
Troy Hurtubise, inventor of the bear suit and winner of the 1998 Ig Nobel Prize in the field
of Safety Engineering is in the news again with his invention of fire paste.
….. When Troy Met a Kodiak Bear
….. Troy and the Terrorists
….. Troy, Oil, and the Balance of Power
….. Troy's New Bear Suit
….. Troy Meets a Bulldozer, and Vice Versa
….. Troy Meets Not Quite a Bulldozer, and Vice Versa
I wonder if Troy's fire paste will fizzle out like the British amateur inventor, Maurice Ward's
"Starlite".
Mountain-climbers have discovered the mummified fragment of a leg from an unknown
creature. Could it be from the elusive Yeti?
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Will 40,000 yogic flyers rise up and spell the end to war? 1994 Ig Nobel Peace Prize
winner and U.S. Presidential candidate John Hagelin held a news conference in
Washington D.C. During the conference he announced his desire to raise $1,000,000,000,
the interest from which will fund a squad of 40,000 trained yogic flyers who would act like
a giant radio transmitter, forming a "Vedic Defence Shield" for the prevention of war.
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WANDERINGS
No. 50
07 November 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--The Redwood City Public Seismic Network Web Site shows you how to build the
Lehman Seismometer, as described in the July '79 "Amateur Scientist" column.
Build your own modified Lehman seismometer.
The Manual of Seismological Observatory Practice is an on line document from Global
Seismological Services.
The position of the North Magnetic Pole for a particular year is an average position. The
Magnetic Pole wanders daily around this average position and, on days when the magnetic
field is disturbed may be displaced by 80 km or more.
WWW Geology Resources from the University of New Brunswick.
I recommend that you take some time and look around Simon Singh's excellent site.
Have you ever wanted to build a circuit to run off a single 9-Volt battery only to find you
needed levels like +12 and -12 Volts? If the thought using multiple batteries put you off try a
simple DC to DC converter?
Need some Holmium or a bit of Samarium? Have a look at the Stanford Materials
product list.
A Home Built Nitrogen Laser and Ignition Coil High Voltage Generators are among the
items listed on the Electronics Area site.
David's Whizzy Periodic Table is but one of the huge collection of applets from the
University of Colorado's Physics 2000 site.
See the on line collection of scientific instruments at the Physics Laboratory and
Museum of Scientific Instruments of Urbino University
The Personal Submersibles Organization (PSUBS.ORG) was founded to promote and
encourage the discussion, designing, building, certifying, owning and use of personal
manned or unmanned submersibles.
99
The American Physical Society uses the Physics Central web site to communicate the
excitement and importance of physics to everyone. We'll answer your questions on how
things work and keep you informed with daily updates on physics in the news.
The Citizen-Scientist's Obligation to Stand Up for Standards is an essay by Lawrence
M. Krauss, chairman of the physics department at Case Western Reserve University.
The Kids Room
Christine Terry 's Citizen Scientist weblog is meant to be a clearinghouse of ideas for
bringing science into the classroom.
The vision of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is to create a learning
enterprise that liberates the genius and goodness of all children and invites and inspires the
power and creativity of the human spirit for the world.
The Physics Classroom is an online high school physics tutorial.
See Simon Singh's list of great science books for young readers.
Welcome to the Virtual Laboratory, a large collection of Java applets demonstrating many
principals in Physics and Astronomy.
WebPhysics is a network of resources for introductory physics teaching.
What is a Space Scientist? An autobiographical example James A. Van Allen
From The Far Side
A Preliminary Empirical Study Of Firewalking by Kjetil Kjernsmo of the University of
Oslo, Norway.
Cold Fusion is far from being a dead topic.
The Cold Fusion Files contain the $0.06 Cold Fusion Energy Device
DIY Cold Fusion resources from Jean-Louis Naudin. (Re-post)
Quasi-Elliptical Torsatron - A Study of Induced Radial Electric Fields and Plasma
Turbulence is quite a mouthful for a winning science fair project.
Inertial Electrostatic Confinement site contains further info on the Farnsworth Fusor.
Information Unlimited's site contains many weird plans, kits and devices. On the other
hand, they are also a source of many hard to find parts such as spark gaps or high
voltage transformers just to mention two.
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The Greater Things web site is a strange place to find Free Energy and Lifter resources.
Or … is it? 8-)
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101
WANDERINGS
No. 51
21 November 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--HELP! ….. We would like to solicit your assistance. Unfortunately, there are many web sites
that have out dated links to our SAS page. If you come across one of these old links, please
notify the site's webmaster that our new URL is … www.sas.org.
Lauren Gravitz's article, Amateur Role In Basic Research On Rise, … "From pigeon
romance to planetary eruptions anyone can do serious science" … appeared in the 15 June
2000 issue of The Christian Science Monitor.
Local boy makes good! Erik Demaine, a 22-year-old MIT professor, whose work fuses art,
science, work and play is the recipient of a $500,000 MacArthur Fellowship, commonly
known as the “genius” grant. Dr. Erik Demaine's life is unfolding in wondrous ways. Which is
apt for a mathematical prodigy in computational origami – the geometry of paper folding.
Have a look at his awesome video … The Metamorphosis of the Cube.
Here is another MacArthur Fellowship winner who you may have heard of.
I think that this is the third time that I have featured the Science Toys site. They are an
excellent source of projects for science fairs or just to demonstrate principals of science.
They are constantly adding new projects and products. For example … Suppose you need
some mercury, but you don't like its highly toxic properties. Science Toys supplies an alloy
of gallium, indium, and tin that melts at -20° C. That's right, its liquid at room temperatures
and possesses many of the features of mercury without the down sides. What can you do
with this stuff? For starters, you could look into Bill Beaty's Untried Homopolar Generator
Experiments or make a spinning liquid mirror.
Have a look at Kevin Kilty's site. Here you'll find another excellent site with much to offer
the amateur. For example, look at A Science Mystery in Atmospheric Pressure.
The Foundation For The International Non-Government Development Of Space
F.I.N.D.S offers grants to universities and institutions engaged in projects that FINDS
believes will significantly advance the cause of human space settlement. One such grant
was to The Fusion Technology Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. See their
progress report … "Demonstration of D3He Fusion in an Inertial Electrostatic
Confinement Device" … AKA ... The Farnsworth Fusor.
F.I.N.D.S was also a sponsor of the CATS prize.
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Charlie Thompson's home page links to some of his varied interests, including his
Radiation Detection Web Page. Also, have a look at the Amateur Radiation Detection
and Experimentation Page.
O E Technologies is a supplier of photomultipliers, and scintillation plastic, neutron
detectors, high vacuum and high voltage components and equipment. They cater to
individual researchers, universities and R & D companies.
Can amateur equipment be used to detect an extrasolar planet? See the results on the
Spectrashift.com web site. This project shows that science is for everyone and that
motivated amateurs can participate in scientific endeavours at all levels.
The Amateur Sky Survey project, (TASS) is building astronomical cameras and
distributing them to sites around the world; our goal is to study bright objects across large
sections of the sky.
The Center for Backyard Astrophysics (CBA) is a global network of small telescopes
dedicated to photometry of cataclysmic variables.
You can find magnets and magnet info on the Magnet Applications Inc. site.
Have you ever wondered where an e-mail address originated? Such as [email protected]
You can use the Internet ISO 3166 Country Codes site to look up the two-character
country code. BTW … pm = St. Pierre et Miquelon
You remember the old adages … "You can't get something for nothing" and " One is born
every minute"? Don't get caught in one of these scams.
The Kids Room
Have you ever wanted to build your own world? Now you can with World Builders!
The main goal of the High School Teachers at CERN site is to document the work done by
the participants of the programme and to collect material useful for classroom activities and
public education in physics. Some of their offerings can be found at:
…… New ways of Doing Familiar Experiments
…… Experiments for Schools
…… Using Feynman Diagrams
Science in the City are students, teachers, families, and science enthusiasts around the
world who are investigating the interaction of the natural and manmade worlds
Ingredients -- What's in the stuff we buy? Find out at the Sci-Toy's Ingredients site.
The Pico Technology's Library of Science contains a number of educational experiments
suitable for use with oscilloscope and data logging products
Robotic Systems Laboratory at the University of Santa Clara.
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The CAPCO Science Class Challenge is an opportunity for teachers to win $500 to $5,000
for their schools and a pizza party for their classes.
Have a look at Bill Beaty's site for some Interesting Science Toys.
From The Far Side
Peter Lynds …. Is this college drop-out really a physics genius, as some people are
claiming or are his ideas naive and flawed? See:
…… The strange story of Peter Lynds
…… Time and Classical and Quantum Mechanics : Indeterminacy vs. Discontinuity
…… Follow the controversy here
The Museum of Unworkable Devices is a celebration of fascinating devices that don't
work. It houses diverse examples of the perverse genius of inventors who refused to let
their thinking be intimidated by the laws of nature, remaining optimistic in the face of
repeated failures.
The general public probably views each Perpetual Motion Machine as a special case. The
physicist or engineer, on the other hand, is very precise and classifies perpetual motion
machines according to which law of thermodynamics they violate. Have a look at Kevin
Kilty's paper on Perpetual Motion and his Perpetual Motion Revisited.
You can't get something for nothing … Tom Napier's FAQ on Heat Based Free Energy.
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WANDERINGS
No. 52
05 December 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--RE: Lab Notes ……. Make Your Own Chemicals:
…. Extracting neodymium from NIB magnets.
…. Extracting potassium nitrate (KNO3) from stump remover.
The Poor Meadow Dyke Sky Survey is an ongoing project to look at variable stars and
asteroids.
The Puckett Observatory is a Private Research Facility owned and operated by Tim
Puckett. The observatory is dedicated to the study of comets and the discovery of
supernovae.
The Bradford Robotic Telescope website is in the final check out stage. Keep checking
this website for updates.
Imagine this …. What if SAS could build and operate their own small earth orbiting satellite?
Fitted with an array of scientific and communication equipment it could possibly be used to
monitor the Earth's magnetic field amoung other things. Perhaps the following links will help
answer the question …. Would it be possible?
…. The technical stuff …. Amateur Satellite Building
…. Perhaps a project could be funded by an F.I.N.D.S grant.
…. OSCAR I … Amateur radio's first satellite. Launched into orbit in December 1961.
…. AMSAT … The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation
…. The BARNACLE Satellite Project at Santa Clara University.
…. The Artemis Picosatellite Project at the University of Santa Clara.
.… University Space Systems Symposium's Power point presentation on the CubeSat
Project.
…. International Academy of Astronautics' paper on Inexpensive Scientific Satellites.
…. The University Space Systems Symposium's goal is to develop and extend
collaborative projects involving the design, fabrication, and operation of aerospace systems.
…. Radio Amateur Space and Satellites links.
…. Australian Amateur Satellite Page.
…. International Telecommunication Union Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Service.
Some vacuum resources may be found at Steve Hansen's the Bell Jar and Roy Schmaus'
Vacuum Technology Page .
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Do you want to look into building your own vacuum pump? Have a look at:
…. Marbaise Philippe's … Building your own vacuum pump.
…. Building Science Toys' hand operated pump.
…. James Redmon's Cheap Little Sucker .
…. Andy MacDonald's vacuum bagging page.
…. An aquarium pump is used to make a simple waterless aspirator.
MACHOs, WIMPs, and neutrinos.
From 1990 to 2001, Thomas S. Ray conducted research in digital evolution, which means
exploring what happens when evolution by natural selection is embedded in the medium of
digital computation
Artificial Life is a field of scientific study that attempts to model living biological systems
through complex algorithms.
The site run by The Tesla Coil Builders of Poland offers many Tesla Links.
The care and feeding of Tesla Coils.
Mark S. Csele's Science and Lasers Page
How to Build Home Made Laser Power Output Meter
Have a look at Bill Beaty's The Science Hobbyist Web Forum.
Vandals hammer ancient caves …. Shocked authorities from Sequoia National Park are
looking for vandals who destroyed hundreds of centuries-old crystalline rock formations in
two caves in the park.
Friends of America's Past provides information about the Kennewick Man dispute, news
of other ancient remains, a variety of views on these issues, and how you can help meet the
challenge to our rights to learn about prehistory.
SAS as Amicus Curiae or "friend of the court", in the case of Festo Corp.'s petition to the
Supreme Court of the United States regarding intellectual property rights. (*.pdf file)
The Sustainable Sciences Institute (SSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to
improving public health worldwide, by helping scientists in developing countries gain access
to the resources needed to address local problems related to infectious diseases
Duniway Stockroom has been supplying reliable vacuum equipment since 1976.
The Surplus Shed buys, sells, and trades government and other surplus and used optical
and electronic items.
The Kids Room
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Teachers and students are invited to visit Saint Mary's University's Physics Demonstration
Resource Page. Of special interest is the Mouse Trap Reactor.
Make your own weather station.
More fun with neodymium magnets.
CyberBee .. A World of Discovery Online - Science Fairs.
Henrik Eriksson's Java demonstration of Nuclear Power Plant Control.
It's 02:00 and with plenty more home work to do you discover that you have just used your
last sheet of graph paper! Don't worry ….. print your own.
Visit the Katerpillars & Mystery Bugs page at the University of Kentucky Department of
Entomology and learn how to make how to make and use an aspirator to collect bugs.
From The Far Side
More Lifter resources from Blaze Labs including their paper on why Lifters will NOT work in
a vacuum.
Gravitational Waves Sensor - Data from sensor which is claimed to observe gravitational
waves.
Immanuel Velikovsky … "One of the most controversial scientists of our times."
After reaching the number 1 spot in the best-sellers list, Velikovsky's Worlds in Collision
was banned from a number of academic institutions, and created an unprecedented
scientific debacle that became known as The Velikovsky Affair.
Thomas Townsend Brown, an American physicist, was a leader in developing theories
concerning the possible link between electromagnetic and gravitational fields
The Coral Castle Mystery … How did the eccentric Latvian recluse, named Edward
Leedskalnin, single-handedly lift and manoeuvre blocks of coral weighing up to 30 tons
each?
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WANDERINGS
No. 53
19 December 2003
Ralph J. Coppola
--I wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year to all SAS members and their
loved ones.
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute, is seeking two teachers to spend part of
the summer participating in research in the marine and environmental science fields.
Each teacher will spend six weeks in summer 2004 engaged in intensive field research.
Note … 17 Jan 2004 is the application deadline.
This site shows the use of a microbarograph to detect low frequency atmospheric gravity
waves.
The Electrical Engineering Page (WebEE.com) offers a wide selection of schematics,
tutorials and software downloads such as …. Signal Processing – Using your Windows
sound card to turn your PC into an oscilloscope and/or a spectrum analyzer.
The techmind.org is devoted to the sharing of enthusiasm and knowledge of various
aspects of science and technology. This includes experiments in sonoluminescence and
sound card audio tools.
Jim Hannon gave us a “heads up” to Kevin M. Dunn’s Caveman Chemistry in Backscatter
for 05 Dec ’03. On this site, you may have noticed a link to Dirod Electrostatic Generators
which are reported to be one of the most reliable electrostatic generators. The Dirods
described here will operate even under humid conditions that would render other
electrostatic devices inoperable
Barry’s coil gun and magnetic levitation page demonstrates many basic concepts of
magnetic machines.
More high voltage resources can be found on Jochen's High Voltage Page and Snock's
World of High Voltage.
The Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network brings us their Seismosurfing Internet page
containing a host of related links.
Make a solar cell in your kitchen.
108
The Redwood City Public Seismic Network brings us their list of resources on Building
Your Own Seismograph Station. It was last updated on 15 Nov’03 and contains a ton of
essential information.
The Google Directory contains a collection of Astrophotography and CCD Imaging links.
Welcome to Stirling Engine Home Page. This page includes instructions on building model
Stirling Engines.
The Inventor’s Handbook was created by the Lemelson-MIT Program to address the
independent inventor's and aspiring entrepreneur's most frequently asked questions
regarding United States patents.
Science Magazine provides an extensive collection of Essays on Science and Society.
PhysicsFinder, from the American Institute of Physics (AIP), is designed to help
researchers find information published in AIP journals. The site is divided into Topics,
Authors and Abstracts.
The Kids Room
Chem4kids offers you a good grounding in chemistry basics. They also host a subscription
site at KAPILI.com .
The Inventor’s Handbook was created by the Lemelson-MIT Program to address the
independent inventor's and aspiring entrepreneur's most frequently asked questions
regarding United States patents.
The Fun Science Gallery has an article entitled …. Let Us Build A Stereo-Zoom
Microscope.
Anthony's Kite Workshop contains information on numerous kite projects and designs.
Particularly the unusual and strange kite designs such as the Tetrahedral kite designs.
From The Far Side
Every once and a while, it might be a good idea to look at Don Lancaster’s article on How
To Bash Pseudoscience, (*.pdf). Don also maintains a library of his pseudoscience
articles.
Pseudoscience signifies false science. Pseudoscience is any scheme of theories, beliefs
and methods wrongly considered as scientific.
Joe Parr says that can regularly get an 800% weight reduction with his Gravity Wheel.
Also, see Dan A Davidson’s e-mail.
See the “Space Energy Test?” in Greg Hodowanec’s Cosmology Notes. Someone must
have been sleeping when inductance was explained in school. 8-)
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ET’s on Mars! Tesla, Lawrence and Hodowanec have actually communicated with her!
Also, see, Robert A. Nelson’s article. …… BTW, Marconi wasn’t to be out done, either.
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110
WANDERINGS
No. 54
09 January 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
---
The e-magazine, Science Week, has been keeping its readers updated to the breaking
news in science regularly each week since May 1, 1997.
The Molecular Expressions website features their acclaimed photo galleries that explore
the fascinating world of optical microscopy. Included, among other resources, are an
Introduction to Optical Microscopy, Specialized Microscopy Techniques, and a
selection of interactive Java tutorials. This site and the related links guarantee many
hours of interesting reading.
Have a look at the images of Mars on NASA's Spirit Rover home page.
The European Space Agency’s web site contains info on their Mars Express. The Beagle
2 Lander has its own web site.
Here is a vast collection of links to Tesla and High Voltage resources.
Do you need a high voltage capacitor but can’t afford one? Try building your own using
plastic beverage cups or polystyrene cups.
The TeraLab web site is Robert Cook’s attempt to document some of the physics
experiments and science projects, which he has carried out in his home lab. They include
high vacuum, electron optics and electrostatics.
The Hitchhikers Guide to Model Rocketry explains everything from getting your first
rocket, to designing your own … complete with a Java simulator.
The Spamhaus Project is working to protect internet networks worldwide by tracking the
internet's worst spammers and by providing real-time anti-spam protection for internet
networks.
The Kids Room
The Women in Science homepage is a growing list of women, past and present. Can you
add to it?
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Famous African-American Scientists compiled by Team 7-1 language arts and science
classes of the Lakeside Middle School, Millville, NJ. Can you make additions?
Free Astronomy Lessons! … Dr Jamie Love will be presenting 4 lessons each month
throughout the year - totalling 48 lessons. This course is a healthy mix of observational and
academic (scientific) astronomy.
Pitsco provides a broad spectrum of unique, innovative solutions for teachers – each with a
focus on hands-on, science / technology-based activities designed to engage and motivate
today’s students.
Ask an Expert … A collection of real world experts, ranging from astronauts to zookeepers.
Here is a DC Brushless Motor that should be relatively easy to construct.
The fun of building toothpick bridges is in smashing them, right? Here's an excellent site
where you can do all that without the mess. “Build It 'n Bust It” does it all with Java.
Try some cool projects from The Museum of Unnatural Mystery’s Mad Scientist's
Laboratory.
On The Lighter Side
Lateral Science …. The home of unusual science and engineering. Some articles are
tongue-in-cheek, while a few others are factual.
The following links from the Lateral Science site could also be listed under the “From The
Far Side” heading. Needless to say, many of these items fall under the category … “Don’t
try these at home!”
The Ernest Glitch Chronicles … Anarchic Experimental Science in Victorian Weardale
England.
Edison … The Drugs Baron Menlo Park.
The Young Man's Book Of Amusement was published in 1854 and within its 384 pages is
a vast selection of interesting and some highly ill-advised experiments and pastimes from
the 19th Century Victorian Science.
From The Far Side
Alchemy … Historically, two forms of pseudo-science were peculiarly prevalent --alchemy
and astrology. Neither of these can, with full propriety, be called a science, yet both were
pursued by many of the greatest scientific workers of the period.
The Museum of Unnatural Mystery is the brainchild of Lee Krystek. Mr. Krystek had for a
long time wanted to build a museum that would explore the fringe edges of science and at
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the same time use those subjects to get people interested in the more mundane aspects of
scientific work
You don’t need aliens or supernatural forces to construct crop circles. Try building your
own … Just don’t get shot by the farmer 8-)
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WANDERINGS
No. 55
23 January 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
---
Correction …. Ely Silk informed me that owner of the Teralab website is Robert Hunt and
not Robert Cook as I stated in WANDERINGS for 09 Jan’04. I don’t know how I goofed as I
usually “cut&paste” names.
BTW, have a look at Ely Silk’s Views From Science web site. Featured here are his works
with LED Fluorescence Microscopy and nanometre-size crystals or quantum dots.
Timothy E. Raney’s excellent site The Journal of Amateur Science is an online journal of
the work of amateur scientists.
Hannes Mayer’s Captain's Universe is another collection of varied interests. The site
contains references to Shawn Carlson’s and Joseph DiVerdi’s work with muon detectors.
Raúl J. Alvarez's many interests are contained on his La Estrellita Observatory site.
AD-Vance Magnetics and the EMF Safety Superstore both supply a wide assortment of
magnetic field shielding products.
Are you interested in astronomy and have access to an old photo copier? If so, why not
build a wide field refractor or Copyscope.
Andrew Davidhazy of the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences, Rochester Institute of
Technology has a collection of articles that may be of interest to the amateur. Some of
which are:
----- Reflected Ultraviolet Digital Photography with improvised UV image converter.
----- How to make a "leaf" or "book" style star tracker mount .
----- Basics of Focusing Schlieren Systems
----- Demonstration of Surface & Interior Conditions of Unevenly Heated Liquids
The New York State Amphibian & Reptile Atlas Project (1990-1999) was a ten year
survey that was designed to document the geographic distribution of New York State's
herpetofauna
The Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company is a virtual museum of pioneer aviation. Among
the numerous resources we can find plans for the 1899 Wright Kite and the 1902 Wright
Glider .
114
Balloon v1.0 is James C. Meehan’s excellent account of his design, construction, launch
and recovery of a high altitude balloon.
The Amateur Radio Club at the University of Hawaii’s web site contains an article on
Balloon Lift with Lighter than air Gases.
The Amateur Radio Club at the University of Hawaii’s web site contains FAA Regulations
Part 101 covering moored and unmanned free balloons, kites, and unmanned rockets.
The National Association of Rocketry (NAR), with 80,000 members, is the oldest and
largest sport rocketry organization in the world.
Download a free public version of Maestro, the primary software tool used by Mission
Control to remotely guide the Mars Exploration Rovers.
Earth’s 2nd Moon? … The asteroid, 3753 Cruithne, is now known to be an unusual
companion of the Earth. This relationship was reported in the journal Nature on 12 June
1997 by Paul Wiegert, Kim Innanen and Seppo Mikkola.
Goodbye Hubble … In response to the Bush administrations shift in priorities, NASA will be
cancelling any further Hubble Space Telescope maintenance.
The Kids Room
Students from universities, colleges and technical schools are invited to participate in the
Student Essay Awards in Magnetics.
Discover the world of sundials. Included is the Shadows program that will assist you in
designing your own sundial.
For the past thirteen years the Joy of Science Program has been fortunate to have Mr.
Martin Schwartz teach science to its' students. Martin has a wealth of experience which he
shares with the children. Here, you will find some of his some of his favourite experiments
that can be safely performed using common household items.
Fact or fiction? Have a look at The Science of Star Trek.
The Aerospace Industries Association and the National Association of Rocketry are
sponsoring the 2004 Team America Rocketry Challenge, for U.S. high school and middle
school students. A total purse of over $50K will be shared by the top ten competitors. The
final competition will take place in Great Meadow, Virginia on May 15, 2004. Wouldn’t it be
great if an SAS sponsored team were to make it into the top 10?
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115
WANDERINGS
No. 56
06 February 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Our editor, Forrest M. Mims III, has a web site dedicated, mainly to his work with
atmospheric ozone, smoke and haze measurements.
This 4 channel thermistor / COM port interface should be fairly easy to build. It has a
range from -40˚C to +105˚C @ 0.1˚C/step and has an error of +/- 0.5˚C at room
temperature.
Van de Graaff electrostatic generator can easily supply the amateur with a source of very
high voltages. Interested? Check out Bill Beaty’s Van de Graaff Electrostatic Generator
Page.
The Science Toys site contains plans for building a simpler Van de Graaff generator.
Further Van de Graaff resources can be found on the Howstuffworks site.
The Triboelectric Series is a list of materials that are capable of generating an electric
charge via friction.
Gordon Couger has updated his microscope site and has included a link, on his Things
To Make page, to The University of Münster’s DIY Scanning-Tunnelling-Microscope.
John D. Alexander has developed a simple Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) suitable
for amateur construction.
The Dept. of Chemistry at the University of Hawaii brings us an interesting article …
Batteries in Fact and Fiction.
The Pervasive Plasma State is an essay by the Division of Plasma Physics of the
American Physical Society.
Sensorland offers a short on various types of Sensors and How They Work.
The Fun With Science page, located on John C. Lahr’s site, contains several unique
Seismometer Designs. See the student competition … Design & Build a Seismometer.
116
Meredith Lamb’s web site contains pictures, circuits and items relating to seismographic
instrumentation, circuits, and descriptions of their use, or functionality potential.
Since 1921, Science Service, a Washington, DC based non-profit organization has strived
to advance the public’s understanding and appreciation of science.
The Why Files presents the science behind the news.
Sherline Tools presents a nice tutorial on Grinding Your Own Metal Lathe Tools.
This year, Earthwatch will organize over 130 field research expeditions in 45 countries.
They will enable participants to work side-by-side with leading scientists.
Hubble Heritage Project maintains a collection of pictures that are the Best From Hubble.
Have you heard about the other space telescope? It’s called the Spitzer Space Telescope
(a.k.a. … the Space Infrared Telescope Facility).
The latest news on NASA's Spirit and Opportunity rovers can be found on their Mars
Exploration Rover Site.
The Kids Room
Can women do science? Of course they can. Check out the three top winners of the 2003
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
Students …. Collect a rock from your area and help Mars scientists understand the red
planet.
Welcome to MarsQuest Online. On this site you can launch a simulated space craft to
Mars, explore the volcanoes and canyons and view the latest rover images.
There are various ways to present a technical report. Dr. Ronald Francis, of the Rochester
Institute of Technology, gives a good example of one of these methods.
The Book Factory offers guidelines for keeping a Laboratory Notebook.
How do you cite a reference, especially for an item that you found on Internet? The Style
and Citations Guides from the California Institute of Integral Studies and the Citation
Styles from the National University of Singapore are two sources offering guidance.
Can we measure the speed of light with cheese? See how, along with a collection of other
demonstrations presented by The Institute of Physics.
Do Science contains many science resources and activities for the student, parent and
teacher.
117
The Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) website contains a
collection of commercial and freeware planetarium and sky simulation programs for
various platforms.
The NASA Langley Atmospheric Sciences Data Center has developed educational
materials related to the Earth's climate. Especially, have a look at look at the Student's
On-Line Atmospheric Research (SOLAR) project.
The Globe Project is a worldwide, hands-on, K-12 based science and education program
which allows students to do real science in the fields of atmospherics, hydrology, soils, and
land cover/phenology.
As part of the Globe Project, NASA’s Langley Research Center's Surface Ozone
Education Project allows students from around the world to measure and share ozone
data from their area.
Wind songs …. Here are a couple of sites that are dedicated to kites and Aeolian music.
On The Lighter Side
A public school teacher was recently arrested at New York's Kennedy airport while trying to
board an aircraft. Attorney General John Ashcroft believes the man is a member of the
extremist Al-Gebra terrorist movement.
Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was quoted referring to “X”, “Y” and the other
unknown members of Al-Gebra.
The RF Café’s provides hours of further humours reading on their Engineering Humour
page.
From The Far Side
Unfortunately, any “Nut” can start a web site and post anything they want or call themselves
a scientist, or engineer or whatever. How can the reader cull the crud from the good stuff?
Probably, the safest thing to do is to treat EVERYTHING with open minded scepticism until
you can verify the facts. The following links may assist you in your evaluation:
---- Practical Steps in Evaluating Internet Resources (Johns Hopkins University).
---- Evaluating Information Found on the Internet (Johns Hopkins University).
---- Whales in the Minnesota River? (Tina Kelley, NY Times).
---- How to Separate Good Data From Bad (Tina Kelley, NY Times).
Would this novel approach for a salt water desalinator actually work? This could make an
interesting science fair project. The world needs inexpensive and efficient systems to
“water” the thirsty.
The public's most widely believed piece of geological knowledge--how petroleum and
natural-gas deposits formed on Earth -- is false -- says Thomas Gold, a noted scientist at
Cornell University.
118
Is this something out of Startrek? Have a look at Thomas Kennedy’s Warp Engine Drive or
Capacitor Array Thruster.
Along the same line, Jean-Louis Naudin has been experimenting with the Serrano's Field
Propulsion Thruster.
And, from Bill Beaty … Electric Rocket ... Capacitor Array Gravity Warp Drive and Re:
u-wave oven: I just melted a beer bottle.
Caution! …. If you are going to play around with high voltage capacitors, besides the
normal safety precautions, have a look at Robert A. Pease article on What's All This
Soakage Stuff, Anyhow? …. Be careful!
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119
WANDERINGS
No. 57
20 February 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Up the road, a wee bit from here, on the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake is the small town of
Baddeck, Nova Scotia. It was here, on 23 Feb 1909, that the Aerial Experiment Association,
under the guidance of Dr. Alexander Graham Bell (the telephone guy), flew the Silver Dart
… The first controlled powered flight in Canada. BTW, there is a museum located there that
highlights much of Bell’s work.
Lawrence Dillard and Jim Hannon were looking for a source of resistance card to plot
equal potential contours. Pasco carries a product called … Conductive Paper with Grid
#PK-9025. The uses of this paper would make an interesting item for the Bulletin.
BBC News reports that Hubble sees the most distant object, yet detected, in the Universe.
The Nexus Research Group outlines how the amateur biochemist or geneticist can put
together a small inexpensive laboratory.
What is electrophoresis? The Rochester Institute of Technology and Davidson College,
each, have a version of a Java electrophoresis simulator.
Alan Swithenbank’s site contains descriptions of his DIY work with single-phase
motor/generators, polyphase motor/generators and, Tesla Boundary Layer Turbine.
Takeshi Akamatsu has designed and built an interesting Desktop Line Following Robot.
If you are “into” seismometers, tiltmeters or pendulums, then Randall D. Peters site will be
of great interest. For one thing, in his paper …. The Study of Complex Mechanical
Oscillators using an Inexpensive Computer Acquisition and Processing System , he
shows us how to use a computer game port as an inexpensive A/D converter. Check out his
Home Page for additional interesting links. Such as A Novel EarthWave Instruments …
and … The Stirling Engine-Refrigerator.
A lot of Peter’s work involves the use of his Symmetric differential capacitive sensors
(SDC). They should prove to be of some interest to the amateur. For example … see Allan
Coleman’s Broadband Seismometer for an Amateur Application.
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A simple design for a Differential Capacitance Measurement Circuit for Tilt Meter can
be found on The Discover Circuits web site.
With the rapid drop in the cost of red laser pointers, more applications are beginning to
appear on the web.
…. Thomas C. Altman’s Laser Pointer Applications.
…. Rex Rice and Mark Schober’s . Double-Slit Diffraction with a Laser Pointer and
Printer.
…. Andy, Le Magicien’s laser pointer driver. .… This does not apply to all pointers. My $1
unit does not contain the PDA photodiode. BTW … I use a pointer as an “optical leash”,
while walking my dog. She loves to chase the spot and gets about 10X the exercise that she
would normally get.
International Light, a supplier of NIST Traceable Light Measurement Systems, offers their
Light Measurement Handbook, online, in either pdf or html formats.
Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions (TAOS) carries a range OF LIGHT to
FERQENCY, LIGHT to VOLTAGE and COLOUR sensors.
Would you like to have your own radar to, perhaps, track a model or what ever? If so, have
a look at Steve Bragg’s site …Building Your Own Amateur Radar.
Paul Wade’s The W1GHZ Online Microwave Antenna Book will be useful to any would be
amateur radar builders. Since the book is in pdf format, you will have to download the free
Adobe Reader, to view the files.
There are many different types of radar displays or presentations. A few are shown in the
US Naval Air Warfare Center’s EW and Radar Systems Engineering Handbook.
The Decibel (db) is generally defined as a logarithmic power ratio. The US Naval Air
Warfare Center has a good tutorial on this, often misunderstood, term.
The US Naval Air Warfare Center, also, has a nice collection of Constants, Conversions
and Characters.
Thomas B. Greenslade’s Instruments for Natural Philosophy is an online museum
featuring a collection of antique physics apparatus.
Are they or aren’t they? ……. Rotating Gears.
The Kids Room
Whether you are preparing a presentation for class, a science fair or the Citizen Science
Conference a skill with poster sessions would be a valuable tool. The following are a few of
the resources that are available on the web:
…. Creating Posters for Humanities & Social Sciences …. (Lewis-Clark State College)
…. Introduction: Poster Sessions … (The Writing Center, Colorado State University)
…. Effective Presentations …. (The University of Kansas)
…. Developing a Poster Presentation …. (The University of Kansas)
121
…. The Poster Session …. (A Guide to Writing in the Biological Sciences, George
Mason University)
…. Professional Looking Posters …. (Nexus Research)
Here is a chance to get on the bandwagon and engage in some DIY science. Shawn
Carlson’s Amateur Scientist Column When Hazy Skies Are Rising featured the low cost
atmospheric haze sensor designed by Forrest M. Mims III.
15 Jan ’04 … The Acid Rain Watch is an international online middle school project that
was designed in co-operation with science educators and is sponsored by the Québec
English School Network. The project offers your class the possibility of implementing a real
scientific inquiry into a real problem: acid rain.
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research provides Cycles of the Earth
and Atmosphere, an online module for middle school teachers.
Test your physics IQ with The Basic Physics Savvy Quiz.
The Pickle Files …. This is part of the Science of Cooking page from the Exploratorium.
Don’t Hold The Pickles …. This is Dawn Levy’s article about theatrics animating chemistry
classes.
The Science Connection, a science outreach program by faculty and students at the
University of Arizona, has a collection of science related lesson plans.
Abour Scientific’s web site is packed full of resources for the K12 science teacher.
Especially interesting is their Cool Stuff Newsletter.
Build a Newton Blaster … a simple display for the classroom or local science museum.
They say “a picture is worth a thousand words”. In that case would a Java Applet be worth a
thousand pictures? The following links may provide you with hours of browsing and playing.
Enjoy! … Dolores Gende’s Physics Simulations are a collection of links to a vast collection
of physics Java simulations. Further links can be found on Tim Tyler’s various domains. A
good starting place would be his Simulated Physics Using Virtual Atoms page. Also, see
the Physics 1 Applet Page from Cal Tech.
Darwin2K is a free program simulating the automated design and evolution of robots.
The Australian based Technology School of the Future has a collection of resources for
science teachers.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) inspires in young
people, their schools and communities an appreciation of science and technology, and of
how mastering these can enrich the lives of all. FIRST teams up with the Lego League to
host the First Lego League International Challenge 2004. The challenge consists of
authentic scientific research in the form of a hands-on robotics design contest.
Imagine … experimenting with fibre optics and then being able to eat your experiment! See
Edible Fibre Optics and other activities from Islamic-world.net.
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On The Lighter Side
Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) … aka: Dihydrogen Oxide or Hydric acid is a colourless
and odourless chemical compound that has been found to be lethal to humans even in
small quantities. See the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Dihydrogen Monoxide.
There are some organizations that think that DHMO is utterly harmless and are fighting
steps to ban this hazardous chemical.
Movies will never be the same after reading … Insultingly Stupid Movie Physics
Jupiter Scientific has a collection of General Science Jokes … If you didn't get the joke;
you probably didn't understand the science behind it.
From The Far Side
Cold Fusion ….. Fact or Fiction? The controversy lives on. Here are a few of the many
pages presenting both the Pro’s and Con’s of the debate.
Benny Kee of Lynnwood, Wash. Asks Scientific American’s Ask an Expert …
“What is the current scientific thinking on Cold Fusion? Is there any possible validity
to this phenomenon?”
Is there a conspiracy to kill Cold Fusion technology?
…. The War Against Cold Fusion …. What's really behind it?
…. MIT and Cold Fusion
Dr. Edmund Storms’s site … Taking The Chill Out Of Cold Fusion gives a pro Cold
Fusion view.
The New Energy Foundation, Inc.’s Infinite Energy web site contains an archive of
selected back articles including Cold Fusion.
Jean-Louis Naudin, of Lifter fame, has also done work with a Cold Fusion Reactor.
Cold Fusion Research … A Report of the Energy Research Advisory Board to the United
States Department of Energy prepared by the National Capital Area Skeptics
From MIT Tech Talk … The Cold Fusion Mystery Continues.
DIY … Try it your self with The $0.06 Cold Fusion Energy Device.
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WANDERINGS
No. 58
05 March 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Starting in this week’s column and hopefully from time to time in the future, I will be head
lining a special site or topic.
Headliner
The other day I came across the excellent site hosted by The Nexus Research Group.
This organization is dedicated to providing the ambitious amateur, of all ages, with enough
detailed "how-to" secrets of research to allow them to make original discoveries.
While looking around their site I found an article describing a simple low cost Black Box
Data Logger that was built by two New Zealand students. The logger is based on a
PICAXE microprocessor chip. Not being familiar with the PICAXE, I did a GOGGLE search
and found a pile of info.
The PICKAXE family of microcontroller chips is based on Microchip’s PIC series. The
difference comes from the bootstrap software that Revolution Education Ltd, a UK
company, adds to the PIC’s converting them to a PICAXE. This software allows the PICAXE
to be easily programmed from a PC via a serial cable. A free MS Windows editor is
available that allows the PICKAXE to be programmed in BASIC or by flowchart. The
downside of the PIC/PICAXE’s is their very small memory … but … depending on the chip
selected they come fitted with built-in A/D converters … a definite plus.
The following are a few related sites that I’ve come across.
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PICAXE FAQ
PICAXE Resources from School Electronics
The PICAXE processor.
PICAXE the new millennium’s 555!
A PICAXE Summary
The PICAXE Page
A US source of PICAXE’s from Peter H. Anderson.
The Tinkerers' Delight : an overview of the PICAXE
Connecting the SRF08 sonar module to a PICAXE
AXEBot: The PICAXE Robot project.
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•
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Mighty Mouse: A PICAXE based robot built into an old PC mouse body.
A bicycle turn signal: A primary student programs a PICKAXE.
Dantronics: A PICAXE source
Dantronics Home Page.
Al Williams’s site contains an excellent PIC Tutor
Embedded Processor Control: Peter H. Anderson’s PIC’s, Stamps & PICAXES
PIC Tips & Tricks from Microchip.
Micro resources from ePanorma.net.
PIC resources from ePanorma.net
PIC Tips
The I2C Serial Bus
The I2C FAQ
Wanderings
The Wikipedia project is a multilingual on line encyclopedia that allows its users to read,
add or edit the content. Tim Davis has, already, made a Wikipedia entery for SAS.
Along the same line is Wikibooks. They hope to assemble a collection of text books that
will be written collaboratively on line. For example, see the Physics Text.
Tim brings us another interesting URL ---- NASA’s JPL and CalTech shows us how, with a
little effort, can produce 3D pictures. Thanks for the URL’s , Tim.
I intended to write a short piece, for the e-Bulletin, about converting a junked PC power
supply to lab use, but Andy Batts seems to have beaten me to it. He’s even done a better
job than I would have done. 8-)
Even though it’s almost spring, this neat site, SnowCrystals.com, is a guide to snowflakes,
snow crystals, and other ice phenomena. It gives directions on how you can experiment with
artificial snow flakes, even in the heat of summer.
James Spottiswoode built a Diamagnetic Suspension Seismometer for $20US.
The Amateur Laser Construction section of Sam's Laser FAQ has an excellent section
on the Introduction to Vacuum Systems and Technology.
SAS member Bruce Conover converted Technique of High Vacuum (Chapter 3 of
Procedures in Experimental Physics by John Strong) from text to web. This and other
archived articles were found on the SAS Archive at The Waybackmachine.
Scanning Force Microscopy (SFM) is early offspring of Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy.
The force between a scanner tip and the surface of the sample is used to image the surface
topography.
Jürgen Müller’s Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (STM) page links to other amateur and
professional STM sites.
125
Mark VanLandingham’s paper, The Effect of Instrumental Uncertainties on AFM
Indentation Measurements, discusses the accuracy and precision of measurements taken
with various types of scanning probe microscopes (SPMs).
I haven’t dealt with Information Unlimited but they seem like an excellent source for
inexpensive high voltage capacitors and diodes. They also carry a 1000 Meg 10kv
resistor for $12.95US. The leakage characteristics of these resistors might be improved by
the application of Natural Ceresin Wax as per page 258 of Strong.
The Texas Instrument’s TSL235, Light to Frequency Converter, provides a convent method
of getting light intensity information into a computer. TAOS shows a typical application of
the TSL235 on their site.
Along with Tony van Roon’s extensive collection of electronic circuits for the hobbyist is
a selection of tutorials. For example, have a look at the section on Capacitors.
The National Academy of Sciences has a collection of over 3000 free online books.
Martin V. Zombeck's Handbook of Space Astronomy & Astrophysics and M. Mitchner
and Charles H. Kruger’s Partially Ionized Gases are now available as e-books.
Recently, there was an interesting program on the Discovery Channel. The program
featured W.T. Wallington, a retired carpenter, who demonstrates his theories of how the
ancient builders may have manipulated huge building blocks.
If you have ever had a desire to perhaps build your own Stonehenge you should take a
look at the Big Stones Web Site.
Egyptology.com presents The Best Egypt Links On The Web.
The San Francisco Exploratorium has an interesting section on The Evolution of
Language. In this article a references made to The International Phonetic Alphabet
(IPA).
The Linguistics Department at the University of Victoria has a nice collection of *wav files
illustrating the various sounds of the IPA.
Red Deer Collage’s Thought & Language site is a collection of cognition and language
links.
NASA reports that they have evidence of a giant black hole ripping apart an unlucky star
The Planetary Society presents A Mars Timeline by A. J. S. Rayl. This site chronicles to
exploration of Mars from 300BC to the present era.
The Kids Room
126
The purpose of NASA's Earth Observatory is to provide freely-accessible scientific
information and new satellite imagery of our home planet. Of special interest is a series
featuring Sarah Mims, our editor’s youngest daughter. See parts 2 3 and 4.
Get involved! ---- ISS EarthKAM is a NASA sponsored project that allows middle school
students from around the world to remotely photograph the earth from the International
Space Station.
Drive a Rover at the Mars Stations! ---- The Planetary Society and LEGO Company have
teamed together to establish a network of Mars Stations around the world. Each station
contains a LEGO® rover equipped with a Web camera that you can drive over the Internet!
DNA and genetic engineering ---The Nexus Research Group uses an original protocol to
isolate human DNA. Instructions are also given on how to use electrophoresis to form a
DNA “fingerprint”. Your time would be well spent looking around the Nexus site. What about
their Microbiology SIG?
While we are on the subject of DNA and PCR, don’t forget Shawn’s July 2000 Amateur
Scientist Column ---- PCR at Home.
Basic Molecular Biology: The Cell and DNA.
Michael and Christine Fenton have an excellent article on how to construct the
SmartMouse Data Logger by modifying a PC mouse.
Rick Hoadley’s Magnet Man web site contains a vast collection of cool and interesting
experiments you can do with permanent and electro-magnets.
Maxwell SV, from Ansoft, is a free full-featured program that allows for two-dimensional,
electromagnetic, and electrostatic-field simulation.
MeteorObs is an Internet forum for meteor observers of all levels
Collect micrometeorites in your own back yard.
Question …. Are micrometeorites real or actually industrial pollution? …. A possible
Answer.
Windows to the Universe! is a graphics intensive resource for K12 students and teachers.
MathMol (Mathematics and Molecules) serves as introduction for those interested in the
field of molecular modeling.
On The Lighter Side
The News of the Weird site is a weekly syndicated newspaper column featuring bizarre but
interesting news features.
Along these same lines is Amara's Stranger than Fiction site.
127
From The Far Side
A search of the US Patent Office for NASA’s patent # 6,317,310 reveals --- An Apparatus
And Method For Generating Thrust Using A Two Dimensional, Asymmetrical
Capacitor Module. In order to view the *.tiff images a third party browser plug-in, such as
interneTIFF, must be downloaded from the web.
Directions for building a DIY NASA Capacitor Thruster can be found on J.L. Naudin’s
site.
Electric powered rock? ---- What will they think of next?
Petradox" Or "The Williams Enigmalith"
8-) … See "The Williams
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128
WANDERINGS
No. 59
19 March 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
This week, we will be featuring Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication. Besides producing
and prototyping the original design, the two hardest steps in making a PCB are converting
the schematic to artwork and then transferring the artwork to the bare copper clad board.
Fortunately, with the advent of the PC these tasks were greatly simplified.
CadSoft’s EAGLE Software is an easy to use, powerful and affordable schematic capture
and PCB design package. Several versions of the EAGLE package are available ---“freeware”, “Non-Profit” and “Professional”.
CircuitMaker 2000 is a top of the line professional schematic capture and PCB design
suite. They offer a free downloadable evaluation version as well as a free student edition.
ExpressPCB, also, has a free PCB CAD software program. Additionally, they offer a
service where they will take your PCB artwork and produce 3 professional quality PCB’s for
$51US. They also have a page of general tips for PCB production.
Pete's Homebrew Homepage contains a very simple method of using the MS Paint utility
to layout your PCB artwork. ---- I really like this one!!! Included are:
• PCB Designer ---- The ultimate in PCB design.
• Resizing Your Artwork ---- Reducing your artwork to 0.1 in. spacing.
• Artwork To Copper ---- How to transfer your design to a copper-clad board.
• Etching Your PCB's ---- How to stain your clothes/house/pets, etc.
How To Make PCB’s using glossy paper and a laser printer.
The Easy PC Boards method uses an Avery label backing sheet and a laser printer.
Think & Tinker provides an e-book printed circuit prototyping featuring their Press-n-Peel
PCB Transfer Film.
Pulsar’s Toner Transfer System is another method of using special purpose films.
Dan Feeback’s Site offers some general tips for making PCB`s.
129
You will have to have some soldering skills to populate your new PCB with components.
In addition to the above resources, I have a few hints that I have collect over the years of
home brewing PCB`s.
• Practice --- Practice --- Practice --- Practice!
• You do not need exotics to clean the PCB before or after etching. A SOS soap pad
works fine.
• You can easily edit the resist pattern with a permanent marker and a razor knife.
• Do not use an inkjet printer. The ink is not waterproof
Once your PCB is built you may want to stick it in a nice looking box. The following links will
help you in customizing a meter face plates and panel layouts.
This reprint of the Oct’02 QST article, Custom Panel Meter Faces, highlights Jim Tonne’s
program for producing custom meter faces.
Frank Kamp suggests that you could scan the original meter face then edit the image with
a drawing program.
John McDonough has written two freeware programs … DIAL for constructing meter dials
and PANEL for equipment panels.
Wanderings
In the 10 Jun`96 issue of The Scientist magazine, Bruce V. Bigelow wrote an interesting
article entitled ---- Amateur Scientists making Significant Discoveries While Fighting
To Receive Recognition And Respect
Robotbooks.com has a huge selection of robotics books, robot toys, movies, educational
toys, magazines, motors, and robot kits.
Even though Radio-Sky Publishing caters mainly to amateur radio astronomers, the site
also contains resources that could be adapted by other amateur scientists. Take for
example their Radio-SkyPipe. This is a freeware strip chart program for your PC that uses
a 16 bit sound card or ADC.
The WebEE.com web site contains a vast collection of information such as a schematic
library and a selection of tutorials. Of special interest may be their downloadable signal
processing programs.
Have you ever wondered what “that” scientific term meant? The Scientific Computing Co.
has links to several online glossaries of scientific terms.
Alex Ryer has a very useful e-book ---- Light Measurement Handbook.
Under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation, William H. Heidcamp produced
an online text ---- Cell Biology Laboratory Manual.
130
The eMachineShop is the new way to get the custom parts you need for your next project.
Iguana Labs provides a selection of electronic kits for students, educators, hobbyists, and
engineers. They also have a wide selection of on-line tutorials.
Bathymetry, Topography, and Relief ---- Data & imagery, from NOAA, describing the
shape of Earth's land surface & seafloor
The Amateur Telescope Makers site (ATM) site is a collection of resources for the
amateur astronomer.
Peter Abrahams has compiled a comprehensive collection of links chronicling the history
of telescopes and binoculars.
Is Brian Manning’s Grating Ruling Engine the ultimate in DIY precision? This article first
appeared in the Apr `75 Amateur Scientist column. If not, what is? Let’s hear your opinions
in Backscatter.
The http://www.vlf.it/ is an extensive collection of links related to ULF, ELF and VLF radio
waves.
Integrated Publishing is an e-library containing online reprints of a wide selection of U.S.
military subjects. Also check their archive.
Dan Gookin’s Unofficial C for Dummies web site is an online companion for his books, C
for Dummies, Volumes I and II.
The NASA Telerobotics Program’s Cool Robot of the Week is a few years out of date but
still has a lot of robot links.
The Butterfly Conservancy hosts a collection of links for butterfly lovers.
Nigel Goodwin’s site contains free programming software for various chips in the PIC
series of micro-controllers.
Tony Baker shares his theories and knowledge of archaeology on his web site --Paleoindian & Other Archaeological Stuff.
McAllister Technical Services has a Short History of Vacuum Terminology and
Technology, as well some Scanning Tunneling Microscopes (STM) info.
The Kids Room
With all the stuff that’s posted on the Web, how does one separate the good from the
junk?
Lonely? Grand Illusions has a little dragon pet for you to down load.
131
The purpose of the YogiCub project is to design and implement LEGO mechanical
subsystems like those found on a NASA Rover.
The University of Florida's Radio Observatory Online Project brings the radio emissions
(including sounds) of Jupiter and the Sun to students, teachers, and the general public.
The Radio JOVE Project allows students and amateur scientists to observe and analyze
natural radio emissions of Jupiter and the Sun.
Science Junction is a cyber community for teachers, students and researchers of science.
QuarkNet enables high school students and teachers to participate in high-energy physics
experiments operating at CERN and other research centres.
The Particle Adventure opens the field of force and matter.
On The Lighter Side
Just in time for Easter ---- Marshmallow Peeps presents an in-depth scientific study of a
favourite Easter treat. Be sure to have a look at their Literature Review link.
From The Far Side
On 12 Feb’04 The Discovery Channel’s program Beyond Invention, ran a piece titled “New
Energy”. This show featured Tim Ventura and his lifters, John Hutchison and the
Hutchison Effect and Joe Newman and his free energy claims.
Too bad SAS could not get this kind of coverage. 8-(
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WANDERINGS
No. 60
02 April 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Magnetometers can find a place in many applications such as mine detection, security,
treasure hunting, mineral exploration, aurora monitoring, geophysical research and let’s not
forget --- UFO detection. 8-) The following is a collection of magnetometer related links that
I have been collecting for a year or so.
General Information
• Magnetic and Electric Fields
• Practical magnet design
• Don Lancaster’s Tech Musings on magnetometers.
• An overview of the various types magnetic sensors.
• Magnetometers --- Everything you ever wanted to know.
• The Magnetometer Forum
• Yahoo’s Magnetometer Discussion Group.
• Online Aurora Beacon & Magnetometer Site.
• SAMNET - The UK Sub-Auroral Magnetometer Network
• The Magnetosphere or the Earth’s magnetic field.
• The Magnetopause is the interface between the shocked solar wind in the
magnetosheath and the geomagnetic field and plasma in the magnetosphere.
• The Aurora Index from the University of Alaska.
• This NASA site provides teachers and students with the latest information about
auroral science, and the study of Earth's magnetic field.
DIY
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The Magnetometer Group shows how to build several types of sensors.
The Geotech’s site contains info on magnetometers and geophysics.
Building a Flux Gate Magnetometer.
A simple toroidal-core, single-axis fluxgate magnetometer.
A Two pole Magnetometer using 2 FGM-3 sensors.
Build an inexpensive Hall effect Gaussmeter.
A Unique Home-Built Magnetometer using a Hall-Effect sensor.
A Compass Detector is used as an aurora detector.
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A Compass Needle is used as a torsion pendulum magnetometer.
Dan's DIY proton precession magnetometer.
J.A. Koehler’s notes on the design of a proton precession magnetometer.
Build A Proton Precession Magnetometer I.
Build A Proton Precession Magnetometer II .
Build A Proton Precession Magnetometer III .
Taking the Earth's Magnetic Pulse.
Taking the Earth's Magnetic Pulse - Redux.
An Automated Precision Magnetometer
The Torsion Balance Magnetometer at the Northern Colorado Earth Magnetism
Observatory.
A Torsion Balance Magnetometer --- adapted from a poster session presented at
the 2002 SAS Conference.
A Novel Torsion Pendulum Magnetometer.
Construction of an Inexpensive Torque Magnetometer.
An Amateur Science Project.
K12
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A high school magnetometer array for space physics education and research.
The Illinois MagNet, offers students the chance to study of the Earth's magnetic
field.
A Jam Jar or Soda Bottle Magnetometer
NASA’s Soda Bottle Magnetometer Project.
Build two advanced Jam Jar Magnetometers.
Recording Earth Field Magnetometer.
Gem Systems’ Student Essay Awards help to support students of earth science
and magnetics.
Commercial Sites
• NVE is a manufacturer of Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors.
• The Simple Aurora Monitor (SAM) is a fluxgate magnetometer kit.
• Fat Quarters Software is a source of the Speake & Company FGM magnetic
sensors.
• Engineering and Application Notes on the use of the AA002-02 magnetoresistive
sensor.
One thing that I noticed was that the proton precession magnetometer listed above use
distilled water in the sensor, but the professional units that I’ve seen use JP4 … i.e.
kerosene.
Wanderings
This one’s for you, Forrest ---- Dave DuBois’ Aerosol Optical Thickness Measurement
Page shows the project results for a graduate class in atmospheric measurements at the
University of Nevada, Reno.
Kevin T. Kilty’s site has a possible answer to Bob Hall’s coffee mug question.
(Backscatter --- 26Mar’04)
134
Have a look at George’s Science Links and Amateur Holography pages.
Hindenburg & Hydrogen --- Was hydrogen the cause of the Hindenburg disaster? Find out
in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Science On Line feature --- Dr. Karl’s Great
Moments In Science.
Here is another easy PCB fabrication method using laser printer toner transfer.
A Microcomputer Time Line --- The history of microcomputers from 1926 to 2001.
The gestalt of the flock! --- or --- Boids of a feather flock together!
How do certain flocks of birds seem to, simultaneously, turn en masse.
The Inventors Gallery has an exert from Leonardo daVinci’s "Treatise Upon The Flight
Of Birds."
The Inventors Gallery has compiled an index of Aviation Publications Organized by
Publication Date.
The Little Engine Pages and StirlingSouth are companion sites dedicated to the
construction of Stirling and other types of model engines.
John C. Lahr’s Fun With Science page carries an article on Ed Phillips' Magnetic
Levitation experiments. A few other magnetic levitation sites can be found at:
• Magnetic Levitation – contains magnetic and diamagnetic levitation sites plus some
links that should be listed in “From The Far Side”.
• Diamagnetically Stabilized Magnet Levitation.
Dr Jamie Love’s Science Explained attempts to explain the exciting things going on in the
world of science. He also hosts Merlin's Academy which offers cost effective on line course
especially written for home schoolers and other distance learners. Genetics --- is a free
example of one of his self-learning course.
Phil Plait’s Bad Astronomy site explains the common misconceptions in movies, TV and
the news.
Phil Plait’s Top 5 Cosmic Myths explains 5 of the common myths.
Bad Coriolis --- Which way does your toilet flush?
The Science Workshop offers a "Poor Man's Spectrum Analyzer" kit.
Stonehenge ain’t the only pile of rocks in the British Isles. The Megalithic Portal site has
an excellent map showing that the Irish, Welch and Scots had a lot of time on their hands.
Allan Coleman has developed several interesting seismometers:
• An Optoelectronic Horizontal Vbb Seismometer
• The Model MkXV variable capacitance seismometer.
• The Model MkXVII broad band variable capacitance seismometer.
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This Italian site contains links to software, resources and bookmarks for the professional
and amateur seismologist.
If you want to build a Candu Reactor 8-) you’ll need a source of deuterium oxide (D2O) or
as it’s commonly known --- heavy water. United Nuclear carries an extensive line or
supplies and chemicals including heavy water.
It looks like heavy water is also used in the cosmetic industry.
The Kids Room
The Intel Science and Engineering Fair will be held in Portland OR from 9 to 15 May
2004. The organizers are looking for volunteers in many areas. Can you help?
The Science Toy Maker Home Page is an excellent source of things for you and your child
to do on a rainy day.
Have a look at the Teacher’s Stuff and Science Tricks on the Surfing Scientist web site.
Ken Blackburn, Guinness record for time aloft for paper airplanes, shares some of his skills
on his Paper Airplane Page.
Bizarre Stuff site shows you how to conduct many experiments with the commonly found
materials.
Powells.com offers a wide selection of science books.
From The Far Side
Project Hessdalen is conducting a study of the strange and unexplained lights that
appeared at many locations throughout the Valley.
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136
WANDERINGS
No. 61
DATE 09 April 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
This week’s column will be a bit different than usual. As most of you know, WANDERINGS
is posted every other week, therefore my next column isn’t due until 16 Apr. But, I couldn’t
let the premier issue of the new CITIZEN SCIENTIST be published with out thanking
Sheldon, our Webmister, and Forrest, our editor, for the great job that was done with the reformat.
For some additional news ----- I’ve set up a SAS Chat Room for us to try out. This room is a
no frills freebee package that was supplied by Chatz.com (See the FAQ). If we find that the
room is a useful tool for the advancement of amateur science, we could up grade it to a full
featured package which will give us a broad spectrum of bells and whistles.
To join the Chat Room:
1. Go to Chat Room. --- (http://www.chatzy.com/?972568022735)
2. Choose a name/alias --- ( I am rjc )
3. Choose a colour -------- Please don’t use red.
4. Use password --- davinci --- to log in.
Even though the Room will be open 24/7, let’s try and conduct most business between the
hours of 7:00 and 11:59 PM EDST.
At this time, the only rules will be:
• --- please keep on topic (science)
• --- be courteous
• --- keep it clean
• --- be brief --- For longer discussions you could switch over to e-mail.
Hope to see you online
Enjoy
Ralph J. Coppola --- aka = rjc
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137
WANDERINGS
No. 62
DATE 16 April 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
The back issues of Scientific American contain many interesting articles besides our
beloved Amateur Scientist. If your local library doesn’t have the issue that you need, try:
• Scientific American Digital is offering all issues, from 1993 to the present, as an
online pay per view service.
• Million Magazines has most back issues of Scientific American, from 1897 to 2004,
starting at $29.95 each.
• At one time, before the advent of Scientific American Digital, SA posted many of their
articles online at < http://www.sciam.com/>.
• The Wayback Machine web archive service backed up many issues of the Amateur
Scientist, while they were still offered online.
• Bill Beaty’s site contains an index of Wayback’s Amateur Scientist, archive.
• Clair L. Stong’s book --- The Scientific American Book of Projects for the
Amateur Scientist --- is available at Amazon.com. That is if you have the “big
bucks”. The SAS CD is, by far, a better buy!
• Read Shawn Carlson’s review of the Amateur Scientist CD.
Wanderings
What is a Citizen Scientist --- Our editor, Forrest M. Mims III, refers to himself as a citizen
scientist. He has a university degree in government but no formal training in science --- But
that has never stopped him.
Amateur Science--Strong Tradition, Bright Future --- an essay by Forrest M. Mims III.
Do you have an interest in chemistry? If so, be sure and drop in to Mitch Andre Garcia's The
Chemical Forums. It has something for every one --- whether you are a professional,
amateur or student.
Can you devise any interesting applications for ferrofluids? Perhaps a magnetic clutch
might be useful.
For those of you who would like to experiment with ferrofluids, but don’t wish to mix up a
batch --- Rare Earth Magnets offers a 70 ml bottle of ferrofluid for $28.95 US.
138
A “kitchen sink” or K12 approach to ferrofluids may be found in the 26 Sep’03 issue of the
Bulletin.
Drop in on the HV Community and follow some of their discussions on various DIY topics.
From time to time, I may use a Pelican Case to transport delicate instruments or even as
the chassis for a DIY project. They are GREAT and very reasonably priced. The only draw
back is trying to cut the interior foam pads so that my device will fit, snugly, into the case.
Shawn informed me of a company called CaseCAD who should be able to take most of the
work out of fabricating a customized shock resistant case lining. I have not tried them yet,
but I will be keeping them in mind for future applications. Thanks, Shawn.
The University of North Dakota is conducting high altitude research using balloons as
well as conventional rockets.
The U.S. Homeland Security Act threatens amateur rocketry.
A simple and rewarding DIY project is the Leeuwenhoek Microscope. The folloeing are but
a few of the appropriate web sites that should get you started:
• How to Make a Van Leeuwenhoek Microscope Replica .
• Leeuwenhoek's microscope
• A Glass-Sphere Microscope
In the Apr.’91 issue of Science Probe! SAS Roger Baker has an excellent article about all
aspects of construction of a Leeuwenhoek Microscope. It would be well worth the effort of
trying to track down a reprint if you are interested building one for your self. Forrest, any
idea of how we can get reprints from Science Probe!?
Does Dianna Hrabovsky article on Magnetohydrodynamics (Citizen Scientist 9 Apr ’04)
relate to the DIY amateur? Of course it can! It so happens that in the Feb. 1984 issue of
Radio-Electronics, there was an article, “Build This MHD Generator”, by John Iovine. You
might not be able to find a copy of this article in your local library --- but not to worry --- Mr.
Iovine included a similar project in his book “Electronic Projects for the 21st Century”.
Have a look at the Table of Contents and you may find other projects that may be of interest
to you. I liked the original generator better as he used oven bankable modeling clay and
pencil “leads” for the electrodes instead of the copper wires that were used in the book.
The June ‘02 issue of Science Magazine carried an essay by Paula Gould titled Two Good
Women, or Too Good to Be True? This is a short write up about Caroline Herschel
(astronomy) and Mary Somerville (mathematics).
While not being directly relater to science, David M. MacMillan’s Delightful Machines will
prove to be of interest to the DIY basement hacker.
The Kids Room
Pathfinder Science --- Creating Student Scientists --- not --- Science Students. Why not
take part in one of their many research projects?
139
The Journal of Chemical Education has an extensive list of women and minorities in
science.
UAVs or flying robots, similar to Dr. Paul MacCready’s AeroVironment Mini-UAVs might
prove to be an interesting and challenging project.
Many of the deaths, in developing countries, are caused by the lack of suitable drinking
water. Watercan.com provides a set of activities that will allow students to conduct a series
of experiments simulating various water filtration and purification techniques.
Kites are a perfect teaching tool, offering lessons in art, science, mathematics, history,
recreation, culture, geography and, well -- fun!
The Chicago Section of the American Chemical Society brings us ChemShorts for Kids.
On The Lighter Side
How big is a billion dollars … or more correctly … $87 billion dollars?
See the results of a GOOGLE search for Weapons of Mass Destruction. Be sure to read
the fine print. 8-)
From The Far Side
Here is a new twist on rainmaking --- Build your own crystal powered Cloud Buster.
The Doctor’s back! Who? Yes, that’s right Dr. Who!
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140
WANDERINGS
No. 63
23 April 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Wanderings
Do you have a science related web site? Please don’t be shy. Let us know your URL so that
I can post it in WANDERINGS. If you took the time and effort to produce a site, then you
deserve to have it listed. Hay! I even have one, or I should say, “HAD”. I no longer subscribe
to this SP but they never closed out my site. It’s there, but I can’t edit it. My Map, Compass
& GPS Resources page was set up to support a course that I teach now and then.
David Saum shows us how to build a simple VLF radio receiver that can detect sudden
ionospheric disturbances (SID) caused by x-rays from solar flares or gamma ray bursts
(GRB).
Another one of David Saum ‘s pages details a DIY seismometer that can detect
earthquakes worldwide. This inexpensive design is based microprocessors and newer
chips.
The VLF/ELF working group at the University of Otago, NZ, is an international group of
scientists that is studying the behaviour of the magnetosphere and ionosphere by means of
ELF (300 Hz - 3 kHz) and VLF (3-30 kHz) radio waves
Radio Waves below 22kHz explores natural radio signals and strange emissions at very
low frequencies.
The Altair site presents an exploration of the electromagnetic spectrum plus a few other
odds and ends.
Wind Stuff Now offers projects and resources for the DIY wind power experimenter.
The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory Mirror Laboratory are able to construct
giant, lightweight telescope mirrors of unprecedented power.
141
Theodore Gray’s article, in the May ’04 issue of Popular Science, shows that the eBay, on
line auction house, offers an amazing collection of gear, supplies, and chemicals for the DIY
experimenter.
Brooke Clarke’s web site contains many topic pages that are sure to be of interest to the
amateur. Have a look, especially, at his Sensor page.
Ken Rinaldo’s Technical Links For Artist Using Science And Technology is a nice
collection of links to suppliers of various technical items.
Welcome to the Franz-Josef Elmer’s Pendulum Lab! where you can do hands-on
experiments at rigid pendula.
Here is another nice Java pendulum demo.
Galileo is perhaps the father of all pendula --- have a look at some of his pendulum
experiments.
Does the earth rotate? A Foucault pendulum can prove that it does.
Richard B. Firestone’s Exploring the Table of Isotopes should be an excellent tool for
those of us interested in Nuclear Science.
Spectrogram Version 9A, by Richard Horne, is a shareware program that turns your PC’s
sound card into an audio spectrum analyser.
Science On Line, a web page of The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, ran a piece in
their The Mystery of Music feature about the collaboration between physicists and medical
imaging specialists who are researching the acoustics of the didjeridu.
The Kids Room
Hands On Physics is a National Science Foundation (US) sponsored program
representing a novel approach to science education. One unit covers the investigation of
the amount of haze in the atmosphere, a topic that is dear to Forrest Mims.
The Lane Library Science Fair Zone contains several dozen links to k12 resources,
science fair ideas and tips.
Harvard University has a nice selection of physics demonstrations.
Motion Mountain is an on-line physics textbook offering “A hike through and beyond space
and time following the concepts of modern physics.”
The US National Parks Service offers a program for middle schools related to the
introduction of invasive plant species to the National Parks.
142
There seems to be quite a few sites devoted to DIY genetics appearing on the web.
Christine Terry’s Citizen Scientist page has a link to the University of Utah’s Genetic
Science Learning Center’s activity page.
Dr Jamie Love has uploaded the second part of his free four part self-learning course in
genetics. This quarter covers "Mendelian Genetics". It introduces basic terms (like genes,
alleles, etc.), teaches Mendel’s laws, how to do monohybrid, dihybrid and test crosses,
Punnett squares and (importantly) chi-square analysis.
Access Excellence is a US educational program that provides health, biology and life
science teachers’ access to their colleagues, scientists, and critical sources of new scientific
information via the World Wide Web.
The Phun Physics web site has a collection of hands on physics demonstrations.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has a page of games and science activities to
keep you occupied.
On The Lighter Side
Characterization of Organic Illumination Systems --- Experiments indicate that pickles
are a form of incandescent lamp. In this light, it is useful to consider the historical
development of such devices.
Send someone you love a sciencey e-card.
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143
WANDERINGS
No. 64
30 April 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Wanderings
“jim’s” Chat Room posting points us to a couple of wind chime sites. The first is Lee Hite’s
An Engineering Approach to Wind Chime Design and the second is Chuck's Chimes.
SAS member Lewis Duffing has a weather satellite and astronomy page. Unfortunately,
his present apartment does not allow him to erect external antennas so he not able to track
the satellites.
Astronomy 162 - Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology contains on-line course notes from the
Dept. Physics & Astronomy University of Tennessee.
It took 1250 hrs, spread over some 20 years, but Randy W. Smith built a professional
quality 22in telescope.
So you think that you know the periodic table? Then you won’t have any problem solving
Brain P. Reid’s excellent JAVA puzzle page from spectroscopyNOW.com.
Have you ever had the urge to chuck something? Check out the Trebuchet.Com web site.
This site has kits, plans and links devoted to the art of hurling.
NASA’s Lewis Research Center has a Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace
Use.
The History of Mathematics Archive at the University of St Andrews, Scotland has an
Index of Famous Curves demonstrated with Java Applets.
Martin Clausen’s DIY data logger features 8ea 8 bit analogue and 2ea 16 bit digital inputs.
Paul Falstad's web site contains a collection of Java applets that help visualize various
complex concepts in math and physics.
144
AGFA, a well known photographic film manufacturer, is offering an on line Digital Photo
Course.
The HV Community has a new web site. This site is dedicated to the process of allowing
people to exchange their ideas and information on high voltage and related topics.
Electronics Manufacturing is another source for those hard to find high voltage diodes.
In the Jly’92 issue of Science Probe!, Alexander K. Dewdney, made mention of a device
called a Galilean Cannon. RedNova Science Toys sells a model of the cannon called the
Astro-Blaster for $4.95US. Basically, he stated that if ball #1 struck the floor with a velocity
of 1v, then ball #2 will rebound with the velocity of 3v, ball #3 with 7v and ball #4 with 15v
and so on as more balls are added.
Todd’s Atomic Site is one man's attempt to show how atomic technological development
can be used for both the betterment and the destruction of mankind.
The Kids Room
This year’s Canada Wide Science Fair will be held in St. John's, NL from 15 to 24 May ’04.
The Haze Sun Photometer Atmospheric Network (Haze-SPAN) is a project of The
Concord Consortium, a non-profit educational research and development organization
with the goal of improving learning opportunities for all students.
Now that spring is here you could follow Alexander K. Dewdney’s example investigate a
local pond and make an inventory of the submillimeter sized organisms that form, not
only the foundation of all food webs, but also represent some of the oldest life forms on our
planet.
Sodaplay is a very fun Java Applet that allows you to interactively construct and animate
life-like mass-and-spring mechanical systems.
ExploreLearning is a subscription based service offering a catalogue of modular,
interactive simulations (Gizmos) in math and science for teachers and students in G6-12.
The Hypatia Institute provides a gateway to the Internet for women in physics and
astronomy.
The Department of Physics & Astronomy of The University of Alabama hosts a web page
depicting 4000 years of Women in Science.
From The Far Side
Crop Circles Decoded! After many years of carefully analysis, the patterns of Crop Circles
are finally decoded.
Robert Adams Motor-Generator seems to be very similar to the Bendini Motor.
145
The designers claim that their gravity motors work but no one seems to be able to
duplicate them.
LENR-CANR.org offers another look at cold fusion.
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146
WANDERINGS
No. 65
07 May 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Feature
A DIY Hilsch Vortex Tube is used to tame Maxwell’s Daemon.
The Nov 1958 Amateur Scientist column was titled “About a Remarkably Simple Device to
Attain Low Temperatures and Various Other Matter”. This article, along with hundreds of
other projects can be found on The Amateur Scientist CD-ROM.
An expanded version of this article can be found in The Scientific American Book of
Projects for the Amateur Scientist by Clair L. Stong.
Tim Cockerill’s thesis was an investigation into the theory of the Ranque-Hilsch Vortex
Tubes.
EXAIR is a commercial supplier of Ranque-Hilsch Vortex Tubes. Their site contains an
animated demo showing how the tube works.
An Experimental Performance Evaluation of Vortex Tube is a paper that was presented
to The Institution of Engineers (India).
The Vortex Technologies page, on, Jean-Louis Naudin’s site, contains some interesting
vortex effects from “The Far Side”.
Absolutist.com has a Maxwell’s Demon Game in their collection of on-line games.
Wanderings
SAS member, William M. Dembowski has been invited to join the prestigious Royal
Astronomical Society. Come and visit his Elton Moonshine Observatory Page.
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SAS member “billnotgatez“points us to The Solid State Chemistry on line text on Oxford
University’s The Virtual Chemistry. Have a look at their collection of tutorials and on line
texts.
Do you plan to be in Washington, DC some time? If so, plan some time to visit the National
Academies Marian Koshland Science Museum.
EnviroMeasure UK offers links to various acoustics sites on the web. They also have an
extensive collection of acoustics software.
Pico Technology offers a line of PC oscilloscope and data acquisition products
American Science & Surplus offers an eclectic range of products, many with a science or
educational tilt to them, others simply handy or amusing.
WebEE.com has a huge collection of electronics schematics, tutorials and other related
resources. If you need “IT”, it’s probably here!
GEOMETRY.net contains a collection of links to math and science sites, on-line books and
conventional books.
The Longwave Club of America was organized to promote the experimentation on
frequencies below 550 kHz.
The STARLab Very Low Frequency Research Group, of Stanford University, is involved
in the study of the Earth’s electric environment.
Renato Romero’s FFT FOR DUMMIES offers a simplified view of Digital Signal Processing.
I just found this Digital Signal Processing Tutorial while I was searching for a reference to
the North American telephone DTMF tones.
The Kids Room
THE JOY OF SCIENCE is a haphazard collection of science experiments collected by
Martin Schwartz for the special education students at Mount Carmel Elementary School,
New Waterford, NS.
The Butterfly Web Site contains a bit of everything about these beautiful creatures.
The Ervinton Elementary School has a collection of Science Links for Teachers,
Students, And Parents
These Java based activities are designed for middle school exploration into various
concepts of mathematics.
The Women and Mathematics Network serves women who are interested in the field of
mathematics.
148
The PIRA organization has been in effect since 1985 and was created to aid Physics
Teachers with demonstration and laboratory information.
Absolutist.com has an extensive collection of on-line and down loadable games.
On The Lighter Side
The Oddities & Wonders page contains fun facts, true stories and inside information on a
huge variety of subjects including money, science, people, history, places, cats, dogs,
birds, politics, sports, unusual accidents, and much more.
Participate in The Monkey Shakespeare Project. --- "If you have enough monkeys banging
randomly on typewriters, they will eventually type the works of William Shakespeare." --Become part of the largest ever experiment and see if this is true!
From The Far Side
Are you looking for a gift for someone who has everything? Then check out Skulls
Unlimited’s Web Site.
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149
WANDERINGS
No. 66
14 May 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
[email protected]
SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Feature
An interesting DIY project might be the investigation of bioluminescence and luminous
bacteria.
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Getting a Home Bacteria Project Started
Indiana Biolab Bacteria Pages
Luminous Glowing Bacteria - Homemade!!
The isolation of pure cultures of bioluminescent bacteria.
What Microbes Grow And Glow On Crab?
The Bioluminescence Web Page
Bioluminescence resources from Scripps Institution of Oceanography,
Bacterial Illumination: Culturing Luminous Bacteria.
Wanderings
The Mad Science Forum, at sciencemadness.org is focused, mainly, on chemistry, but
may be opened to other topics such as biology, physics, electronics, etc.
The Electronically Monitored Ecosystems web site has a collection of technical, math
and programming hints and solutions for the Parallax BASIC Stamp Microcontroller
The Enthusiast's Guide To Pulsejets, by Bruce Simpson, is a new book filled with theory,
practice, and advice. See his DIY Jet Engine Page.
Vaisala Lightning Explorer displays near real time lightning activity for the entire
continental U.S.
The Models of Leonardo can be seen on line at the National Museum of Science and
Technology.
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The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Physics Blog contains a lot of interesting
links/reading.
The Quest Illusions site was created in order to study the science of optical illusions and
how our brains work.
The Kids Room
Here is a DIY Sterling Engine that might prove to be the basis of a science fair project.
The Canada wide Virtual Science Fair site contains a collection of on line project
presentations.
Enchanted Learning produces children's educational web sites and games which are
designed to capture the imagination while maximizing creativity, learning, and enjoyment.
This looks like an excellent teacher’s and home schooling parent’s resource site. For
example --- have a look at Zoom Astronomy and the illustrated Astronomy Dictionary.
This is useful for you “big guys” too.
Looking for a project? Then, why not take part a Globe project?
Why are bridges built the way that they are? To find out why … have a look at Bridge
Building - Art and Science.
Here is another way of looking at the periodic table. The Visual Periodic Table is well
worth a look. Note … the pages may be slow to load.
What could be better than cooling down with a water rocket launching, on a hot summer’s
day?
Thinking of trying your hand at designing a Mouse Trap Car? If so, here is a list of links
that may help you.
The Fear of Physics web site has a collection of physics demos such as How to Make a
Basketball Jumpshot Every Time!
From The Far Side
During the Second International Low Energy Nuclear Reactions Conference that was held in
1996 at Texas A&M University a paper, Advanced Transmutation Processes And Their
Application For The Decontamination Of Radioactive Nuclear Wastes was presented.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, of the Sherlock Holmes fame, was a believer in spiritualism,
Fairies and other little creatures.
151
John Worrell Keely may be acknowledged as one of the most successful scientific
charlatans of all time. His company was able to profit from pseudoscience for 26 years.
www.keelynet.com takes its name from John W. Keely, and is devoted to Free Energy,
Gravity Control and Alt Health. One has to give them credit, though, for their statement of
Proof of Principal.
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152
WANDERINGS
No. 67
21 May 2004
Ralph J. Coppola ---- --SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Wanderings
Have a look George Musser’s ‘essay” --- R.I.P. for D.I.Y. Science: Tinkerers Continue To
Take It On The Chin.
And the debate rages on and on and on --- Will the glass panes in old windows deform,
over time, due to glass flow?
Maurice Gavin’s Worchester Park Observatory is the home of practical DIY amateur
spectroscopy.
The Douai Abbey (UK) shows us how to build a DIY Aluminium-leaf Electroscope for
dramatic demonstrations in electrostatics.
What is a JERK --- or --- JOLT (UK)?
The above two items were extracted from The University Of Adelaide’s excellent Usenet
Physics FAQ.
Boulette's Robotics page is an extensive list of robotics resources based on the Lego
Mindstorms Robotics Invention System.
Mark’s Robotics Page features robotic learning, chaos, complexity and systems theory.
Science in Africa is the first popular on line science magazine for Africa.
Science on the Shelves, from the University of York, UK, explores some of the DIY the
science and technology that can be learned from the shelves of your local supermarket. For
example, have a look at DIY DNA And Extracting DNA From A Kiwi Fruit.
Contexo.info --- The Basics of DNA, Molecular Biology and Genetic Genealogy.
153
Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education
to promote the understanding of a sustainable environment.
Earth Watch Expeditions:
Don Lancaster lists SAS as one of his “Best of the Web”. Thanks Don!
Science news from CNN
• Hubble health report
• Trillions of cicadas to hit eastern, southern states
• Giant African snails seized from Wisconsin schools
The Kids Room
DIY Science --- The Ecosphere.
DIY Science --- Kitchen Chaos
The Little Shop of Physics, an outreach program at Colorado State University, is a
collection of hands-on science experiments that are designed to be used by students at all
grade levels.
EarthNet is a virtual earth science resource centre for teachers, home educators and
students of all levels.
The Galileo Project is a source of information on the life and work of Galileo Galilei (15641642).
From The Far Side
Donald E. Simanek’s essay --- What is science? What is Pseudoscience?
Is this potato alive?
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154
WANDERINGS
No. 68
28 May 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
[email protected]
SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
This week’s WANDERINGS is a bit light due to my trying to fight of a dreadful cold “bug”.
Feature
DIY Lightning Detectors:
• A 300 kHz receiver.
• A radioactive razor blade
• A PC based lightning monitor
• Another PC based lightning detector
• An Easy Lightning Detector
The Aninoquisi Lightning/2000 is a lightning tracking software package for the Boltek
Lightning Detectors.
The Aninoquisi site provides links to Live Lightning Sites around the globe.
An article in the 23 Oct. 1995 issue of Design News gives some insight to the design of
Airborne Research Associates’ F-10 Lightning Detector.
Caution! Lightning can kill. See the Lightning Safety section at the Colorado Lightning
Resource Center.
The Science @ NASA site contains further reading on lightning.
Wanderings
In June 1996, The Scientist magazine ran an article by Bruce V. Bigelow --- Amateur
Scientists Making Significant Discoveries While Fighting To Receive Recognition And
Respect.
155
The Electronics Lab is the home of useful circuits complete with full descriptions and
diagrams.
Introduction to Machine Tools from MIT --- This document will introduce some of the
basics of machine tool use for prototype fabrication.
How Many? --- A Dictionary of Units of Measurement.
UNESCO’s World Heritage List contains many natural and manmade wonders throughout
the world.
It’s happened again! In the never ending search for exotic pets the African Clawed Frogs
have been introduced to N. America and parts of Europe.
NASA's Ames Research Center has been testing a new rocket fuel made from --- believe
it or not --- candle wax. This article, among others, can be found on the Science @ NASA
web site.
The Kids Room
The UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Award Program was set up in order to encourage
young scientists, in particular those from developing countries, to use MAB research, project
sites and biosphere reserves in their research.
Explore the universe at Astronomy for Kids. An astronomy site designed especially for
kids.
Ken Blackburn’s Paper Airplane Site contains an extensive collection of paper airplane
resources.
Physics Balsa Bridge Building Contest web site has almost everything that you have
ever wanted to know about bridges.
On The Lighter Side
The Ideal Scientific listing may be a bit late for the 1 April issue, but it still contains some
good bargains.
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156
WANDERINGS
No. 69
04 June 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
[email protected]
SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Wanderings
Several weeks ago I listed the Radio Waves Below 22 kHz site, which has a link to the LW
RDF PROJECT. This information may prove to be a simple DIY method of tracking storms
via a sound card and a PC. With some wire and the free software, you could be on line
today.
This site shows how to build a two channel thermometer that will interface to your PC via
a game port.
Filip M. Gieszczykiewicz has compiled a collection of information on interfacing a PC or
Mac via the Parallel/Game/Serial Ports.
Lionel Oliver’s Backyard Metalcasting page is dedicated to melting & casting metal with
homemade stuff and a tiny budget.
Chris Smolinski maintains a couple of pages that will be of interest to the experimenter who
has a Geiger counter. The first is the Amateur Radiation Detection Page and the second
lists some common sources of radiation.
NASA’s The Exploration of the Earth's Magnetosphere site is an overview of space
research on the Earth's environment in space. The description is non-mathematical but
quite detailed.
The main function of the British Geological Survey's Geomagnetism programme is to
monitor the earth's magnetic field in the UK.
“Science can still be a vocation, not just a career --- something that can even be done at
home.” See James Lovelock’s --- Travels With An Electron Capture Detector.
Michigan Tech’s Aurora Page contains an extensive collection of related links.
157
The Amateur Geologists' Community is a web site where people who are interested in
rocks, minerals and fossils can share their ideas and news.
TerraServer.com is the worldwide source of unequalled, current, digital satellite imagery
and aerial photography. Try it and get a satellite view of where you live?
By knowing the Lat/Lon of my office I was able to get a pretty good picture.
“Take me out to the ball game” --- Dr. Daniel A. Russell’s The Physics and Acoustics of
Baseball and Softball Bats.
Cargo Cult Science --- an essay by Richard Feynman.
The Kids Room
S'COOL - Students' Cloud Observations On-Line - is a project which involves school
children in real science. The students will provide ground truth measurements to assist in
the validation of the CERES satellite instrument package.
The Contrail Education Site is a GLOBE program that involves students in real science.
The coolmath.com site actually comprises 7 sites including ScienceMonster.com.
Summer’s coming --- but what do you do with the kids on those rainy days? Perhaps you
can get some ideas from The Mechanical Toys Page.
LUGNET (LEGO Users Group Network) was designed to unite, enrich, and help people
share their interest in LEGO constructions at all levels.
The LEGO Mindstorms Forums are a great place to meet and share ideas, post
challenges, and get help with tough building or programming problems.
Among the creations on J.P. Brown’s Serious LEGO site, you’ll find the description of a
Rubik’s Cube Solving Robot.
Many sites can be found, on the Web, that explain how to solve the Rubik’s Cube.
You don’t have your own cube? Then try a Rubik's Cube Java Applet.
So you think that the ordinary Rubik’s Cube is no longer challenging to you. Then try the
MagicCube4D.
You don’t want to do any work --- Do you? Have a look at the games at J*VA on the Brain.
The Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science and Technology
(CCWEST) is a national coalition of groups that promotes women in science, technology,
engineering and math, celebrates their contributions and applies new vision to these fields.
158
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Radio Astronomy Supplies is an international supplier of quality radio astronomy
products.
Scope Software supplies affordable Windows shareware for DSP professionals, students
and advanced hobbyists.
Surplus Sales of Nebraska may have that item that you have been looking for.
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WANDERINGS
No. 70
11 June 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Wanderings
This last weekend, I had to rent an UHaul truck to help my daughter move. There was a bit
of trivia posted on the side of the truck about The Manson Impact Structure which is one
of the largest known meteorite craters in the continental United States. In fact, UHaul has a
number of interesting science topics displayed on their trucks. Check out the list in their
Venture Across America Series.
The Sudbury Structure in Ontario, Canada is an impact feature that was formed 1.85
billion years ago by a meteorite about 10 km across. The resulting impact basin is an oval
structure about 60 km by 27 km, but the original structure was over 200 km in diameter.
This is the second largest Earth impact crater.
Calvin J. Hamilton’s solarviews.com is a huge resource for information on the solar system
and its components. See their piece on Terrestrial Impact Craters.
Lionel Oliver’s Backyard Metal Casting covers all facets of DIY metal casting.
In signal processing and related disciplines, aliasing is an effect that causes different
continuous signals to become indistinguishable (or aliases of one another) when sampled
David Eppstein ‘s Geometry Junkyard contains usenet clippings, web pointers, lecture
notes, research excerpts, papers, abstracts, programs, problems, and other stuff related to
discrete and computational geometry.
QuData 3D Plotter --- allows one to build 3D plots of a function dependent on two
variables: X and Y.
EngineSim is the beta 1.6e version of NASA’s, on line, jet engine simulation program.
160
ePower-Propulsion is a specialty web portal designed to serve as a resource for anyone
interested in the areas of propulsion, power, and combustion.
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is a Canadian public
corporation that works in close collaboration with researchers from the developing world in
their search for the means to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous
societies. The Small Scale Desalination For Remote Areas Of Botswana --- is an
example of an IDRC project.
Thefreecountry.com --- offers a collection of free programming resources.
Thesitewizard.com --- is another collection of resources on website design, domain
registration, promotion, programming and revenue making.
Miracle C is a shareware C that runs under Windows (95… to … XP).
AlanTuring.net --- The Turing Archive for the History of Computing.
Faces from the Ice Age --- Are these the oldest lifelike drawings of human faces ever
discovered or a hoax?
Is this a magnetic monopole? --- Not quite, but you can use a Halbach Array to build a
one-sided frig magnet!
Mel Bartels will show you how to automate your telescope.
Terry Ritter’s cryptography web site, Ciphers by Ritter, contains an extensive collection of
encryption resources and technologies. For example --- have a look at the discussion of
Producing Random Numbers from a Sound Card and Random Noise Sources.
This site offers a look at Code Breaking and the Secret Weapons in WWII.
The Kids Room
Providing web resources for kids, teachers and parents.
The results of the 54th Intel International Science and Engineering Fair have been
posted.
The Resource Area for Teachers (RAFT) provides thousands of Bay Area teachers with a
wide range of interactive learning materials, enhancing math, science, technology and art
programs. Please see their Idea Sheets.
Paul Doherty has a collection of draft science activities on his Scientific Explorations
Page.
The site run by The Association for Science Education (ASE), a major partner in the
delivery of the Science Year Program into UK schools, contains many interesting projects. It
would be well worth your time to have a good look here. An example of a couple of their
activities is:
161
•
•
Quorum Sensing? Quorum sensing is a method of bacterial communication.
Planet 10 is an exciting interactive resource that provides a virtual model of our Solar
System. Explore the planets, comets and asteroids on an interactive virtual flythrough. Think you could create the perfect World? Here's your chance to try. With
World Builder, you call the shots.
EOA Scientific designs, develops, produces and sells software and VHS videos that satisfy
national, state and provincial K-12 learning standards in all science topics. See the All
About Maps demo on their Science Fair Resources page.
The JASON Project is a multi-disciplinary program that sparks the imagination of students
and enhances the classroom experience.
Project Dragonfly provides children with opportunities for inquiry based learning in various
areas of science.
Would you like to investigate acoustics with a unique musical instrument? Try a DIY
Didjeridoo. Once you make one you’ll have to learn to play it.
Dimdima Kids is an online children's magazine from India. This kids' portal provides
children a fun highway to science, sports, history, travel and ecology.
Do you like puzzles? If so, be sure to check out The Ultimate Puzzle Site.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Aware Electronics Corp. is the maker of PC based and stand alone Geiger counters,
radiation-radon monitors, as well as other monitors for use with PCs plus easy to use
software for those interested in the quantum side of nature. Have a good look around this
site as there is a lot here such as their User’s Page.
From The Far Side
The US Dept. of The Interior has included Edward Leedskalnin’s Coral Castle on their
Registry of historic Places. You can visit the Coral Castle on-line in lieu of travelling to
Homestead, Florida. Interested in finding out more? Do a Google search on --- < coral
castle + Florida >.
Dr Rainer Kuehne thinks that satellite images may show that Plato’s fabled utopia,
Atlantis, may be an area of southern Spain.
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162
WANDERINGS
No. 71
18 June 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Wanderings
The Hobby Space site, your “one stop” source of space hobbies and activities, will show
you how to assemble your own ground station to receive weather satellite imagery.
The Space Research Group of the University of Oulu, Finland has an excellent online work
in progress --- The Space Physics Textbook.
Do you need a spring but just can’t find the right one? Try a DIY spring.
The Home Metal Shop Club provides the opportunity to exchange ideas, share resources,
and receive instructions in metal machining.
Tired of the relativity small memory that is available to your PIC processor? Why not look
into a PIC to Compactflash interface.
PICFLOAT is a floating point library for the midrange PIC processors.
Steven W. Smith’s online book, The Scientist and Engineer's Guide to Digital Signal
Processing, is available, absolutely free, for you to download. Or you could buy the hard
cover version.
Journey to Forever is a pioneering expedition by a small, mobile NGO (Non-Government
Organization) involved in environment and rural development work.
Living in a fairly rural part of the country, I often hear complaints about the “heavy” odour
from large pig farms. A number of years ago I bought a copy of the book --- Mother Earth
News Handbook of Homemade Power which illustrated how some farmers in India and
China generate methane gas for cooking and lighting from farmyard waste. One of the
book’s chapters was about John Fry, a pig farmer from South Africa, now living in California,
who used his pig manure to power his farm. See --- Methane Digesters For Fuel Gas and
Fertilizer With Complete Instructions For Two Working Models.
163
As with most things, the use of methane digesters is not without controversy. See
Anaerobic Digesters: Pro and Con.
Engineers Without Borders, Canada and Engineers Without Borders, USA are working
to support developing communities around the world by promoting human development
through access to technology with the overall goal of building a better world, one community
at a time.
The Kids Room
Providing web resources for kids, teachers and parents.
Need a project? The World Health Organization says global warming is expanding the
range of the mosquitoes that carry malaria, yellow fever, West Nile virus and dengue fever.
Investigate the effectiveness of lemongrass as an organic mosquito repellent.
Perhaps, you could design a super efficient solar cooker that would help reduce the indoor
pollution from wood cook fires.
The Princeton K-12 Outreach Program offers summer research opportunities for students
and teachers.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
SMALL PARTS Inc is a company that was formed to meet the needs of researchers who
may require special parts for their projects. For example, do you happen to need a 1/8”
synthetic ruby ball? They stock them plus a very extensive “soup to nuts” selection of
components.
From The Far Side
El Chupacabra? --cryptozoology.com
Mokele-mbembe?
---
Thylacine?
Check
them
out
on
“paranormal cryptozoologists do little to help the integrity of cryptozoology. It can, however,
be a level-headed, interesting and possibly even scientific subject, if examined with openminded skepticism and a scientific viewpoint. “Have a look at Ben S. Roesch’s --- Taking a
Hard Look at Cryptozoology.
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WANDERINGS
No. 72
25 June 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Feature
Tim Berners-Lee, the farther of the World Wide Web, received the first Millennium
Technology Prize on 22 June. --- “Berners-Lee first proposed the web in 1989 while
developing ways to control computers remotely at CERN, the European nuclear research
lab near Geneva. He never got the project formally approved, but his boss suggested he
quietly tinker with it anyway.”
Wanderings
21 June 2004 ---- Burt Rutan’s SpaceShipOne is one step closer to claiming the $10 million
X Prize with its 100 km altitude record.
A Surprise meteor shower may be possible on June 26-27.
“Beam me up Scotty” --- not quite --- but scientists report that they have performed
successful teleportation.
One of astronomer Paul Hickson’s main fields of interest is the construction and
application of Liquid Mirror Telescopes. Here is a Real Audio clip of a CBC-TV interview
with Dr. Hickson.
The Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research of the University of Arizona, Tucson has a detailed
Java applet web presentation on cross dating tree rings by skeleton plotting.
Try your hand at Finding the Speed of Light with Marshmallows.
The humid summer months may not be the ideal time to look at static electricity, but the
Electric Blue Sparks! Site will give some interesting reading while waiting for dryer times.
165
On the other hand, summer is the ideal time for those of you who are lucky enough to live in
a part of the country that is favourable to fireflies to study these little wonders. Terry Lynch’s
Blinks and Links and Firefly Notebooks will give you an introduction to fireflies and
related topics. You should also have a look at Donald Ray Burger’s Fireflies in Houston
Site.
Jim posted this link to the Manson Impact Structure on the WANDERINGS Chat Room
Comet Wild 2’s jets and craters astound astronomers.
Fractals are not just pretty to look at. Patricia Mason has been able to turn fractals into
music.
Martindale's Calculators On-Line Center offers a collection of over 18,000 on-line
calculators covering almost every topic imaginable.
Paul Falstad has assembled a wide assortment of Math and Physics Java Applets.
The Kids Room
A number of months ago, I reported how 3 Halifax, NS students used discarded scallop
shells to improve the water quality of a river flowing through their school property. Today, I
was please to find a link to the complete write up of their project --- McIntosh On The Run
--- A New Approach To Water Purification.
JP Aerospace has set up the student PongSat program. These student designed
experiments are then flown, free of charge, to the edge of space by either balloon or
sounding rocket.
The GLOBE Water Vapour Project consists of the measuring of the total amount of water
vapour in the atmosphere in a column between the instrument and the sun.
Have you ever wished that you could fly? This might not be flying but try The Balducci
Levitation and freak out your friends.
William Beaty’s Sound Sucker, “Acoustic Illusion" might be the foundation of an
interesting science fair project.
Bubbles ---- Who doesn’t like blowing bubbles? Have a look at The Bubblesphere --- or --Bubbles from the Exploratorium.
The U.S. Department Of Education has a nice site titled --- Helping Your Child Learn
Science.
Bill Beaty’s THE SCIENCE CLUB site has a large collection of kids’ science projects.
GirlTECH --- Getting Girls Interested in Computers
Cynthia Lanius has constructed A Fractals Unit for Elementary and Middle School
Students.
166
Why are there 63360 inches per mile? Find out on John Baez’s Fun Stuff page.
Why not try a run through Paul Falstad's Java Maze?
Coolmath and Sciencemonster offer a huge collection of student/teacher resources.
From The Far Side
Have a look at John Baez’s answer to --- What's the Energy Density of the Vacuum?
Can Brown’s Gas or a Caduceus Coil be used to reduce the radioactivity of a sample?
See A. Michrowski’s paper --- “Advanced Transmutation Processes And Their
Application For The Decontamination Of Radioactive Nuclear Wastes “
Cold Fusion -- 15 Years and Heating Up --- An extensive collection of Cold Fusion links.
13 June 2004 --- Meteorite crashes through roof of Auckland NZ house.
See Walter Branch’s Branch Meteorites for other meteorite strikes.
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167
WANDERINGS
No. 73
02 July 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Wanderings
New hope for Hubble? NASA calls upon a Canadian Robotics company to assist in
saving the Hubble Space telescope.
Eric Weisstein's on line encyclopaedia, World of Science, has been assembled over more
than a decade.
Michael Fowler’s physics Applets and Flashlets are a collection of animations that make
learning physics easier!
Other Applets can be found on Walter Fendt’s site.
We just finished our federal election, up here in Canada. Now the country is littered with the
obsolete campaign signs. Fortunately, these discards can be recycled for various amateur
science projects. Most of these signs are made out of a light weight corrugated plastic
called Cor-x. Perhaps you could use this stuff to make an instrument package for a high
altitude balloon or what about an electrophorus as shown, last week, in the Electric Blue
Sparks! link. Our US readers will have to wait until their November elections, but when you
get a chance ---- collect some and let your imagination run wild!
NOAA's South Pole Climate Monitoring & Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL) maintains a
live web cam. Unfortunately, from mid-April until mid-August the moon and the aurora
australis provide the only natural lighting. Presently there’s not too much to see.
Another web cam can be found at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The Tesla Engine Builders Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to Nikola
Tesla and his motors.
Further Tesla resources can be found on Bill Beaty’s Nikola Tesla Page.
168
Bill Beaty’s TESLA'S BIG MISTAKE? is an article about an interesting device called the
Goubau transmission line or “G-line” or “G-String” surface wave transmission line.
The Voyager Telescope is in a binocular configuration with 2 eight-inch f8 mirrors for
objectives.
29 June 2004 – 1452 UTC --- The first contact was made with AMSAT’s amateur Echo
satellite.
Have you ever wished that you could be involved in launching an amateur satellite? The
Hobby Space web site has a page dedicated to Satellite Building - Hobby Moons.
A stack of razor blades can be used as a black body beam dump for laser work.
The Kids Room
Women CAN do science! See 4000 Years Of Women In Science and The Women in
Science Homepage.
The use of Case Studies or stories with an educational message is a recent innovation in
teaching science.
The MadSci Network is a collection of scientists providing answers to your science
questions.
The NASA Student Involvement Program is a national program of investigations and
design challenges for K-12 students.
NASA is assisting three students, Philip Brooks, Carole House and Mary House, with
their experiments to determine if it will be possible to use vinegar eels, a type of nematode,
to dispose of waste during space flights. Have a look at The Bug Farm and
Waynesthisandthat for some other vinegar eel info.
Here is another Bubble page.
From The Far Side
Eric Krieg's History of Perpetual Motion and Free Energy Machines is a chronological
list of some of mankind’s attempts at finding free energy.
Scientists at the Omaha Zoo are using genetics to determine if a new ape has been
discovered.
Did Leedskalnin use Stone Levitation in the construction of his Coral Castle?
Viktor S. Grebennikov is said to have constructed a flying anti-gravitational platform that is
powered by wasp egg shells. See his paper --- Natural Phenomena Of Biological
169
Antigravitation Associated With Invisibility In Insects & Grebennikov's Cavity
Structural Effect.
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170
WANDERINGS
No. 74
09 July 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Feature
Many months ago, Joe Huck, an artist and printer, sent me an excellent package,
containing a CD and a set of transparencies, that he has assembled to demonstrate the
wondrous world of Moiré Patterns.
As Joe shows, Moirés can be a problem in printing but they can also find many uses in
science and technology. A technique called Shadow Moire is used to pick surface
imperfections and Moiré Fringe Contouring is a method of capturing 3D images. There are
many examples of Moire Java Applets such as Moiré Patterns: Interactive Java Tutorials
that can be found on the Molecular Expressions website. Also, have a look at F. Permadi
collection of Java based games and Moiré Pattern generators and the Eluzion’s Moiré
Pattern Generator.
Wanderings
SAS member, Charlie Neuhauser, points us to the JPL Robotics page. They are NASA’s
prime designer of rovers and robots.
Brian Carusella’s Bizarre Stuff Site contains a wide selection of projects and
experiments. Please read his FAQ before attempting to duplicate any of the items.
Wayne Schmidt covers kaleidoscopes in great detail with his Kaleidoscope and Advanced
Kaleidoscope Design pages. The amateur with some glass cutting skills can duplicate his
designs and conduct various experiments.
A geomagnetic storm, in conjunction with the 2000 Perseid meteor shower, triggered a
spectacular aurora display that was visible across the northern US and Canada. Why not
build Rick Boozer’s DIY Automated System for Detecting Meteors before this August’s
Perseid meteor shower? You will also find Rick’s e-book in progress --- Amateur
Astronomy (A Guide) on his Singularity Scientific web site.
171
Mark.Csele’s The Homebuilt Lasers Site has a wide selection of information for the DIY
laser experimenter.
Microscopy-UK is an Internet portal serving microscope enthusiast.
Look through this collection of AV clips from Feynman and Pauling.
Experiment with combining sine waves to produce musical tones and the human voice.
The Kids Room
Back in the dark ages, while trying to learn high school physics, we had to try and visualise
the concepts that were being explained in our text books. All that has changed with the
advent of Java applets. MyPhysicsLab is an example of one of the sites that make use of
Java technology in physics simulation.
With the Virtual Frog web site, you can dissect a digitized frog without getting your hands
dirty and, more importantly, without harming an actual frog.
The Physics Van, an outreach program of the University of Illinois Physics Department,
conducts on site physics demonstrations at local elementary schools. They also offer an
“Ask a Scientist” service and maintain a database of past questions and answers.
During summer vacations, many of us are lucky enough to spend some time at the sea
shore. Have you ever wondered about the tides or about the waves? If so perhaps
Princeton’s Science Curriculum Support Project feature of Water on Earth can answer
your questions.
Science NetLinks provides a collection of resources for K-12 science educators,
On The Lighter Side
Please help save the endangered Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus from extinction!
Ideal Scientific has a wide selection of stock that was left over from their 1 April 2004
Super Sale.
From The Far Side
The Space Elevator --- Fact or Fiction?
Tim Ventura and the American Antigravity site presents links to Lifter articles plus a wide
selection of topics covering “both sides of the line”.
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172
WANDERINGS
No. 75
16 July 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Feature
Many times amateur experimenters have a requirement to take measurements of one kind
or another. Unfortunately, many of us can not afford a battery of exotic test and measuring
instruments. Several months ago I found that my old digital volt meter (DVM) had given up
the ghost. So off I went, to the local RadioShack store, to see if I could find an inexpensive
replacement. Out of their selection of meters, I chose the #22-805 --- 24-Range Digital
Multimeter. This meter and its upscale cousin, the #22-812 --- 46-Range Digital
Multimeter, have the added feature of a serial computer interface that allows me to display
and record my measurements on a computer. The saved data may then be printed out, or
loaded into a spreadsheet or other program for post processing.
In addition to this type of meter, don’t forget your computer. With the proper interface card
or module plus suitable software your computer can be transformed into a wide variety of
measuring equipments. The web offers a wide variety of programs that will enable you to
use your existing sound or game card for your investigations. But, if you are like me and
don’t want to tie the family’s computer while gathering your data have a look at some of the
local flea markets, yard sales or thrift shops. You should be able to pick up a suitable PC for
under $100.
Here is a small sample of the available software:
The Electronics Lab and WebEE sites have collections of programs to enable your PC to
be used to take measurements
Digital Oscilloscope uses your PC’s sound card for input.
SIGVIEW is a complete real-time spectral analysis application with wide range of powerful
tools and statistics functions. $99.00US
Spectrum FFT is a DOS audio spectrum analyzer and signal generator. $89.95US.
The Seti League’s site hase a few links to some DSP and Spectral Analysis suppliers.
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The Radio-Skypipe software package, from Radio-Sky Publications, turns your PC into a
strip chart recorder. This application can be used with your sound card or an analog to
digital converter (ADC). Be sure to look at their Projects page.
The Redwood City Public Seismic Network as a selection of custom built analog to digital
converter (ADC) interfaces. They were designed for seismic applications but should be
suitable for other low frequency work.
Renato Romero’s FFT for Dummies offers an introduction into using Fast Fourier
Transforms (FFT) for Digital Signal Processing (DSP) of your collected data.
Alberto Ricci Bitti shows how to use a Casio FX9750, FX9850 or CFX9850 pocket
calculator as a graphing data logger. Here is his original CircuitCellar article.
A sensor is used to measure and record a rocket’s acceleration.
DPGraph is a powerful software package for math and physics visualization. With it you can
easily create photorealistic 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D and 8D graphs. $9.95US.
Many PC users have a spreadsheet such as MS Excel as part of their suite of software
applications. Spreadsheets, if used correctly, can prove to be a useful tool for handling
scientific data. Doing a quick GOOGLE search on <excel + scientific applications> will turn
up over 200K hits. For starters, have a look at Using Excel for Handling, Graphing, and
Analyzing Scientific Data and General Excel Links.
To take measurements you’ll probably need some type of sensor. Brooke Clarke has
assembled an extensive collection of links to sources of all types of sensors. Take a bit of
time and wander around his site. He seems to have a bit of everything. And most of it is
science or technology orientated.
HOBO has a selection of data loggers that are especially suitable for the K12 crowd.
DATAQ Instruments has a great deal! They are offering the DI-194RS, which is a 4channel, 10-bit serial port analog to digital converter (ADC), for $29.95US. The package
includes a serial cable, chart recorder software and analysis software.
B&B Electronics is another supplier of commercial computer to real world interfaces.
ePanorama.net – illustrates come PC joystick interface circuits.
Wanderings
During these nice warm summer evenings, you may have some little furry critters flying
around your back yard. Why not build a bat detector and tune into their ultrasound echo
location chirps and clicks? Bertrik's bat detector page contains DIY links to several audio
detectors. Also, have a look at our NJ Chapter’s bat detector project for a ton of
information on bats, detectors and conservation.
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The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) was founded to collect
variable star observations made by amateur astronomers throughout the world. Since
professional astronomers have neither the time nor the equipment that is needed to gather
data on the brightness changes of thousands of variables, amateurs have been making a
real and useful contribution to science by observing variable stars.
The PIXY System is a free automated astronomical image examination system developed
by Seiichi Yoshida. It automatically detects all stars from an image, collates them with star
data recorded in catalogues, and finds out new objects or variable stars.
Solar Observing by Peter Meadows introduces us to the safe techniques of sun spot
tracking.
Ropers Knots Page may not be science related but some of these knots and hitches may
prove to be useful. So get yourself a piece of rope and give it a try.
Cell Biology --- A personal collection tools for the undergrad cell bio lab by
Allan Blake
Earth Science Freeware is a collection of 27 downloadable programs
Here are some more Java demos. This time, Brock Engineering has developed a collection
of Java Animated Virtual Mechanisms.
I recently received an e-mail from Joe Huck in which he points us to The Theory of the
Moiré Phenomenon by Isaac Amidror. This book may be the most comprehensive and
methodical work on the theory of the moire phenomenon.
Tim Davis sends us a link to NASA’s J-Track, satellite tracking utilities. This site is really
interesting.
Thanks, guys!
The Kids Room
The Nevada K-12 Seismic Network is a real-time system that has been set up in Nevada
science classrooms. The project fully integrates K-12 seismographs with those at the
University of Nevada’s regional seismic network.
MERLOT is a free collection of links to online learning materials designed primarily for
faculty and students of higher education.
Midway Elementary is sharing their The Technology Loop site with teachers across the
Internet.
Dr Jamie Love has just uploaded Part #3 - Advanced Genetics of his four part online
course in Genetics.
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WANDERINGS
No. 76
23 July 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Feature
In past WANDERINGS, I listed links to various Very Low Frequency (VLF) sites. Some of
these are repeated in this feature along with some other interesting links. Why? Because,
the detection, recording and study of these low frequency signals present an inexpensive
way for you to get into real DIY science. To get started, all you need is a computer, sound
card, an antenna and some free software. Read on --------Note … Like I stated last week, it’s best to get a “junker” computer to play around with,
instead of using the family’s.
I’ve listed the Radio Waves Below 22 kHz site, several times in the past. This is an
excellent place to start your VLF explorations.
The LW RDF PROJECT will introduce you into how to use your sound card as a VLF
receiver.
Science @ Netfold is another sound card site.
NASA’s Space Weather page allows you to listen to sferics, tweeks, whistlers and other
VLF real time radio sounds over the Internet, from their Marshall Space Flight Center’s
INSPIRE VLF radio receiver.
The SFERICS site has been set up by Dick Fergus and is dedicated to Atmospheric
Electromagnetic Radiation as Related to Severe Weather and Tornados
NASA’s Project INSPIRE is a non-profit scientific, educational project whose objective is to
bring the excitement of observing natural and manmade radio waves in the audio region to
high school students.
The Longwave Club of America devotes a portion of their Internet site to Natural Radio &
Propagation.
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Peter Schmalkoke’s Radio Research & Inventor's Site contains an interesting article
(Project 5) on Scott Fusare’s work in constructing a DIY Schumann Resonance Receiver .
He also shows a novel way to, electronically, simulate high value resistors.
Hans Michlmayr constructed a magnetic antenna for ULF signal detection that is similar
to the one described in the May 1996 Amateur Scientist --- Detecting Natural
Electromagnetic Waves.
Further ULF/VLF resources may be found on Hans Michlmayr AMATEUR RADIO
ASTRONOMY site.
The SID-GRB@home site shows us how to build a simple VLF radio receiver to detect
sudden ionospheric disturbances x-rays from solar flares or gamma ray bursts.
The Extremely Low Frequency Research And Development Group (Elfrad) a goal is to
of install at least one Elfrad receiving site per 1000 square kilometres, in every country
Earth. These sites will be linked together to provide real time information concerning the
source, magnitude, and nature of the ELF signals.
Eric Vogel’s Ulf–Elf–Vlf Projects page has a good selection of ULF–ELF–VLF Projects.
The VLF / ELF / ULF Research in Arizona site is another extensive resource of VLF, ELF
and ULF Research.
VLF-ELF form NE Holland - A study of sounds in the Atmosphere.
Have a visit to Stephen P. McGreevy’s Realm of Natural VLF Radio Phenomena site.
The Stanford VLF Group studies a number of science questions related to the occurrence
and propagation of very low frequency (VLF) radio waves in the Earth's low altitude (0--1000
km) and high altitude (1000--100,000 km) environment
101science.com has a page --- Digital Signal Processing (DSP) A Crash Course. If
you’re going to look at their other offerings you should pack a lunch as they have links to
over 20K items.
Wanderings
18 September 2004 --- Join the Ocean Conservancy in their 19th annual International
Coastal Cleanup. This is the world's largest one-day volunteer effort on behalf of the
marine environment. Not near an ocean? No problem --- local ponds, streams, rivers and
lakes all count. Guess what trash made the “Top 10” list.
Paul Arthur Titze’s Australia Astro Web Site contains, among a host of other features, a
page dedicated to Amateur Astronomy.
Use the Internet to log into a remote telescope and take your own CCD images for $60US.
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We don’t hear too much, these days, about plagues of locusts. I guess that they are no
longer newsworthy, but they are still occurring and the locusts are on the move.
NASA's Earth Observatory is an Internet e-publication providing the public with freelyaccessible satellite imagery and scientific information about our home planet.
The Hubble repair controversy is still in the news.
Brazilian scientists have discovered a species of ratfish (Hydrolagus metallanasi) that has
been swimming the seas since dinosaurs walked the Earth.
Many of us live near a local community centre. It could be a dedicated building, a church
hall or even a school. These centres serve many of our educational, social and recreational
requirements. But the residents of Ahmedabad, Navrangpura India have taken this concept
up several notches. They have established The Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science
Centre. Have a look. All I can say is --- WOW!
Here is another collection of Physics and Astronomy Java applets.
The Kids Room
Would you like a job with long hours, no pay and unlimited experience? If so, then apply for
an intern position at The Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre. The Centre is a registered
charity dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals.
AquaMOOSE 3D is a desktop 3D environment that lets you play with the behaviour of
parametric equations in three dimensions. You can create things that are beautiful both
mathematically and artistically.
BioLab Dissection and Genetics Software is an interactive CD-ROM series that was
created by teachers. The series contains various virtual dissections and a genetics fruit fly
lab.
Stupid game! --- 8-)
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Some amateur projects will require the use of high value resistors which, unfortunately, are
not available at the local RadioShack. Try Digikey if you require a 1000 Meg resistor
($7.80US each). Check with Ohmite for suppliers of other Ohmite high value resistors.
From The Far Side
Is this a sick dog or a cross between a hyena and a coyote? Experts are baffled by the
mystery animal that is roaming around Baltimore County, Maryland.
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As a result of their battles with UFO’s the Soviet Army built a secret laboratory to research
flying objects
Time Can be Turned Back --- Investigators study of the unusual whirl crater phenomenon
above the South Pole. It is thought that it is a tunnel leading to other times.
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WANDERINGS
No. 77
30 July 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
---
SAS Disclaimer
Come join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Feature
I have listed many URL’s or links in the past 76 WANDERINGS columns. From time to time
you are going to see repeats. These can be included because the site fits into a feature that
I am running or simply that the site is worth another look. But, actually, the main reason is
probably that I forgot that it was already included. The old mind ain’t what it used to be. 8-(
For example --- The other day I came across The Journal of Amateur Science . I thought
that this site was an excellent source of upscale DIY amateur science projects. WOW! Just
like the Amateur Scientist used to be! But, unfortunately, I found out that it had been
included it in the 23 Jan.’04 column.
I used to check previous columns for duplicate but I found that it was taking too much time.
So please forgive me if you see one slip in now and again.
Wanderings
The Electric Enigma: The VLF Recordings of Stephen P. McGreevy is an online booklet
dealing with natural radio in the VLF range of frequencies.
NASA’s ranier.hq.nasa.gov server is an excellent collection of DIY Metalworking Web
Sites.
The Amateur Rocketry Links Library contains many useful DIY links such as their guide
to Materials and Processing.
Talking Electronics is an interactive e-magazine devoted to electronics.
Why do particle physics?
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The Columbus Optical SETI Observatory is devoted to the search for extraterrestrial
intelligence (SETI) in the optical spectrum.
The Perfect Storm? --- The European Space Agency (ESA) is using satellites to study
ship sinking monster waves.
The European Commission is sponsoring The MaxWave Project to identify and study
rogue waves.
They say that truth can be stranger than fiction. For example there’s the case of Dr. Gerald
Bull: Scientist, Weapons Maker, Dreamer and CIA Operative(?). The Canadian-born
scientist’s ultimate dream was to launch a satellite, into Earth orbit, using a modified ship’s
gun. See Project HARP. He later put this technology to use in Project Babylon when he
designed and started construction of Saddam Hussein’s super guns. Also see the
Wikipedia section on Dr. Bull, his life, his work and his possible assassination by
Mossad agents. The “made for TV movie” Doomsday Gun should be available at your
local video rental outlet or you could order a copy from Amazon.
The Kids Room
Cassandra Wagner, a grade 7 Florida student, is among the list of finalists for The
Discovery Channel’s Young Scientist Challenge for her mosquito repellent BUGNIP.
The Science Fair Central is The Discovery Channel’s online resource for science fair
participants.
The Science Explorer is an online e-book of “at home” science projects.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
OhmCraft is another supplier of ultra high value resistors with ohmic values to 10,000
gigohms.
Perhaps, you don’t live near a library but you need a back copy of The Amateur Scientist or
another article from Scientific American. Sciamdigital offers a down load service for
$7.95US per article. Unfortunately, at this time they are only offering the years --- 1993 to
present.
From The Far Side
The US Department of Energy quietly agreed to re-examine cold fusion.
Bruce Simpson, a New Zealand amateur, is in trouble with the government for designing a
$5K cruise missile. Is this really a big thing to get excited about? Remember the TAM 5
project? A group of amateurs flew a model aircraft from Newfoundland to Ireland. Bruce
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probably got in to trouble by calling it a “cruise missile”. I’ve listed his DIY jet pages in a
past column.
Anti-gravity: Evidence from free-fall experiment using a spinning gyro. Can this be
duplicated under controlled conditions?
Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, has an extensive of notable nuclear accidents.
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WANDERINGS
No. 78
06 Augest 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
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Feature
Wavelets are mathematical tools that can be used in digital signal processing for such fields
as Internet communications, engineering, quantum physics and seismic investigations. The
following is a sampling of the wavelet resources that can be found on the web.
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Don Lancaster's Wavelets Library
An Introduction to Wavelets.
Amara’s Wavelet Page
http://www.wavelet.org is fostering the exchange of knowledge related to theory
and applications of wavelets.
Internet Sources of Wavelets
Wavelet links
Jacques Lewalle’s Tutorial on Continuous Wavelet Analysis of Experimental
Data.
Wavelet Basics from Stanford University’s STARLab Wavelet Research Group.
Wanderings
PARRSBORO, N.S. - Palaeontologists hope to unearth a complete set of bones from a 200million-year-old prosauropods before fall tides from the Bay of Fundy damage the site.
As a follow up to Forrest’s piece, “Dr. John Barnes and his fountain of light”, in the 30 Jly
’04 The Citizen Scientist --- an extensive coverage of the green light lidar can be found on
the Atmospheric-Optics Laboratory’s web site at Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. They
are using the laser to study clouds, climate, air quality, and ozone depletion.
NatureWatch is a suite of community based or "citizen science" monitoring programs that
demonstrates that volunteers can collect valuable data and contribute to “real science”.
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Let’s have another look at John Walker’s Fourmilab web site. This site contains quite a few
interesting links such as The Earth and Moon Viewer and an extensive section on The
Analytical Engine, Charles Babbage's mechanical digital computer.
A "Buckyball" is made up of a collection of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a sphere
resembling a soccer ball.
The Creative Science Centre was founded to encourage, stimulate and explore the art of
DIY experimentation. One of their offerings is a description of a DIY Fullerene (Bucky Ball)
Generator. I seem to remember an article, somewhere, about Bucky Balls can be found in
candle soot or lamp black (?).
Some discussion on Bucky Balls can be found on the www.tesla-coil site.
Are there any health concerns with working with Bucky Balls? Also, see the International
Herald Tribune’s article “Nanotechnology Hazards”.
Maps, Compasses, & GPS's 101 A Basic Course --- can be found on the GPS Nuts web
site.
Here is some more on natural radio and Whistlers. Harold Allen’s Natural ELF Whistler
Radio – Part II article offers a good discussion on natural radio and includes links to other
related resources. Part I can be viewed in the www.antennax.com archive.
The Stephen Hawking Pages contain links to various sites that are devoted to Hawking
and his physics.
The Kids Room
What’s up with the SAS LABRats project? Subscribe to the LABRats Newsletter and be
kept up to date.
The Schlumberger Excellence in Educational Development (SEED) program connects
disadvantaged school children in developing countries to the Internet, shares the real world
of science through a multilingual online science center, and facilitates collaborative projects
among school children around the world.
Thousands of questions and answers can be found on the Newton BBS Ask a Scientist
Archive page.
On The Lighter Side
The Mad Scientist … in Fact and Fiction
See Amara's Stranger than Fiction Department and find out, among other stories, how a
marital spat brought CERN to its knees.
From The Far Side
184
An update from WANDERINGS #76 (23 Jly’04) --- Maryland’s mystery animal has been
caught --- AND --- identified.
Was it a Chupacabra or just another mangy canine? See the exhumation of the
Elmendorf beast.
Has Bigfoot been captured in Maine? --- Not quite!
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WANDERINGS
No. 79
27 Augest 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
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Feature
In celebration of the 100 th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s publication of his 5 legendary
articles, on relativity, quantum physics and the Brownian motion, the UN and various world
governments and organizations have declared 2005 as The World Year of Physics 2005.
The World Year of Physics 2005 (WYP2005) organization’s main goal is to bring the
excitement of physics to the public and inspire a new generation of scientists. They invite all
interested people and organisations to get involved. Please see the US WYP2005 web
site. Any ideas what SAS could do?
You may remember SETI@Home, the screen saver/program that uses your computer’s free
time to process some of the data collect by the SETI Project?
Now there’s Einstein@Home. This is a project developed to search the data from the Laser
Interferometer Graivitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) for gravitational wave signals
coming from pulsars. For a more technical description of LIGO, have a look at the CalTech
web site.
Further reading on the life and work of Albert Einstein on the Wikipedia encyclopedia site.
Wanderings
Dr. Charles D.H. Williams, of the University of Exeter, UK, has a nice page on the
Introduction to Sensors. His other on line course notes contain a great deal of useful
information.
There is an on line collection of sensor lecture notes on Stanford University’s ME117/220:
Introduction to Sensors web page.
The geoAhead site contains information on rocks, minerals and fossils.
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Science related web sites can be found everywhere. For example, the other day I came
across the TimeZone site, which is devoted to watch collectors, hobbyists, and people
seeking information about watches and the watch industry. This site contains 4 science
related articles by Walt Arnstein:
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The Gravity Pendulum and its Horological Quirks
The Foucault Pendulum and the Schuler Pendulum
Short-Term Repetitive Watch Error Due to Stepping
Is Faster More Accurate? Frequency Response of a Watch Escapement
About 35 years ago, I was involved in the groundwork for the design of a laser based optical
plummet --- i.e. an optical plum line that was to be used in establishing a vertical reference
when surveying a mineshaft.
The paper, The Tamarack Mines Mystery, may explain why an optical plummet is superior
to the conventional “string and bob”
I found an interesting paper on Surveying Measurements that deals with accuracy,
precision and errors. This information can be transferred to other fields.
The Kids Room
Why not try some physics experiments with your little sister’s Slinky?
The U.C. Berkeley Physics Lecture Demonstrations page contains a nice selection of
classroom demonstrations. They also provide links to similar sites.
Jim Cornish, on his Theme Pages for Elementary Students and Teachers, provides us
with the links to some of the sites that feature DIY paper airplanes.
On The Lighter Side
Here is a tale about pulleys and mechanical advantage. 8-) This is a version of the
original British skit.
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WANDERINGS
No. 80
03 September 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Feature
While on vacation, I bought a very interesting book --- Bark Canoes: The Art and
Obsession of Tappan Adney by John Jennings (ISBN – 1-55297-733-1). This book
contains photographs and descriptions of the extensive collection of Bark Canoes that were
made by Edwin Tappan Adney --- artist / correspondent / anthropologist. This makes an
excellent companion to Adney and Chappelle’s book --- The Bark Canoes and Skin Boats
of North America that I mentioned in the 19 Apr.’02 WANDERINGS.
Wanderings
The Spark, Bang, Buzz and Other Good Stuff site contains a collection of interesting DIY
experiments and projects.
DIY fusion? --- The implosion of tiny bubbles in an acetone/deuterium mixture is seen to
produces tritium and nuclear emissions. Can an amateur duplicate this? See The Amateur
Scientist for February 1995 --- Producing Light From a Bubble of Air, for a possible starting
point. Also do a Google search on Sonoluminescence.
Tierry Lombry’s Luxorion Project attempts to initiate the public into astronomy and its
history. Unfortunately, most of the material is in French. Nevertheless, there is plenty of
interesting material for the English only readers.
Dr. Charles D.H. Williams, of the University of Exeter, UK, has a page containing his course
notes on Feedback and Temperature Control. These methods may be used in other
applications that require some type of feedback control.
NASA announces the discovery of new exoplanets --- Ivan Semeniuk of the Discovery
Channel Canada says NASA's discoveries are exciting and may mean that we are getting
closer to finding a solar system similar to our own.
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“Beam me up Scotty” #2 ---- Austrian researchers report that they have successfully
teleported a photon across the Danube River.
"But it does move!" --- and other legends about Galileo Galilei.
The Kids Room
The Women Investigators Network is a focus group that has gathered to advise The New
York Academy of Science on what role it could play to help break down the remaining
barriers to women studying and working in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Science EduNet provides a vital link between the K-12 community and the growing number
of science, math, and technology enrichment programs and resources throughout the TriState region, reaching every corner of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Attention Canadian students! --- Lollygagger University is a service where you can buy
and sell your used textbooks directly with other Canadian students across the country. They
also link to commercial bookstores (Chapters, Amazon.ca, etc)
Do you love working with animals? Perhaps you are thinking of becoming a veterinary. Why
not apply to attend the 2005 Vet Camp at The University of Prince Edward Island.
From The Far Side
Dr. Chaim H. Tejman's Grand Unified Theory explains every principle of nature.
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189
WANDERINGS
No. 81
10 September 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Feature
Don’t forget to make your plans to join the Ocean Conservancy’s 19th annual
International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday 18 September 2004.
The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup will span the 9 days from Saturday 11 September
to Sunday19 September.
The following is a collection of DIY sites that can serve as an introduction into the
investigation of cosmic rays.
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A University of Utah’s ASPIRE Project for Grades 7 - 12: In Search of Cosmic
Rays: Investigations into the Origin of Cosmic Rays
Cosmic Rays from NASA's Cosmic and Heliospheric Learning Center.
James A. Petrait's Monitoring Muons On The Surface Of The Earth using
detectors from Aware Electronics.
QuarkNetter report on the Aware Geiger Detector
Various amateur projects related to cosmic rays and air showers.
Washington Large Area Time Coincidence Array (WALTA) is a project to
investigate the highest energy cosmic rays with the participation of middle and high
school students and teachers throughout the Seattle area. Also, see their links
Cosmic Rays resources on the Internet.
The Berkeley Lab Cosmic Ray Telescope Project
Techlib.com has an excellent page on DIY ion chambers.
A real time on-line cosmic ray site from Russia with links to related Internet sites.
Counting Particles from Space --- The Amateur Scientist, Feb 2001
Wanderings
190
The Spark, Bang, Buzz and Other Good Stuff site contains a collection of interesting DIY
experiments and projects. I wouldn’t advise attempting the projects that use propane. They
are best left to Hank Hill and other propane and propane accessories sales people 8-)
The Fat Quarters Software & Electronics web site is offering, among its collection of the
application notes, a DIY article on the construction of a High Sensitivity Gradiometer to
detect magnetic anomalies.
SID-GRB@home is a DIY site that shows how to build a simple VLF receiver that can
detect Sudden Ionospheric Disturbances (SID) that are caused by x-rays from the sun (solar
flares) and by x-rays from Gamma Ray Bursts (GRB) from the edges of the universe.
How to Build an Inexpensive Seismometer describes how you can build an n inexpensive
PC based instrument.
Professor Tomonao Hayashi and his students at the Chiba Institute of Technology, Japan,
developed and launched a Whale Ecology Observation Satellite.
The Kids Room
The New Mexico Solar Energy Association’s web site offers a wide selection of solar energy projects and
educational resources for all ages. The Pizza Box Solar Oven is especially suited to grades 3 to
6.
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191
WANDERINGS
No 82
01 October 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
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Feature
In The Amateur Scientist column for October, 1990, our editor, Forrest M. Mims III,
presented an article --- “A Remote-Control Camera That Catches the Wind and Captures
the Landscape”. In it, Forrest describes how to take aerial photographs, using a low altitude
helium balloon. Actually he used a BPTB lifting device, better known as the Black Plastic
Trash Bag. 8-)
Expanding on this theme, we can see that there are many amateurs that are involved in
high altitude (18Km ++) balloon activities.
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Yahoo Near Space Discussion List
Edge of Space Sciences (EOSS) utilizes amateur radio and balloons to advance
scientific study of the upper atmosphere
Hobby Space’s Near Space links.
University of North Dakota High Altitude Balloon Project
The poor man’s space program
Minnesota's High-Altitude Amateur Radio Balloon Project
Treasure Valley Near Space Program
NASA’s Ultra Long Duration Balloon Project
The Borealis Project exposes students to the DIY design of space hardware and
provides them with a platform on which they can fly their designs.
Selected papers on Balloon Instrumentation from the 26th International Cosmic
Ray Conference
Rocket Recovery Systems and Instrumentation suitable for balloon applications.
The Australian Space Research Institute’s Proposed High Altitude Balloon
Program
Overview of A Balloon-Borne Sprite Observatory
The "Pointing InfraRed Observing Gondola" – PIROG - program is a Swedish
high altitude scientific balloon program for infra-red astronomy observations.
Ralph Wallio’s Amateur Radio High Altitude Ballooning
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Also, see the recent back issues of Nuts & Volts magazine for Paul Verhage’s Near
Space column.
It should be noted that this activity is not without an effect on the environment. Sea turtles
have been killed by ingesting discarded plastic bags or helium balloons. This mistake
these items for their main prey, jellyfish.
Fortunately most of the problem seems to come from the toy and advertisement type
balloon releases and not weather or amateur balloon releases. See --- A Study Of The
Effect Of Balloon Releases On The Environment.
Wanderings
I was inspired by Michael A. Banks’ excellent series on the life and work of Hugo Gernsback
to do a quick search for a picture of his Telimco spark transmitter. Actually, I found a site
that contained some selected pages from his Electro Importing Company: Catalogue No.
7. This was better than I had expected.
Once upon a time, when I was a wee tyke in the mid 50’s, I experimented with a DIY spark
transmitter that was similar to Gernsback’s. I used a Ford Model T spark coil as the heart of
the transmitter and a 1N34 crystal diode as the receive element. Unlike the Telimco, I used
a proper antenna and ground system. Thanks Michael, for bring back some early memories.
8-)
A couple of other interesting sites that are worthy of a look are --- United States Early
Radio History --- and --- A Chronology of AM Radio Broadcasting 1900-1960.
The USSR’s Sputnik satellite can be thought of as the father of the US Transit
positioning system and the grandfather of GPS.
The Rocket Rover Lander Challenge requires the competing teams to launch a sport
rocket containing a simulated lander, to safely land the lander, and to deploy a rover. The
rover must then be remotely navigated to a predetermined spot on the flying field
Michigan Tech's Volcanoes Page aims to provide information about volcanoes and to
complement other web based volcano sites.
The Kids Room
New initiatives to increase the role of women in science and engineering plan to
introduce programs aimed at girls at the elementary school level to help stimulate their
interest in science and mathematics. It is believed that by giving young girls the opportunity
to explore these subjects through a hands-on approach will encourage them to choose
science and engineering as careers.
Obtain your MS degree while working as a Peace Corps volunteer.
Paul Doherty’s Scientific Explorations And Adventures is an extensive of DIY science
demonstrations that are suitable for the K12 age range.
193
The Virtual Body interactive website allows students to investigate the brain, skeleton,
digestive system, and heart.
Bio Interactive is an interactive website exploring the world of biology. Be sure to take part
in a "Virtual Lab".
The Pfizer FunZone features the history of medicines and antibiotics, a virtual tour of
microbes, and a virtual electron microscope.
Build your own atom with the Science Odyssey: Atom Builder activity that can be found
on the PBS Science Odyssey web site. This interactive website demonstrates plate
tectonics, neurological stimulation, atoms, DNA, radio waves, and changes in household
technology, medicine, and human evolution.
The What on Earth? interactive series investigates the structure and formation processes
of the Earth. Teacher notes are included.
Cool Science for Curious Kids contains activities for students about plants, classifying
species, the air, butterflies, and making observations.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The COCOM* regulations, that are imposed on civilian GPS receivers, sets their operational
limits to an altitude of 18km and a speed of 515m/s. This prevents most off the shelf GPS
receivers from being useful for high altitude balloon or rocket use.
One exception is the Trimble Lassen™ SQ GPS module which allows either limit to be
exceeded --- but not both. Also, its small size and low cost make it an excellent choice for
balloon work.
Has anyone any experience with the Lassen SQ? Please, let us know.
• Lessen SQ Technical Specifications
• Lessen SQ GPS Receiver System Design Manual
• Lessen SQ data sheets and price list.
SpaceCAD is a computer program that will assist you in your design of amateur rockets. A
30 day trial version is available for download.
On The Lighter Side
John Baez has developed The Crackpot Index which is a simple method for rating
potentially revolutionary contributions to physics.
From The Far Side
194
Why does the Discovery Channel (Canada) keep running features on Joe Newman and
John Hutchison? What ever happened to “real” science?
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195
WANDERINGS
No. 83
29 October 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
One advantage of TCS going bi-monthly* is that it gives me more time for myself and my
family. 8-)
On the other hand, it is going to be more difficult to alert our readers to current or breaking
news. For example --- we missed out on the invitation to participate in a middle school
project, The Sun Shadow Investigation Project. This was an endeavour to measure the
Earth's circumference during the equinox week of 20-24 September. Also, while not a
science item, I hope that all of you, who are bicycle users, are aware of the problem with the
Kryptonite U Locks that has been reported in the media. This item strikes close to home
since my son, my daughter and I have all had a bike stolen in the past few years. Note --we were not using Kryptonite locks at those times.
Feature
Each night before bedtime, my 18 month old foster son and I go outside to see the stars.
But, due to suburban light pollution, we are limited to the number of stars that we can see.
Forrest M. Mims III introduces us to the concept of light pollution in his TCS editorial The
Dark Sky Conundrum (TCS - 20 Aug ‘04). How can we measure the pollution level at our
location? Fortunately, the amateur can conduct qualitative measurements with a simply
constructed DIY dark sky meter. I understand that one concern, that the users of these dark
sky meters have, is that, as yet, they lack a standardized calibration method that will insure
that all DYI meters are reading the same thing. Any ideas?
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The International Dark-Sky Association’s (IDA) main goal is to advise the public,
business and government on the adverse environmental impact that is caused by
light pollution.
Gote Flodqvist first published the plans for his Dark Sky Meter in the Feb. ’01 issue
of Sky and Telescope magazine.
Gote Flodqvist’s Dark Sky Meter design hints.
Gote Flodqvist’s Dark Sky Meter in action --- Sunset Graph --- a Few Readings.
196
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The Dark-Sky Meter – a new design
Avery Davis’ Dark Sky Meter Design and Information page.
See Item #0005 for some thoughts on meter calibration.
Wanderings
Fredrick Veio and Chris Westland manage The Spectrohelioscope Network.
This site contains an enormous list of links and DIY resources for the amateur sun watcher.
Explore the world of sundials with Shadows, a sundials design program.
The American Meteor Society supports amateur and professional research activities in the
extensive field of Meteor Astronomy.
Do you like a challenge? Have a look at the Meteor Spectroscopy Project.
The International Meteor Organization (IMO) attempts to fill the ever growing need for
international cooperation among amateur meteor observers.
October 1, 1958 was the official birth of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA).
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be an orbiting infrared observatory that
will take the place of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope at the end of this decade.
The US Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $800 million in emergency
funding for the space shuttle and the Hubble space telescope.
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) will assist
NASA with the construction of The James Webb Space Telescope.
Northern Ireland Fungus Group promotes the conservation of Fungi in Northern Ireland
and has links to other mycology web sites.
Wind carries genetically modified pollen to record distances. Read this and other
breaking stories on The New Scientist online site.
With 20% of the world’s population speaking English, with a good level of competence,
it could be considered as the universal language. English is a dynamic and evolving
language with many words being borrowed from other cultures.
While we are at the www.askoxford.com site, have a look at the word --- bi-monthly as in
“The TCS is going bi-monthly as of 1 Oct. 2004”. It’s kind of confusing, isn’t it? 8-)
The Kids Room
US Sci-Tech students abandon ship!
197
The A to Z Home's Cool Home Schooling Site has a collection of Science Experiments
For Kids.
The Plus2Physics site offers free online study material.
Need a science fair project? Check out The Science Fair Projects Encyclopedia at The
All Science Fair Projects site.
Pico Technology has developed a series of Science Experiments that are suitable for use
with their data logging products.
On The Lighter Side
What would you call a collection of owls? Or how a bunch of kangaroos?
From The Far Side
Dark matter seismography. Did quark matter strike Earth on 22 October 1993?
64 = 65?
1 = 2?
Come on into the future --- Join The Time Travel Fund(tm).
You have probably heard of perpetual motion. Now there’s semi-perpetual motion!
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WANDERINGS
No. 84
12 November 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Feature
The Science Project site opens a new age of collaborative science projects for grades K
through 12.
Wanderings
Newt Gingrich comments on amateur science and gives a plug for SAS in his The Age of
Transitions.
Most of us are aware that, C.L. Stong, an early columnist for Scientific American’s Amateur
Scientist column, published a collection of selected projects in his 1957 book titled, "The
Scientific American Book of Projects for the Amateur Scientist". But, but how many of
you are aware of the other book that he co-authored with James E. Hammesfahr? The
topics that are covered in Creative Glass Blowing include tools of the glass blower, basic
operations for both solid glass and glass tubing and the fabrication of novelty and scientific
glassware.
East Carolina University’s Glassblowing Services provides an online glassblowing
tutorial.
Teralab Glass Blowing for Vacuum Devices is another online tutorial.
Hot Glass Bits --- Mike Firth’s furnace glass working site.
How to collect and preserve spider webs.
Check out Neil Fraser’s page and see how he constructed a 3D Computer Mouse.
Interested in Holography? If so, have a look at Colin Kaminski’s DIY holography page.
199
Hubert Roussel has an interesting web page that includes, among other DIY projects, a
section on making holograms using an ordinary laser pointer. Unfortunately, the page is
in French. For those of you who are not fluent in French, try using an online translator like
Babblefish.com to produce a rough translation. With a little bit of reading between the lines
and a wee bit of luck you might be able to figure out what he is writing about. Give it a try.
Bonne chance!
Mathematics professor, Jason Brown of Dalhousie University, believes that he has solved
the mystery of how The Beatles constructed the opening chord of “A Hard Day's
Night”. Listen the CBC interview with Prof. Brown, in Real Audio.
Winter is on its way and in some parts of the country this means frozen rivers, lakes and
ponds. Researchers have found that most people who fall into cold water die from
drowning and not hypothermia as commonly thought. See Survival In Cold Waters from
Marine Safety Directorate of Transport Canada.
Read about the attempts to save the Wollemi Pine, one of the world's oldest and rarest
plants dating back to the time of the dinosaurs.
You can download a free monthly sky map from the Skymaps.com web site.
The Aurora Sentry is a collection of real time data designed to assist in determining
whether an aurora is occurring or will occur in the near future.
NASA’s Solar System Dynamics WWW Site provides data of all known bodies that orbit
around the sun.
The aim of the European Rivers Network is to link groups and people who are working for
the protection their rivers. They maintain an extensive list of links to related web sites.
Sciencebase.com is aimed at everyone who has an interest in chemistry, physics,
biomedical research and other sciences.
The Science Blog encompasses subjects ranging from Computers & Electronics to
Bioscience & Medicine.
M.C. Escher is famous for his fantastical drawings that have managed to stretch the laws
of logic and perception. Gershon Elber, a professor with the Israel Institute of Technology,
has managed to make real life 3D models of some of Escher’s more famous illusions. He
started by putting together computer models of the drawings, and then he used a 3D printer
to make real world versions.
See the GOOGLE collection of Optical Illusions
For those of you who may wish to build a boat and sail the 7 seas a print out of The
American Practical Navigator will definitely be an asset to you.
The Kids Room
200
The Science Projects Page shows you how to isolate DNA from strawberries and other
fruit.
Have fun learning Physics with Physics Toys.
Kinetic City: Mission to Vearth is an after-school standards-based science program in
which kids complete activities in conjunction with a dynamic website.
Fun Things for the Young-in-Spirit is a selection of projects that require a minimum of
materials, equipment and effort. Some of the projects are science oriented while others are
just fun.
The National Student Research Center envisions educating children around the world to
become humanitarian and ecological 21st century citizens in an ultimately diverse and
highly interdependent, science and technology based, global community.
The mission of the Youth Science Center is to provide science, technology, and math
enrichment to youth in order to prepare them for the future.
The World Year of Physics 2005 has a collection of interesting Classroom Projects.
The Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design page, of the University of Idaho
Mechanical Engineering department, contains a collection of hardware prototype that were
designed and constructed by the senior students.
From The Far Side
Anti gravity?
• “A Flying Saucer Is Something Simple!"
• “Breakthrough As Scientists Beat Gravity”
• Read about anti-gravity research in Russia.
• 150 Anti-Gravity links!
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WANDERINGS
No. 85
03 December 2004
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the WANDERINGS Chat Room. --- (See info and instructions)
Feature
While I was attending high school in a small rural farming community, during the late 50’s
and early 60’s, I had no idea that there were such things as science fairs. It wasn’t until
1965 that I was able to visit my first fair in Huntsville, AL. I was blown away! I was jealous!
Why couldn’t I have had something like this available to me during my school days?
Things have not really improved that much during the 40 odd years since my school days as
there are still school districts in North America and ,in fact, around the globe where the
students do not have access to a local, regional or national science fairs.
All is not lost. A group of concerned individuals in Regina, Saskatchewan founded, in 1999,
The Canada Wide Virtual Science Fair , a registered Canadian charitable non-profit
corporation. This Internet based Virtual Science Fair gives Canadian children from remote
locations and small rural schools the chance to compete equally with their urban peers.
Please see their Mission Statement.
They are archiving the student best projects so that the public can see what these kids have
been working on.
Even though The Canada Wide Virtual Science Fair is for Canadian students, it should be
used as a model by other organizations (SAS??? --- UNESCO???) to open up the Science
Fair experience to the global community.
Wanderings
SAS member, Jim Hannon, points us to David P. Anderson’s Robot Page featuring his
Segway like nBot Balancing Robot.
202
Feel like owing a DIY Segway clone? If so, then take a look at Trevor Blackwell’s Building
a Balancing Scooter page. He also offers a nice collection of other balancing robot and
scooter sites. Hey! There are even some Lego constructions.
Do any of you “old guys” remember the Smokey Stover cartoon character? He drove to
fires in his two-wheel fire truck that was known as the Foo Mobile. I wonder --- could this
have been the inspiration of the Segway?
22 Oct. 2004 --- The University of Saskatchewan officially opened The Canadian Light
Source Synchrotron Facility. A synchrotron acts like a gigantic microscope that generates
intense beams of brilliant light, millions of times brighter than the sun, to view the
microstructure of materials.
“The Kyoto Protocol is not enough to stem global warming” --- warns a group of
international climate experts. On 8 Nov’04, they issued one of the most urgent warnings
on climate change to date, and could put new pressure on the US and other nations to curb
fossil-fuel emissions.
About GlobalWarming.org is the web site of the Cooler Heads Coalition, a sub-group of
the National Consumer Coalition. The Cooler Heads Coalition was formed to express their
views that global warming is a myth that is fuelled by flawed science.
A Lukewarm View of Global Warming by John L. Daly
Climate Change Education.org is a growing resource dedicated to education on climate
change and global warming.
Could Mega Engineering Projects be used to slow global warming / climate change?
Global Warming / Climate Change --- Fact or fiction? Flawed science? For a possible
answer it might be a good idea to solicit the opinion of the Inuit and other Arctic dwellers.
An Overview of Victorian Science --- During the nineteenth century "natural philosophy"
and "natural history" evolved into "science".
The KEGG: Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes is a bioinformatics resource
with the goal of forming a complete computer representation of the cell and organism.
Fermilab’s The Amateur Magnet Builder's Handbook is not really “amateur” in our sense
of the word.
Hobbits in the South Pacific?
The American Physical Society, founded in 1899, states that their mission is to advance
and diffuse the knowledge of physics.
Steve's aquarium --- and --- Craig Reynolds’s Boids are both Java based flocking
demos.
203
The term "Artificial Life" is used to describe research into human-made systems that
possess some of the essential properties of life. Learn more on the International Society
of Artificial Life’s web site.
Asteroid 1997 XF11 will make a close Earth approach on 26 Oct. 2028. Also, see Space
Watch’s web site.
The Kids Room
The Engineer Girl web site is devoted to encouraging young women to consider entering
the various engineering fields.
The Committee on the Status of Women in Physics (CSWP) was founded in 1972 to
address the encouragement and career development of women physicists.
This French DIY site offers some nice examples of hands-on projects for the middle school
and younger student.
Enter the URL http://cm1cm2.ceyreste.free.fr/index.html into Google or Babblefish for a
French to English translation. You should try both as each give a different translation. C'est
la vie 8-)
Here is another “non-English” site. This DIY Science Project page is presented in
Japanese. But, by using the old ---“a picture is worth a thousand words” ---, this site should
prove to be the “seed’ for many projects.
The All Science Fair Projects web site contains a collection of science fair project ideas
complete with instructions.
The results of The Water Rocket Challenge 2004 have been posted on The National
Physical Laboratory (UK) web site. Keep checking back for news of a possible 2005
contest.
Do you want to get scientific with water rockets? If so, have a look at Joseph M. Prusa’s
Hydrodynamics of a Water Rocket.
The Argonne National Laboratory sponsors a Rube Goldberg Machine Contest. Keep a
watch for a possible 2005 contest.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Looking for some unusual Christmas gift ideas? If so, the Plantraco R/C’s web site has an
item of special interest. Their miniature Desktop Rover for $59.95 CDN is a computer
controlled tracked vehicle. Check it out! It looks like it would great fun to play (work) with.
While there, be sure to have a look at their other items and R/C components.
The Discovery Channel recently ran a segment on the Desktop Rover.
204
On The Lighter Side
Take a look at the Physics Humor site and have a few chuckles.
From The Far Side
Finally --- Concrete proof! --- In 1964, the National Science Foundation Polar Research
Vessel, Eltanin, photographed an unusual object at a depth of 13,500 feet, positioned
approximately 1,000 miles south of Cape Horn, This object, dubbed “The Eltanin Antenna”,
appears to be a pole rising from the ocean floor with twelve spokes radiating from it, each
ending in a sphere. Some researchers are asking how was this device deployed there. They
go further and contend that the Eltanin Antenna is a piece of ancient technology, or even
technology that comes from another world.
Or is it?
8-)
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205
WANDERINGS
No. 86
17 December ‘04
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
On 09 Nov. 2004, I caught part of a very interesting PBS feature --- America’s Stone Age
Explores. The program looked at the common theory that the first North American peoples,
called the Clovis People, crossed the Bering Land Bridge from Asia about 13,500 years
ago.
Mitochondrial DNA analysis of North American First Nations Peoples showed the
expected Asian markers. But then the investigators were thrown a curve ball when they
found evidence of pre-Columbian European influences, along with the Asian markers, in the
DNA of the Ojibwa People. This new DNA turned out to be similar to that of the Clovis like
Solutrean People of ancient France and Spain.
“Could it have been possible for some early European peoples to have reached North
America during a past ice age?”
I asked myself this question, years ago, while sailing into the Arctic through Davis Strait. I
remember that for as far as the eye could see, the sea ice was black with seals and there
was almost a daily sighting of whales. Their presence represented a huge food supply and if
the modern Inuit can live, for extended periods, on sea ice eating seals, other marine
animals and fish, why couldn’t the Solutreans? Perhaps a band(s) of Solutrean Peoples
could have followed the ice edge, west to North America, either by foot, dog team or boat
(similar to Inuit umiak).
For further reading, please see:
• The Stone Age Columbus?
• The Clovis Spear Point
• The Clovis First / Pre-Clovis Problem by Tony Baker
• Coastal Navigators by E. James Dixon
• The Clovis and Beyond Conference
•
•
•
•
The Topper site --- Did man arrive in NA 50,000 years ago?
The Topper Site --- Early Dates, Real Tools? by Eric A. Powell
The Solutrean Connection
Images of Solutrean artifacts by Tony Baker
206
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•
Clovis and Solutrean: Is There a Common Thread? by James M. Chandler
Immigrants From The Other Side (Clovis Is Solutrean?)
An Introduction to Ojibway Culture and History
The Free Encyclopedia.com entry on Amerindian
Center for the Study of the First Americans
The Mammoth Trumpet
Wanderings
The San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers brings us the DIY plans for building a
Dobsonian Telescope. Note --- You may be able to use these plans as a guide to modify
and improve your commercial ‘scope.
The drastic drop in price of digital cameras allows the amateur to install a camera module in
their rocket, balloon or what ever.
• Modifying a Pencam For External Control
• AYUCR Camera Controller
• Flying a Solid-State Video Camera - The EyeSoar
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s an ornithopter!, a machine that, like a bird, flies by
flapping its wings. Buy an inexpensive kit or try your hand at a DIY construction.
Ice Flash! --- Triboluminescence --- or --- Piezoluminiscence?
NASA’s World Wind allows any user to zoom from satellite altitude into any place on Earth,
leveraging high resolution LandSat imagery and SRTM elevation data to experience Earth
in visually rich 3D.
The working group on VLF/ELF Remote Sensing of the Ionosphere and Magnetosphere
(VERSIM) is an international group of scientists interested in studying the behaviour of the
magnetosphere and ionosphere by means of both naturally and artificially generated ELF
and VLF (300 Hz - 30 kHz) radio waves.
Red Sprites and Blue Jets is the description of the Univ. Alaska’s research into middle and
upper atmospheric optical and electrical phenomena.
Mike Boschat's Astronomy Page contains a huge number of astronomy related links.
India’s new Hanle telescope, perched on a Himalayan mountain top, holds the title of
being the World's highest telescope (4,500 metres above sea level
Bob Fritzius’ Shade Tree Physics web pages provide us with a host of links to keep us
busy reading during these long winter nights.
On 16 Nov. ’04 ElectronicsWeekly.com reported that an unmanned sub crossed
hundreds of kilometres of open ocean without using an engine of any kind. The “Spray”, a
type of Slocum Glider, was developed by Scripps and Woods Hole scientists to provide a
small autonomous platform for long-term hydrographic measurements. Also see --- “Using
a Fleet of Slocum Battery Gliders in a Regional Scale Coastal Ocean Observatory.”
207
The Slocum Glider is named after, Nova Scotia born, Captain Joshua Slocum. He set sail
on 24 Apr. 1895 in his sloop, Spray, and become the first person to sail single-handedly
around the world. His trip totalled more than 46,000 miles.
Cultures On The Edge is an online magazine that looks at cultural diversity around the
world.
The Page Museum is located at LA’s Rancho La Brea Tar Pits and is recognized for having
the largest and most diverse collection of extinct Ice Age plants and animals in the world.
The topic of Forrest Mims’ World of Science for 29 October 2004 was Science and Cotton.
In his article, Forrest comments on the comfort of cotton clothing on a hot (dry) summer day.
Yes --- cotton clothing can feel good under the right conditions, but being an occasional
backpacker and/or canoeist I am aware of the saying --- “Cotton Kills!” Cotton fibres will
quickly become saturated with water and/or perspiration. This added to cotton’s slow drying
characteristic tends to render the clothing very uncomfortable. Quite a few people have
succumbed to hypothermia while wearing wet blue jeans and a cotton T-shirt. For outside
adventures my choice is layered synthetics. Also, please see --- Staying Warm in the
Outdoors.
The Kids Room
The results of the 2004 European Union Contest for Young Scientists have been
posted.
YES I Can! Science believes that anyone with the desire, interest, or just simple curiosity
can learn about, and understand, Science
The Exploratorium’s Science Information Infrastructure (SII) is a collaboration among
teachers and scientists that introduces the student to NASA’s collection of images and data
sets. For example, one lesson, Graphing Stratospheric Ozone introduces the student to a
"how-to" graphing example followed by other more sophisticated examples of graphing
using NASA data.
The Science Toy Maker’s page is a site for people, of all ages, who like to roll up their
sleeves and make fun and educational toys that entice scientific investigation.
Along with their science pages, the Enchanted Learning site contains a wealth of
resources for parents and teachers. Of special note is the Crafts section which contains
enough projects to keep even the busiest little tyke occupied.
Use your knowledge of physics to design an on-line Roller Coaster on the Amusement
Park Physics site.
The Science.ca website combines rich narrative biography with clear graphic explanation to
describe Canada's greatest scientists and their achievements. Also see The Science and
Technology for Canadians web site.
208
The Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics Network (SETNET) is a UK
charity that promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics awareness,
especially among young people.
The Institute of Physics’ Physics.org web site has been described as "a cybercopia of
knowledge".
From The Far Side
The Cyprus Atlantis Expedition reports that they have discovered man-made structures
located 1 mile below sea level. Has Atlantis been discovered? For further information,
please see the Discovery of Atlantis web site.
Are The Ica Stones proof positive that man and dinosaurs roamed the Earth at the same
time or were the stones carved by local farmers trying to make a bit of extra cash? Also,
see:
• The Ancient Ica Stones of Dr. Cabrera --- proof of an unknown ancient civilization.
8-)
• The Skeptic’s Dictionary entry on The Ica Stones.
• Ica Stones: Yabba-Dabba-Do! --- by the Skeptical Inquirer.
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209
WANDERINGS
No. 87
07 January 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
NASA has 3 unused Saturn V launch vehicles on display at several of their facilities around
the US. But, unfortunately, after many years of being exposed to the elements the rockets
are in very poor condition. On the bright side the Smithsonian Institution has started
restoration efforts on the Johnson Space Center’s ' Saturn.
Along with the infestation of moulds, vegetation and small animals the Saturns are also
experiencing a condition called Galvanic Corrosion. This occurs when 2 or more dissimilar
metals are in contact with each other and are exposed to an electrolyte, such as sea water
or polluted moist air. Under these conditions, the more noble metal corrodes or destroys the
less noble metal(s). See --- The Galvanic Series. The metals on this list will be corroded by
those that are lower in the list. For example --- magnesium will be slightly corroded by zinc
but will be corroded more so by tin because magnesium and tin are further apart in the
series. Galvanic corrosion is often mistakenly referred to as electrolysis.
Also see:
• Galvanic Series
• Galvanic Series in Seawater
• Galvanic Series Of Metals And Alloys
• Galvanic Series: Corrosion Potentials in Flowing Seawater
• Sea Water Corrosion Resistance
• Marine Galvanic Corrosion
In some of the above tables you will see that some items, such as stainless steel, may be
listed as being either passive or active.
Passive mode --- The chromium in stainless steel combines with atmospheric oxygen to
form a thin layer of oxide. This film is called a passive film and enables stainless steel to
resist rusting. The chlorides in seawater may destroy the passive film more quickly than it
can be repaired.
210
Active mode --- In low-oxygen environments, stainless steel can not readily form the
protective oxide coating. This is called the active mode and results in the stainless steel
being prone to corrosion.
Under some conditions, stainless steel is NOT stainless! For an example, look at series 430
stainless steel. It can be seen from the table that copper is a more noble metal and will
corrode the stainless steel.
For the past 30+ years I have been working in the marine industry and have seen, time and
time again, an aluminium item being needlessly turned to powder because some one used
stainless steel fasteners. And in other cases I’ve seen ½” stainless bolts eaten almost in
half.
Galvanic corrosion can be reduced or eliminated by:
• Choosing the proper combination of components.
• Isolate the components with a compound, such as NEVERSEEZE .
• Use Cathodic Protection.
The Thermoelectric Series is another series that may be of interest to the amateur.
Wanderings
Sabatoge? Hydergon leak? Flamable skin? What was the real cause of the Hindenburg
disaster?
• The Mystery of the Hindenburg Disaster
• The Hindenburg --- a PBS episode.
• The Hindenburg Disaster
• The Real Culprit in the Disaster (?)
• Flaws in the Addison Bain’s Incendiary-Paint Theory
SAS member Ray Lahr sent us a link that shows us how to design our own 12 sided
(dodecahedron) desk calendar.
Japan’s National Maritime Research Institute has an extensive collection of links to Fish
Robots. Don’t miss the selection of student built robots.
Have a look at an amateur’s work in radio astronomy and related fields.
Dr. Antonio Carlos Moreirão de Queiroz’s Electrostatic Machines page provides us with an
extensive collection of DIY high voltage machines.
G.D.Mutch shows us How to Build a DIY Vandegraff Generator.
Build a simple DIY pop can Van de Graaff generator from Simon Q. Field’s Scitoys site.
The Science Forums web site provides a friendly, moderated discussion area for all
science topics. All levels of discussion are welcome, from the amateur to the professional.
The Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information of the German Aerospace Center
DLR is engaged in the acquisition, analysis and provision of satellite based information
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products on natural and man made disasters. These pages provide us with the opportunity
to view many high resolution satellite photographs.
JDMCox Software provides a collection of aerial photo and topo map utility programs such
as USAPhotoMaps which enables you to download data from Microsoft's free TerraServer
Web site.
The Global Climate Animations from the Dept of Geography, University of Oregon, show
the seasonal climatic cycles for the 38 years, between 1959 and 1997.
Global Warming may result in the eventual extension of the North Cascade Ice Worms
The Royal Society, founded in 1660, is the UK’s national academy of science that a crucial
role as the champion of top quality science and technology.
Volcano World’s web site is the Web's premier source of volcano Information.
The mindat.org site says that they are the largest mineral database and mineralogical
reference website on the internet. The site contains worldwide data on minerals, mineral
localities and other mineralogical information.
The history of Gros Morne National Park is etched in stone.
Larry Orcutt’s Catchpenny Mysteries of Ancient Egypt takes a look at some of the more
questionable theories that seem to run so rampant.
The South Pointing Chariots were Chinese devices or horse drawn carts on which stood a
figure whose one arm pointed south, no matter which way the cart travelled.
Dr. Daniel Simberloff, an invasive species expert at the University of Tennessee, talks to
NOVA about some of the worst invaders. See, also, Deep Sea Invasion.
The Kids Room
Build a DIY Solar Water Pasteurizer from everyday recycled items.
The Steve Spangler Science web site, a supplier of inexpensive science supplies and kits,
has a collection of inexpensive DIY science experiments and demonstrations.
Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab is an online source of science projects and experiments for
students, parents and teachers.
The Jason Project is a multi-disciplinary program that sparks the imagination of students
and enhances the classroom experience.
Planet Science is a UK based science resource for teachers and parents.
The OceanLink project brings science to the citizen. As a department of the Bamfield
Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, British Columbia, their primary goal is to educate the
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public of the importance of the marine environment and its conservation through interactive,
electronic media.
Chem Lab Safety and Organic Laboratory Safety Notes are two sites covering basic lab
safety.
Mud Puddle Home Education (UK) is a source of material for home schoolers. See their
Kitchen Science page.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Science Kit is a leading supplier of materials and equipment to science teachers and
parents.
The Science Fair.org is a supplier of a wide selection of scientific supplies to schools,
educators, home-schoolers and the general public.
Supercircuits.com has a nice selection of super small (1.25”x1.25”) video cameras with
prices starting at $11.95(US). Check them out, if you need video input for your project.
Micromega Corporation, of Kingston ON, manufactures the uM-FPU floating point math
coprocessor IC that is compatible with many micro controllers such as the STAMP or PIC.
The chip sells for $14.95 (US).
On The Lighter Side
What can you do with your collection of empty beer or pop bottles? Why not build a bottle
organ?
Can’t get to sleep? Then why not try your hand at experimenting with some blanket
lightning with wvlightning.com?
From The Far Side
A painting that was found inside the Tomb of Ptah-Hotep, at Saqqara, Egypt, dating from
the 5th Dynasty, shows an image that looks like an 'alien grey'. Does this prove, once
and for all, that the building of the Pyramids was aided by alien intelligence? But, then on
the other hand, have a look at this “ET” from The Catchpenny.org’s point of view.
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WANDERINGS
No. 88
28 January 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Do you like to get down and dirty and roll up your sleeves for some interesting DIY project?
If so, then keep a lookout for WANDERINGS #89!
By now, we have all heard about the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that occurred, at 07:58:53
PM (EST) Sat.25 Dec. ’04, that, in turn, triggered the tsunami that struck south Asia and
eastern Africa.
We generally associate large earthquakes and tsunamis with the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of
Fire. Could something like the “Boxing Day Tsunami” strike the Atlantic coast of North
America? Perhaps! As can be seen in this map of the Northern US states and Canada,
while not as active as the Pacific, the Atlantic coast receives its share of seismic activity.
For example --- At 20:32 UTC on 18 Nov. 1929 a magnitude 7.2 earthquake and resulting
tsunami struck Newfoundland’s Burin Peninsula. The damage was very small compared
to the current tsunami. Nevertheless, fifty isolated fishing communities (out-ports) were
heavily damaged.
• Newfoundland’s Tsunami
• Tsunami hits Newfoundland’s Burin Peninsula
• The South Coast disaster: Newfoundland's tsunami
Sometime in the future, there could be an episode, in the Atlantic, that will over shadow the
recent Asian Tsunami. Geophysicists Dr. Steven Ward of the University of California at
Santa Cruz and Dr. Simon Day of University College, London speculate that an eruption of
the Cumbre Vieja volcano in the Canary Islands could cause a trillion tons of volcanic rock
to slip into the Atlantic Ocean resulting in a Mega Tsunami. See:
• Landslide Could Send Mega Tsunami to East Coast
• CNN.com --- Scientists warn of massive wave
• Mega-tsunami to devastate US coastline
Mega tsunamis are not a figment of some Sci-Fi author’s imagination. On 8 Jly 1958, a
landslide at Lituya Bay, Alaska, causes a 525 metre high “splash”!
• Lituya Bay and Cumbre Vieja
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OPED25 Mega-Tsunami
Several consequences of the recent tsunami, that are receiving little or no press coverage,
are that this wave has displaced hundreds of thousands of landmines in the region,
especially Sri Lanka. Ted Chaiban, of UNICEF, says that the mines that were washed out of
known mine fields will pose a great danger to the population when they start returning to
their homes, because they will not know the new locations of the mines. Also, WHO has
issued warnings of the possibility of malaria outbreaks in the tsunami-affected regions of
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and India.
NASA scientists reported that the Indian Ocean earthquake affected the shape and
rotation of the Earth, and shifted the position of the North Pole.
Further related reading may be found at:
• Physics of Tsunamis
• USGS --- Worldwide Earthquake Activity in the Last Seven Days .
• USGS --- World Map of Earthquake Activity .
• USGS --- This Dynamic Earth
• USGS --- This Dynamic Planet
• The International Tsunami Information Center
• West Coast & Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
• Mount St. Helens VolcanoCam
• Oregon State University O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory
• The German Aerospace Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information.
Wanderings
The Techlib.com site was listed several times in the past. Recently, I noticed that they have
a DIY Cheap but Sensitive Radiation Detector that uses low voltage, ordinary
semiconductors, and no high value resistors. They also have a section of some interesting
science fair ideas. Note --- these are ideas --- not --- instructions!
A revisit to The Fun Science Gallery finds that they have added some new DIY items to
their collection of projects.
Two Slit Diffraction & Interference Demonstration --- a DIY photo essay.
The skywise711.com site offers sections on Lasers, Earthquakes and Astronomy.
Bug’n’Bots is an online source of educational robotic kits and parts.
Solarbotics.net is a BEAM robotics resource centre.
Have a look at the past entries to MIT’s 6.270 Autonomous Robot Design Competition.
Light Pollution reaches out to other areas besides astronomy. Birds, sea turtles, humans
and other creatures are all experiencing the effects of light pollution. If this isn’t enough,
the burning of fossil fuels to produce the power for the lighting contributes to air pollution
and global warming.
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The International Dark-Sky Association’s goals are to build a public awareness of the
problem of light pollution and of the solutions, and to educate everyone about the value and
effectiveness of quality night time lighting.
Martin Brown’s hobby page contains detailed information about the NoNaD light pollution
filter for low-pressure sodium lights.
On 25 Apr. 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick announced, in the science journal
Nature, that they had discovered the double helix structure of DNA, but what about
Rosalind Franklin? See:
• Rosalind Franklin (1920 - 1958)
• NOVA --- The secret of Photo 51.
• Rosalind Franklin
• Linus Pauling and the Race for DNA
Dr. Peter Gordon, of Columbia University, reported in the journal Science that The Piraha, a
band of Amazon hunter-gatherers, do not have concepts of numbers or colours.
The University of Pennsylvania Library has a collection of online e-books.
Here are a few selected News Headlines from Johns Hopkins University.
• Low-Cost Robot Could Locate Land Mines in Rugged Terrain
• Shark Cartilage Cancer "Cure" Shows Dangers of Pseudoscience
• Researchers Seek to Lure More Women, Minorities to Engineering
• Astronomers Tackle 400-Year-Old Heavenly Mystery
Read the latest science news stories from China Economic Net.
Scientists from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, are using a stainless steel sphere,
one-metre in diameter and filled with about 1000 kg of sodium, to try and discover how the
Earth generate its magnetic field.
On Tuesday 11 Jan. 2005, two recently found giant squids underwent an autopsy or
necropsy in an attempt to learn more about the habits of these elusive creatures. Check out
--- In Search Of Giant Squid --- An Expedition Into The Last Frontier.
Come visit the Ancient Egyptian Virtual Temple.
SAS member James Rowland sends us the URL’s of the Brookhaven National
Laboratory and the Atomic Mass Data Center (AMDC). The aim of the Atomic Mass Data
Center is to provide an online meeting place where information on masses (experimental,
evaluation or theory) can be exchanged.
The Kids Room
Jessica Luttkus, a high school senior, spends 40 hours a week at JPL programming
photographic shots of Saturn for the Cassini spacecraft.
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The McKernan School of Edmonton, Alberta has an extensive collection of primary to grade
9 Curriculum Links web and science links.
The University of Michigan’s Internet Public Library has a pretty good Science Fair
Project Resource Guide.
Ian Iracheta’s site, Xperymental Science Pages for Kids, contains a collection of simple
science experiments for the young.
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. For proof, take a look at these Java
simulations.
From The Far Side
Recently, I came across the thread, in the SAS Forum, that was discussing Dr. Marueen
Clemmons’ theory that the ancient Egyptians may have used kites to lift obelisks and to
assist their building of the pyramids. --- Amateur or Amateurish? Kites in Ancient Egypt
On 23 June 2001 Dr. Clemmonds and her team were successful in using a kite to raise a
3.5 ton obelisk. While the Wind, Pyramids and Obelisks and The Kite Life web sites show
a collection of photographs that were taken during the tests, they don’t show a clear
schematic of how the equipment was configured. A diagram in the Caltech News fills in the
missing details. The drawing shows that the obelisk is being lifted by an arrangement of 6
pulleys providing a mechanical advantage of 6. The kite is not lifting the load! It’s merely
providing a traction force of 1167lbs (3.5T / 6 = 1167lb) via the main rope that is routed
through the break to the pulley system.
Is it possible to use a kite to assist in the lifting of an obelisk into position? Dr. Clemmonds’
experiments proved that it could be done. But I don’t think that it’s probable. A yoke or two
of oxen or a handful of burley workers could easily have replaced the kite. Why would the
ancients go to the trouble of rigging a kite and hoping for a fair wind when there were better
sources of power available? Then as now, the KISS principal is still the best way to go.
Dr. Clemmonds, on her web site, Ancient Clues: Symbols as Tools An Alternate Look at
the Hieroglyphs, draws many parallels between images in Egyptian art / hieroglyphs and
kite flying. For example, she equates the Egyptian ankh symbol with a modern day Figure
8 device that is used, in rock climbing, for rappelling and belaying. Hmmmm? Perhaps one
could use a stale donut for the same task. 8-)
This technique reminds me of the writings of Erich von Däniken and his Chariots of the
Gods. As some of you may recall, von Däniken theorizes, among other things, that the
Nazca Lines were drawn by extraterrestrials.
See CSICOP’s article --- When the Media Tell Half the Story and The Skeptic's
Dictionary entry on von Däniken.
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WANDERINGS
No. 89
11 February ‘05
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Probably the average DIY amateur scientist or basement tinkerer would never consider
trying to build an internal combustion or steam engine from scratch. Even the simplest
model would prove too complex for the most of us. But, not so with the Stirling Engine.
With a few common items such as tin cans and balloons, the experimenter should be able
to kludge together a working Stirling Engine in a few hours.
I have assembled a few Stirling related links that should help to get you started.
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The Stirling Engine --- How the Stirling Engine Works.
How Stirling Engines Work by Karim Nice
The Stirling Engine And How It Works. by Hank Kroll
A Flash animation of a simple Stirling Engine.
Stirling and Hot Air Engine Sites
An easy to build Stirling Engine
Darryl Boyd’s Tin Can Stirling Web Site
Darryl Boyd ‘s Walking Beam Sterling Engine
Koichi Hirata’s Stirling Engine Home Page including instructions on building a
simple Stirling Engine.
Bob Blick’s modifications to Koichi Hirata’s Stirling Engine.
Larry Boreham's modification to the Hirata Engine.
A Novel Stirling Cycle Hot Air Engine To Build
Hubert Stierhof’s Low Temperature Differential Stirling (LTD) engines.
Pop cans are used to build a solar-powered LTD rotary Stirling Engine.
A modified Pop Can rotary engine.
Daniel Lyonnet’s ASAP Stirling Engine.
A New simplified heat engine by Jim Lewis
Hubert Roussel has a Stirling Engine section on his web site. (In French)
Pure Energy Systems has a translation of Hubert Roussel’s page.
A DIY Tin Can Stirling Engine in Dutch.
The design of a simple Lamina Flow Stirling Engine.
A DIY Test Tube Stirling Engine
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Another DIY Test Tube Stirling Engine.
Peter Fette’s site contains a wealth of Stirling information in German and English.
Five senior mechanical engineering students at Dalhousie University designed and
constructed a solar powered Stirling engine.
A Thermoacoustic Stirling Engine
$10 Plans for an Engine in a Can.
The Free Dictionary’s entry on Stirling Engines.
Freeenergynews.com’s Stirling Engine links.
Will Rausch's Stirling Engine Links
StirlingInfo.com is a comprehensive resource for Stirling Engines
StirlingChat.com
The Stirling Engine Society
American Stirling Company
Also, see Scientific American’s Amateur Scientist Column:
• Experiments with the External-Combustion Fluidyne Engine, Which Has Liquid
Pistons by Jearl Walker April, 1985
• A Backyard Version of the Stirling Engine Can Be Built with Common Materials by
Jearl Walker January, 1990
You should be able to adapt one of the following DIY backpacking alcohol stoves to power
your Stirling Engine.
• The Zen of Alcohol Stoves
• The Home-Made Stove Archives
• C.D. Pritchard’s Pop Can Stove
• Lightweight Backpack Stove
• Shane Graber’s DIY Alcohol Burning Backpacking Stove
• Building a better Pop-Can Stove
• Scott Henderson's Pepsi-G Stove
Also, see Shawn’s Lab Notes from 16 Nov. ’01 describing his DIY alcohol lamp.
Wanderings
See Wikipeda’s answer to the question ---- What is an experiment?
Dynamic Patterns Research enables the amateur scientist to explore their creativity in
science.
Jim Darus has a few interesting DIY items on his site. First he looks at a Hilsch Vortex
Tube (See WANDERINGS 07 May ’04) then he gives his account of his first attempts at
melting aluminum in his backyard foundry and his improved design.
The ATM site is a repository for resources and techniques for the amateur DIY telescope
maker. See Roger Ceragioli’s Refractor Construction Page for instructions of how to grind
and polish a refractor lens and have it work well.
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Canada’s One-Tonne Challenge asks its citizens to try and reduce their annual
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by one tonne.
Discover Circuits is a collection of more than 8000 electronic schematics spread across
500 different categories.
Science101.com is a gateway to more than 20,000 Internet science sites.
PSIgate is an on-line service offering access to high quality web resources in the physical
sciences.
Paleotechnics --- Provides a look at the possible pigments that were used by early
peoples for “rock art”.
Kite Life.com Magazine is a leading source of on-line information about kites and kite
flying.
The Christian Science Monitor reports that corn and other common crops are being used to
remove heavy metal contaminants from mining tailings.
One of my favourite tops may be found at The Science Desk from America's Test
Kitchen.
An international consortium has just released the first complete DNA sequence of a tree,
the Black Cottonwood or poplar.
The Molecular Expressions website is well worth a visit. Especially interesting is Secret
Worlds: The Universe Within. This feature allows you to view the Milky Way and then
zoom towards Earth, in successive orders of magnitude, until you enter the DNA of an oak
leaf and beyond.
First there was CSI, then CSI Miami, followed by CSI NY and NCIS. How many cities are
left? 8-) While you are waiting for future spin-offs, you can visit the University of Leicester’s
Virtual Autopsy site. All kidding aside, this site was designed as an online teaching and
study aid.
Keep an eye on some of the sea critters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium with their live web
cams.
The Virtual Space-Time Travel Machine site offers a gateway between art and science
and mathematics with more than 1500 still pictures and animations.
Space.com reports that the White House is pulling the Hubble Servicing Mission funding
from its 2006 Budget Request.
Splashdot --- Science news for nerds
DONUT ---- Direct Observation of NU Tau --- aka --- Searching for the Tau Neutrino.
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The Kids Room
YES Magazine reports that the 4th Annual ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)
Competition for High School & College Students , sponsored by The Marine Advanced
Technology Education (MATE) Center, will be held from 17 to 19 June ’05 at NASA’s
Johnson Space Center Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Houston, Texas.
A team, consisting of three young Canadians women, share top prize at the 2003 ROV
Design Competition at MIT in Boston, 19 to 23 June ’03.
This is the same team that took 3rd place at the 2002 contest, with another ROV, at the
Kennedy Space Flight center, Florida.
Note: Due to airline security, they had to completely dismantle their ROV, before they were
allowed to board the air plane for Florida.
Yes Magazine has a section devoted to a collection of simple DIY science projects and
demonstrations.
The Journal of High School Science is a “paper publication” containing both student and
professional articles.
NASA's Stennis Space Center's Office of Education shows us how to construct an
inexpensive DIY Kite Aerial Photography set up.
Davidson College (Davidson, NC) has a collection of on-line virtual chemistry
experiments and exercises.
The Science News for Kids web site offers timely items of interest to kids, accompanied by
suggestions for hands-on activities, books, articles, web links, and other useful materials.
The Experiment.com web site contains links to science fair project ideas and “how to’s”.
A few of George Stimson’s students constructed a web page of Fun Science Project
Ideas.
NASA’s Glenn Research Center has a nice Beginner's Guide to Aeronautics
The Education Office, at Fermilab’s Lederman Science Center, offers a wide collection
of student and teacher resources.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Wale Apparatus Company is a manufacturer and distributor of scientific glass blowing
tools, supplies, equipment and glass.
Sphere Research Corporation is a source of surplus photomultipliers and phototubes and
other items that may be of interest to the amateur.
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On The Lighter Side
Forrest forwarded the Flash Mind Reader to me. Can anyone figure out how it works?
Are they or aren’t they?
From The Far Side
The Farshores.org, Ancient Dimensions and The Anomalist contain a lot of interesting
reading. Some of it is factual while other items are definitely “From the Far Side”.
The Search for Atlantis --- A Skeptic Magazine article by Pat Linse.
The Zetas are a group of Service-to-Other Beings who are assisting this planet and its
people. Find out all about them on the Zetatalk web site.
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WANDERINGS
No. 90
25 February ‘05
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Our feature, for this issue, will be a hodgepodge of optics related sites.
NASA --- How to Make Your Own Eye-Popping 3-D Pictures.
How-To Make 3-D photos.
This Czech site shows us how to build a Dirkon – A DIY pinhole camera.
Mini-FAQ Macro Photography using a flatbed computer.
Microscopy-UK is an Internet portal for microscope enthusiast. Some of their features are:
• An Introduction to Microscopy
• Buying A Microscope And How To Use It.
• Micscape --- On-line magazine devoted to the microscope.
• Experiments using a miniature CCD camera #1 for amateur video microscopy.
• Experiments with a miniature CCD camera #2 --- The 'pros and cons' of infra-red
sensitivity.
DIY Computer Video Microscopy for under $50
Thierry Legault’s High Resolution CCD Astronomical Imaging.
Come visit the University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Observatory.
Amsky.com is an on-line Amateur Astronomy News magazine.
I found a few sites that show how to build a DIY stabilizer for your video cam.
• Dynamic Balance Primer
• FILIP'S DIY stabilizer page.
• A DIY $14 Steadycam
• Home Built Stabilizers
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Wanderings
Physics: Past Experiments of the Month is an extensive list of projects that can be found
by following a link from John W. Dooley’s article --- Measuring Sound Attenuation in the
11 Feb 2005 TCS.
Use a Miller Spark Chamber to produce some DIY amino acids.
From Primordial Soup to the Prebiotic Beach --- Sean Henahan interviews exobiology
pioneer, Dr. Stanley L. Miller.
Peebles Originals-Projects & Instructions and Dan's Double Detector Crystal Radio
are a couple of DIY sites with crystal radio resources.
Here are the results of Darrel Emerson’s tests of the FGM-3h Fluxgate Magnetometer.
The 42eXplore site supplies definitions, activities and links for various topics, such as their
Science and Math pages.
The School of Physics & Astronomy, St. Andrews University, has compiled an on-line
collection of web pages that is designed to cover the topics of Information and
Measurement.
Microwaves 101 is a practical web resource covering the fundamental principles of
microwave theory and design.
The Sea Slug Forum allows you to post or answer questions and find out more about
nudibranchs, bubble-shells, sea hares and other sea slugs.
Has da Vinci’s workshop been discovered?
John D. Jenkins’ Spark Museum features a collection of vintage wireless and scientific
apparatus.
The University of Kansas Medical Center maintains a list of lay advocates and support
groups devoted to genetic conditions and birth defects.
For a different and unique vacation why not try one of the various volunteer vacations?
“Living better through chemistry”?
The Kids Room
It pays to stay awake in science / geography class. The Tilly Smith story.
Science and Society in Europe --- Women and Science
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View the students and projects from the 16th European Union Contest for Young
Scientists that was held September 2004 in Dublin, Ireland. The 2005 contest will be held
in Moscow during the week of 17-24 Sep 2005.
The 17th European Union Contest for Young Scientists will be held from 17 to 24 Sep.
’05 in Moscow, Ru. Stay “tuned” for further info.
The California State Science Fair site is an excellent source of ideas for making your
project a winner. Among the various topics, be sure to check out:
• Getting Started with Your Project
• Science Fair Resources
The ChemTeam site provides tutorials for most topics in high school and advanced
placement chemistry.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Digital Blue has picked up production of the discontinued Intel QX3 Computer Microscope.
Besides that, they have introduced the QX5 --- a new and improved version.
Peter H. Anderson is a US source of Revolution Education‘s PICAXE microcontrollers.
Also see The Happy Hippy.
Anchor Optical Surplus offers a variety of experimental grade lenses, prisms and mirrors.
MTM Scientific offers a small selection of some interesting items.
On The Lighter Side
Michael J. Darnell’s Bad Human Factors Designs is a scrapbook of illustrated examples of
things that are hard to use because they do not follow human factors principles.
From The Far Side
For $7.45US you can buy a sample of serratia marcescens. That’s right! For a few dollars
you, too, can face the possibility of 20 years imprisonment for legally purchasing one of the
cultures that landed Kurtz and Ferrell in hot water.
Also, see;
• What’s new at SAS --- 03 Sep. 2004
• The Critical Art Ensemble’s Defence Fund
Rods? Are they camera artefact, unknown life forms or alien creatures? See:
• Jose Escamilla’s Roswell Rods Web site.
• Bob DuHamel, Editor: AmSky, --- The "Rods" Hoax
• AmSky reader’s comments on Bob DuHamel’s editorial (Pro & Con).
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The Skeptic's Dictionary entry on Rods.
Sol’s "RODS" study.
Can you devise an experiment to either prove or disprove the existence of rods?
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WANDERINGS
No. 91
11 March ‘05
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
The Starving Ocean is a theory put forward by Debbie MacKenzie, a fisherman’s daughter
and an independently funded amateur marine biologist. She has gained some media
attention and has stirred up some controversy on both “sides of the fence”. Have a look at
her web site and come up with your own conclusions. For further reading, see:
• Marinebio.org --- is an online tribute to marine biology and all ocean life.
• NASA --- Phytoplankton in northern oceans are declining.
• NOAA --- Nutrient Deficiency and Coral Bleaching
The following is a collection of links to fishery and ocean articles and web sites.
• Port Web Site
• Environmental links
• Sjavarutvegur.is
• Fisherieswatch.org
Wanderings
Tom Wykes sent us a link to the site run by Home Metal Shop Club of Houston, TX. This
site contains a lot of information that might be useful to an advanced project.
Hannes Mayer has just notified me that the URL to his magnetometer page has been
changed to http://www.magnetometer.org/.
His home page has links to other areas of amateur interest, such as:
• YAHOO Discussion Group on magnetometers
• Cosmic Ray Telescope Muon Detector --- with links to Joseph DiVerdi’s and
Shawn Carlson’s detectors.
• YAHOO Discussion Group on particle detectors
• Observe the natural radio emission from Jupiter.
The Digital Dragonfly Project shows us how to photograph dragonflies using, of all things,
a flat bed scanner.
Thinkquest looks at the History of DNA.
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One of the major goals of the Human Genome Project is to identify all the approximately
20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA.
The Gene Gateway site is a collection of information exploring genes and genetic
disorders.
On this site, Matt Oltersdorf shares his collection of Java Scripts for Astronomy
Think Quest’s Beyond Our Skies site is dedicated to enabling the amateur to have a grasp
of the basics of astronomy.
A Short Guide to Celestial Navigation is an on line electronic book showing how the stars
are used for navigation.
The Geokem website is an e-text relating to the geochemistry of igneous rocks.
John L. Daly’s site lists sets of historical temperature graphs form many stations around
the globe.
The following sites may be of some help to the amateur chemist who may be having a
difficult time locating a source of chemicals.
• SAS Disclaimer --- Please Read!
• United Nuclear --- ships chemicals, in small lots.
• The Readily Available Chemicals Website
• Household Chemistry
The Science Madness web site has a FAQ, Forum and Library that is devoted to the Art
and Science of Amateur Experimentalism in Chemistry.
The Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory at Oxford University has a page
containing Chemical and Other Safety Information.
The Stone SouperComputer --- A group of un-funded scientists at the Oak Ridge National
Laboratory needed a super computer but having zero dollars, they couldn’t buy one. So they
built one!
The University of Calgary has developed an algorithm to simulate the Aurora Borealis.
Why do spikes, sometimes, appear on your ice cubes?
Archimedes and ancient super weapons.
Elements is an online environmental magazine.
The Kids Room
Before the invention of the Xerox process, multiple duplicates could have been produced
by a hectograph. Try your hand with a DIY home-made hectograph. You should be able
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to get a hectograph pencil from an art store to use instead of the special carbon that is
called for.
Come and join the Radio JOVE Project, where students and amateur scientists observe
and analyze natural radio emissions of Jupiter and the Sun.
Math.com is dedicated to providing revolutionary ways to learn math.
Extreme science --- a little bit about a lot!
Odyssey Expeditions offers awesome and fun science and adventure vacations in the
Caribbean.
The Yuckiest Site on the Internet from The Discovery Channel.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Cynmar Corporation is a supplier of lab supplies but as of 1 Jan 1 ‘05, they will no longer
sell chemicals to individuals.
From The Far Side
Physorg.com mixes pseudoscience and the “real stuff” up in one pot.
“Its” all wrapped up in The Final Theory
A Nobel laureate confronts pseudoscience.
The European Space Agency (ESA) scientists have concluded that, even if gravity control
were possible, its benefits would not be worth the effort. See Hypothecial Gravity Control
and Possible Influence on Space Propulsion by M. Tajmar, O. Bertolami.
Ancient atomic warfare?
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230
WANDERINGS
No. 92
25 March 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
The design, construction and operation of a Rov or Remotely Operated Vehicle should
make an excellent group activity with plenty of areas of interest for everyone.
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Steve Thone's Homebuilt ROV's page
Doug Jackson’s --- How to Build Your Own Underwater ROV
Building an underwater ROV
Project ROV (SUBZ NZ)
A PVC ROV
Building a LEGO Mindstorm ROV
The University of Washington’s DIY ROV site
A classroom ROV simulator
MATE --- Underwater Robot (ROV) Competition
The Monterey Bay Aquarium ROV building contest
The Monterey Bay Aquarium 2005 ROV building contest
Yahoo ROV discussion group
Ron’s ROV Links
ROV.net is dedicated to the ROV Industry
Rovworld.com is a portal to the world of ROV’s
Doug Jackson’s submarine site.
Tim Smalley Radio controlled model submarines
The Sub Committee
Beginner’s Robot Page
Although originally written for kids --- "Build Your Own Underwater Robot and Other Wet
Projects" by Harry Bohm and Vickie Jansen is an excellent resource for beginner ROV
hobbyists of any age.
Wanderings
231
Ozone, Ultraviolet and Solar Radiation Research and Monitoring at Environment
Canada
The following links are an example of the many web forums that allow you to share your
interest in science with others online.
• Bill Beaty has set up an Amateur Science Web Forum covering a wide range of
interesting topics.
• The 4hv forum was started for High Voltage enthusiasts but has expanded to
include other areas of interest.
• And, let’s not forget our SAS Forum.
The Geotech web site has some interesting sections on DIY metal detectors and
magnetometers.
This year, the Edinburgh International Science Festival will be held from 1 to 10 April
2005.
The Rongorongo, or hieroglyphic script of Easter Island, has proven to be very difficult task
to decipher.
The Usenet Physics FAQ attempts to provide good answers to questions that have been
discussed in various Internet Newsgroups.
Polarization.com explores Polarized Light in Nature and Technology.
The Visual Satellite Observer's Home Page provides information on all facets of visual
satellite observation.
Science Oxygen provides us with access to a rich collection of science related resources.
Have a look through World Science.net, an online science magazine.
Astronomy Now Online is the “e” version of the UK’s best selling astronomy magazine.
The Auroa Watch web site allows you to monitor geomagnetic activity online and in real
time.
Genetic Engineering.org maintains a list of genetic and genetic engineering links.
The US’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is offering a $2
million prize for the winning robot in their Grand Challenge 2005 for autonomous navigation
of a 150-mile course.
Is there life on Mars?
The debate goes on --- Arctic Sea Ice -- Is it Disappearing?
The Kids Room
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Zach's Cool Stuff, a SAS local chapter, provides individuals ages 13 and up with the
knowledge, encouragement, and resources to turn their ideas into reality.
The following are a few of the interesting items that I found on Dr. Christine Terry’s Weblog
--- the “other” Citizen Scientist
• Measuring Stomata Density
• Teaching Issues And Experiments In Ecology
• Welcome to Biology In Motion!
• Joey Green Mad Scientist explores “Kitchen Science”
• The Top 101 Web Sites for Teachers
You will find how to make Ice Cream in a Bag in the collection of DIY experiments on the
Singapore Science Centre’s page.
Future Scientists and Engineers of America (FSEA) is a national non profit organization
which provides the structure, project material, documentation and workshop training
necessary to establish after school technology clubs in K-12 schools. See their collection
of projects that suitable for home or the classroom use.
Bizarre Labs shows how you can build a DIY version of Thomas Edison's Phonograph.
With the completed device, you will be able to record and playback sounds, just like they did
it in the “old days”.
Lynne Bleeker’s Successful Science Fair Projects contains a lot of useful tips for a
winning entry.
Science News for Kids is an online news magazine for kids. Of special interest are their
General Science Safety Checklist and their Archive of Science Fair Projects.
Get ready for some summer fun by visiting The Leeds Water Rocket Page at the
University of Leeds, UK.
QuarkNet connects high school students and teachers to various to high-energy physics
experiments around the world, such as CERN and Fermilab.
Project ARISE --- The American Renaissance in Science Education
Brewer's Chemistry & Physics Class resources from the Carl Hayden High School in
Phoenix
The Journal of Chemical Education is a valuable resource to those in the field of chemical
education.
• Chemistry Comes Alive! --- Vol. 3
• Chemistry Comes Alive! --- Vol. 4
Camp SEA Lab is located in California and offers both summer day and residence camps
in marine science and adventure for youth ages 8-13.
Why not join the Anglo-American Project in Pompeii and try your hand at archaeology.
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Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
John C Kleinbauer has a collection of unique plans for hobby machinist.
On The Lighter Side
Brighten up your day with some Physics and Astronomy Fun from Physlink.com.
Insultingly Stupid Movie Physics may give you a new “view” of your favourite movie.
From The Far Side
The Bogdanoff Affair --- Was it a hoax? It is rumoured that two brothers managed to
publish at least five meaningless papers in physics journals as a hoax - and even got Ph.D.
degrees in physics from Bourgogne University on the basis of this work!
The Voynich Manuscript --- If not another hoax, what is it? Some theorize that it could
have been written by Roger Bacon.
World-Misteries.com --- explores lost civilizations, ancient ruins, sacred writings,
unexplained artifacts, and science mysteries. Unfortunately, this is another one of those
sites that mixes up facts and pseudoscience.
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WANDERINGS
No. 93
08 April 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Parallax, Inc is the supplier of the Basic Stamp, an ingenious single chip micro controller
system that is programmable in the BASIC language. Wandering around their site will show
you that they offer a large selection of free documentation and software.
• Downloads
• Nuts & Volts Columns
• Stamps in Class™ curriculum
• Stamp Development System
• Martin Hebel’s Personal Stamp Links .
Wanderings
Try you hand at building a copy of Bill Beaty’s Magnetic Levitation Cradle.
Hear an earthquake on Skywise’s Earthquake Page. This is very eerie --- sounds
something like whale songs. Also, be sure to have a look at his Laser and Astronomy
pages.
A while ago, we looked at SETI at HOME, a project that invites the public to allow their PC
to be part of an Internet-connected super computer. The World Community Grid is
another Internet bases “super computer” that is currently linking, over 92,000 computers, in
an attempt to create the world's largest public computing grid tackling projects that benefit
humanity.
How about your own “super computer”? Check out Beowulf.org and assemble your own
Beowulf class cluster computer.
Mel Bartels' Amateur Astronomy page contains information and links to optical, as well
as, radio astronomy sites.
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Diatoms are a group of microscopic algae whose cell walls are made of bio-glass. Visit their
wonderful world at Indiana University’s Diatom Home Page or some of the other sites that
are listed on Google.
The University College of London’s Micropalaeontology Unit is a source of information on
fossil diatoms.
Among other things, the Alternate-Energy.net site has a nice Java based Electronic
Circuit Simulator.
The Medieval Technology Pages are an attempt to provide accurate, referenced
information on technological innovation and related subjects in Western Europe during the
Middle Ages.
Red Rock Energy is a source of Heliostat Design and Solar Tracker design information.
The Animated Engines page is a collection of animated GIF files illustrating the operation
of several types of engines. There’s even an excellent depiction of three types of Stirling
engines.
The Institute of Navigation (ION) announces that the Second Annual Autonomous
Lawnmower Competition will be held in Dayton, Ohio on June 2-3, 2005.
The Kids Room
The Engineer Girl website is part of the National Academy of Engineering’s Celebration of
Women in Engineering project. This project tries to bring attention to the opportunity that
engineering represents to people at any age, but particularly to women and girls.
Magnificent Magnets --- a student activity.
The Delights of Chemistry is brought to us by the Department of Chemistry, University of
Leeds.
Preston Q Boomer the Physics and Chemistry teacher at San Lorenzo Valley High School
looks like an interesting guy. Have a look at:
• Mighty Physics Page
• Big Chem Page
• The Brotherhood of Natural Philosophers
• A Tour of Boomeria
• A Homemade Pipe Organ
Newton’s Apple’s Science Try Its is a collection of simple science activities.
St. Olaf College has a collection of middle school science demonstrations .
See how others rate your favourite teacher or professor.
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Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
BrainMass is a user pay service offering 24/7 expert academic homework help to students
around the world.
Have a look at the science books that are offered on Vicki Cobb’s Science Page.
On The Lighter Side
The Coca-Cola Company of Great Britain was the winner of the 2004 Ig® Nobel Prize, in
Chemistry, for developing a process to convert ordinary tap water into Dasani, a transparent
form of water, which for precautionary reasons has been made unavailable to consumers.
Read about this and the other 2004 winners on The Annals of Improbable Research’s
site.
As a point of interest --- Another past winner in chemistry was Texas State Senator Bob
Glasgow for sponsoring the 1989 drug control law which made it illegal to purchase
beakers, flasks, test tubes, or other laboratory glassware without a permit. But you still don’t
need a permit to buy a hand gun or assault rifle! Go figure! 8-)
From The Far Side
Carl Sagan's Baloney Detection Kit may help you to distinguish the pseudoscience from
the real stuff. Also have a look at Steve Lower’s Pseudoscience --- What Is It? How Can I
Recognize It?
How does light work? --- A New Theory of Light by Victor M. Urbina.
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WANDERINGS
No. 94
22 Apr. ‘05
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Uwe Treske, an 18 year old German high-school student, was one of the winners from the
2004 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. His winning entry was a low cost
Scanning Tunnelling Microscope or STM which allowed him to obtain three-dimensional
atomic-scale profiles of metal surfaces. The technology that is involved in the DIY version of
an STM should not be beyond the capabilities of a skilled amateur.
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STM Gallery
Moving Atoms --- Welcome to the STM Gallery
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy --- A Tutorial
DIY STM
The STM Construction Kit
STM --- A DIY project by Jürgen Müller
The Design and Construction of a STM
Getting Started on Home Brewing an STM
Jim Rice’s Nanotechnology: The Homebrew STM Page
Scanning Tunneling Microscope --- a thesis by Matthew Ellis
Rastertunnelmikroskopie (STM)
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy --- From Birth to Adolescence
Exploring The Nanoworld --- contains broken links.
Uwe Treske‘s Low-cost Rastertunnelmikroskop (in German)
The McAllister Scanning Tunneling Microscope --- A commercial unit.
Exploring the Nanoworld with LEGO® Bricks --- A 66 page e-book.
Mapping the Unknown.
Wanderings
Would you like to have a chance to do real science with NASA? If so, have a look at their
Deep Impact Mission Amateur Observers' pages.
Here is an informal overview of lab-created gemstones, with some hints on how you might
be able to do this yourself.
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The 3-DVG Page shows you how to use your fingers to turn any color magazine picture into
3-D
It might be advisable to look at Akiyoshi Kitaoka’s cautions before looking at his collection
of online optical illusions.
The Radar and Stereoscopy tutorial has an introduction to 3D viewing.
An Introduction to Color --- What is color?
The Instruments and Imaging Section of the British Astronomical Association’s web
site has an extensive collection of various amateur and professional equipments.
Martin J Powell's Aenigmatis web site contains sections on astronomy, prehistory,
archaeoastronomy.
WJ's Infrared and Photography Homepage is a vast resource of links that is related to all
areas of photography.
Get a start in vermicomposting at the City Farmer’s web site.
Climate Change --- From Natural Resources Canada.
Saving the Planet --- a DIY guide from the Science Museum, London.
“We left reality when we believed the ‘infinite earth hypothesis" --- More thoughts on ozone
depletion and global warming.
The Greening Earth Society is a special interest group that is comprised of rural electric
cooperatives and municipal electric utilities, their fuel suppliers, and thousands of
individuals, presents an alternate view of global warming.
Christopher Scotese’s Paleomap Project allows us to visualize how the Earth’s climate
has changed over the past 1100 million years shows the changing
The Arctic.
Watch for it! The 2005 North American Solar Powered Car Challenge will be a 2500 mile
race starting in Austin, Texas with a finish line in Calgary, Alberta!
Researchers have found that hair follicles are an excellent source of stem cells.
The Kids Room
Hurry up! There’s still time to enter the Poster Competition for World Year of Physics.
The dead line is 31 May 2005.
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Andrew Yue of the University of Texas at Austin has compiled a nice collection of sites that
offer Physics Applets and Online Courses.
The Make Gizmos site has a collection of simple science demonstrations.
SLIME! What kid doesn’t like slime?
The Explorations 4 Kids Directory page of the A to Z Home's Cool Home Schooling
Web Site has a useful selection of science experiments and activities.
Robert Filler’s Laser Development Module for the 8th Grade is a collection of 5 laser
based activities.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Hobbyists that are involved in operating remote controlled airplanes, boats and cars use a
device called a servo to control the action of their device. Basicx sells a nice looking 8
cannel servo controller for $39.95 US and high torque servos for $14.95 US. Check
them out. They might prove useful in one of your projects.
MAKE: is the first magazine devoted to digital projects, hardware hacks, and D.I.Y.
inspiration.
On The Lighter Side
James Larsson’s clock is based on the natural decomposition of a prawn sandwich and
manages to track UTC (+/- a few hours). 8-)
Where is the Last page of the Internet located? Perhaps it’s HERE!
From The Far Side
Have a look at Simon Conway’s theory --- The Discon Model of Matter.
Pharaoh's Pump --- another “Pyramid theory”.
Ramblings and more ramblings!
Have any of you ever visited Mexico's La Zona del Silencio or Zone of Silence?
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WANDERINGS
No. 95
06 May 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Here is an interesting e-mail that I received on 06 Apr ’02.
Dear Ralph
I found your column via Google. {WANDERINGS --- 20 Sep. ’02 } As part of a mission
project, I am in the process of evaluating the feasibility of providing safe drinking water for
people living near a hospital operated by the Church of the Nazarene in Papua New
Guinea. Part of the evaluation is identifying environmentally friendly water disinfection
processes with the emphasis on individual water sources. I've homed in on solar
pasteurization for now as most of the water in this area is derived from catching rainfall.
There is also some use of surface water which presents other potential problems.
Have you received feedback from your 2002 post? I have come across the AquaPak
developed by Solar Solutions in San Diego. While it looks very appealing, I also like the idea
of using soda bottles. They may be easier to use although construction of a solar cooker
may be problematic. The doctor I am working with in PNG indicates he is aware of methods
using a filter fabric such as cheesecloth and soda bottles. The WAPI that has been
developed to monitor water temperature is certainly an exciting technologic breakthrough.
Thanks for your assistance. If all goes well and we receive God's blessing, we are hoping
we can assemble the necessary technology and educational resources while making a
proper evaluation of water sources and water needs within a year. We're hoping to send an
implementation team to PNG in 2006.
I noted that the link to the UNESCO report on your post is a bust. Do you have an updated
one?
Mike Craig, LPH, PG
Geohydrologist
==========
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Mike points out that Frank Husson’s Solar Solutions has developed 2 low tech solar
approaches to bring safe drinking water to developing countries --- the AquaPak and the
AquaCone.
More low tech information can be found on the Solar Water Disinfection Web Site.
Solar Disinfection of Drinking Water and Oral Re-hydration Solutions
Water Issues and Information --- From the 2005 Solar World Congress.
As I stated, in the past, a solar pasteurization project would make a great science fair
project.
Wanderings
Here is a link to some DIY Piezo Gyro Prototypes that I lifted from Bill Beaty’s Electronics
Hobbyist Page.
The Online Library at the University of Pennsylvania has a collection of over 20,000 ebooks.
The Hard Core DX Web Site will introduce you to the world of short wave radio listening.
Cssoh's Lego Pneumatics Page is the unofficial guide to LEGO pneumatics.
Lego.com’s Constructopedia has demonstrations of Lego gearing.
On this site, Matthias.Stehr shows us his PIC based altimeter.
The Integraf Web Site shows us The Easiest Way to Make Holograms
Wayne Schmidt’s This and That Web Site contains many topics that may be of interest to
the amateur scientist:
• Crystal Growing
• Telescope Making
• Electric Rocket Engine basics
• US Air Force Electric Rocket Engine
• Kaleidoscope Mirror Designs
• Lucid dreaming
• Optical Illusions
• How To Draw Or Photograph Stereo Pairs To Create 3d Images
• What Restaurants Show You Is Not What You Get
About.com shows how to grow several different types of crystals.
Further crystal growing directions can be found on the Rockhounding Arkansas Site.
Project BAMBI and The Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers (SARA) bring the art
and science of SETI and raido astronomy to within reach of the backyard experimenter.
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The Newseum says that they are the world's first interactive museum of news. Read the
headlines or link to over 300 US news papers.
Researchers at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider in New York have created a fireball
that has the characteristics of a black hole.
The Kids Room
The Joy Of Inventing Web Site may help you in getting that bright idea of yours to market.
Good luck!
Get “published”! The ScI-Journal provides a place on the Web for you to post your science
reports.
The Society for Sedimentary Geology Web Site has a collection of on-line activities for
K-12 students.
The Lane Library Science Fair Zone may be the ultimate collection of SF related links.
The Kids Corner at the RunnerDuckling site has a collection of kids’ projects. Some are
science based while others are just for fun.
Super Plastic Bubbles ---- Search on “Plastic Bubbles”
Tracy Trimpe’s Science Spot has a collection of science lesson plans that may be used in
the classroom.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
As seen on TV! --- John & Danita Thomas’ Kid Concoctions series of books promises to
give parents and teachers a vast collection of science based fun activities.
Coax-Seal is a hand moldable plastic tape used to seal fittings and connectors from
moisture.
From The Far Side
Richard Feynman gave a talk on Cargo Cult Science at the 1974 Caltech commencement.
Strange Magazine On Line is another site that mixes the factual with a bit of the farfetched.
And yet another account of our extraterrestrial origins.
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WANDERINGS
No. 96
20 May 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
This week’s Feature will actually consist of two interesting DIY projects. The first item is a
phenomenon called Sonoluminescence and the second is instructions on two methods of
making photoelectric cells at home.
Sonoluminescence
• Sonoluminescence: an Introduction
• Alex Wurden’s Light from Sonic Implosions (Gr. 8 Student)
• Reinhard Geisler’s DIY Single Bubble Sonoluminescence
• William Andrew Steer’s DIY Sonoluminescence
• Fusion in a flash?
• Sonoluminescence: Fusion at Ambient Temperature?
• Fusion-in-a-bubble sparks controversy
Also see --- The Amateur Scientist for February 1995 --- Producing Light From a Bubble of
Air
Solar Cell
• Facts About Solar Cells
• Solar-Energy Research Heats Up
Dye Based Solar Cells
• DIY Dye Base Solar Cell
• How to Build Your Own Solar Cell
• A Commercial Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Kit
Cuprous Oxide Solar Cells
• Make a solar cell in your kitchen
• A flat panel solar cell
• How to Build a Solar Cell That Really Works --- a book by Walt Noon
An Extra
• Build a hydrogen fuel cell
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Wanderings
Sometimes, I reference the Wikipedia Site for a defination of a term. Wikipedia is a Webbased free content encyclopedia that is written and/or edited, collaboratively, by anyone
with Web access. On the down side, this leaves the site open to vandalism in the form of
someone corrupting the various entries, so “Reader Beware!”.
Fire from Ice --- Try and start a fire from a DIY Ice Lens.
Kreigh's Homemade Lapidary Equipment Page contains some DIY projects for cutting
and polishing rocks and minerals.
The Automated Identification or AIS System is a shipboard transponder based system that
allows ships to broadcast their ID’s and position data to all nearby ships and shore stations.
See Lica’s --- The Complete Guide to AIS.
AISLive is a commercial subscription service that allows one to track AIS fitted ships
globally and in real time. They also offer a cut-down free service for the general public.
Ben Sullivan’s Science Blog covers many interesting science related articles.
Explore the Physics of pool with “Dr. Dave’s” The Illustrated Principles of Pool and
Billiards.
The Canadian Space Weather Forecast Centre is part of the International Space
Environment Service, whose global network monitors a variety of parameters that help to
characterize the conditions on the Sun, in space between the Sun and Earth, and on the
Earth.
The Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) program offers a collection of on-line
tutorials dealing with the ionosphere and magnetosphere.
The Earth Space Environment Modeling Group at the University of Washington use
computer simulation techniques to model a variety of the energetic particle/plasma
environment around the Earth.
Why does my computer do this?
The Kids Room
The Discovery Channel Store sells the Discovery DNA Explorer Kit and the Discovery
Whodunit? Forensics Lab.
You should be able to find a kite that you can easily build and fly in Leslie Hunt’s
collection of kites.
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Science Fair - Project - Idea.com is another site containing resources to assist you with
your science fair project.
The Sourcebook for Teaching Science: Strategies, Activities, and Internet Resources,
provides new and experienced teachers with a wealth of useful teaching strategies,
resources, lessons, activities, and ideas to enhance science teaching and learning.
The Creative Science Centre’s main goal is to encourage, stimulate and explore the art of
experimenting
The Satellite Division of the Institute of Navigation (ION) provides a 10 lesson module
on basic navigation for grades 6 to 8. The lessons are designed to be used by middle
school teachers on their own or with the assistance of an ION member volunteer.
The Oxford VR Group is developing a three-dimensional simulated Virtual Chemistry
Laboratory for the teaching of chemistry. This laboratory will be modelled using virtual
reality techniques and it will contain interactive multimedia experiments
The Do Science Web Site is dedicated to enhancing the public's appreciation of science
and technology.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids
Joan D'Amico, Karen Eich Drummond --- ISBN: 0-471-31045-X
On The Lighter Side
The Mad Scientist --- Madness At The Edge Of Science
What is a clowder? Curious? Then checkout the Animal Congregations site.
This River Crossing Puzzle is another version of familiar Farmer, Fox and Chicken Puzzle.
Rules:
• Everyone has to cross the river
• Only 2 persons can be on the raft at one time.
• The father can not be left with any of the daughters without the mother being present.
• The mother can not be left with any of the sons without the father being present.
• The prisoner can not be left with any family member without the policeman being
present.
• Only the father, mother and policeman can operate the raft.
• Left click on the large blue circle to start.
Give it a try! The answer will be posted in WANDERINGS on 03 Jun.
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From The Far Side
The SKYBOLT Reactor is, yet, another type of table top fusion reactor.
The Unexplained Mysteries Page is your source for the latest paranormal, conspiracy and
science related news and discussions.
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WANDERINGS
No. 97
03 Jun. ‘05
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
With the recent seismic activities that have occurred, in various parts of the globe, I thought
that it would be a good time to do a feature on earthquakes and seismometers. The
following is only a sampling of the host of DIY seismometer information that can be found on
the Web.
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Redwood City Public Seismic Network
Dave Saum’s --- How to Build an Inexpensive Seismometer
Meredith Lamb’s seismographic instrumentation web site
Andrew S. Loomis --- Build Your Own Seismometer
How to build your own seismic station.
A Vertical Seismometer For Classroom Demonstrations
SA’s DIY Lehman Seismometer
Dewayne Hill's Homebrew Vertical
Calibrating your seismometer
The AS-1 Seismic System
The Amateur Seismologist Home Page --- The AS-1 supplier
Calibration of a AS-1 Seismometer
AmaSeis --- A program to acquire data from the AS-1
Larry Braile’s AS-1 Page
Seismometers for Teaching and Research
John C. Lahr’s Earth Science and Earthquake pages
Notes on Seismic Sensor based on Diamagnetic Levitation
Program for computing earthquake magnitude
HYPOELLIPSE --- An earthquake location program for UNIX & DOS
Indiana University’s Earthquake Science Institute
Explore The Earth's Interior
The UPSeis site teaches the public about planet Earth.
Earthquakes from The British Geological Survey
Manual of Seismological Observatory Practice (1979 Edition)
The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology
The Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale
ODSN Plate Tectonic Reconstruction Service
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Hands-On Earth Science Learning Activities
Can earthquakes be predicted?
Don’t forget to check the back issues of WANDERINGS and the Amateur Scientist CD for
other related links.
Here are a couple of links related to past Features. The first is for a Scanning Tunneling
Microscope and the second is for a DIY Sonoluminescence site.
WANDERINGS
The Tree of Life Web Project is a collaborative effort on more than 3000 World Wide Web
pages. The project provides information about the diversity of organisms on Earth, their
evolutionary history, and characteristics.
Keigo Lizuka shows us how to make a three dimensional display using cellophane and a
liquid crystal display screen.
Investigate amateur radio astronomy with using SIMPLE 20 MHz arrays.
The ornithopter is a machine that flies by flapping its wings - just like a real bird!
Physics 2000 demonstrates the various concepts of physics by relying heavily on the use
of interactive Java applets.
Most of us have used the GOOGLE Search Engine at one time or another, but has anyone
used GOOGLE Maps to find your directions anywhere in North America?
See how to read a vernier caliper. Do not load the Language Pack.
Uncertainties and Error Propagation --- Part I of Vern Lindberg’s manual on
Uncertainties, Graphing, and the Vernier Caliper.
The Little Ship That Isn’t ? --- See Geoffrey M. Footner’s “USS Constellation: From
Frigate to Sloop of War”.
Explore the World of Waves with Dr. Dan Russell’s Acoustics and Vibration Animations.
Thinkquest’s Interactive Sound Lab allows you to see and hear sound in action.
The Alchemy Web Site contains over 90 megabytes of information relating to alchemy in
all its facets.
The Kids Room
Project-Based Science (PBS) was started in 1991 at the University of Michigan School
of Education. Its goal is to empower K-12 science teachers to improve the way science
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classes are taught by involving students in finding solutions to authentic questions through
extended inquiry, collaboration and use of technology.
learningscience.org is an organization dedicated to the sharing of the latest science
learning methods. Tools such as real-time data collection, simulations, inquiry based
lessons, interactive web lessons, micro-worlds, and imaging, can help make teaching
science an exciting and engaging endeavour.
If you're a student looking for science project ideas or a teacher looking for some novel
classroom demonstrations or hands-on activities, then perhaps John C. Lahr’s Fun With
Science Site may be a good place to start.
Explore the world of mathematics with Jill Britton’s Topic Links and RUBBER Geometry
pages
See the comments regarding California’s proposed changes to their K-12 Science
Education Standards.
Bad Science! Are science skills being displaced by a focus on reading and math?"
Richard P. Feynman --- Judging Books by Their Covers
TeachersFirst is a rich collection of lessons and web resources for K-12 classroom
teachers and home schoolers.
Perhaps you can plan your summer vacation to include one or more of these interesting
science museums.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Toronto Surplus & Scientific Inc carries a wide selection of interesting items.
On The Lighter Side
Here is the answer to the River Crossing Puzzle that was presented in WANDERINGS #96.
Start
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
cop & thief ---->
cop <---cop & son ---->
cop & thief <---father & son ---->
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6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
father <---mother & father ---->
mother <---cop & thief ---->
father <---mother & father ---->
mother <---mother & daughter ---->
cop & thief <---cop & daughter ---->
cop <---cop & thief ---->
Now they are now all across the river!
From The Far Side
Nicholas A. Reiter’s paper --- “A Novel Method for the Extraction of Electrical Power
from the Vacuum” cites Shawn Carlson’s The Amateur Scientist column "Detecting the
Earth’s Electricity" as a reference.
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252
WANDERINGS
No. 98
17 June 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
What does the speed of light have to do with food? While reading Gerard Fonte’s article --“Measure the Speed of Light --- Clocking the Cosmos for Less Than $20.00” in the
April 2005 issue of Nuts & Volts Magazine, I wondered what other methods are available
to the amateur. I found that most of the ways involved food --- Jell-0, marshmallows,
chocolate or cheese 
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NJSAS Chapter’s Speed of Light Experiments.
See Simon Field’s message that was posted on 02 Oct. ‘02
Measuring The Speed of Light --- A lab from Harvey Mudd College
Using a Laser to Measure the Speed of Light in Jell-O
Measure The Speed of Light With Chocolate and A Microwave
Finding the Speed of Light with Marshmallows
Measure The Speed Of Light Using Milky Way Stars
Measuring the Speed of Light With Cheese --- The Video!
How is the speed of light measured?
How to measure The Speed of Dark
Some related sites.
• Light: Introductory Remarks
• Light through the ages: Ancient Greece to Maxwell
• The Speed of Light
• The Michelson-Morley Experiment
• From The Wikipedia --- Michelson-Morley experiment
• Albert A. Michelson --- A Virtual Tour Of A Life In Science
• The Speed of Light and The Quran
• Sam’s Laser FAQ’s
• Basics of interferometry and interferometers
• How to measure the distance between the grooves on a CD.
Scientific American's “Light and Its Uses: Making and Using Lasers, Interferometers
and Instruments of Dispersion” is a collection of reprints of some of the best “Amateur
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Scientist” columns that dealt with the various aspects of light. This book would be a
welcome addition to many amateur’s book shelves, but, unfortunately, it is another one of
those great books that is out of print. On the bright side, Amazon.com says that they may
have access to some used copies. You could, also, use the Table of Contents to see what
articles to search for on your “Amateur Scientist CD”.
You can obtain a “user pay” sonoluminescence paper from the American Physical Society
entitled “Additional evidence of nuclear emissions during acoustic cavitation”.
Lugoj Inc’s website, Getting Started on Home Brewing an STM, should prove useful to
those complementing trying their hand in this area. They list several links to some “user
pay” articles on the Scitation site.
Allan Coleman's broadband vertical seismometer is a project for the more experienced
DIY experimenter.
Frank Cooper's Public Seismic Network Station
Wanderings
What does it take to be a good amateur scientist? --- The story of Jack Horner and
Shawn Carlson.
Temperature measurement and control.
DIY Plans For Building the 1899 Wright Kite
Desk top fusion is driven by a pyroelectric crystal
The Light Cone --- An illuminating introduction to relativity by Rob Salgado
Galileo And Einstein --- Lecture notes by Michael Fowler
Physics 2000, from the University of Colorado, is an interactive journey through the
concepts of modern physics!
Dave Hanes’ Physics 014 --- Course Notes
PhysLink.com is a comprehensive physics and astronomy online education, research and
reference web site.
Archaeoastronomy --- Find out how the heavens were viewed at the dawn of history.
Duane Dunkerson’s The SpaceGuy Web site contains a collection of interesting astronomy
articles.
254
The University of Arizona's Dept. of Planetary Sciences and Lunar and Planetary
Laboratory has developed an easy-to-use, interactive web site for simulating the effects of
an Earth Impact.
Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper and the first computer “bug”.
“There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom” --- Richard Feynman's talk on nanoscience.
Science Friday is a weekly science talk show, broadcast live over public radio stations
nationwide from 2-4pm Eastern Time.
What is RoHS? --- As of 1 July 2006, The European Union will begin restricting the use of
lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls or
polybrominated diphenyl ethers. This ban will apply to manufacturers, sellers, distributors
and recyclers of electrical and electronic equipments.
NOAA’s Solar Data Archive
The Kids Room
The 2005 results from the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair are in.
The Canada Wide Virtual Science Fair Site contains links to the project write-ups from
hundreds of student entries.
Jeremy Hughes sends us the URL to another free graph paper printing site at
http://www.printfreegraphpaper.com. This complements the site that I posted back on 05
Dec ’03 --- print your own.
Try your hand at Funderstanding’s roller coaster simulator.
School Kids' Science Projects to Soar 19 Miles Above Arizona
The Exploratorium’s Iron Science Teacher competition showcases Bay Area science
teachers as they devise demonstrations from common every day items.
Teachers, try some of these hands-on activities from San Francisco’s Exploratorium.
Science Snacks --- Simple science demonstrations from the Exploratorium.
The Delights of Chemistry Web site, form the Department of Chemistry, University of
Leeds, contains an extensive collection of middle school classroom demonstrations..
The Science Teachers’ Resource Center is a web site that allows science teachers to
share ideas, labs and demonstrations.
How Does One Become a Scientist?
255
Science Buddies offers a pyramid of online programs that maximize the value and student
enjoyment of science research projects.
On The Lighter Side
Bzzzzzzzz!
From The Far Side
Did the Celtic Cross evolve from an ancient navigation instrument?
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256
WANDERINGS
No. 99
01 July 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
The SODIS solar water purification system (TCS for 20 May 2005 and WANDERINGS #95)
has an added benefit in that it can aide in reducing the amount of arsenic contamination
in drinking water. Search on --- <SORAS>
Arsenic contamination is a serious hazard in Cambodia and Bangladesh and many of the
other under developed countries. Fortunately there are DIY methods for arsenic reduction
and water purification that available to these populations --- as long as minimal funding and
the technology/education are made available at the “grass roots” level.
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The World Health Organization --- Arsenic in drinking water.
US EPA --- Arsenic In Drinking Water
The MIT Kanchan Arsenic Biosand Filter
Arsenic Removal Technologies at the Household Level
The Bucket Treatment Unit For Household Arsenic Removal
Household Sand Filters For Arsenic Removal
Review of Arsenic Removal Technology
Wanderings
R.I.P for D.I.Y or Long Live Open Source?
Nature Watch Canada offers several opportunities for Citizen Science involvement. They
are:
• Frog Watch
• Worm Watch
• Ice Watch
• Plant Watch
MadLabs gives us another look at a DIY Acoustic Laser.
257
The Physics Dept. of Millersville University, PA will show us how to determine the
temperature of absolute zero using materials available in the kitchen. This experiment
may be found in their outstanding collection of Experiments of the Month
Turn your computer’s game port into a simple data acquisition system.
Construct a DIY Short Driven Foucault Pendulum to demonstrate the rotation of the
Earth. Also, have a look at A Piston-Driven Pendulum.
Rick Hoadley, the Magnet Man, will show us how to build an inexpensive DIY gauss meter.
Search on --- <gaussmeter>.
This site contains patterns for more than eighty paper models of 3-D geometrical figures
or polyhedra.
Marko Cebokli’s SIDI (Simple Digital Interferometer) looks like an interesting DIY project
for the amateur radio astronomer.
Christian Buil’s site is dedicated to the use of CCD detectors in the field of astronomy
and spectroscopy.
The Forum for Amateur AstroSpectroscopy website is dedicated to amateur
astronomers interested in the science of spectroscopy.
Also, have a look at Maurice Gavin's WPO-Amateur Spectroscopy Page.
Randall D. Peters shows how to use fast Fourier transforms (FFT) to filter digital
signals in an Excel spreadsheet
A Scientist and Engineer's Guide to Digital Signal Processing is a “free to download” ebook. Caution … It’s BIG and it may take a while to down load if you have a slow dial-up
Internet connection.
The WebEE.com web site contains many other e-books in addition to schematics, tutorials
and links.
Daniel Roth’s Interference Java Applet is a good example of Moiré patterns.
HotBits --- Generate genuine random numbers by radioactive decay.
Virtual science comes alive with Tom Whittaker and Steve Ackerman’s
animations
interactive
Ag BioTech InfoNet provides access to critical, original documents and information on of
agricultural biotechnology.
The Poor Persons Space Telescope --- BLAST --- or the "Balloon-borne Large-Aperture
Sub-millimetre Telescope" was launched from Sweden at 10:20:01 UTC on 12 June 2005.
See Gaelen Marsden’s Blog for a “play by play” account of the flight.
258
Welcome to the Steward Observatory Radio Astronomy Laboratory.
The Vatican Observatory Research Group , one of the oldest astronomical research
institutions in the world, is hosted by Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona,
Tucson, USA.
A collection of papers by S. Cht. Mavrodiev relates to the possible correlation between
geomagnetic behaviour and earthquakes.
The Melanistic Garter Snakes of Georges Island, Halifax, NS
The Kids Room
The University of Maryland’s Inexpensive Science Teaching Equipment Project contains
a collection of DIY equipment for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The Science Teachers Handbook was produced by Peace Corps Volunteers in India.
The Web Site for the Sourcebook for Teaching Science is a comprehensive resource for
science teacher's that provides access to thousands of Internet-based resources.
Planet Science supports creative and fun approaches to science teaching and learning that
help parents and teachers inspire young people.
Physics demonstrations from the Dept. of Physics, Idaho State University
The Mechanical Toys Page --- Toys that you can make yourself!
The RatLab site will show you how to extract DNA with common kitchen ingredients.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The MP2028 is the world’s smallest full featured UAV autopilot.
Ted Pella, Inc offers a line of conductive paint, paste and adhesives.
On The Lighter Side
The Story of the Infamous Exploding Whale
From The Far Side
Archaeologist believes that the Chinese may have discovered Cape Breton, NS,
Canada.
259
The 2003 urban legend about the Close Encounter with Mars is, once again, circulating
on the Internet.
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260
WANDERINGS
No. 100
15 July 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
The topic of water filtration and purification that was covered here a while ago has led to
another area of DIY investigation. Many women in the developing countries spend much of
their time and effort in collecting water and firewood but if they were introduced to the use of
low-tech solar ovens and/or high efficient woodstoves their lives could be made a little
easier.
As a Citizen Scientist, your challenge would be to design a system that is:
• … better and/or more efficient than the “old” ways
• … inexpensive or of zero cost.
• … made from locally obtained materials
• … DIY and user repairable
See Solar Cookers International and their Solar Cooking Archive
Rochelle Salt and Piezoelectricity
Make your own Rochelle Salt Crystal and experiment with piezoelectricity.
• Rochelle Salt and the Piezoelectric Effect.
• The Wizard will show you how grow crystals in your home!
• See MaGoo’s Recipes for growing crystals.
• Growing Crystals Of Your Own
• Links to Crystallization Sites
Use your Rochelle Salt crystal to study triboluminescence and the piezioelectric effect.
--- (Rockhounding in Arkansas)
How to use Piezo Ceramic Disks for novel audio projects.
Ted Lind’s Quartz World provides an interesting look into Crystallography.
261
Wanderings
Can amateurs do real science? See --- Great Amateurs in Science and It Doesn't Take a
Rocket Scientist: Great Amateurs of Science
Randall D. Peters shows us how to convert a Cavendish Balance into A Novel
Magnetometer.
Cavendish Balance
• John W. Dooley’s Sideways Gravity in the Basement: Norman Scheinberg's
Cavendish Experiment
• John Walker’s Bending Spacetime in the Basement
Before trying to Shatter Glass with Sound, one should use some type of eye and hearing
protection.
You all are probably familiar with the annual North American Christmas Bird Count, but
what about The Great Labor Day Mosquito Count?
Orange is Tertiary: A Theory of Colour
Web Elements provides professional and student versions of their online periodic table.
The X-Ray And Fluorescence Properties Of The Elements site provides another view of
the periodic table.
The Grey Company Trebuchet page contains a lot of information relating to these ancient
artillery pieces.
Have a look at M.C Escher’s Collection Of Optical Illusions.
Who was the first person to fly across the Atlantic? Lindbergh? Wrong! --- read on!
Sunday 03 Jly ’05 --- Fossett and Rebholz touched down in Clifden, Ireland after
completing a re-enactment of Alcock and Brown’s 1919 historic trans-Atlantic flight.
The Kids Room
Welcome To The Wizard's Laboratory
The Wizard's Chemagic Recipes
How can you measure the diameter of the sun in the classroom?
NASA’s Soil Science Education Page is part of the GLOBE worldwide hands-on
education and science program.
The ScienceHound Site brings the Science Fair to your desktop!
262
Super Science Fair Projects is a guide to super science fair projects, topics and
experiments
The Launch Pad at the Science Museum (UK) is an interactive gallery where science and
technology come alive.
Assemble a machine to collect 40 items before moving on to the next level.
Science Trek has an excellent library of Applet Physics Demonstrations.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Analytical Scientific, a family operated supplier of scientific equipment, is located in San
Antonio, Texas.
Among other items, Mouser Electronics is a supplier of inexpensive piezo elements. Also
see the piezo’s at Electronic Goldmine.
Electronic Goldmine is offering a limited supply of Erbium and YAG laser rods.
From The Far Side
Sam P. Faile’s Unusual Weight Properties Associated with Knotted Array Aggregates
and other papers remind me, somewhat, of Viktor S. Grebennikov’s “Bug Scooter”
Check out CTG Research Labs for their latest work in the search for free energy & antigravity.
Are Big Business and the Government keeping these Amazing Patents a secret?
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263
WANDERINGS
No. 101
29 July 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Last week, I did an Internet search because I was curious about the “home made” explosive
that was used in the recent London bombings. On one site I saw that this explosive was
very shock and heat sensitive and it could spontaneously explode if it wasn’t “cooked” just
right. Another site (for teenage backyard bombers) gave the receipt of how one could mix
up a batch of this stuff from common household components. They didn’t list any of the
precautions that one should take while making or using it. In fact, they went on to say that it
was a relativity safe explosive!
To re-emphasize what I stated several times in the past ---- “Be very cautious of the
information that you may find on the Internet. There’s a lot of junk out there!”
LEGO building blocks are no longer just toys for the RugRat crowd. Adults, too, are
finding that these plastic building blocks are fun to play with. There’s nothing like getting
down with the wee ones and building a castle or something equally spectacular. But we are
also finding that with the introduction of the Mindstorms “smart bricks”, the Technic series
of components and LEGO Pneumatics many other uses are evolving. How about A LEGO
Harpsichord?
To get you started have a look at:
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LEGO MindStorms --- a Wikipedia entry.
RCX --- LEGO microcontroller-based brick internals
LEGO Mindstorms Internals
Michael Gasperi's MindStorms RCX Sensor Input Page
Programmable Bricks
Visit the LEGO MindStorms WebRing
LEGO Mindstorms --- Books
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LEGO Pneumatic Projects
Sergei Egorov's LEGO Pneumatics
Introduction to LEGO Mindstorms Pneumatics
264
If your local toy store doesn’t carry the “good stuff” try:
• LEGO Shop@Home
• Brick Link --- The un-Official LEGO Marketplace.
• Mindsensors produces a line of LEGO compatible sensors.
Several CAD programs have been developed to assist you with the design and
documentation of your LEGO creation. What’s really nice about these is the fact that they
are all FREE!
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LDraw --- is an open standard for LEGO CAD programs that allow the user to create
virtual LEGO models and scenes
MLCad --- is a powerful CAD system designed to create LEGO® building
instructions.
LSynth --- is a bendable LEGO parts synthesizer
LPub --- is a LEGO documentation publishing tool
POV-Ray --- is a high-quality tool for creating stunning three-dimensional
graphics.
The book --- LEGO Software Power Tools, With LDraw, MLCad, and LPub
contains over 400 pages dedicated to the various LEGO CAD programs.
Each September, the First Lego League announces the annual Challenge, which engages
the teams of children (9 to 14 yr olds) in hands-on robotics design and authentic scientific
research.
Tamara's Solar Cooking Pages is another good source of solar information.
Wanderings
Lowegian’s dspGuru site’s purpose is to promote resource-sharing among Digital Signal
Processing (DSP) users and designers. Also, have a look at Bores on-line DSP tutorials.
Leiwen’s Einstein Page contains a collection of Einstein’s quotations.
Are wind turbine farms the answer to our energy requirements in the coming decades?
There are concerns about the health aspects in relation to the noise pollution that can
be produced by these turbines.
My daughter, Jennifer, is presently taking part in a hydrographic survey in the North Sea
and the Ocean Weather site lets me keep track of how things are going for her.
Two Russian physicists, Nikolaj Volodichev and Mikhail Panasjuk, have found that neutron
flashes from the Earth’s crust may be used to forecast earthquakes.
Physicsweb offers the latest news from the world of physics.
Check the current space weather conditions on NOAA’s web site.
265
The Vaisala Lightning Explorer brings us a map of the current lightning strikes across the
continental US.
You might find something useful or interesting in Ed William’s Aviation Formulary.
Google Earth puts a planet's worth of imagery and other geographic information right on
your desktop. Before downloading your free version, check out what you will need to run
this software.
Multimap.com – Online Maps to Everywhere
The Kids Room
Drive Red Rover --- a simulated Mars Rover.
Davis Creek Elementary School has a very informative LEGO Site.
Following the Path of Discovery shows us how to repeat some of the famous science
experiments from history.
Teachers, have your class recreate Galileo's experiment and determine the acceleration
of gravity.
TERC is a non-profit education research and development organization whose mission is to
improve mathematics, science and technology teaching and learning.
The Salters' Chemistry Club Handbook contains many interesting scientific experiments
for 11-14 year old students.
Experimental Errors and Significant Figures are discussed on The Doing Science Web
Site.
The goal of CPO Science’s Online Web Labs is to bring hands-on science fun to the
student.
Here is a resource site for New York Earth Science Teachers.
On The Lighter Side
How many combinations can one construct using six 2X4 LEGO bricks of the same
color?
From The Far Side
The performers at the Philadelphia venue of the recent Live 8 concert were given
Performer Gift Bags (search on “gift”). Each valued in the thousands of dollars. Did the
performers in the other cities receive similar gifts?
266
Just think ---- The money that was spent on these gifts could have been put to better use by
World Vision, Save a Family Plan or other NGO.
A Russian astrologist, Marina Bai, is suing NASA because ---- “The actions of NASA
(Deep Impact mission) infringe upon my system of spiritual and life values, in particular on
the values of every element of creation, upon the unacceptability of barbarically interfering
with the natural life of the universe, and the violation of the natural balance of the Universe.”
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267
WANDERINGS
No. 102
12 August 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
A GOOGLE search for Citizen Scientist or Citizen Science will produce around 1,200,000
and 13,700,000 hits, respectively. But just who is this person that we call a Citizen
Scientist?
Shawn Carlson and David Levy have defined “Amateur Scientist” during their interviews
with the New York Times and the Earth & Sky radio program.
What about you? What do you think a Citizen Scientist is? If you have an idea, please drop
us a line at Backscatter.
In the meantime, have a look at:
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How To Help Scientists Help You
YOU (yes, YOU) can be a Citizen Scientist.
Citizen Science Projects from Christine Terry’s Citizen Scientist Site.
A trip of a lifetime --- Amanda Haag joins a few research novices who gave up their
holidays for science.
St. Marys River Monitoring Citizen Scientist Network
Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Center
CITIZEN SCIENCE --- Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Citizen Science@Bristol
The Takagi view of Citizen Science
“Citizen Science”
Citizen Science involvement in coastal ecology.
The Citizen Science Toolbox
Citizen Science and environmental monitoring
Parents of desperately ill children are using citizen science to rewrite the rules
of the medical industry.
Citizen-Scientist An Oxymoron
The Citizen-Scientist's Obligation to Stand Up for Standards
Forest Mims III --- Citizen Scientist
The Meaning of It All: Thoughts of a Citizen- Scientist --- by Richard Feynman
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•
Citizen Scientist (Masters of Modern Physics) --- by Frank Von Hippel
The National Marine Debris Monitoring Program is an evolution of The Ocean
Conservancy's hugely successful International Coastal Cleanup. It takes the idea of
beach cleanups a step further by standardizing the data collection through the use of a
scientifically valid protocol to determine the status and trends of marine debris pollution.
As a result, volunteer participants become real citizen scientists.
International Coastal Cleanup --- 17 Sep 2005
The TD Trust Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup --- 10 – 18 Sep 2005.
In closing, those of you with the money, time and sense of adventure should check out The
Scientific Exploration Society. This link, which was given to us by Brian Chapel, is one of
the ultimate citizen science opportunities.
Wanderings
The US National Science Foundation has turned down the SAS request for support of its
LABRats program.
Flash back --- On Saturday 02 April 1994, Shawn Carlson and Forrest Mims III were
interviewed on CBC’s (Canadian Broadcasting Company) science program --- QUIRKS &
QUARKS. Unfortunately, this is just the station log entry, not an actual audio clip of their
interview.
Bill Beaty shows us how to construct Kelvin's Thunderstorm Apparatus --- a.k.a. Kelvin’s
Water-Drop Electrostatic Generator.
PhD’s like to play with Tesla Coils too. For proof --- see Steve’s Tesla Coil Page.
Learn about the various types of LASERS and how they work with Samuel M. Goldwasser's
Introduction to Lasers.
Brooke Clarke has updated his extensive collection of sensor links. Have a look. If you
want to measure something, you will probably need some type of sensor.
What is the connection between the double helix of DNA and spread-spectrum
technology? For the answer, you’ll have to read --- Science Women Get Cinematic
Boost
Mark Whittle brings us a sample of his Big Bang Acoustics.
The MapMachine, National Geographic's online atlas, allows us to nearly any place on
Earth.
RealClimate is a commentary site on climate science by working climate scientists for the
interested public and journalists
269
The SLOOH Robot Telescope allows a subscriber to take part in a group or solo viewing.
NASA’s Virtual Lab emulates a scanning electron microscope and allows a user to zoom
and focus into a variety of built-in microscopic samples.
Allegations of fake research reach new highs in United States
US scientists may have revived 250 million year old bacteria from suspended animation.
Download a free e-book from Project Gutenberg’s collection of over 16,000 books.
Seiko-Epson announces their introduction of the μFR-II, a prototype for the World's
Lightest Micro-Flying Robot.
Print your own customized calendar.
How fast is your Internet Connection?
The Kids Room
Four young South African girls beat boredom by taking part in a prize willing science project
--- the design and construction of a solar oven!
The Budding Scientist page on the Science in Africa Web Site contains a selection of
interesting information and links.
SustainUS is a non-profit organization of young people advancing sustainable development
and youth empowerment in the US.
High school teachers try new ways of doing familiar experiments at CERN.
Have some fun in Doctor Slime's Laboratories.
See how the brain works with Neuroscience for Kids.
Here are some guide lines for a successful science fair project.
What is common table salt?
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Everyday Practical Electronics (EPE) Online is the world's first Web-delivered hobbyist
magazine for electronics and computer enthusiasts, with construction projects for
beginners and experts in each issue. View a free issue before deciding to order a
subscription for $14.99/year. Order now and save a tree!
270
On The Lighter Side
Scientific American?
From The Far Side
Fact or fiction? --- Viktor Schauberger’s vortex method water purification.
John Walker will show you how to Build Your Own Nuclear Bomb Effects Computer
Brian Josephson, (also, see) winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1973, supports the
claims of a teenage Russian girl who contends that she has X-Ray vision.
Does anyone want to buy some fresh “snake oil”?
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271
WANDERINGS
No. 103
26 August 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Don't forget to make your plans to join the International Coastal Cleanup --- 17 Sep 2005
and/or The TD Trust Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup --- 10 – 18 Sep 2005.
Wanderings
A DIY GPS receiver
Build a DIY Mangonel
The Upuaut Project web site contains RUDOLF GANTENBRINK’s complete scientific
report about the investigation of the so-called "air shafts" inside the Great Pyramid of
Cheops
The Red Canary --- How two amateur scientists created the first genetically engineered
bird.
Looking for a project? Why not try and build A. K. Dewdney’s Spool Motor. Search on --- <
spool motor >
Visit Trevor Blackwell and his DIY Electric Unicycle and Balancing Scooter.
How about a DIY hot air balloon?
Here is a collection of notes on glassware techniques and accessories.
Wallace Minto’s Freon Power Wheel is a type of Rotary Stirling Engine.
The Discovery Channel’s Myth Busters featured a copy of this engine on one of their
shows but they did not use a large enough temperature differential to get the engine really
working. Also see --- Wally Minto's Wonder Wheel.
Earth!
272
Viewing Earth: How Much can be seen from space
The Visible Earth --- A catalog of NASA images and animations of our home planet.
WWW Tide and Current Predictor from the University of South Carolina.
The Mission of the World Chelonian Trust (WCT) is to promote the conservation and
assure the survival of all tortoises and freshwater turtles.
Bugs On The Web --- features articles on various facets of microbiology
It’s concrete --- not cement!
The MOBILE ROBOTICS RESEARCH GROUP at the University of Edinburgh has a
section on Lego Robots.
I was recently sent some Adobe Framemaker files (*.fmk). I was unable to read these files
because I don’t use Framemaker. I was not able to find a viewer on the Internet, but a coworker found that Download.com had a free trial version of Framemaker that I could use
for 30 days. I was then able to verify that that the files could be opened and read before
spending big bucks ($500+) on ordering a proper copy of the software. Have a look.
Perhaps they might have something of interest for you.
Amateur Scientist? As esteemed astronomer George E. Hale wrote in 1913, an amateur is
“one who works because he cannot help it.”
David Pescovitz says that amateur science is alive and well.
The Science Lives Site carries an interesting essay on Science vs Society: Conflict
Between the Power and the People
The Kids Room
NASA’s Radio JOVE Project brings planetary radio astronomy into the middle and high
schools.
Meteor tracking --- A real space exploration project for students.
The Chemistry Outreach Program at the University of Minnesota has a nice collection of
Demonstrations and Recipe Cards.
Countertop Chemistry will show you that you can investigate some pretty interesting stuff
without requiring a laboratory, expensive equipment or dangerous chemicals.
The Centre for Innovation in Mathematics Teaching (CIMT) is a focus for research and
curriculum development in Mathematics teaching and learning.
273
The concept of the Nicodemus Wilderness Project is to encourage our youth to take part
in the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative and expand their horizons through volunteerism,
environmental stewardship, and writing.
Be challenged and try your hand in one of these student competitions.
Here is a collection of frequently linked Web Pages related to Science Fairs.
Learn how to remember your dreams.
See Soap Bubbles for a history of soap.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
If you love looking through catalogues the following online versions should provide you with
lots of enjoyment.
Science Kit and Boreal Laboratories carries a wide selection of interesting products. For
example, have a look at the Motic DigiScope .
Need a bone or skull? Perhaps one of Bone Clones reproductions will fill your
requirement.
American Science & Surplus a lot of useful and off beat stuff.
On The Lighter Side
The Phobia List. Everything from Arachibutyrophobia --- Fear of peanut butter sticking to
the roof of your mouth --- to --- Zemmiphobia --- Fear of the great mole rat.
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274
WANDERINGS
No. 104
09 September 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
I’ve just returned form vacation; therefore this week’s WANDERINGS will be a bit light.
Don't forget to make your plans to join the International Coastal Cleanup --- 17 Sep 2005
and/or The TD Trust Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup --- 10 – 18 Sep 2005.
A few weeks ago, I noticed a proliferation of purple flowers growing in areas where there
were none in previous years. My wife told me that they were purple loosestrife, an
invasive species that was first introduced into North America in the early 1800s for
ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Other invasive species that have made the news in the last few years are the Chinese
mitten crab, snakeheads, taxifolia and cane toads.
Wanderings
Caution! Many surplus electronic instruments, clocks and watches (circa WWII) are radio
active.
Christian Thorsten’s article, on Making Calcium Oxide and Calcium Hydroxide, in the 26
August 2005 TCS made reference to his CR Scientific Web Site. Drop by and have a look
at their Newsletter, selection of articles/experiments and their range of laboratory
equipment for sale.
Sherline shows you how to Grind Your Own Lathe Tools.
A while ago, I became interested in finding out about the Asiatic Composite Bow. One
source of information was found on The Primitive Ways Web site.
If you are curious about the science of archery have a look at The Sagittarius Twente site
and their Selected Archery articles.
275
For additional reading, see Bob Kooi's Archery page and Joe Tapley's notes on the
Mechanics of Archery.
The Geomagnetism Site, of the Geological Survey of Canada, describes the work of the
Geomagnetic Hazards Project in monitoring and predicting the changes in the geomagnetic
field throughout Canada.
Magnetic Variation Chart of the World
Magnetic Variation Chart of the North and South Poles
A Scrapbook of Signal Processing --- a work in progress.
WildFinder is a map-driven, searchable database of more than 30,000 species worldwide.
International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008
The Kids Room
Go Engineering, a K-12 newsletter, reports on the bleak outlook for K–12 education
programs in administration’s fy2006 budget request. Search on “BLEAK”.
Even though they can’t attain orbit, water rockets can still provide loads of fun.
Are you tired of all the “blood and gore” computer games? Try something different and down
load a free trial version of Blockworks, a virtual construction game for kids of all ages.
The Kansas City Kite Club has a section for kids as well as kite design software.
Welcome to the DTE Energy Kids Club
Nikon’s MicroscopyU allows you to explore the world of optics and imaging technology
with the aid of Java and Flash Tutorials.
Gray Richert’s collection of Science Web Sites includes a section of Virtual Labs and
Simulations covering various topics of Light and Optics.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Bill Appleby sent us the URL to Chemsavers Inc, a re-seller of laboratory chemicals. They
require you to register with them before ordering any chemicals. This should not be a
problem for most of us.
CR Scientific Web Site a supplier of laboratory equipment .
On The Lighter Side
276
The pavement drawings of Julian Beever contains a collection of incredible 3D illusions.
Take a look at these, also.
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277
WANDERINGS
No. 105
23 September 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Sorry gang! This instalment will be another light one. I guess that I’m still in “vacation mode”
and it will be a bit before I can catch up.
Feature
Amateur Rocketry has come a long way since the days of Sir William Congreve, Robert
Goddard and Wernher Von Braun
Amateur rocketry probably gained momentum in the late 50’s with the launch of the Soviet
Union’s Sputnik’s and with the appearance of About the Activities and the Trials of
Amateur Rocket Experimenters in Strong’s June 1957 Amateur Scientist column.
Richard Nakka breaks Amateur Rocketry down into two main branches:
• Model Rocketry --- These rockets use commercial pre-built rocket motors.
• Amateur Experimental Rocketry --- The rockets are designed and constructed
entirely from "scratch"
If you are interested in investigating either area of experimentation it is advisable to join a
local group. They can help you get on your feet and point you in the right direction to avoid
many of the pitfalls and possible dangers associated with this hobby. Please read the SAS
Disclaimer
The following are a few links that I have collected that should help get you started.
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Amateur and Experimental Rocketry Network
Glossary of Common Model and High Power Rocketry Terms
The History of Rocketry
The Reaction Research Society
National Association of Rocketry!
The Amateur Rocketry Society of America
The Rocketry Organization of California (ROC)
BlueSky Rocket Science
Minnesota Rocketry Network
The Northern Illinois Rocketry Association (NIRA)
278
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CARWeb --- the Canadian Association of Rocketry Website
Fredericton Association of Rocketry
Estres commercial rocket motors.
Aerocon --- Supplies for rocketry experimenters.
MARS – Advanced Rocketry Society of Great Britain.
Tripoli High Power Rocket Association
INFOcentral, the online hobby rocketry resource
Rocket Instrumentation
Amateur Rocketry Links
Rocket & Space Organizations links
e-Book --- Amateur built liquid-fuel rocket engines
Book --- A Guide to Amateur Rocketry
Book --- How to Make Amateur Rockets
Book --- Amateur Rocket Motor Construction
Rocket Space --- From Hobby Space
HobbySpace --- Space access for the amateur.
U.S. Homeland Security Act and Model Rocketry
Go Figure!
• Some of the components of amateur rocket propellants are restricted substances --BUT --- you can buy black powder via the Internet.
•
The larger commercially made amateur rocket motors are controlled --- BUT --- you
can buy .50-calibre ammunition, also, over the Internet. These come in armour
piercing, tracer and incendiary varieties.
Wanderings
The Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL) is an international movement of
organizations involved in taxonomic research and biodiversity issues.
International LEGO Users Group Network (LUGNET) unites LEGO fans worldwide
through discussion groups, web pages, and services.
Get the most out of your data recorder with the right anti-aliasing filter.
Convert between any units with OnlineConversion.com
The Kids Room
A MIT Scholar Brings LEGO Into the Digital Age.
A high school in Vail Arizona has scrapped textbooks in favour of laptops and
multimedia presentations and the Internet. Is this the answer to obsolete, expensive and/or
poorly written text books? Comments?
See --- Richard Feynman and The Text Book Selection Process and Carterville
Georgia's Experience in selecting text books.
279
From The Far Side
The Ancient Secrets of Levitation
Levitation Links
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280
WANDERINGS
No. 106
07 October 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Wanderings
E = mc^2 --- The equation today.
Einstein's Big Idea premieres on PBS, Tuesday, October 11 at 8:00 p.m.
Back in the mid 70’s about the only way you could get a personal computer was to build
your own. Of the dozen or so chips microprocessor chips that were on the market I chose --the RCA CDP1802.
A couple of weeks ago, while I was driving on a dirt road, I began to think about the causes
and cures for the wash boarding of dirt / gravel roads.
Are you tired of the high cost of fuel? If so, why not try making your own biodiesel? Here
are the results of a Biodiesel search on the Home Power web site.
The National Biodiesel Board is the national (US) trade association representing the
biodiesel industry.
Towards Flapping Wing Control For A Micromechanical Flying Insect. Look here and
here for some related papers.
What are phytochemicals?
Excel and Mathcad programs for Ferrite Rod Receiving Loop Antenna Analysis and
Modeling
The Griffith Observatory Star Awards were established to recognize excellence in web
sites that promote public awareness of astronomy.
The User-Friendly Manuals' Website is the place to find tips and ideas on how to make
user-friendly instruction manuals.
281
Artificial Life is the study of "natural" life by attempting to recreate biological phenomena
from scratch within computers.
What happened on this date in history?
Dr Alan Williams theorizes on some untested Global Warming Solutions.
The Kids Room
Origami And Mathematics
NASA’s Quest Program is a rich resource for educators, kids and space enthusiasts who
are interested in meeting and learning about NASA people and the national space program.
LEGO’s Education Site
The LEGO Engineer is the graphical programming environment for the LEGO Dacta serial
interface box.
The Science Spot brings us GPS in the classroom along with a vast collection of other
science and teaching resources.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Loop Antenna Handbook --- By Joe Carr
Sensor Technology Handbook --- By: Jon Wilson ---ISBN: 0750677295
Magnetic Arts carries a selection of ferrite rods.
Lynxmotion is a supplier of robot kits and components.
Post Apple Scientific, Inc is another supplier of chemicals and lab equipment.
From The Far Side
Is petroleum is a fossil fuel? No, its not, according to Prof. Thomas Gold (1920-2004) . In
his 2 books Power from the Earth and The Deep Hot Biosphere he looks at the possibility
that methane and other hydrocarbons are formed deep beneath the Earth’s mantel.
I was just looking at the LABRats Supply Bureau link off of the main LABRat’s website.
There is a nice selection of Pyrex student grade Erlenmeyer flasks under the Lab ware.
Do you realize that if you live in some states, such as Texas you are not required to have
a permit to buy a hand gun but you are required to have one in order to buy an
Erlenmeyer flask or similar lab glassware?
282
Remember, Erlenmeyer flasks don’t make “meth”. People make “meth”! ;-)
Perpetual Motion Machines through the centuries
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283
WANDERINGS
No. 107
21 October 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Wanderings
“His scouts will learn science, not tie knots”.
On the other hand, Ropers Knots Page will show you how to tie a wide variety of exotic
knots.
Bill Beaty’s Static Electricity and his Not Your Average Construction Project pages
contain lots of info, links and DIY projects to keep you busy during the upcoming long winter
evenings. Use caution, though, as a lot of the projects are sitting out there in “The Far Side”.
Michael Foster will show you how to make a Cheap High Voltage Generator with PVC
pipe.
L. Paul Verhage has placed his book Near Space , a work in progress, on the Parallax
Web Site. It appears to be a good starting place for those who may be interested in High
Altitude Ballooning. Re-prints of his Nuts & Volts, Near Space column are also included.
Steve Hansen’s the Bell Jar has an article on the history of the Crookes Radiometer and
some experiments that may be performed with a modified commercial unit. Also see --How does a light-mill work?
The High Voltage Experimenter's Handbook is a repository for all the bits and pieces that
Jim Lux has been collecting towards creating a modern version of the classic 1954 work by
Craggs and Meek --- High Voltage Laboratory Technique.
The virtual Sparkmuseum of John Jenkins hosts his collection of early wireless, radio,
scientific and other electrical items.
What is Stellar Parallax? Have a look at Terry Herter’s Java demo.
NASA and the European Space Agency are developing solar sails as the next generation of
spacecraft propulsion. Will they work? “No!” said Prof: Thomas Gold.
284
Build Your Own Cosmos-1 Solar Sail Spacecraft Scale Model!
Where does this E=mc^2 thing come from?
Is the use of genetically engineered (GE) crops helping to destroy Argentina’s
agriculture?
NASA’s satellites continue to see a decline in arctic sea ice in 2005.
Increased output from the Sun, along with emissions of greenhouse gases, might be to
blame for 10 to 30 percent increase in global warming that has been observed over the past
20 years.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts have found that a combination of
cranberry and oregano extract will kill Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a seafood-dwelling
bacterium that can cause food poisoning.
The brass "mutka" pots that are traditionally used in India to collect and store water have
been found to kill E. coli.
Welcome to the Physics Museum at the University of Queensland.
Power grab could split the Net
The Kids Room
Science U offers interactive exhibits can bring science to life. For example, see their
Interactive Platonic and Archimedean solids page.
The Most Common Errors In Undergraduate Mathematics
The School Improvement in Maryland Web Site contains a list of Science Resources
and a K12 Science Class Safety Manual.
Check the University of Georgia’s site for a list of Science Fair / Project ideas.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The Hitachi HM55B Compass Module is sensitive to microtesla (µT) variations in
magnetic field strength.
Magnetic Paint! Check your local paint store or check the web for other sources.
Max-Gain Systems, Inc. carries a complete line of fiberglass, including fiberglass round
tube, square tube, and solid rod as well as a selection of electronic components.
285
On The Lighter Side
SATELLITE FUN MAPS are quirky and funny images from around the world via Google
Maps.
Have a look at a few long running experiments.
From The Far Side
REX RESEARCH is selling a CD of the files that were archived on their web site. They have
been one of the prime sources for "unconventional" and emerging sciences and technology.
Along with the pseudo science there might be some interesting files. It might be worth the
$13 just to see what is going on in “The Far Side”.
Ultrasonic Levitation is --- NOT --- Anti-Gravity
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286
WANDERINGS
No. 108
04 November 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Wanderings
On Nov. 5, Earthwatch will be hosting a conference celebrating citizen science during a
daylong conference at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, MA.
The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), as “the guardian of the units”
maintains the German copy of the "original kilogram", the international prototype kilogram.
Episodic Tremor and Slip (ETS) is a new phenomenon discovered in the Cascadia
subduction zone beneath Vancouver Island by scientists with the Geological Survey of
Canada (GSC).
Take a ride on the Micro Bus and learn about the microscope and the microscopic world
around us!
Application Notes From Texas Instruments
• Application Notes for Operational Amplifiers
• User Guides for Operational Amplifiers
• Understand Basic Analog - Passive Devices
• Understand Basic Analog – Active Devices
Heavens-Above! will provide you with all the information that you will need to observe
satellites such as the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle as well as a wealth
of other spaceflight and astronomical information.
The Multimission Archive at STScI (MAST) supports a variety of astronomical data
archives, with a primary focus on scientifically related data sets in the optical, ultraviolet,
and near-infrared parts of the spectrum.
NASA hosts space elevator competition.
Some types of fire starters, widely found at camping stores, are a readily available source
of magnesium. See the magnesium MSDS sheet.
287
Changing Oceans, Changing Climate --- Oceanic processes in the Labrador Sea and
other northern North Atlantic waters help shape the entire world’s climate patterns.
Open-File Reports, from U.S. Geological Survey, include unpublished manuscripts,
reports, maps, and other material that are made available to the public.
The Kids Room
Science Is Fun --- The master of chemical demonstrations, University of WisconsinMadison Chemistry Professor Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, shares the fun of science through
home science activities, demonstration shows, videos, and books
The Student Science & Tech Page from the National Research Council of Canada's
contains student and teacher resources.
Sheppard Software has a collection of free on-line web games.
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) promotes excellence and innovation
in science teaching and learning for all,
From The Far Side
In an earlier life, Shawn Carlson, Founder and Executive Director of SAS, supported himself
as a street magician around Central Park, NY.
David Blaine is another street magician who has been featured lately in the media. His skill
has caused some of his audience to question … “Is this magic real?” ;-)
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288
WANDERINGS
No. 109
18 November 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
WANDERINGS
My sister-in-law has been suffering from a degenerative hearing disease for the last 30
years. After a series of tests and interviews, she started, this fall, the process of having a
cochlear implant fitted. We just received an e-mail, from her, saying that she can now
hear the birds chirping, the clock ticking and the fridge motor. These are sounds that she
hasn’t heard for the last 20 years!
RadioRaft is a multimode radio data decoder software that is available in both a free and
user pay version...
A GPS receiver can be used for remote sensing of atmospheric water vapour.
“Living Better Through Chemistry” --- Toxic Nation: A Report on Pollution in Canadians
All About Circuits.com provides a series of online textbooks covering electricity and
electronics
Dust storms from the Gobi Desert are being felt in the Gulf of Alaska and down into the
southern US.
Bookmark the National Geographic News site and stay current with the latest science
news stories.
71 years of amateur science ---- The Amateur Scientist Subject Index 1928 through
1999
Japanese scientists have photographed an 8 meter long giant squid 900 meters beneath
the North Pacific Ocean.
Has modern technology finally produced a safe car? See a video of the Smart Car crash
test.
289
The Kids Room
Do you remember Tilly Smith? UN’s Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery, former US
President Bill Clinton;
Future Scientists and Engineers of America (FSEA) --- a competitor or partner to
LABRats?
Take a ride on The Big Blue Bus and see how you can protect the world’s waters.
Student Science and Technology provides science resources to students and teachers.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Vintage Manuals, Inc. is a source for vintage radio, audio and test equipment manuals. I
was very pleased with the quality of a recent purchase.
Lincoln, David’s book, Programming and Customizing the PICAXE Microcontroller
(ISBN: 0071457658) is available on the Nuts &Volts web site.
Dynacomp Software has an analog computer simulator software program that runs
under MSDOS for $39.95.
From The Far Side
An antigravity machine has been awarded a US patent!
Crystal Power!
The Golden Bough --- A Study in myth, magic and religion
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290
WANDERINGS
No. 110
09 December 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Wow! Here it is --- the 9 th of Dec! There’s only two weeks left for that last minute Christmas
shopping. Have you ever wondered what gift to buy for a person who has everything – or –
more correctly, for the person who has nothing? Please use the International Gateway to
find the office in your country.
What time is it?
The 24-hour clock notation is the most commonly used time notation in the world of today.
A few countries, such as the US and Canada still cling to the 12 hour am/pm clock.
ZULU TIME is often, incorrectly, called military time. Actually, ZULU or “Z” refers to one of
the varous time zones around the globe. The “Z” time zone is centred around Greenwich,
UK.
GMT --- or Greenwich Mean Time is a historic term, which, today, is called Universal Time
(UT). Universal Time is the local time on the zero meridian which goes through the old
Greenwich Observatory, London, UK. The National Physical Laboratory, located in
Middlesex, is the current “home” of the British time standard.
Just to make things complicated, the following are some of the various Time Scales that we
use to measure time.
UT0 --- precise solar time at the zero meridian (Greenwich).
UT1 --- is UT0 corrected for polar motion.
UT2 --- is UT1 corrected for seasonal variation in the earth's rotation rate. UT2 is often used
in astronomy.
291
UTC --- (Universal Time Co-ordinated) is a time defined by a global collection of atomic clocks.
When UTC and UT2 drift apart by more than 0.9 s, a leap second is added to UTC.
DUT1 --- is the difference between UTC and UT1 published by USNO rounded to 0.1 s each
week.
UTC(USNO) --- is the US reference time published by the US Naval Observatory (USNO)
UTC(GPS) --- GPS time is automatically steered to UTC(USNO) on a daily basis to keep
system time within one microsecond of UTC(USNO), (UTC – Leap Seconds = GPS Time)
UTC(NPL) --- UK National Time Scale
UTC(PTB) --- is the official German reference time signal published by the Physikalisch
Technische Bundesanstalt in Braunschweig
UTC(BIPM) --- Is the official time scale that forms the basis for the global coordinated
dissemination of standard frequencies and time signals by the Bureau International des
Poids et Mesures, Paris.
All these UTC versions do not differ by more than a few nanoseconds. Information about the
world time standard UTC (e.g. when will the next leap second be inserted in time, etc.) is
available from the 'International Earth Rotation Service' (IERS)
TIA --- (Temps Internationale Atomique) is identical to UTC except that it does not include leap
seconds.
Here are a few more time related links:
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More on Time Scales
Links to Time Sites
The State of the Art of Amateur Time Keeping
Precise Time and Frequency for Amateurs
DIY Time and Frequency Measurements
Time and Frequency from A to Z
Time Signals
Physicists shrink the physical size of atomic clocks.
A Guide To Metric Time Or Decimalized Time
Wanderings
Build a DIY GPS Based Frequency Standard
Build an inexpensive DIY External GPS Antenna
What are antibubbles? Find out with some simple DIY experiments.
• Bill Beaty’s Antibubble Page
• Antibubbles from jtan.com
• Terry's Antibubble Site
292
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Fluid instabilities in the birth and death of antibubbles
The Aging of an Antibubble
Also see the Amateur Scientist Column from the April 1974 issue of Scientific American ---Curious Bubbles in Which a Gas Encloses a Liquid Instead of the Other Way Around.
Along similar lines is the November 1979 column --- Flames in Which Air Is Introduced
into a Flammable Gas Rather Than Vice Versa
If you don’t have access to the back issues of Scientific American and the Amateur Scientist
column you can order the complete works on a CD.
Convection in a Box --- These DIY experiments, using smoke, can be performed using a
Plexiglas box and a burning stick of incense.
Try some DIY Laser Pointer Holography from Holoworld.Com
Using a PC and a soundcard-to make a DIY Oscilloscope
Natural Resources Canada offers near real time and archived geomagnetic data sets
from their 12 operational monitoring sites.
The University Of The West Indies Seismic Research Unit
Java for Astronomy --- by Matt Oltersdorf
Transits of Venus across the solar disk
What did they look like? --- Pictures of Famous Physicists.
The Mark-8 Minicomputer --- Some memories of the machine from its designer, Jon Titus
The Kids Room
Teenangels is a group of young volunteers who are spreading the word about responsible
and safe online surfing to other teens and younger kids.
The All Science Fair Projects site contains a collection of Science Fair Projects with
Complete Instructions
Have a look the Experimentals and The Teacher’s Stuff on the Australian Broadcasting
Corporation's Science Online site.
Build a simple DIY Vertical Accelerometer
Build a Glitter Globe
Physics Lecture Demonstrations from U.C. Berkeley Physics
293
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Metric and imperial drive mechanical components are available from Stock Drive
Products / Sterling Instrument.
On The Lighter Side
Albert Einstein and The World Year of Physics (WYP 2005)
Star Wars
From The Far Side
Trans-time photography?
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294
WANDERINGS
No. 111
23 December 2005
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah
NORAD , once again, has volunteered the use of their facilities to track Santa’s progress
around the globe.
Citizen Science ---- Why not take part in the 2005 Audubon Bird Count? If you can’t
make it on Christmas, in February there’s the ninth annual Great Backyard Bird Count,
17-20 February, 2006.
Wanderings
The American heart Association has issued dramatic new guidelines for the
administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
I am listing a few links, if you wish to follow up on Forest Mims article in the 07 Oct. ’05
issue of TCS --- Are you Ready for Lead-Free Solder?
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RoHS ---- Restrictions of the use of Hazardous Substances
WEEE --- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
Lead Free Related Documents and Articles --- OK International
Lead Free Soldering --- Pace Inc
Lead Free Hand Soldering and De-Soldering --- Newark InOne
Tin Whiskers: The Next Y2K Problem?
NASA’s Tin Whisker Homepage
Tin Whisker Alert --- University of Maryland
Tin Whiskers --- SemiconFarEast
The Funny Science Site at the University of Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy contains many DIY
ideas. Most of the text is in Italian, but still, you should be able to find many items that will
be of interest to you.
295
Among other interesting items, the Draft Activities page on Paul Doherty’s Scientific
Explorations and Adventures site contains instructions on how to build Einstein's Freefall
Toy.
The Argus Project is a UK-wide network that monitors background gamma radiation
levels and meteorological data. The network is made up of stations that are owned by local
authorities, universities, environmental groups and individuals.
Virtual Textbook of Organic Chemistry --- William Reusch, Dept. of Chemistry, Michigan
State University
The Digital Library that is located on the Circuit Cellar’s Web Site contains many
interesting projects that may be of interest to the amateur. For example, have a look at The
Flight Computer for High-Power Rocketry, Data Acquisition in Model Rocketry, or A 2D Optical Position Sensor.
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory takes us through a Particle Adventure. Of
special interest is the Quark Dance and their vast collection of Particle Physics Education
and Information Sites.
Structural Geology and Metamorphic Petrology Resources on the WWW
Benjamin Franklin and Electrostatics --- a collection by Robert A. Morse
LINUS PAULING --- a two time winner of the Nobel Prize.
• The Early Years.
• A Biography
Climate change? --- Have the record high water temperatures, in the North Pacific, attracted
the giant Humboldt Squid to the Alaskan and British Columbian waters?
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, will no longer accept articles from non-registered
users.
The Kids Room
Dr. James A. Van Allen answers the question --- What Is A Space Scientist?
Experimental Science Projects: An Introductory Level Guide
Fold a piece of paper, of any size, it in half. Then fold it in half again --- and again --- and so
on. Now, how many times can you fold the paper? 6, 7 or more times?
• Exponential growth says that the limit is around 7 folds.
• Or is it? Britney Gallivan says that she can fold a paper 12 times.
Food Force --- The game.
Doc Brown's Chemistry Clinic packs a lot of information into his 500+ pages.
The Geometry Forum discusses Archimedes' method for trisecting an angle.
296
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Arbor Scientific contains a wide selection of science related tools, kits and toys for the K12
teacher. This site also contains many easily performed demonstrations such as the one on
static electricity.
On The Lighter Side
Try Elf bowling --- A traditional Christmas game.
Transgressing the Boundaries: Towards a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum
Gravity
From The Far Side
The Crackpot Index --- John Baez’s simple method for rating potentially revolutionary
contributions to physics.
Top Secret Projects?
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297
WANDERINGS
No. 112
13 January 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Wanderings
View the Stratospheric Ozone page at Rutgers University Coastal Ocean Observation
Lab.
Chemistry 101: Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Spectroscopy: Element Identification and Emission Spectra
All about LED’s and their use as Light Detectors
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) have been used in light spectroscopy in the frequencydomain.
LED Colour/Wavelength Chart
LED Information and Technical Data
The LED Museum
Homemade Electrocardiograph
Things to do with your microwave --- The One Atmosphere Plasmoid Experiment
The "How To" Tutorial Series that is found on the Modern Microscopy site shows How
to Make and Use a Simple Microspectroscopic Eyepiece .
Will the sequencing of its genome result in a “re-birth” of a Woolly Mammoth?
Ancient DNA: Do It Right or Not at All
Divining Diet and Disease from DNA
Buckyballs may damage DNA
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Zoo raised Przewalski Horses are being re-introduced into the wild.
The Today in Science History site contains more the meets the eye. Have a look around
this interesting site.
The Theban Mapping Project, based at the American University in Cairo, is working to
prepare a comprehensive archaeological database of Thebes
The Kids Room
The Sciencebase web site contains a collection of home science experiments to help
inquisitive young minds learn about science in the the world around them.
Vicki Cobb’s Sh o w - B i z S c i e n c e b r i n g s f u n i n t o t h e c l a s s r o o m s c i e n c e
lessons.
Save a frog and use a Net Frog for your dissection.
Science Fairs and Exploring minds
Build a model Buckyball or conduct some of the other experiments on the Seed Web Site.
Experiments by Exploration from Arizona State University
“The MadSci Network represents a collective cranium of scientists providing answers to
your questions. For good measure we provide a variety of oddities and other ends as well.”
What’s in that stuff?
Who invented “pi”?
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Indigo Instruments is a supplier of affordable on-line science lab supplies.
Hebei Shanghai Co. Ltd is a source of a wide range of coloured LED’s.
On The Lighter Side
Follow the actions of Kyle MacDonald as he attemps to trade up from a red paper clip to
a house.
Here are some Visual Illusions from the Computational Visual Cognition Laboratory at
MIT.
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Try your hand at the helm of the sailing simulator from National Geographic.
From The Far Side
The Alchemy Web Site
Antigravity
An Ancient Egyptian light bulb?
The History of the Search for Perpetual Motion
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WANDERINGS
No. 113
27 January 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Wanderings
In past columns, I’ve listed various “@home” projects that allowed you to use your
computer’s idle time to take part in various scientific endeavours. The latest one,
stardust@home wants you to join the search for interstellar dust that may have been
collected by the Stardust Probe.
Studies are showing that most arctic, near-surface, permafrost may thaw by 2100 . This
will release methane and CO2 into the atmosphere thus accelerating the Greenhouse Effect
and Global Warming.
This DIY Blood Flow Sensor uses a Piezo Film as its sensitive element.
Along the same line, see Vital Signs Monitor. Note: Scroll down the page to see Figure 1.
Interfacing Piezo Film to Electronics
Jimmy Yawn’s Recrystallized Rocketry site is devoted to potassium nitrate/ sucrose
based solid rocket propellants. For those of you who are interested in water rockets, have a
look at Jimmy’s Basic Instructions and The Kit pages, both of which relate to water
rockets.
More uses for a microwave oven --- Fun with Grapes - A Case Study.
If any of you have been following the Survivor Series on TV, you will remember that the
first challenge that all teams were faced with was the making of fire. It might prove useful for
the future contestants if they read up on the science of starting fires.
For something a little different have a look at The Physics of Knife Throwing.
lanl.arXiv.org is an “open access to 351,436 e-prints in Physics, Mathematics, Computer
Science and Quantitative Biology”
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Relativity Visualized contains a collection of simulations illustrating various aspects of
relativity
Here is a nice little simulation pertaining to the interaction of particles.
The World Sun Light Map is a real-time, computer-generated display of the Earth's
sunlight, darkness, and cloud cover based on current weather satellite data.
Astronomy 162 --- Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology is a web based astronomy text by
Dept. Physics & Astronomy University of Tennessee.
Welcome to Caltech’s Snow Crystals and Snowflake site.
Here is Jaap van Ganswijk’s Chip Dictionary containing numerically and functionally
ordered chip lists, chip pin-outs, lists of manufacturers and much more.
Michael Davis chronicles his adventures in building The Junkyard Turbojet Engine.
Ethnopoetics: Soundings --- curated by Jerome Rothenberg, offers an interesting
collection of vocal sounds.
You might no be able to drive this, but, still, it’s the World’s smallest car!
Welcome to the science inspired art of Eric J. Heller.
The Kids Room
Learning through real science --- The JASON Project’s mission is to inspire in students a
life-long passion for learning in science, math, and technology through hands-on, real-world
scientific discovery.
The T.W.I.N.K.I.E.S. Project!
The Mentos Fountain is one of the many easy experiments that can be found on The
Steve Spangler Science site.
When I listed CR Scientific’s web site in WANDERINGS #104 (09 Sep. ’05) did anyone
see their experiment showing how to extract ammonia from old gym socks?
David Brear compiled a collection of LEGO Dacta Robotics and Related Web Sites.
Join Cyberbee Learning and have a look at Paper Airplane Science.
The Science of Pulp and Paper Making --- An on-line resource for K-12 students and
teachers.
Cathy Sarisky maintains an Archive of Lab Experiments.
Alex Wurden, a grade 8 student, tackles sonoluminescence.
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Find your favourite dinosaur on the Discovery Channel’s Dinosaur Planet.
NASA’s IMAGERS web site, a K-8 Earth science education resource, has a fairly good
explanation of the electromagnetic spectrum.
WhaleNet is an interactive educational web site focusing on whales and marine research.
Can you escape from one of the rooms?
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Piezo films and Geiger-Muller tubes are just a couple of the many items that Images SI
Inc. lists in their on-line catalogue.
Measurement Specialties Inc. also carries piezo films.
On The Lighter Side
Murphy’s Laws of Science And Experiments
Murphy's Laws of Volcanology
The Ultimate Collection of Murphy's Laws
From The Far Side
The Crop Circular site presents--- what else, but --- A History of Crop Circles.
Ed Conrad contends that man is as old as coal.
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WANDERINGS
No. 114
10 February‘06
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Teachers! --- This is an invitation for your classes to take part in The Noon Day Project.
This project, which will be taking place in March’06, is a global collaboration among
students who will be comparing their observations to determine the circumference of the
earth. This Web Site will be updated soon to reflect the new observation period.
William Gurstelle’s book, Adventures from the Technology Underground, takes a look at
the endeavours of backyard DIY amateur scientists and engineers. Also, see his Blog --Notes from the Technology Underground
Wanderings
The advanced photography techniques that are illustrated on the Fotoopa Site, such as
Photographing Flying Insects, are a good example of what an ambitious amateur can
accomplish.
Dr. Anne Helmenstine shows us how to make liquid magnets or ferro-fluids.
The Sci-Toys Web Site has DIY instructions covering how to build a hand vacuum
pump.
The Virtual Kite Zoo is all about kites, every kind of kite, big kites, little kites, strange kites,
fancy kites and plain kites.
Expand the memory of your PIC microprocessor with a Multi Media Card. Then while you
are at this site, have a look at:
• Cosmic Ray Telescope Muon Detector
• Magnetometer - Measuring the magnetic field of Earth
• Jupiter Radio Astronomy
Jim Gallant has a collection of DIY Human Powered Vehicles.
304
The Earth and Moon Viewer and NASA’s Real Time Satellite Tracking sites offer us
several real time or simulated views of the earth and her satellites.
Flight Club --- an online gliding simulator.
The String Theory --- What is it?
The goal of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Engineering
Statistics Handbook is to help scientists and engineers incorporate statistical methods in
their work as efficiently as possible.
Frank Tapson’s Dictionary of Units provides a summary of most of the units of
measurement to be found in use around the world.
Einstein Was Right (Again): NIST/MIT Confirm E=mc2
Green plants may contribute to Global Warming by releasing methane .
“Researchers Slam Media Over Wrong-Headed Plant-Methane Hype”
The headline in Jan 29 ‘06 National Post read --- “Video captures giant octopus attack
on sub”. Actually it was an ROV not a sub.
The Kids Room
Make your own bouncing balls and slime.
My little foster daughter loves light sticks or glow sticks. But, how do they work?
The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) sponsors
interdisciplinary projects that K-12 teachers can use to enhance their curriculum through
compelling use of the Internet.
“Windows to the Universe is a user-friendly learning system covering the Earth and Space
sciences for use by the general public.”
The Internet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF) was created to give the 3-12 student
the opportunity to experience the excitement of researching solutions to real-world
problems.
NASA’s JPL Education Gateway offers a selection of challenging K-12 Student
Competitions.
How long can you survive? Move the RED block without being clobbered by the BLUE
blocks or running into the wall.
On The Lighter Side
Homeland Security and the Internet.
305
The purpose of the Where's George? --- and --- Where’s Willy? Web Sites is to track the
natural and geographic circulation of US and Canadian currency.
From The Far Side
The R.I.O.T. Wheel or the “Re Invention Of The" Wheel.
The Townsend Brown Foundation
The Cook Inertial Propulsion (CIP) engine
Gyroscopic Inertial Thruster
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WANDERINGS
No. 115
24 February 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
The field of Radio Astronomy can provide the amateur with many possible areas of
investigation ranging from low cost meteor tracking all the way up to the “big guys” with their
gigantic dish antennas and exotic receiving equipment. The following URL’s are but a few of
the many portals into this interesting area of investigation.
Grote Reber --- The father of Radio Astronomy
SARA --- The Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers
Introduction to Radio Astronomy --- A credit course in astronomy from Jodrell Bank
Observatory.
Radio-Sky Publishing – A resource for the Amateur radio Astronomer.
ELF / VLF Radio Astronomy
The Electric Enigma: The VLF Recordings of Stephen P. McGreevy is an online booklet
dealing with natural radio in the VLF range of frequencies.
ELF / VLF Links from WANDERINGS – 23 Jly.’04
Sam's Meteor Shower Tracking Page.
Jupiter Radio --- This website is dedicated to the joys of observing and analyzing natural
radio emissions from Jupiter and the Sun.
The Sounds of Jupiter --- Natural radio signals from Jupiter's magnetosphere.
Radio-Jupiter Pro 3 --- A Jupiter Noise Storm Program from Radiosky.
Loop Antennas --- The DYI design of an antenna from Jupiter Radio.
307
The Jupiter Space Station Group --- A Radio Astronomy Experimental Research Group
Radio Astronomy Projects --- Various projects from SARA
EME, SETI, Radio Astronomy, DSP
Amateur Radio Astronomy Links
Amateur Radio Astronomy on the Internet
Interesting Radio Astronomy Related Web Sites
Links for the Amateur Radio Astronomer from The National Radio Astronomy
Observatory (NRAO)
Radio Astronomy for Teachers
Project Inspire --- NASA’s VLF Radio project.
The Little Bitty Telescope and Itty Bitty Telescope are DIY projects covering the use of a
TV “dish” as a radio telescope.
Observing Meteors by Radio
A simple DIY Digital Interferometer
Radio Astronomy Equipment and Supplies
Wanderings
If you are using a wireless internet connection you may be open to unauthorized people
piggybacking in onto your service. For more info see Wikipedia’s entry on Wardriving.
Origami meets mathematics --- Paper Models of Polyhedra
The Forum For Amateur Astrospectroscopist’s website is dedicated to amateur
astronomers interested in the science of spectroscopy. Don’t forget to check out The
Amateur Scientist CD for a selection of DIY instruments.
The Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy Links
Dan Veeneman wants to rescue your classic computers from closets, attics and
basements before they end up in the local landfill.
Matt Davis at the Brain Sciences Unit, Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, witres auobt his tughhots on
sclerambd lteter raeding in Elisngh and oehtr lguanegas.
308
The Kids Room
Visit The Women of NASA
Links to Women in Science and Astronomy.
The results from the 2005 Canada Wide Virtual Science Fair are now posted on line.
Home Experiments is a collection of experiments will add joy to your science experience.
This UNESCO database contains low cost science experiments that are simplified
versions of the classical experiments. They were designed to make extensive use of locally
available substances and kitchen chemicals.
Chess, anyone?
From The Far Side
See What Pseudoscience Tells us About Science in Steven Dutch’s collection of articles
on Science, Pseudoscience, and Irrationalism.
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WANDERINGS
No. 116
10 March 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Teachers don’t forget! --- The Noon Day Project is about to start. Have your students take
part in a global collaboration among students who will be comparing their observations to
determine the circumference of the earth.
Wanderings
The Institute of Geophysics, Clausthal University of Technology, has a collection of JAVA
applets simulating geophysical experiments.
Siltec has a nice collection of demonstrations for the physical sciences,
Siltec, also, has a page on fibre optic sensors that may prove to be of interest.
Scienceagogo offers us the latest science news, research tidbits and science discussion.
Sunguidance was an R&D project which used sun sensing to guide a model rocket to fly
towards the sun or to fly nearly vertical on overcast days.
The Clay Brothers' Video Rocketry site started as a means of sharing their video rocketry
experiments but has now grown to include sport rocketry in general.
View the ancient cave art that was discovered in The Chauvet Cave.
The library at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) maintains a site listing the
Nobel Laureates in Physics from 1901 to present.
While Richard Feynman was in graduate school he amused himself with the study of the
behaviour of ants.
Richard Haynes sends us the URL for ANTWEB, a California Academy of Science web site
that shows us the vast world of ants.
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What else is Feynman famous for? What about Feynman Diagrams?
FeynDraw is a Windows based program enabling you to easily draw scientific and
mathematical diagrams.
The Kids Room
UNESCO --- Promoting education and capacity building in science, technology and the
environment.
The Schoolscience site connects the science that you learn in school to the real world.
From Atoms To The Standard Model is an e-text from The Schoolscience Site.
The Exploratorium sells a book that shows, among other things, how you can build a
square wheeled cart that will run over a specially constructed road bed.
The media, recently, carried a story about a high school student who built a square
wheeled vehicle that is able to traverse a flat surface.
SciEd is an online science resource for teachers.
The Physics Van asks --- “How reliable are answers you find on the Web?”
NASA’s Quest Challenges are Web-based, interactive explorations designed to engage
students in authentic scientific and engineering processes.
Albert Einstein for Kids --- by Jason Haas
The Journal of Chemical Education contains many resources for the chemistry teacher or
student. For example see their --- Chemistry Comes Alive!
Here is some additional information on Glow Sticks and Chemiluminescence
• Chemiluminescence--- A classroom discussion.
• Blood Stain Analysis Using Chemoluminescence
• Luminol --- $15 US
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Grau-Hall Corp. --- A supplier of scientific equipment and supplies.
The Surplus Shed is a supplier of reasonably priced optical components.
From The Far Side
311
Strange Artifacts --- The Piri Reis Map.
Maps of the Ancient Sea Kings; Evidence of Advanced Civilization in the Ice Age --by Dr. Charles Hapgood
"Piri Reis and the Columbian Theory" in "Aramco World Magazine" by Paul Lunde
The Piri Reis Map --- By Prof. Steven Dutch, Natural and Applied Sciences, University of
Wisconsin.
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WANDERINGS
No. 117
24 March 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Mark Streitman sent us the URL of an interesting video clip showing the effect of
microwave energy on a flame.
If you are interested in conducting any of the listed microwave oven experiments, please
read over and follow these safety suggestions.
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Re-read the SAS Disclaimer
Have some method to remotely turn off the AC power to the microwave.
Follow all safety precautions that are listed on the suggested web sites.
Do not place explosive or highly flammable materials in the microwave.
Wear safety glasses and keep a Class “C” fire extinguisher handy.
I would recommend that you buy a new or used oven to be used exclusively for
experimenting. Others in your family might not appreciate finding the house hold
microwave filled with crud from your last experiment when they go to heat up a
snack.
Finally, if I were conducting any of these demonstrations, I would move the
microwave oven out into the back yard --- just in case, if something would go wrong, I
wouldn’t burn down my house. Plus --- some of these experiments will produce
ozone and NO2, both of which are poisonous!
How to build yourself a One Atmosphere Plasmoid.
How to make a Stable Plasmoid with the Graphite Microwave Resonator.
Three recipes for producing ionized plasmoids in your microwave oven.
Generating Hot Plasmas Using a Microwave Oven
Microwave Experiments
We-Man’s Funny Things To Do With Your Microwave Oven Page
313
WANDERINGS
If you plan to be in the UK, between 05 and 16 April, 2006, try and drop by Edinburgh for
their annual International Science Festival.
The Victoria Experimental Network Under the Sea (VENUS) is an array of video cameras
and instruments that are being used to conduct real time coastal oceanography.
Table top fusion is alive and well. See Brian McDermott’s account of his construction of a
fusor. His site links to other fusion sites.
The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) is an instrument on board the Mars
Odyssey spacecraft. It combines a 5-wavelength visual imaging system with a 9-wavelength
infrared imaging system.
NASA’s Mars Exploration Program
• Mars Odyssey spacecraft
• Mars Global Surveyor
Google’s map of Mars.
In his book --- Surely You're Joking, Mr.Feynman! Richard Feynman described how he,
while working on the development of the A Bomb at Los Alamos, would amuse himself by
picking the locks on the “secure” file cabinets. Why not try lock picking for yourself?
Here is a nice Wikipedia entry on Feynman.
The Stone Pages have an item about Italian archaeologists have discovered that olive oil
was used to smelt copper ore, in some parts of the ancient world.
Have a look at the pulsejet.com site for DIY information on all kinds of jet engines.
The Kids Room
The TeachEngineering digital library provides teacher-tested, standards-based
engineering content for K-12 teachers to use in science and math classrooms.
Navigation Education Materials from the Institute of Navigation
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WANDERINGS
No. 118
21 April 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Now that summer is on it way, it might be a good time to start planning some warm weather
science activities --- for example, what about Water or Bottle Rockets?
One of the main advantages, of experimenting with this type of rocket, is that there are no
restrictions on obtaining the fuel components ---- water and air. ;-)
Note: --- While, at first glance, water rockets may seem safer than their chemical cousins,
they still present an element of danger. Please have a look at the following safety
suggestions:
Water Rocket Safety Code --- Revision E (28 Apr ‘02)
Water Rocket Safety Code --- Revision J (16 Dec ’02)
Kevin’s Safety Page
Safety notes from the Water Rocket Booklet
The following URL’s are just a small sampling of the water rocket resources that can be
found on the Web.
Index to NASA’s Beginner's Guide to Rockets
Water Rockets --- Really --- This is rocket science
In recent years, water rockets have progressed far beyond the classic children’s’ toy.
The current water rocket altitude record is 523 meters. What is the physical limit?
Joseph M. Prusa’s Hydrodynamics of a Water Rocket page, gives us a scientific look at
water rockets.
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This Water Rocket Design Program helps you understand the physics of water
The Water Rockets Index lists a Water Rocket Computer Design Program.
Steven Gutierrez’s bottle rocket simulator --- Bottlerocketsim v.1.0
NASA’s Rocket Modeller II SIMULATOR
NASA’s Rocket Modeller II Version 2.1f
NASA’s Water Rocket Simulator Prototype.
The Water Rocket News --- from WRN
The Water Rocket News --- from the AntiGravity Research Corp.
The Water Rocket Booklet
Dr. Rhett Herman’s simple 2-liter water rocket homepage.
The High Pressure Rocket site.
Robert Youens Water Rocket Page
Dean’s Bench-top Water Rocket Site
High Pressure Rockets
The FTC Rocket Construction Page
The Water Rocket Garage
Clifford Heath’s --- Instructions to Build a Water Rocket
Water Rockets and Water Rocket powered cars.
Ian’s Water Rocket Page --- and --- Cable-Tie Launcher
Rocket Nozzle Design
NASA’s Bottle Rocket Launcher
NASA’s Water Rocket Launch Pad II
Kevin’s H2O Rocket Page --- and --- Clark Cable Launcher
Water Rockets in Thailand and Japan
The Water Rocket Playground
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Water Rockets on the Web
Water Rocket Web Links
Bottle Rockets @ The Science Olympiad
The National Physical Laboratory (UK) holds an annual Water Rocket Challenge. Will
there be one for 2006?
A DIY Rocket Altimeter Project (RAP)
A DIY Maximum Recording Model Rocket Altimeter
Home-Brew Electronic Altimeter
Miscellaneous model and remote control schematics
Related reading from the Opensource MicroGravity Laboratory
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Water Rocket supplies from AntiGravity Research Corporation
Water Rocket, Classic Science Toy!
Ward’s Natural Sciences
Many suppliers, such as Steve Spangler Science, sell an item called a Tornado Tube that
could be incorporated into your water rocket design.
LEGO’s Classroom Bottle Rocket Starter Package
On The Lighter Side
Again, we will prepare for Easter with a look at the science of Peeps.
Suppose that you just can’t remember the name of that song that you have stuck in your
head. Try going to The Song Tapper site and tap the rhythm of the song on your PC’s
space bar. With a little luck, the program may be able to identify that song.
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WANDERINGS
No. 119
05 May 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
We’ve looked at water rockets. --- Now, how about kites?
My favourite kite has to be the Scott Sled which I usually make out of a garbage bag and a
couple of ¼ in. dowels. As with some of my other kites, I liked to use flagging tape for the
sled’s tail.
I also had an Eddy Kite which was a tailless diamond kite that used an exaggerated
dihedral to establish its stability.
One time my family and I (wife + 2 kids) were flying store bought Delta Kites on the beach.
“Daddy” got the bright idea of tying them all together into a Kite Train to see how much
altitude we could get. The train worked great until our kite flying activities ended with a
broken string and the four kites escaping to parts unknown.
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Kite Safety
The Flight of The Millibar Messenger --- Richard Synergy’s 14,509 ft flight.
Kites “R” Us
The Virtual Kite Zoo
The Brown Paper Kite Site
Navy Target Kite --- A novel design utilizing a rudder.
The Delta-Conyne Kite
The “Marc 2” Kite
Anthony's Kite Workshop
Anthony's Lifting Messenger
Leslie Hunt’s collection of kites.
The Picavet Kite Platform
Picavet Suspension for Aerial Photography
Scott Haefner’s Suspension
Thomas-Michael Rudolph’s Kite Site
Kite Life.com Magazine is a source of on-line kite information
Kite Links
More Kite Links
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Kites and Science --- Sarah Mims used a kite to collect air samples.
The Amateur Scientist CD: September 2000; Using a Kite as an Experimental Platform; by
Shawn Carlson
The Amateur Scientist CD: April, 1969; The Lore and Aerodynamics of Making Flying
Kites; by C. L. Stong
The Amateur Scientist CD: February, 1978; Introducing the Musha, the Double Lozenge
and a Number of Other Kits to Build and Fly; by Jearl Walker
Over the years, there have been many famous kit flyers such as:
• Ben Franklin
• Benjamin Franklin's Science --- a review by Shawn Carlson
• Alexander Graham Bell
• Guglielmo Marconi
• Dr. Marueen Clemmons. See --- WANDERINGS No. 88 --- 28 January 2005
Wanderings
In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in frog populations around the globe.
Some of the major reasons have been attributed to:
• Ozone depletion and UV radiation
• Pesticides
• Habitat destruction
• Pollution
• Global warming
See --- Where Have All the Frogs Gone? UV Radiation and Amphibian Declines by
Adrienne Howse
There is now speculation that a global outbreak of Chytridiomycosis --- or --- Frog
Fungus is contributing to the demise of frogs and other amphibians.
See --- Origin of the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus
What is spreading the fungus across the globe? Some theorize that the fungus may be
carried by human travellers, international trade or amphibian stowaways. It is also
speculated that a type of pregnancy test could have been be responsible for the spread of
the fungus.
Perhaps some amateur, in search of a challenging project, could use a method, similar to
the one Sarah Anna Mims used to detect living fungal spores and bacteria in biomass
smoke, to see if they could detect air borne Chytrid fungus.
Several weeks ago I came across a novel wind tunnel that is being used by Dr. Stephen
Childress in his investigations into insect flight. Watch the video --- Search on Bug Sized
Flight-Simulator.
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The Dominion of the Air: The Story of Aerial Navigation --- by Rev. J. M. Bacon.
A History of Aeronautics --- by E. Charles Vivian.
Marvin May’s article --- Albert Einstein and Navigation (Search on Einstein).
This site shows us how to use a digital bicycle speedometer to build a DIY Anemometer.
More on DIY anemometers.
Lose yourself in a Second Life, which is a simulation of a virtual 3-D world created by
Linden Labs.
The Organic Chemistry Virtual Tutor
Paul Falstad's Java simulations of a Rectangular Membrane and a Drum Head.
Now for something a little different --- This one’s for Sheldon! Also see Dennis Havlena’s
site.
Drive your neighbours crazy and build a set of DIY Wind Chimes.
The Kids Room
Toqwa'tu'kl Kjijitaqnn / Integrative Science --- is an innovative program at the Cape
Breton University Sydney, NS, which brings together conventional western science
knowledge and understandings from the holistic world views of Aboriginal peoples,
especially the Mi'kmaq First Nations Peoples of Atlantic Canada,
This is a bit more than a “game”. Try the Mixed Messages exercise on the Girls Go Tech
Web Site.
It may be too late to gear up for the 2006 International ROV Competition for High School
& College Students, but it is a good time to start the design phase for a 2007 entry.
Frog Swan Song: Climate Change and Frogs
Volcano World is a K-12 Public Outreach project of the North Dakota Space Grant
Consortium.
Teachers, have a look at Donald Simanek’s --- The Dangers of Analogies.
The GLOBE Program (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) is a
worldwide hands-on, K-12 education and science program.
Science Buddies --- A source of science projects
These Science Projects are grouped into different age categories.
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Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Science Stuff is a supplier of science supplies for students, teachers, industry and scientific
amateurs.
What can you do with eight 32-bit processors packaged on one chip?
On The Lighter Side
What do you do with all of your used gum wrappers? Why! --- you build a Gum Wrapper
Chain, of course.
From The Far Side
It is said that Joseph Newman was given the design for the “Newman Motor” in a
revelation from God. Now, you too, can build and experiment with your own motor.
The Reed Motor is another so called “over unity” motor.
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WANDERINGS
No. 120
19 May ‘06
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Wanderings
Many suppliers, such as Lucky Duck, Wicked Lasers or Big Lasers, offer high power
green lasers that open many possibilities for the amateur. What about designing an
Atmospheric Lidar? See the Kipp & Zonen site for a block diagram of a lidar.
Amateur Radiation Detection and Experimentation Page
The R_Meteor Software is used to analyse radio signals received from a distant transmitter
and extract the characteristic signature of radio energy scattered by meteor trails.
The Official U.S. Time Page at the National Institute of Standards and Technology site
provides, besides the current time, a wide selection of time related information.
NowCoast is a service from NOAA providing real time weather and oceanographic data.
At 11:13:41, on 17 may 2004, the Go Fast Rocket entered space at an altitude of 62 miles.
This amateur rocket reached a final altitude of 72 miles before descending to a successful
recovery.
Amateur Rocketry Resources --- aerodynamics, atmosphere and weather
Amateur Rocketry Projects --- the Sugar Shot to Space and other projects.
Environmental Resources on the Web
The Amateur Astronomer's Notebook
Amateur Radio Astronomy
WMAP --- The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe
WMAP and Cosmology Education Resources
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DNA from the Beginning --- Cold Spring Harbor presents an animated primer on DNA,
genetics and heredity.
In 1983, Leonard John, a Canada aerospace engineer, received a US patent for his
graphite fibre violin.
See --- The Fiddle and Alternative Strings Forum --- Scroll down to the post by
“arenaissar” and Stradivarius --- WANDERINGS, 20 Dec ‘02
Dr Lovelock believes we face devastating consequences from climate change and that
putting up a few wind turbines will not address the problem.
Real Climate --- Climate Science by Climate Scientists
What About Global Warming? --- by Most Rev. Dr. Robert M. Bowman
“International Treaty Designed To Restore/Protect Ozone Layer Working, Say
Scientists”
Another invasive species --- Will Asian Carp Invade Canada?
ASCII / Decimal / HEX / Octal / Html conversion table. Also
The Kids Room
Students, parents, and teachers --- here is an excellent collection of science projects of
various complexities. Another good site is The Science Toy Maker Site.
The Empiricist is an on-line journal dedicated to bringing the scientific method into high
school classrooms
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Rules Wizard will assist you
in determining what forms and approvals are necessary before beginning a science fair
project intended for competition at an ISEF-affiliated science fair.
Many sciences fairs, both real and virtual, are accessible on the web.
Students, parents, and/or teachers --- here is an excellent collection of science projects
of various complexities.
Science fair ideas from DiscoverySchool.com.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Rogue Robotics sells a serial 32Mb to 2Gb mass storage unit that can be used with
various microcontrollers such as PIC or Stamp.
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WANDERINGS
No. 121
02 Jun ‘06
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Now days, it seems that it’s impossible to escape the media hype surrounding Dan Brown’s
book and movie --- The da Vinci Code. With all this publicity it may be easy to forget the
man --- Leonardo da Vinci.
Among his other talents, da Vinci was a very accomplished artist and while the Mona Lisa
may be his best known painting, the Last Supper has to rank a close second.
The Last Supper is frequently called a fresco, but in reality it isn’t. Instead of painting on
fresh wet plaster (i.e. fresco) he chose to paint on a dry medium in a technique called
fresco secco. As a result the mural has not survived the years very well. In fact, it has
been restored so many times that the faces of the figures may not resemble those of the
original painting.
Thanks to science, a true fresco can maintain its beauty for many years.
Why not experiment and try painting your own DIY fresco painting?
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. --- A virtual tour of The Last Supper.
The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, that were transulated by Jean Paul Richter can be
found, on line, at the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
Bacteria Rescue Fresco
Wanderings
If you are interested in “camel candy” amateur rocket motors see S. Leslie and J. Yawn’s
paper --- A proposal for the Inclusion of KNO3/Sugar Propellants in the Tropoli
Experimental Rocketry Program.
Mark Newbold has a nice collection of Java animated figures. Also see his home page.
325
Tim Robinson's Meccano Computing Machinery web site includes his small scale models
of Babbage's Difference Engine:
• Robinson's Difference Engine #1
• Robinson's Difference Engine #2
See Google for further reading on the Babbage Engine.
KnotPlot program allows you to view knots from a mathematical perspective.
The Big Bang --- Did it happen? See Ned Wright's Cosmology Tutorial
The Java Virtual Wind Tunnel --- A Two Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics
Simulation.
Assist in the conservation effort of the Wollemi Pine by planting your own tree. It should
be noted that this species of pine is one of the world's oldest and rarest plants
Bioluminescence and the Living Lights of the Ocean.
You can use TerraServer-USA to display an aerial photo and/or topo map of any point in
the US.
NASA’s Planet Quest is a virtual 3D New Worlds Atlas of all of the planets that have been
discovered.
NASA offers several satellite tracking programs on line. Take your pick or try them all.
Why not? They are free!
What’s new in Virtual Reality? For a starter consider --- Star Trek’s holodeck is a reality!
Well, not really --- but have a look at The CAVE : A Virtual Reality Theater. Also have a
look at the work that is being carried out at MIT's famous Media Lab
Canadian and US researchers are working on developing a GM plant that will detect the
presents of land mines.
The Kids Room
A junior high school student wins at his science fair by presenting a report about the
dangers of dihydrogen monoxide.
They are messy but fun! ---- Silly Putty --- and --- Slime.
Check out these Earth Science paper models.
The Johnson Education Center, at the HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution ,
offers a diverse menu of marine science programs (including field trips, camps, after school
programs, courses, internships, and workshops) for students, teachers, and the general
public.
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Are you looking for a science fair project? Why not expand upon --- Intermittent Slow Sand
Filters for Household Use.
Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST) --- Biosand Filter.
The MIT Nepal Water Project
Solar Water Disinfection --- A Water Treatment Process used at Household Level
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Aerocon Systems Co --- apparatus, supplies, and resources for amateur rocketry
experimenters.
For our UK and EU readers, Lab Chemicals International Ltd may be a good source for
your chemical needs.
On The Lighter Side
The African Gray
From The Far Side
What is Reverse Speech?
The Molecular Rotation Engine --- an efficient engine that runs on sugar!
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WANDERINGS
No. 122
16 June 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
This week’s offering will be a bit light as I’m trying to get something assembled before I go
on vacation to Ireland. While there, we will be travelling near the home of St. Brendan, a 6th
century Irish monk, who is reported to have crossed the Atlantic to North America a
thousand years before Columbus.
Similar to Thor Heyerdahl and his Kon-Tiki and Ra Expeditions, Tim Severin’s team built a
wood and ox hide coracle and succeeded in duplicating St. Brendan’s crossing by sailing
from Ireland to Newfoundland. His book, The Brendan Voyage is an account of his
experiences.
Try your hand at a DIY coracle.
Further accounts of Pre-Columbian Visitors to the New World can be found at:
• Early Exploration and Settlement of North America
• Leif Eiriksson and L'Anse-aux-Meadows.
Carved in Stone --- The Mi’kmaw Petroglyphs of Nova Scotia.
Wanderings
Satellite Hunting is a program is an easy to use prediction program designed to assist you
in your Visual satellite observing.
I2C Bus --- In the early 1980's, Philips Semiconductors developed a simple bi-directional 2wire bus for efficient inter-IC communication.
The Transtronics site has an assortment of odds & ends that might prove useful. Scroll
down the page to RESOURCE CENTRAL.
Capsaicin, the compound that puts the “bite” into chilli and the “sting” into bear spray is
finding uses in other areas.
328
Marine anti-fouling paint contains capsaicin as an active ingredient.
Chillies turn up the heat on tumours
The Indian Tezpur chilli, rated at 855,000 Scoville Units, far out paces the old record
holder --- The Red Savina Habanero chilli that has a pungency of only 577,000 Scoville
Units.
Also see ---- Scoville Unit
Parasites!
Mercury Rising: Tracking the Effects of Arctic Climate Change
A look at the other side ---- Is man caused global warming a scientific fact?
Is The Pitch Drop Experiment the longest physics experiment?
The Kids Room
The Science Club is another of Bill Beaty’s contributions to amateur and DIY science. The
Club contains projects and links for all age groups.
The re-energy.ca site has DIY plans for constructing your own models of renewable
energy systems. Also, down load the plans for the PicoTurbine Educational Windmill.
Harnessing Wind, Solar and Micro Hydro Power Makes Living in Remote Locations
Possible!
Otherpower.com has a wide selection of DIY home power projects such as --- A DIY
Hamster-Powered Night Light With Custom Low-RPM Alternator
Energy Quest lists a number of science and energy activities for the K-12 student.
On The Lighter Side
Jack and Jill --- Just what did Jack and Jill do up on that hill?
From The Far Side
A “Black Box” that predicts the future --- and --- other strange mysteries.
Eric Krieg has a hobby of exposing free energy gurus like:
• Dennis Lee
• Joe Newman
• and others
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WANDERINGS
No. 123
30 Jun ‘06
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Well, sadly, we’re back from our vacation in Ireland. It was too short --- but we had a lovely
time --- Not a drop of rain the entire time that we were there.
I was even exposed to a wee bit of science during our travels.
While rushing through the Dublin airport, on our way flight home, we passed a wall of
murals depicting famous Irish scientists. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to stop and read
them. But, upon returning home, I did a Google search and found what I missed.
•
•
•
List of Irish scientists
Famous Irish Scientists I
Famous Irish Scientists II
While I was in Ireland, there was a piece on TV about John Phillip Holland. He was a monk
who later became the Father of the Modern Submarine. See Pat Friend’s --- John
Holland - Submarine Inventor.
Ireland is steeped in over 5,000 years of history. The entire country seems to be covered
with ruins of castles, monasteries, ring forts and tombs of various types.
One of the most interesting types of tombs that we saw was the Megalithic Passage
Tombs.
We visited the Knowth Passage Tombs in County Meath, which is near the reconstructed
tomb at Newgrange. See --- The Winter Solstice at Newgrange
The entire country seems to be covered with Rhododendrons. They are quite striking in
their vivid colours. Unfortunatelly, they are an invasive species. See:
•
•
•
Rhododendron Infestation Killarney area
Invasive Aliens in Northern Ireland
Designing A Strategy For Efficient Control Of Rhododendron
331
Wanderings
Dave Lane ---- Supernova Hunter.
Here are Jimmy Yawn’s Recrystallized Rocketry --- and --- Candy Propellant
Experiments sites.
Radio-Sky Publishing has a list of Radio Astronomy and Books and Tapes
John Walker’s Your Sky, is a Web based interactive planetarium.
Use radioactive decay to generate genuine random numbers.
Sietch uses an old refrigerator heat exchanger coil to build a DIY solar heater.
Have a look at their other projects.
Here's an oscilloscope & spectrum analyzer program that uses your PC’s sound card as
the input.
The SoundGen Program generates complex waveforms and sends then to the PC sound
card as '.wav' formatted streams.
Take digital photos through a microscope without any special lens or adapter.
What on earth is an analemma? Also, see Me and My Shadow.
The Hobbyist's Machine Shop
Turbocharger Gas Turbine --- A homemade jet engine.
John Walker shows us how to build a DIY Nuclear Bomb Effects Computer
Charles Babbage and his Analytical Engine
The Legacy Project is producing the world’s largest pinhole camera and photograph.
“An interactive look at climate change through the eyes of scientists and
aboriginals.”
U.S. researchers trace HIV's origins to wild chimpanzees in Cameroon
Invertebrate Zoology --- Supplies and Recipes
The Kids Room
Connor Bernstein, an 11-year-old Carrboro Elementary School student, started Connor's
Kits for Kids, a series of science experiments that can be purchased online for what he
calls an allowance-friendly $7 each.
332
Joey Green --- Mad scientist!
Forget about brine shrimp & sea monkeys ... try your hand at raising gigantic “prehistoric”
Triops! ---- Order your triops today!
How to extract DNA from anything living.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Future Scientists and Engineers of America is a supplier of hands on projects for the
science classroom.
On The Lighter Side
How do computers work?
From The Far Side
The Global Consciousness Project at Princeton University.
Perpetual motion from the Wikipedia
Thomas Townsend Brown, an American physicist, was a leader in developing theories of
electro-gravity. See The Parallel Universe of T. Townsend Brown.
In his article, "Influence of Visually Induced Expectation on Perceived Motor Effort: A VisualProprioceptive Interaction at the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot," Dr. Bruce Bridgeman takes a
scientific look at the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot and how we perceive the world around us.
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WANDERINGS
No. 124
14 July 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
These warm, and hopefully clear, summer nights allow some of us to spend some time
observing meteors. The following few links will assist the novice in starting their viewings.
• How to View Meteor Showers
• North American Meteor Network
• The American Meteor Society
• International Meteor Organization
• Collecting Micrometeorites
• JPL’s Educator's Guide to Micrometeorites
Wanderings
The Millennium Villages Project, based at the Earth Institute at Columbia University, is a
new bottom-up approach to lift developing country villages out of the poverty trap that
afflicts more than a billion people worldwide. The Earth Institute scientists are working with
local communities to apply a proven holistic package of interventions to help villages get out
of extreme poverty.
Phillip Torrone’s Makezine contains a vast collection of DIY projects, many of which could
be of interest to the Citizen Scientist. For example, see the link to Jerry Oltion’s Trackball
Telescope --- or --- How TO - Build Your Own Band Aid Fuel Cell. Along the same line,
check out Steve Crandall’s collection of amateur science links. While viewing Phillip and
Steve’s sites, please let us know if you find a project that is especially interesting.
Microbial Fuel Cell Research
Build a DIY Two-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell
How to build a hydrogen fuel cell, for skilled hobbyists
The Flying Flea --- An amateur designed and built airplane.
334
Gary Darby’s Scientific Plotting Program can be used to plot one or two expressions on
a common set of X-Y axes.
Jurgen Giesen’s Java applets for physics and Astronomy
What is a decibel? Also, see the Wikipedia decibel entry.
Noise Levels In Our Environment
Didgeridoo acoustics
Check out the High Voltage projects at www.sixmhz.com
Are we too clean?
Considering the Earth as an Open System ---- Charles Breiterman
Bottled Water and the Environment
The Kids Room
FLASH! --- The New Scientist reports that a company in California says it can send an
object of your choosing into space and back for $99, as early as 2008.
Are you interested in a career in the Life Sciences? If so, check out The Scientist - Careers
web site for a listing of current biotech jobs and other useful information.
If Babbage had access to Lego, he might have finished his “computer”. See ---- Andrew
Carol’s Lego Difference Engine
SwarmSketch is an ongoing online canvas that explores the possibilities of distributed
design by the masses.
ForgeFX presents their showcase of interactive 3D simulations.
NASA’s JPL Education Gateway has many classroom activities for the K12 crowd.
The Irish Potato Famine site is an interactive exhibit about the Irish Potato Famine. You’ll
need the free Flash player to view the display.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The Lassen iQ FAT16 GPS Datalogger Kit @ $139.95 is available from Spark Fun
Electronics.
335
Reynolds Electronics is a supplier of components, tutorials & projects for robotics, remote
control and data logging.
Build Your Own Fuel Cells --- by Phillip Hurley
The Fuel Cell Store carries a wide array of fuel cell components and products.
Hi-Tech offers a wide selection of fuel cell and hydrogen products.
On The Lighter Side
You better use a rain coat and hat for this one ---- Mentos and Diet Coke.
From The Far Side
Eric Krieg has a hobby of exposing free energy gurus.
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WANDERINGS
No. 125
28 Jly ‘06
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Wanderings
Electric Blue Sparks! --- DIY static electricity.
DIY X Rays
I was looking at our new SAS community Web Site and found an interesting item that Jim
Hannon placed in the Public Bookmarks section. See --Tweaking Genes in the Basement
DNA Hack --- A website for amateur genetic engineering.
Facts About Genome Sequencing
How do we Sequence DNA?
"Where am I?" --- Systems and Methods for Mobile Robot Positioning
The Electrochemistry Encyclopedia site contains popular-science style articles describing
many aspects of electrochemistry.
The Science Page --- Mark Csele’s personal Memoirs of his adventures in science and how
he got started in science and electronics. Note --- He relied, heavily, upon Forrest Mims
Engineer's Notebook and Radio Shack...
Mark Csele's Homebuilt Lasers Page
An Internet Seminar --- An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
The Lead Poisoning Prevention
It’s that time of year to keep a watch at The National Hurricane Center.
NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day
337
Here are some of the results of the U.S. Geological Survey’s multibeam sonar survey of
San Francisco bay’s sand waves.
The Danish Wind Industry Association
The Kids Room
The Satellite Division of the Institute of Navigation has sponsored the development of a ten
lesson package covering the introduction of navigation for middle school students.
These excellent teaching materials are available as part of an online digital library.
Physics 2000 is an interactive journey through the world of modern physics!
The National Student Research Center is a global education program that was designed
to promote technological proficiency, scientific literacy, science process skills, higher order
thinking, and language arts skills.
UNICEF --- The Voices of Youth.
What is a Tessellation? Also, see Tantalizing Tessellations
School Science Lessons from the University of Queensland.
The Yohkoh Movie Theatre (YPOP) is designed to bring you images and movies depicting
our nearest star, the Sun, as seen by an X-ray telescope on board the Yohkoh satellite.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The Tesla Roadster is an all-electric sports car that should be available next year for
around $90,000.
From The Far Side
Vaastu Shastra is the Indian form of Feng Shui
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WANDERINGS
No. 126
11 August 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
I thought that the recent discussion, on the SAS Message Board, about DIY Charged
Particle Detectors would be a good subject for this week’s “Feature”
The Review of Particle Physics
The Particle Detector BriefBook
Yahoo Discussion Group on Particle Detectors
Principles of CCD Data Reduction
Hannes Mayer’s ---- Cosmic Ray Telescope Muon Detector
Fun With Ion Chambers --- from the Techlib.com
Here is a collection of web sites related to cosmic rays and air showers.
Amateur Radiation Detection and Experimentation page from Black Cat Systems
Bill Beaty’s “Ridiculously Sensitive Charge Detector”
A Simple Electronic Electroscope
A Simple Ion Detector
A Geiger Counter
Timothy E. Raney’s --- The Construction and Operation of a Beta Particle Spectrometer
Timothy E. Raney’s --- Experimental Alpha Particle Spark Counter
Radiation Detection Survey Meters, Geiger Counters and Dosimeters FAQ
339
Wanderings
A Brief Look at the Foucault and Schuler Pendulums
David H. Youden’s Folded Pendulum Seismometer
Ted Rogers' Horizontal Long pendulum Seismometer
How to Build an Inexpensive Seismometer
Wanted: Amateur Stargazers To Help Solve Supernova Mystery
Lego 9V Technic Motors compared
Try Gel Electrophoresis at the Virtual Biotechniques Laboratory.
Amateur Near Space Projects
The Small Satellite Home Page
Hobby Moons --- Amateur satellite building resources
DIY Electronics Projects
More DIY Electronics Projects
Wind Energy Hotlist
The World Map of Happiness
The Rougarou --- The werewolf in North American folk lore.
What is this A4 paper? Also see ---- A Foldable Constant Rectangle
James Hansen, the director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies and one of the
world's leading researchers on global warming says that the Bush administration is
restricting who he can talk to and editing what he can say.
See --- Rewriting The Science --- CBS’s 60 Minutes for 30 Jly ’06
The Kids Room
Science Whatzit is an online science learning project of the Oregon Museum of Science &
Industry
Science Fair Projects and Experiments
340
All Science Fair Projects
Science fair ideas from the Techlib
Science Fair Project Resources and Ideas
China to market a toy hydrogen fuel cell powered car
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Hobby Engineering is supply store for people who want to build robots, electronic gadgets,
kinetic art or anything else that moves, beeps or flashes.
On The Lighter Side
Optical Illusions
A Place Called Earth
The introduction of Robot Camel Jockeys has put thousands of child jockeys out of work.
From The Far Side
Last May, Fox News, ran a piece on water based fuel for cars. See --- Aquygen: A New
Kind of Gas and the Zpenergy site.
Browns Gas information for sale at Eagle Research
Eric Krieg's collection of information on Browns Gas.
Eric Krieg’s skeptic page
Plans for a DIY Browns Gas generator from JLN Labs
Plans for a DIY BingoFuel Reactor from JLN Labs
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WANDERINGS
No. 127
25 August 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
The Homopolar Motor is alive and well!
The Maxwell Society has a video clip of a simple Homopolar Motor.
Not all batteries will work in this application as the magnets are required to be able to stick
to the positive and negative. Duracells or Energizers batteries are OK. Also note that the
battery life in this application will not be too great.
Build a “roller type homopolar motor”
Or a “dangle type homopolar motor”
Watch the video of the “dangle motor”
Sean M. Stewart’s paper --- “A Simple Roller Type Homopolar Motor”
A fast, high-tech, low cost electric motor construction
Scitoys has DIY plans for a few simple motors.
G.R.Dixon --- On The Physics of Homopolar Generators and Motors
Bill Beaty’s Homopolar Generator page.
Have a look at some of the antique motors at the Spark Museum.
Wanderings
The magnetic behaviour of materials can be classified into five major groups.
Honeywell Magnetic Sensors
342
Sky View Café is a Java based application that enables you to use your browser to see
many types of astronomical information.
Spaceweather supplies information about the Earth – Sun environment.
A Vacuum science Time Line.
The National Valve Museum
Here is a video illustrating the “little dragon” that was listed in the 19 March 2004
WANDERINGS.
Recently, the odoriferous amorphophallus titanum or “corpus plant” bloomed, for the first
time in 67 years, at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.
Scientists find that by decoding ocean colour they can view global processes.
The Kids Room
Make Your Own Hydropower
Abstracts from The World View on Physics Education – 2005
Do you have a science related question? Then, why not ask the Newton BBS for
assistance?
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The Robot Shop
The Science Workshop is the home of the "Poor Man's Spectrum Analyzer" in DIY kit
form.
On The Lighter Side
Grand Illusions has a collection of optical illusions and cool toys.
From The Far Side
The Einstein Hoax"
I received several e-mails alerting me that on August 27 Mars will be closest to the Earth
than it has ever been in recorded history.
343
Can free energy be produced with wires and magnets?
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WANDERINGS
No. 128
06 October 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
The Web has many forums and groups where amateur or citizen scientists and DIY
experimenters can hang out and share their ideas and experiences.
First of all, most of you should be aware of The SAS Community Forum.
Next there’s the Amateur Science Forum that is associated with Bill Beaty’s Amateur
Science Web Site.
Also, have a look at Bill has also compiled a collection of some of the Web’s Amateur
Science Discussion Groups and Newsgroups.
The various Amateur Science Groups on Yahoo cover a wide spectrum of interests.
Wanderings
Build your own LCD Video Projector
Harry Lythall shows us how to build several types of DIY Variable Tuning Capacitors. Also
see his VHF/UHF Tuning Capacitors.
What the heck is a capacitor?
Capacitance-Frequency-Inductance Calculator
Molecular Expressions --- exploring the fascinating world of optical microscopy.
The Mathematics Of Chladni Plates
Chladni patterns in violin plates
This Java applet shows the mode patterns of Chaladni Plates.
345
Here is a video demonstration of the operation of a Chladni Plate.
Science and the Stradivarius
I stole this link to The Lateral Science web site from Bill Beaty.
Amateur radio propagation studies
NASA has a huge collection of Metalworking Web Sites.
Donald Simanek's Science Pages
AllAboutCircuits is a series of E-Books, written by Tony R. Kuphaldt, covering electricity
and electronics theory.
Tesla Coil Links from Extreme Electronics
The Amateur and Experimental Rocketry Network
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) was formed in 1945 by atomic scientists
from the Manhattan Project.
NASA says that GPS software may aid in tsunami warnings.
Can Wikipedia be fixed?
A Piece of Pi
The Kids Room
Speaking to world leaders at the Clinton Global Initiative, Mrs. Laura Bush announced a
$16.4 million investment by the U.S. government, the Case Foundation and The MCJ
Foundation to expand the installation of PlayPump™ water pumping systems throughout
sub-Saharan Africa
Professor Fumio Kayo, a psychologist at the Kyoto University of Education, is using
hikaru dorodango or ‘shiny mud balls” in his research in the areas of children's play. I
wonder if this technique is similar to that used to produce the Native American burnished
pottery.
The Star Count project is part of an international study of the visual quality of the night time
sky and as an assessment of the national and global extent of atmospheric light pollution.
K-8 --- Building Science Skills
Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab is a source of free science projects and experiments for
parents, teachers, and children of all ages.
The MadSci Network is a collection of scientists providing answers to your questions.
346
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Stormwise can supply a selection of variable tuning capacitors, antenna coils along with
some other interesting items.
Small & Exotic Antennas --- A collection of antenna designs and evaluations
When you search the web with Google, Yahoo! or MSN, Mcafee’s free SiteAdvisor can
provide you with color-coded ratings that warn you about spam, spyware, and other online
threats.
On The Lighter Side
Donald Simanek’s Cutting Edge Science
Physics and Astronomy Fun
From The Far Side
As Harlan Sanders says, on his NuScam Site, --- "We have our eyes open for a real freeenergy device, while exposing some of the bogus claims".
Steorn --- “another free, clean and constant energy company”
“Irish energy miracle 'a joke'” --- A piece by Peter Weekes on theage.com.au
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WANDERINGS
No. 129
20 October 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Many amateur science projects, regardless of the area, involve electronics in one form or
another. The applications may range from the simple --- such as using a multi-meter and a
thermistor to measure temperature to the ultra complex like a radio telescope. The
following links are aimed at giving the novice an introduction to the electronics field.
The Radio and Electronics School calls itself The Best Free Electronics Course on the
Internet.
The Play-Hookey Website contains a collection of tutorials in electronics and computers.
Hobby Project’s Electronic Circuits and Tutorials has links to thousands of electronic
circuits.
Electronic Schematics for the Hobbyist
DatasheetCatalog.com is a free online source for datasheets for electronic components
and semiconductors.
Discover Circuits has over 24,000 electronic circuits and schematics cross-referenced into
500 different categories.
And, lastly, don’t forget “Getting Started in Electronics” by Forrest Mims, and his
“Engineer’s Note Book” series.
Wanderings
The Crocodile Hunter More Than Just A Showman --- an essay by David Suzuki of the
David Suzuki Foundation.
The ELFRAD GROUP experiments with the generation, reception, and propagation of ultra
& extremely low frequency signals traveling through the interior of the Earth.
348
See the Worlds Simplest Wooden Clock at Gary's Home of DIY Wooden Cocks
Build your own underwater Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV)
Zach Stern’s DIY Digital Infrared Camera
For an inexpensive introduction into the field of Astrophotography, start with Geoff Chester’s
article --- An Adventure in QuickCam Astronomy
Astronomical Spectroscopy with Modified Webcams
Microscopy-UK --- Resources for the microscopy enthusiast including free monthly
Micscape magazine.
The Amateurmicroscopy site is dedicated to all who love amateur microscopy and
photomicrography.
Modify a Webcam for Videomicrography
This portfolio of Photo Galleries from the Molecular Expressions web site contains
thousands of full color photomicrographs.
Build a simple Pulse Width Modulation motor speed controller.
Protect and dress up your projects with DIY home aluminum anodizing.
A mini lathe is a handy tool for the DIY experimenter.
Prof. Fu-Kwun Hwang’s Virtual Physics Laboratory contains hundreds of physics related
Java simulations, such as this Fourier synthesis demonstration.
Bright Surf presents today's science news and current science events
Scroll down through this article to see a 4 metre great white shark following a 3.8 metre
kayak.
Three years ago, Grigory Perelman, a Russian mathematician published 3 papers
announcing that he had solved the Poincaré Conjecture.
The Kids Room
Christine Terry’s “Other Citizen Scientist” --- a clearinghouse of ideas for the classroom.
HobbyScience --- A collection of fun and easy science and craft projects for kids.
Howtoons are cartoons showing kids how to build things.
Optics for Kids
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Dr. Aís Classroom Demos
Science Fair Projects and Experiments --- Topics, ideas, resources and sample projects
The Sustainable Technology Education Project (STEP) aims to increase people's
awareness of sustainable technology,
ScienceMan --- A great science education resource.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Morgan Electroceramic is a supplier of piezoelectric materials.
On The Lighter Side
Mr. DeVries and the Beavers
From The Far Side
Blaze Labs
Jean-Louis Naudin’s Field Effect Propulsion page.
The List of Alleged Secret Projects
Tesla & Hodowanec and their communications with Mars.
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WANDERINGS
No. 130
03 November 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Wanderings
Andrew Lipson and Daniel Shiu’s have created a LEGO rendition of Escher's "Relativity"
Planet Brick --- Rob Butera's LEGO model of the Earth.
The Kepler Mission Education team has produced a table top LEGO orrery that
demonstrates the principle of how Kepler will find extra solar planets by the transit method.
Use GOOGLE to find other LEGO orrery sites.
Did you ever need an oscilloscope or spectrum analyser for one of your investigations?
Check out Circuit Exchange International. They are offering the Winscope software as a
free download. This will enable you to use your sound card equipped PC to function as low
frequency ‘scope or spectrum analyser.
Robert Hunt’s Teralab site has a section covering Amateur Glass Blowing for Vacuum
Devices.
Daguerreotype --- Photography the old fashioned way
A study of a solar eclipse using a photocell
Intergaf presents a collection of articles and tutorials on holography.
The Research Media & Cybernetics site contains a collection of various DIY projects.
Jason Rollette's Home Page chronacles his work on various projects shuch as ROV’s, rail
guns and coil guns.
Build your own DIY 3D Scanner
Barry's Coilgun and Levitator Design Site
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The Fun Science Gallery shows how to build a Stereo-Zoom Microscope.
Keep warm this winter with one of Mother Earth’s DIY Solar Heat Collector projects.
Theodore Gray will show us how to extract silicon from sand.
Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht (aka Professor Popsicle) is the world's leading authority on
freezing to death,
John Koza Has Built an Invention Machine
The Kids Room
Arbor Scientific, a commercial company, has a large selection of hands on classroom
demonstrations and activities.
The Science Playwiths --- “Simple science is often done with junk, and it involves using
everyday things to pose interesting questions”
The Free Physics Textbook from Motion Mountain aims to provide a simple, vivid and
current introduction to modern physics.
The Animated Engines site gives a kinematic view of how various engines work.
Project Based Education --- The right project can motivate anyone to excel.
On The Lighter Side
Sand Lot Science.com features the world's most mind-boggling collection of optical
illusions.
Hooray for New Math! --- Lyrics and MP3 download.
From The Far Side
An evolution expert claims that humans may split into two sub-species, goblins and
giants, 100,000 years from now.
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WANDERINGS
No. 131
01 December 2006
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Seismograph / Seismometer from Wikipedia
Earthquakes on John Lahr’s Fun With Science page.
How to Build an Inexpensive Seismometer
John Cole's Public Seismic Network Station
Alan L. Jones has a collection of computer programs for displaying seismic and eruption
data.
Wanderings
The Haze-SPAN web site shows the amateur scientist how to construct and use sun
photometers.
Polarization.net ... “This site is for curious people who want to look at the generally
invisible world of polarized light.”
Spark, Bang, Buzz and Homemade Cathode Ray Tubes
Sven’s Space Place
“In DIY science, eBay offers amazing access to gear, supplies, chemicals—a whole
universe beyond Pez dispensers.”
Here is the Centers for Disease Control’s Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards.
Meet PopSci’s resident mad scientist, Theodore Gray, and have a look at the archive of
his past projects.
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The High Voltage Experimenter's Handbook Online
Non-academics get Nobel cold shoulder and the unsung heroes of science.
If you are looking for an unusual pet, why not try an octopus, squid or cephalopod.
Lego says it's running out of toys for Christmas.
The Kids Room
Canon’s 3D Papercraft has a selection of scientific paper projects.
6 million science project sites? Please --- If you find a really good one, please let me
know and I’ll post its URL.
Build a Benham's Disk or play with a virtual disk.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Do you have trouble keeping track of all of your online passwords and account information?
RoboForm2Go memorizes your passwords and bookmarks and. automatically logs you
into your online accounts.
On The Lighter Side
You should ALWAYS turn your computer off when not in use.
Water Rockets ---- Don’t try this at home!
From The Far Side
The Bush administration posted a cookbook for building an atom bomb on one of their
Web sites. It is reported that the site contained plans, formulars, tables and other
documents detailing accounts of Iraq's secret nuclear research before the 1991 Gulf War.
Detecting Gravitational Waves
Gregory Hodowanec’s Rhysmonic Cosmology
The Rodin Coil is a blueprint or schematic of the universe that enables anything to be
engineered.
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WANDERINGS
No. 132
05 January 2007
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
The low humidity of winter is an excellent time to experiment with Electrostatic machines.
These devices were fundamental in the early studies about electricity,
Bill Beaty’s Simple Electrostatic Motor Also, see his Electrostatic Motor Plans and his
Van de Graaff Electrostatic Generator Page.
Build a simple DIY pop can Van de Graaff generator from Simon Q. Field’s Scitoys site.
John Chase has designed a simple coaxial electrostatic motor. See his posting on
instructables.com.
Build an Electrostatic Motor
Here are some Electrostatic Devices and other goodies from Robert Billon.
Electrostatic Motors Are Powered By Electric Field of the Earth --- By C.L. Stong,
October 1974
I wonder if paint rollers, made of different types of coverings, could be used to replicate
Prof. Gabriel Lorente’s novel Electrostatic Generator. Choose materials that are far apart
in the Triboelectric Series.
The Triboelectric Series of Materials is a list that ranks various materials according to
their tendency to gain or lose electrons or to develop a static charge.
Electric Blue Sparks! Is a collection of simple DIY static devices?
An electret is the electrostatic equivalent of a permanent magnet.
Make your own electret.
Electret and other topics from Ether Sciences
356
When working around the internals of your computer or with other electronic components
we must be aware of the proper handling procedures in order to avoid static damage.
• Handling Procedures For Static Sensitive Devices
• Keyence Electrostatic Handbook Vol. 1
• Keyence Electrostatic Handbook Vol. 2
• Keyence Electrostatic Handbook Vol. 3
Wanderings
Early in December, I wanted to add a few links relating to the 22 December Winter Solstice
but due to various reasons we were not able to get out December’s TCS. So, as they say --“A day late and a dollar short” --- the links had to wait until now.
The Winter Solstice from the Solstice Amateur
The Dates and Times for Equinoxes, Solstices and Perihelion/Aphelion
This year’s solstice has special meaning to me because, during my June trip to Ireland, I
had the chance to visit the ancient passage graves of Newgrange and Knowth. During the
visit, we were shown a simulation of what the Winter Solstice sun rise looked like from
inside the passage way at the Newgrange mound.
It’s time to recycle the link that SAS member Ray Lahr sent to us last year. The link shows
us how to design our own 12 sided (dodecahedron) desk calendar.
Build a DIY Hydrophone
The VideoRay R&D Engineers have designed a low cost DIY submersible video camera
for under $50.00 and is good to depths to + 100 ft.
Check out the makezine.com for some DIY macro photography articles.
Home Cookin’ ---- Generating Hot Plasmas Using a Microwave Oven
The Enigma Machine from Wikipedia.
Build an Electronic Enigma Machine from a kit (£119.99).
Download and build a Paper Enigma Machine
The Anatomy of a Black Hole
For anyone who may be interested in following up on Forrest’s article --- The Birth of the
Personal Computer Era --- should check out the book --- Fire in the Valley --- which
chronicles the beginning of Silicon Valley and the personal computer.
See Erik S. Klein’s collection of Vintage Computers.
357
Today in Science History
The Kids Room
The Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center has announced that the
2007 International ROV Competition will be held between 22 – 24 June, at the Marine
Institute at Memorial University and the Institute for Ocean Technology located in St. John’s
NL, Canada.
Science K-12 Experiment Encyclopedia
The Teachers Corner at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory
(LIGO) contains a page of related Classroom Activities, Lessons and Projects such as
Building Your Own Michelson Interferometer.
Michelson-Morley: Detecting the Ether Wind Experiment
The Michelson Interferometer
How 2.0 Save a Snowflake for Decades
Paper Snow Flakes for Children
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Charlie Neuhauser sends us the URL for Sparkfun Electronics a supplier of interesting
electronic components and modules.
The Scientific American Book of Great Science Fair Projects --- by Marc Rosner
On The Lighter Side
The Lena Highway ---- So you think that your roads are bad!
Listen to the music that is produced by farm machinery.
The story behind the farm machinery music.
The Oddmusic web site shows a Harpsichord constructed entirely from LEGO blocks.
Smack the Penguin!
From The Far Side
358
Free Electricity!
Alternative Science
MERLib.org --- Modern Energy Research Library
The Motionless Electromagnetic Generator
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WANDERINGS
No. 133
02 February 2007
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Why not plan to set aside the weekend of 16-19 February 2007 to take part in the ninth
annual Great Backyard Bird Count?
Wanderings
How to Build a Cloud Chamber
A Canteen Cloud Chamber --- In his January ‘01 Amateur Scientist column, Shawn
Carlson describes a way to view the path of charged particles.
Use this DIY RS-232 Laser Transceiver to send data over a beam of light.
An audio spectrum analyzer, such as Spectrum Lab can be used as a VLF receiver to
record natural radio signals. The Spectrum Lab software is “freeware” that will run on a PC
that is equipped with a sound card.
Tony van Roon’s electronic project site includes a selection of recipes, just in case you
get hungry :-)
Carnegie Mellon University’s Autonomous Mars Rover Project
On his LEO & LEGO site, Leo Dorst shows how he built a working LEGO clock.
LUGNET --- unites LEGO fans worldwide through discussion groups, web pages, and
services.
Chromatographic Separation
The Freedom of Working at Home --- Thoughts of James Lovelock.
Livescience.com --- an online Science magazine.
360
Jetzilla is an online magazine for amateur DIY jet propulsion.
Pulse-jets.com is an online resource for the DIY jet propulsion experimenter.
The George A. Philbrick Researches Archive might be interesting to some of you “old
guys”.
A Tinkertoy computer plays tic-tac-toe!
Matthew Sheil is building a full size 747 Flight Simulator.
The Kids Room
The Science Toys site shows you how to make toys with common household materials
that demonstrate fascinating scientific principles.
Pico Technology Ltd. has a selection of Science Experiments for Data Loggers and
Oscilloscopes on their web site. While these were written for their products they can be
easily be adapted to other instruments.
Reviseguys is working with UNESCO to bring together pupils from different countries,
to provide an online environment to chat, blog, post questions and give answers helping
to improve understanding of science and chemistry, and to make new friends.
Build a Solar Powered Water Heater.
The Science of Superheroes
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Apogeerockets looks like a good source of model rocket supplies.
Make your own X-Ray Machine with a tube from United Nuclear.
Kantronics has a telemetry package that can be used to monitor environmental conditions
or system and equipment status at remote locations.
From The Far Side
Be the first on your block to have a Tesla Earthquake Machine.
Free Electricity!
MERLib.org --- Modern Energy Research Library
361
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WANDERINGS
No. 134
02 March 2007
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Wanderings
The Tetra Society’s goal is to recruit skilled volunteer engineers and technicians who may
be interested in creating assistive devices for people with disabilities.
DNA Hack --- The website for Amateur Genetic Engineering
Spark Fun has a tutorial, on their web site, that shows us how to hand solder Surface
Mounted Devices (SMD).
Find all about water levels, tides & currents at NOAA’s Tides and Currents site.
Doug Steinfeld has developed a novel non-pyrotechnic parachute ejection system for
model rockets. Have a look at The Instrumentation for Amateur Rockets Site for Doug’s
article and other useful instrumentation projects.
Rocketry Online bills itself as a global rocketry resource.
Glass Blowing tutorials and resources from the East Carolina University Glassblowing
Services
For a short tutorial on glass blowing, see the East Carolina University’s Glass Blowing
tutorials and resources.
Robert Hunt includes a section on Scientific Glass Blowing on his Teralab site.
Here is another method for making professional looking printed circuit boards.
Introduction to Programming Using Java
Learn JAVA programming with these free on-line tutorials.
Learn Assembly Language Programming!
363
The RTF Technologies web site describes scientific research and engineering carried out
by Andrew Seltzman.
University of Wisconsin’s IEC Fusion Advanced Fuels Project.
On the evening of 19 February 2005 a group of amateurs spanned the 167 km (104 mile)
path between Mount Barrow and Mount Wellington in Tasmania with audio modulated
light beams.
Even though Randy Troppmann’s site was designed for runners, it could be equally useful
to anyone wishing to plot a route or measure the distance between points.
The Aurora: Information and Images --- from the University of Alaska
Air Wells, Fog Fences & Dew Ponds --- Methods for recovery of atmospheric humidity.
Does anyone remember the JETEX Model Rocket Engine?
Here is a very unusual on-line clock.
Where has all the Helium gone?
The “other” SAS ---- http://www.sas.org.uk/
The Kids Room
Science Fairs --- An excellent article by Bob Colwell.
Raymond Jimenez recorded his progress, in building an Inertial-Electrostatic-Confinement
Fusion device, in his on-line journal.
Cloud Chambers In The Classroom --- A Power Point presentation from CERN
LEGO Group Unveils LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Robotics Toolset.
Do It Now! Extract DNA from a banana using common household stuff. But before you
start, have a look at Google as there are several different procedures, one of which may
suit you better. Good Luck!
Physics and Mathematics for Young Learners
Do Science has great science activities for parents, students and teachers.
The Science Education Resource Page is dedicated to supplying on-line resources to
science teachers and parents.
Suppliers
364
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Images Scientific Instruments Inc. has a wide selection of “must haves” and “nice to
haves”.
By downloading their free CAD software, eMachineShop enables you to design and then
have them machine your custom device.
The Lassen iQ FAT16 Datalogger board, from Spark Fun, lets you record 440 hrs of GPS
position data onto a 256 megabyte SD card. The data can then be output to Google Earth.
Check it out!
On The Lighter Side
T.W.I.N.K.I.E.S. is a series of experiments, conducted at Rice University, that were
designed to determine the properties of the Twinkie.
Homer does math!
Children's Science Exam Answers
Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie --- An effective, low-cost solution to combating mindcontrol
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WANDERINGS
No. 135
06 April 2007
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
The Fab@Home project opens the door, for the home tinkerer, to the techniques of rapid
prototyping. This website provides an open source kit that lets you make your own simple
fabber, and use it to print three dimensional objects.
Further readings on fabbers can be found in Google.
Wanderings
Citizen Scientist --- Podcast interview with David Anderson, research scientist, principal
investigator, and director of the University of California at Berkeley’s BOINC project and
SETI@home project
A solar balloon is an ultralight hot air balloon that only uses heat radiation from the sun to
provide lift.
How to make your own solar balloons
The Build It Solar site has plans, tools, and information to help you build solar and
alternate energy projects.
Build your own parabolic dish.
NCH has an excellent audio tone generator program that is available for download from
their Web Site.
A DIY RS-232 Laser Pointer Transceiver by George Katz
Convert a paint roller into Washington University’s Roller - Bot.
The Lay Language Papers from the Acoustical Society of America’s Archive contain
many interesting articles.
366
Longitudinal and Transverse Wave Motion is one of the examples that Dr. Dan Russell
has included on his Acoustics and Vibration Animations site.
A Beginners Guide to Time-Lapse Photography by David Bue Pedersen Time-lapse
photography is a method where you take pictures of processes that go very slowly with
relatively long time interval, and then join the photographs to a movie so that you can see
the progress in very fast forward.
Bertho Boman has written some useful utilities for those of you who use a camera in their
scientific studies.
• Camera Useful Dynamic Range Test
• Digital Camera Linearity
• The US Airforce 1951 Resolution Test Target
• Focus Test Target
Benjamin Crowell’s Planet Finder applet shows the locations of the planets, stars, moon,
and sun in the sky from any location and for any date and time. Note --- This site is slow in
opening.
OnlineConversion.com converts just about anything to anything else.
The Encyclopaedia of Astrobiology, Astronomy, and Spaceflight is an alphabetical
guide to the Universe.
Jos Leys and The Droste Effect
The Droste Effect --- from Wikipedia
Escher and The Droste Effect
The Kids Room
The Science Toy Maker site shows you how to make a DIY Full-Bodied Putt - Putt Boat.
Other plans can be seen at The Pop - Pop Boat and Instructions to Build a Putt - Putt
Boat sites.
QS Top Universities is your one-stop guide to studing abroad and the THES-QS World
University Rankings
Science Service's mission is to advance public understanding and appreciation of science
among people of all ages.
The Light and Matter Series of Introductory Physics Textbooks, by Benjamin Crowell,
are free to download.
Lego and YouTube are used to explain Newtonian physics.
The Homely Scientist --- Science at home by Triss Hussey, a science geek.
367
The Physical Science Department at Midwood High School
The Saturday Scientist --- Science Experiments You Can Do --- by Brian Rich.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The Logomatic Universal Serial Datalogger, from Sparkfun.com ($60US) is a general
purpose datalogger that allows you to log your data to a 1 gig SD card.
Charlie Neuhauser alerted me to the interesting looking “Little Labs” series at the Thames &
Kosmos site. Check out their C3000 Chemistry Set!
Home Science Tools is a resource for parents, teachers, and kids interested in having a
good experience with hands-on science.
Add this digital eyepiece to your standard microscope and view and capture images with
your computer.
So you don’t have a microscope --- Well then, why not try the Digital Blue QX5 Digital
Microscope?
Information Unlimited carries a wide selection of “interesting” items.
The Electronics Gold Mine offers quality electronic parts at discount prices.
Crocodile Clips creates flexible, easy-to-use modelling software for schools and colleges.
On The Lighter Side
The Order of the Science Scouts of Exemplary Repute and Above Average Physique
From The Far Side
Homemade Anti Gravity or hoax?
ukcropcircles.co.uk --- has a summary of the 2005 crop circle occurrences for the 2005
season.
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WANDERINGS
No. 136
04 May 2007
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
The various civilian satellite services, such as Google Earth, can give surprisingly good
resolution satellite pictures of most of the globe. For example:
• My GPS antennas at my office.
•
A shot of my car sitting in the driveway of my house?
Select [Satellite] and zoom in on the GREEN ARROW
Just think what the commercial or military satellites can produce.
Wanderings
SAS is going to have a new home at the SciTech Hands on Museum in Aurora Illinois.
DESIGN SQUAD is a PBS program, produced by WGBS Boston, in which 8 students,
between the ares of 15 and 19, compete for a $10,000 scholarship by working in teams to
solve technical and engineering problems.
Citizen Science is the SustainUS's program within which science, policy, and youth come
together promoting Sustainable Development.
Citizen Science is an online community of people involved in monitoring.
Citizen Science Projects --- Terrie Miller’s Weblog.
Citizen Scientists battle invasive species in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert Region.
Citizen Science --- Join NASA’s National Weather Service and take part in their
SKYWARN Program.
369
Charlie Neuhauser sent us this link to e-Zee (Little) Steam Engines. This site contains free
plans showing you how to build simple steam engines that are capable of running off of
compressed air.
Rocky Mountain Tree-Ring Research is a non-profit research organization providing
expertise in tree-ring collection, dating, and analysis.
OLDLIST is a database of ancient trees and their ages.
World Water Monitoring Day is an international education and outreach program that
builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world.
The Virgin Earth Challenge is a prize of $25m for whoever can demonstrate to the judges'
satisfaction a commercially viable design which results in the removal of anthropogenic,
atmospheric greenhouse gases so as to contribute materially to the stability of Earth’s
climate.
FastMHz.com is a Bulletin Board System or BBS devoted to DIY projects.
The Kids Room
The MadSci Network represents a collective cranium of scientists providing answers to
your questions.
Home Experiments --- is a collection of experiments that will add joy to your science
experience. Share the fun of scientific experimentation with friends or family members.
Collect and study Micrometeorites
Experiments You Can Do At Home ---- are part of Prof. Sprott's The Wonders of Physics
Program
Volcano World!
Welcome to the Hypertextbook.
Kids Science Projects --- are free ideas for children’s science experiments.
Drexel University’s Internet Mathematics Library
Science is Fun in the lab of Prof. Bassam Z. Shakhashiri.
Daryl Taylor’s DarylScience's E-World.
Lois Nicholson demonstrates some simple science with everyday materials.
Suppliers
370
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The OpenTracker unit enables you to transmit GPS data via an amateur radio transceiver.
Educational Innovations --- The master teacher’s resource for scientific workshop
supplies.
From The Far Side
rimstar.org --- Practical information to help preserve the human race.
Steorn’s Orbo Technology is claimed to provide free, clean and constant energy
20 years of Bedini-Bearden Free Energy Generation
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WANDERINGS
No. 137
01 June 2007
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Wanderings
David Petersen and Lance Osadchey have assembled a nice collection of Worthy Science
Sources
Parallax, the birth place of the Basic Stamp microcontroller, has Paul Verhage’s e-book --The Poor Man’s Satellite. Amateur Radio High Altitude Ballooning, free for
downloading.
The Construction and Deployment of an ULF Receiver for the Study of Schumann
Resonance
The Reception of Schumann Resonance
Hopefully, E. Vogel, will be updating his ULF, ELF and VLF Web Site.
R is a freeware computer language and environment for statistical computing and graphics.
Tunnel Harry --- The ultimate in DIY.
Edward Vajda looks at some of the various hypotheses of the origin of language .
The Language “Tree”
The Kids Room
Pathfinder Science --- devoted in forming student scientists not science students.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
372
Visit Lynxmotion to see their selection of robots, robotic arms, rovers and assorted parts.
The Pratt Hobbies Rocketry Catalog contains some interesting items.
On The Lighter Side
How the U.S. Defense Security Service is spending your tax dollar --- or --- “The Great
Canadian Spy Quarter Case”
http://www.llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyll-llantysiliogogogoch.com/ --- is
reported to be the longest URL on the Web.
Also see:
http://llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.co.uk/
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WANDERINGS
No. 138
06 July 2007
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Consider the following scenario:
An indigenous people have been treating a wide range of maladies using an extract from a
native plant, for thousands of years.
Enter a multinational bio-chemical company. They “discover” the miracle plant and quickly
obtain a patent for its medical properties. Is this Science or Bio-piracy?
Bio-piracy is a term that describes the actions of corporations who are able to collect huge
profits by patenting indigenous materials from developing countries.
Take for example --- turmeric. You know, that yellow stuff that is used to colour “hot dog”
mustard and as an ingredient in curry. India has been using turmeric in cooking and
medicine for thousands of years, but the University of Mississippi was able to obtain a U.S.
patent on the use of turmeric in healing.
In India’s case, they were successful in challenging the patent because the court ruled that
the patent was not an original invention.
See the following for a few of the other plants that have been under threat of bio-piracy:
Neem Tree
Basmati Rice
Hoodia Cactus
Ashwagandha
See --- Indigenous group to share hoodia royalties
The Captain Hook Awards for Bio-piracy
Wanderings
For those of you, who have not been following the discussion regarding Tom Field’s
Magnetometer with Webcam Charting; why not check out his excellent Web Site?
374
Tom’s magnetometer is a design modification by Joseph A. Diverdi of Roger Baker’s
original design.
Some notes on building a Torsion Magnetometer
Check Joseph A. Diverdi site for some other interesting amateur projects.
For further reading on magnetometers, please see the WANDERINGS from 02 April ’04.
Chickens and sweet potatoes seem to suggest that there was a Pre-Columbian Contact
between Polynesia and America.
The Fibonacci Series by Donald E. Simanek
The Moon Illusion, an Unsolved Mystery by Donald E. Simanek
Donald E. Simanek’s Home Page
Here is a useful chart of the radio frequency, or RF electromagnetic spectrum.
Antique Windowpanes and the Flow of Supercooled Liquids
What are the different types of Magnetism?
The Kids Room
The Canada Wide Virtual Science Fair is an annual online science and technology contest
open to all Canadian students in grades K-12. The 2007 results are now in.
JUMP Math is both a philosophy and a set of materials and methods that aim to help
students meet their potential and discover their love of mathematics.
EquMath is resource for math lessons from Algebra to Differential Equations!
The Thinking Fountain from the Science Museum of Minnesota
A Beginner’s Guide Waste Digester Design from The University of Florida
Check out the LEGO links in my WANDERINGS column from 10 May 2002.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
See the science toy collection on the Think Geek Web Site.
375
On The Lighter Side
Help save the endangered Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus from extinction.
From The Far Side
Fox TV and the Apollo Moon Hoax
Bad Astronomy ---- Astrology
Cyrus Reed Teed was the creator of the Inside Out or Hollow Earth Theory.
Perpetual Futility --- A short history of the search for perpetual motion by Donald E.
Simanek
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WANDERINGS
No. 139
03 August 2007
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Our Editor, Forrest, suggested that I should have a look at ScienceHack. This site is a
unique search engine that searches the Web for science videos. Every video is screened
and approved based on accuracy and quality by their scientists.
For example look at ---- How To Make Your Own Magic Sand
Wanderings
Steve Hansen and his “the Bell Jar” welcome you to the world of amateur vacuum.
Amateur Magnetometry Resource Links
An Aurora Detector --- How To Monitor The Earth's Magnetic Field
Welcome To Geotech! Carl Moreland’s site that’s dedicated to provide technical
information on metal detectors, magnetometers, long range locators, and various types of
geophysical surveying instruments. Be sure to look at his LRL page.
Amateur Holography--Simple & Low Budget
Christian Buil’s Amateur Spectroscopy, CCD and Astronomy Site
Maurice Gavin's Worchester Park Observatory --- The Home of Practical Amateur
Astronomy
The Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) In The Optical Spectrum
Amateur Scientists making Significant Discoveries While Fighting To Receive
Recognition And Respect --- by Bruce V. Bigelow 10 June 10 1996
Here is a “New Link” into Bill Beaty’s Science Hobbyist Pages
377
Bird Studies Canada is committed to advancing the understanding, appreciation and
conservation of Canada's wild birds and their habitats.
Layman Level Explanations Of "Seemingly" Mysterious 160 Meter Propagation
Occurrences
An Introduction to the Geology and Fossils of the Isle of Wight, UK --- by Ian West.
Indigenous languages of the Americas (or Amerindian Languages)
A 7-meter squid was captured by Japan's National Science Museum.
A colossal 450 kg Squid caught off the coast of Antarctica
An 8 meter squid washes up on an Australian beach
The Kids Room
Science Experiments For Kids --- from A to Z Home's Cool Home Schooling
Brian Wesley Rich's Science Website
On The Lighter Side
Eepy Bird, Diet Coke and Mentos
Welcome to Sand Lot Science --- the exciting world of optical illusions and brain-teasers.
From The Far Side
Rods --- Fact or Fiction?
The Antigravity "Underground" from Bill Beaty’s Weird Science Page
Thomas Townsend Brown
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WANDERINGS
No. 140
07 September 2007
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Notice
In all likelihood, there will not be a WANDERINGS for the 05 October issue of TCS.
Wanderings
The 2007 Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup will take place between 15 and 23
September 2007.
The Great Lakes Worm Watch was started by the Hartley Nature Center (Duluth, MN,
USA) but there’s no reason that it can’t be expanded to almost any site on earth. Why not
give it a shot?
The Scientific Exploration Society is a non-profit organisation that arranges worldwide
expeditions focusing on scientific, conservation, education and community aid projects.
DL4YHF's Audio Spectrum Analyzer ("Spectrum Lab") allows you to turn your PC &
sound card into a laboratory grade spectrum analyzer.
ARGO is another analyzer that you can try.
Have a look at the Instructables Web Site for some interesting DIY projects such as:
• An easy to build Desk Top 3 Axis CNC Milling Machine
• Build a 15,000 rpm Tesla Turbine using hard drive platters
Jetzilla --- The online magazine for amateur jet propulsion
Are you 18 years or older? If so, why not enter the Amazon.com and Instructables
Science Fair and perhaps win some of the $3,000 in prizes?
What if Charles Babbage had access to LEGO blocks? ---- Andrew Carol’s LEGO based
Difference Engine
379
Down load free Clean Energy Project Analysis Tools from National Resources Canada’s
RETScreen International site.
I am re-listing the link to The Solar Cooking Archive to support the Solar Cooking thread
that is on the Forum.
Why not build A DIY Solar Food Dehydrator to preserve some of your summer harvest.
Experiment with piezoelectricity
• Making Rochelle Salt
• Preparation of Rochelle Salt
See WANDERINGS #100 from 15 Jly 2005 for more on piezoelectricity and solar
cooking.
Samuel J. Wormley has a collection of Global Positioning System (GPS) Resources.
A Cheap and Simple Experimental Wide-Band Laser Link
Also see Amateur DIY laser communication
If you are not satisfied with how something works have a look at the Hack–a-Day site for
some modification ideas.
You could also have a look at Hackedgadgets.com
The Citizen Scientist Projects weblog lists interesting projects and bits of news related to
the work being done by citizen scientist volunteers.
Local boys do good! A team from Dalhousie University has designed the Lidar that is
part of the automatic weather station that is being carried aboard the Phoenix Mars Scout.
Also see Mars Lidar.
The link to The International Meteor Organization 2007 Calendar is a bit late for 2007.
Sorry!
Tony R. Kuphaldt’s offers an online series of Lessons in Electric Circuits
It has been noted that the climate is changing more rapidly in the Arctic / Antartic
Regions than anywhere else on Earth.
Steve McIntyre, an amateur meteorologist, finds an error in NASA’s climate-change
data.
How U.S. state GHG emissions compare to other countries.
Water vapour as a greenhouse gas
World's oldest gorilla fossil challenges evolutionary beliefs
380
The Kids Room
South African teenagers are beating boredom with innovative science projects.
Hot Math is a resource site for math teachers.
Internet4classrooms --- Helping teachers to use the Internet effectively.
Another Periodic Table
From The Far Side
Experiment with Lifter Technology
David Hahn, the Radioactive Boy Scout, pleads guilty to the theft of 16 smoke
detectors.
Also, see the Wikipedia entry on David Hahn.
Myths and Facts About Cold Fusion Reactions
The Legend of Nessie --- The ultimate and official Loch Ness Monster site
Is this Yogic Flying or just Butt Bouncing? :-)
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381
WANDERINGS
No. 141
02 November 2007
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
We just got back from a tour of England, Scotland and Wales. A couple of the gems that we
found were the Science Museum in London and the Museum of the History of Science at
the University of Oxford
The Science Museum really blew me away. It was excellent! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to
see all that I wanted. Perhaps some time I’ll be able to return and pickup what I missed.
Also, we got to see an English Longbow demonstration at Warwick Castle but we were
too late to see them fire the Trebuchet.
Sadly, we were not able to spot the Loch Ness Monster ;-(
Try your hand at the interactive Trebuchet Game.
NOTE
Do to personal reasons, this will be the last WANDERINGS until further notice.
Wanderings
Explore the Coandă Effect with a DIY remote controlled flying saucer.
Gadget Freak is a blog from Electronics Weekly.
Holography
LF Radio Propagation, Aerials, Amplifiers, Transmitters, and Technical Talk
The Disk Editor Page contains various resources for manually editing binary/hex files.
Terra Preta or "dark soil" refers to expanses of very dark soils found in the Amazon Basin.
382
Terra Preta --- The Intentional use of charcoal in soil
Google Earth has now expanded into Space!
Giant Waves in Lituya Bay, Alaska
Portney’s Ponderables
Navhistory --- A collection of narratives on historical navigation mishaps
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) was formed in 1945 by atomic scientists
from the Manhattan Project who felt that scientists, engineers and other innovators had an
ethical obligation to bring their knowledge and experience to bear on critical national
decisions, especially pertaining to the technology they unleashed - the Atomic Bomb.
The Kids Room
Leonardo's Basement is an innovative educational organization in Minneapolis. They have
created an imaginative learning environment where children, ages 6 to 16, and their families
design and build their creative ideas, mixing art, science and technology.
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is a national academic competition for high
school students on topics related to the study of the oceans
Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) is dedicated to
expanding the role of human exploration and development of space.
If any of you are Dr. Who fans you might be interested in the Dalek Builders’ Guild.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The 4-in-1 Petite Digital Microscope, by Eastcolight Ltd, is offered by several suppliers for
$49.00.
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383
WANDERINGS
No. 142
07 December 2007
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Last month I said that I’d be out of action “until further notice”. Well, I did manage to get this
month’s column wrapped up before I have to go into surgery on 15 November. We’ll have to
wait and see if I can get something out for January.
Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukkah
Feature
This year the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere will be on Saturday 22
December 2007, 06:08 UTC
In 2006, my wife, Gail and I visited the Megalithic Passage Tomb at Knowth and this
year we dropped in at Stonehenge which is located near Salisbury in the UK. Both
Stonehenge and Knowth, along with Newgrange, are associated with the Winter
Solstice.
Winter Solstice sunrise at Newgrange - 21st December 2004
The Winter Solstice from Eric Weisstein's World of Science
The Winter Solstice from Windows to the Universe
Here is a list of web sites which discuss various facts and myths relating to the Winter
Solstice.
Wanderings
In the prologue to his web site, Views from Science, Ely Silk talks about his having a
spinthariscope when he was young. I recall, sometime in my youth sending 50 cents plus
a box top from some brand of breakfast cereal and receiving a spinthariscope in the form of
a ring. I spent a lot of time in a dark closit viewing the awsome scintillations.
384
You can buy a modern spinthariscope from United Nuclear for $30...
Or try your hand at hacking together a DIY spinthariscope.
Tom Van Baak is a Time Nut. That is, he is a member of a group of amateurs who are
interested in precise time & frequency measurements. On his web site, LeapSecond.com,
he documents his Project GREAT: Does gravity really alter time and can this weird
phenomenon be detected with a family road trip experiment?
Here is an Earth Field Magnetometer that may be a bit more ambitious project than those
listed in past columns.
This High-Power Rocketry Flight Computer can compile data like altitude and
acceleration, and then send it to a cell phone.
This Simple USB Data Acquisition System features a simple GUI that allows you to view
graphical data instead of streaming serial data.
Peter Terren, an Australian amateur scientist, demonstrates his interests in his Tesla
Downunder site.
Get ready for the 2008 Project Budburst that’s starting in January 2008.
Build your own Segway Scooter
Solar Cookers International (SCI) is a charity that spreads solar cooking awareness and
skills worldwide.
The El Paso Solar Energy Association was founded to further the development and
application of solar energy and related technologies.
The Review of Solar Cooker Designs is an extensive archive consisting of more than 56
major designs, over 69 variations and drawings from all over the world.
Skygazing: Astronomy Through the Seasons
Science at Accessplace.com.
The Kids Room
Paige Ferrari says that The Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab is one of the 10 most dangerous
playthings of all time. Give me a break!!!!!!
Build the best paper airplane in the world!
PBS & ZOOM shows you how to build a Solar Cooker.
The Wolfram Demonstrations Project is an open-code resource that uses dynamic
computation to illuminate concepts in science, technology and, mathematics.
385
About.com has a collection of K12+ Science Projects.
Parents, here are some neat chemistry projects that you can do with your kids.
Don’t know the answer? Well then why don’t you Ask a Scientist?
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Do you remember Steve Silberman’s article Don't Try This at Home, that appeared in
Wired Magazine? The article chronicled United Nuclear’s run in with the “law”. Fortunately,
they are still in business. Check out the United Nuclear web site for a wide selection of
supplies for the amateur. RATS! they don’t ship to up here to Canada :-(
From The Far Side
The Resonate Coil Project
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386
WANDERINGS
No. 143
01 February 2008
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
During the week of 30 Dec., I caught part of a Discovery Channel program about glass.
They said that glass, being a “super cooled liquid”, would flow over time, and that a pane of
old window glass will become thicker at the bottom than it is at the top.
Please! Please! Please! Can we put an end to this urban myth once and for all?
See:
•
•
•
Analysis shatters cathedral glass myth
Glass: Liquid or Solid -- Science vs. an Urban Legend
Here is, I hope, the final word on the topic from Robert H. Brill, Research Scientist,
Corning Museum of Glass --- You know, the “Glass People” ---- Does Glass Flow?
No, It Doesn't Flow!
Wanderings
Have you ever wanted to get into robotics but could not justify the expense or perhaps you
thought that you lacked the mechanical dexterity to construct a robot platform?
If so, maybe you could talk yourself into buying a robot vacuum cleaner ;-) Have a look at
the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner that’s produced by the iRobot Corp.
The nice thing about the Roomba is that its designers included a USB port that allows you
to interface your computer to the unit’s electronics enabling you to “hack” the software.
Get a copy of Hacking Roomba BEFORE you purchase your vacuum so that you get the
model that the book covers.
Also, check out the Roomba Review web site.
The Sciencemadness Library currently holds 40222 pages of reading and reference
material in 85 volumes.
387
The Physicist's Fire is a fireplace insert that greatly improves the efficiency of your log fire.
It can be purchased or constructed, from rebar, by a local welding shop.
Here is a nice collection of simple DIY steam engines.
CSI gone bad!
Instruments for Natural Philosophy --- is an online collection of early physics apparatus
Livingunderworld.org is an ongoing web project dedicated to the preservation of wild and
captive amphibians.
The NIST Reference on Constants, Units, and Uncertainty
Engineering Notation
Solar Cycle 24 began on 04 January 2008.
Architect Jean-Pierre Houdin and Dassault Systèmes demonstrate a revolutionary theory
covering the construction of Khufu's Great Pyramid.
FreePatentsOnline will give you free access to patent searches.
Faulty Towers --- Communications towers may be contributing to the deaths of millions of
migratory birds a year.
During the winter of 2006/2007, more than a quarter of the US’s 2.4 million bee colonies
were lost to Colony Collapse Disorder.
Forrest “scooped me” with his piece about the Time Hackers in the 04 Jan issue of TCS.
But, I decided, what the heck, I’ll post the URL’s anyway.
Time and Frequency Measurement
Project GREAT: General Relativity Einstein/Essen Anniversary Test --- A tale of Clocks,
Kids, and General Relativity on Mt Rainier.
The Kids Room
Science Fair Projects
Teachers ----- Dr. Chris Dr. Schrempp's "Bangs, Flashes, and Explosions" is an
electronic book of over 170 dynamic and unusual chemistry and science demonstrations.
Also see the Exploscience site.
Making a simple harmonograph
How to make Home-Made Harmonographs and other interesting devices
388
Chem1 - a Virtual Textbook ---- A reference text for General Chemistry
KidSpace is an exciting online adventure brought to you by the Canadian Space Agency.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
SPOT: The World’s First Satellite Messenger is a ‘must have” for anyone who may be
contemplating travels to remote areas.
The R. W. MACHINE Company sells a nice selection of model steam engine kits.
On The Lighter Side
Tom Lehrer’s New Math Lyrics
From The Far Side
The Souls of Distortion site brings both ancient and novel knowledge to the public
audience.
Here are some links to Cold Fusion and Free Energy sites.
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389
WANDERINGS
No. 144
07 March 2008
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Features
The following few items are examples of the simple DIY projects that may be found on José
Pino's Projects and Tidbits site:
•
•
•
•
•
How to build a precision one-second (1 Hz) time base generator from a broken
quartz clock.
Build a Super Simple Sun Tracker without using complex circuits and sensors
Electric 'LEGO' Motor II
Build a DIY speaker using a plastic cup, business card, wire, magnet and some
Lego blocks.
Hi-fidelity DIY Loudspeaker made from a Styrofoam-plate
WANDERINGS
Laser Pointer Holography
X-ray diffraction simulation using laser pointers and printers
Join the discussions on the Laser Pointer Forum
Ideas for Amateur Research Equipment from the Nexus Research Group
Here is a huge collection of Amateur Scientist Sites compiled for us by the Fun Science
Gallery.
The Dobson Spectrophotometer and atmospheric ozone
Lessons in Electric Circuits is a free series of textbooks on the subjects of electricity and
electronics.
What causes the corduroy ridges that are found on dirt roads?
390
The Game of Life
A Biomorph is a virtual creature derived from the world of Mandelbrot. It was discovered
by Clifford Pickover.
The Earth in Perspective!
McMaster researchers have verified a different type of radio wave --- The Vector Potential
Wave
Geomagnetism --- The magnetic field in the Arctic regions
Mindat.org is the largest mineral database and mineralogical reference website on the
internet.
PhotochemCAD is database of absorption and fluorescence spectra, including molar
absorption coefficients and fluorescence quantum yields.
Explore Chemical History with the Chemical Heritage Foundation.
The Kids Room
How far apart are the data tracks on a compact disc --- or --- How to measure 1.5
millionths of a metre with a laser pointer.
Advanced Optics with a Laser Pointer and a Metre stick
Make a Balloon-powered Nanorover and other activities from NASA’s Space Place
Welcome to StarChild a Learning Center for Young Astronomers
NASAexplores provides free weekly K-12 educational articles and lesson plans on current
NASA projects.
Vicki Cobb’s Kids’ Science Page
Science News for Kids
Science Secrets is a link-site that will take scientists and non-scientists, alike, to the web
pages that will answer their questions.
The Chem4kids Site provides basic chemistry information for kids and the rest of us.
Worldwide Hands-on Science Centers
"Science Myths" in K-6 Textbooks and Popular culture
The European Union Contest for Young Scientists was held, between 14 – 19 Sep
2007, in Valencia Spain.
391
Solving the World's Energy Problems - With LEGO
This may be an ideal job. See the interview with Bjarne P. Tveskov a Classic LEGO
Space Designer.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Blockworks is a virtual construction toy for kids of all ages that encourages creative and
limitless exploration of a virtual world.
Hobby Engineering --- A supply store for people who want to build robots, electronic
gadgets, kinetic art or anything else that moves, beeps or flashes.
Surplus Sales of Nebraska has one of the largest selections of new and surplus electronic
parts in the US.
Pico Technology offers a selection of PC based oscilloscopes and data acquisition
products.
The mission of Home Power Magazine is to change the way people generate and use
energy, one rooftop at a time.
On The Lighter Side
Pi to 1000 Places: A Piano Solo
Have a look at some of the devices that are connected to the Internet.
“Who's on First?”
From The Far Side
Dowsing for fun and profit: Testing a claimant for the James Randi Educational
Foundation’s $1-million prize by Michael De Robertis.
Fuel from Salt Water
The “sea monsters” of artist Juan Cabana
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392
WANDERINGS
No. 145
04 April 2008
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
The recent popularity of wind turbines, in my area, has got me thinking of the possible
human physiological effects of the infrasound that may be produced by some turbine
designs. See:
•
•
Acoustic Trauma : Bioeffects of Sound
InfraSound, Low Frequency Noise & Vibration from Wind Turbines
I then began to wonder how easy it would be for an amateur to detect infrasound.
An overview of infrasound data acquisition, processing and interpretation by Läslo
Evers
How to detect low frequency acoustic waves in the atmosphere
How to Build an Inexpensive Microbarograph
Seattle Q1 Infrasonic Microphone
Seismic Response of Infrasonic Microphones
NOAA’s Infrasonics Program
Paul Neher’s DIY microbarograph was featured in Shawn Carlson’s May 1998 Amateur
Scientist column as , Detecting Subtle Tsunamis.
You can download a copy of the May ’98 issue from Scientific American, for $7.95 US.
Better yet --- If your public library doesn’t have a copy of the May ’98 issue, you can get
your own copy of the Amateur Scientist 3.0 CD and get all of the Amateur Scientist
columns from day 1 to the end of publication.
Note: A 1 litre aluminum or stainless steel water or camping fuel bottle might prove to be a
suitable air reservoir for this project. For example --- see the Segg line of bottles.
393
Wanderings
Our SAS Community Forum
The “Other Forum” --- Bill Beaty's Science Hobbyist Forum
If you need an accurate balance you could try Richard Nakka's Simple Balance Beam
Scale.
You can safely observe the sun with Bruce Hegerberg’s DIY Sun Gun
Richie’s Tesla Coil Web Page
Robert Billon’s Electrostatic Devices site offers several simple DIY electro static motors.
Zen Backpacking Stoves --- Home of the Alcohol Stove
You can build a virtual robot on the BBC’s Build-A-Bot web site.
View a short video, on Metacafe, showing you how to make a simple motor.
Has anyone ever tried to duplicate Prof Gabriel Lorente’s novel electrostatic generator
with paint rollers?
Attack of the glowing tomatoes
“How I made a Ball and Plate Doohickey”
Nuclear Fusion --- So you want to build your own fusion reactor?
Bruce Anderson and Malcolm Wells’ book "Passive Solar Energy -- The Homeowner's
Guide to Natural Heating and Cooling" is available as a free download from the Build it
Solar web site.
The Photovore is a small solar tracking robot.
Links and pictures of model Stirling engines
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Cook Book
The Engineering ToolBox --- Tools and basic information for design, engineering and
construction of technical applications
Convert is Josh Madison’s free and easy to use unit conversion program that will convert
the most popular units.
The goal of the Sugar Shot to Space project is to use a sugar based amateur rocket
propellant to achieve orbit.
394
Welcome to Michigan Tech’s Aurora Page
The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service is the body
responsible for maintaining, amoung other things, global time and reference frame
standards
“The Australian National University Relativistic Visualization Project has used
supercomputers to simulate what we might see in a world where the effects of Einstein's
theory of special relativity are everyday experiences.”
The “other” Spitzer --- The Spitzer Space Telescope is a space-based infrared
observatory that is part of NASA's Great Observatories program.
The Falkirk Wheel (UK) is a rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the
Union Canal.
Saturn's moon, Titan, has hundreds of times more liquid hydrocarbons than all of Earth’s
reserves.
The Kids Room
Acid Rain --- The Project
The Spring Acid Rain Watch
Dr. Shawn's Super Science Fair Support Center
Here is a collection of Home Experiments from Scifun.com.
Virtlab is the chemistry set you always wanted
Come and play The Sea Monsters Game.
Here is a demonstration that shows how municipal water plants may use to purify drinking
water.
The Science Club has been bringing science to life for over one million elementary school
children, teachers, and parents.
The History of Science and Technology from the Franklin Institute
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Nick Baker’s “The Amateur Naturalist” is said to be one of the best hands-on-guide to
nature experiments in print. If you are interested, it is available at Amazon.com.
395
Solarbotics offers robot kits, solar-powered robots, books, electronic components, motors,
parts and information on the expanding field of BEAM Robotics.
Epoxy, resin and fibreglass materials for the hobbyist
The Rocket Store, located in the UK, says that they are one of the most extensive rocketry
outlets in the world
From The Far Side
I put this next link in “From The Far Side” because it is a bit hard to believe. But then on the
other hand, on 13 January, 1905 Scientific American suggested that the Wright
Brothers’ flight experiments were a hoax.
Ken Schellenberg, of AntiGravity Research Corporation, hopes to put a Water Rocket
Into Orbit.
Comments about Ken Schellenberg press release from The Water Rocket Forum
The Sonic Weapon of Vladimir Gavreau
Jack Parsons --- A virtually unknown father of American rocketry!
There are probably as many theories of how the pyramids were built as there are blocks in
the great pyramid. For example, do you remember the piece about Dr. Marueen Clemmons’
theory that the ancient Egyptians may have used kites to lift obelisks and to assist their
building of the pyramids? See WANDERINGS #88
Dr R H G Parry has an interesting idea about how the Egyptians transported and raising
pyramid stones.
What’s wrong with Parry’s cylinders?
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396
WANDERINGS
No. 146
02 May 2008
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Why not put your unused web cam to good use following a scientific pursuit?
To get you started, have a look at:
•
•
•
•
The Astro Cam --- using a web cam with a telescope.
Build a USB Digital Microscope in 60min
Looking Through the Microscope With a Webcam
Fun With A Webcam
Wanderings
The Laboratory Safety Manual from the Oklahoma State University
Can Amateur Scientists Do Theoretical Science?
GNU Octave is a, free downloadable, high-level language that is primarily intended for
numerical computations. It provides a convenient command line interface for solving linear
and nonlinear problems numerically, and for performing other numerical experiments using
a language that is mostly compatible with Matlab.
The PVC Hybrid Rocket Engine
Hybrid Rocket Motor Tests on YouTube
The Design and Construction of Ceramic Rocket Nozzles
Amateur Rocketry Links
Professor Mark Csele's Homebuilt Lasers Page
The Cool Homemade Stuff etc homepage contains some really fun scientific and technical
projects that are easy to build and informative.
397
ZEDOMAX.com features DIY, Hacks, Gadgets and Technology
Basement nuclear fusion, any one?
4HV.com is a forum devoted to high voltage and related technologies.
Optical Detection of Ultrasound --- The detection of ultrasound signals can be obtained
by interferometric techniques using coherent light.
Bertrik's bat detector page describe his efforts in building a device that is capable of
converting the ultrasonic sounds emitted by bats to sounds that humans can hear.
The NJ chapter of SAS has a Bat Detector Page
Tony Messina’s --- Simple Bat Detector
Spectrum Lab --- Audio Spectrum Analyzer
OpenSourceGPS --- A starting point for learning about GPS with Open Source Software
Brooks Shera's GPS-Related Projects
Make your own Danger and Warning Labels with this handy utility.
GridRepublic members run screensavers that allows their computers to work on publicinterest research projects when their machines are not otherwise in use. By aggregating idle
resources from users around the world, we create a massive supercomputer.
Hobby Space --- Space Science for the Amateur, Student, and Privately Supported
Endeavours
The commissioning of the new Large Hadron Collider is scheduled to take place in June
2008.
Walter Wagner and his colleague Luis Sancho are suing t he builders of the world's
biggest particle collider over fears that the experiment might create globe-gobbling black
holes or never-before-seen strains of matter that would destroy the planet.
Mad Scientist's Laboratory
Musings of an Old Man ---- My Chemistry Set
Jon Eklund’s Dictionary of Obsolete Chemical Terms
Carmen Giunta's Glossary of Archaic Chemical Terms
Yahoo’s DIY Printed Circuit Group
MeteorObs is an Internet forum for meteor observers of all levels
398
Botanical Record-Breakers
Here is Paul Falstad's vast collection of educational java applets that will help you to
visualize various concepts in math, physics, and engineering.
Here is a utility that will allow you to map the location of the visitors to your web page.
Who were the Vikings?
The Tamarack Mines Mystery --- By Donald E. Simanek
The Kids Room
Science Buddies will show you How to Use a Laser to Measure the Speed of Light in
Jell-O
Finding the Speed of Light with Marshmallows
Web Sites Recommended By the National Student Research Center
CALCULATOR EDGE is a collection of free online calculators for Engineers, Scientists and
Students.
A CubeSat is a tiny S3-SAT (Student, Space, Study Satellite) of 10x10x10cm size and
weighing less than 1kg,
Science Man is a resource for students and teachers.
Making a Tetrahedral Kite
Kites in the classroom
Kite Making Plans
More plans from the Kitebuilder
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Coax-seal is a hand moldable plastic tape that will protect cables and connectors from
moisture.
Cone Layout is a program to unfold a frustum of a cone and generate a sheet cutting
layout or flat pattern projection that can be rolled or bend up into a truncated cone shape.
eBay’s Business Listings gives access to items that may not appear on eBay’s regular
page. For example, have a look at their assortment of electronic components.
399
On The Lighter Side
1st Rule of Lab Safety
Physics Humor
The American Society for the Conservation of Gravity
Rube Goldberg is alive and well on You Tube!
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400
WANDERINGS
No. 147
06 June 2008
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
For a bit of computer nostalgia have a look at:
•
Erik Klein’s Collection of Vintage Computing Machines
•
The Digi-Comp I first appeared under America's Christmas trees in 1963 as a
cardboard box emblazoned with the words "first real operating digital computer in
plastic."
•
This one’s especially for Forrest!
Welcome to AltairKit.com --- Home of the New Altair 8800 Kit!
•
Here is the machine that I “cut my teeth on” --- The New COSMAC Elf
Wanderings
The Last Amateur Scientist by Ernest Lilley
Scanning Probe Microscopy --- Here are free plans and instructions to build a Scanning
Tunneling Microscope (STM) for under $100.
You can view Bill Beaty’s collection of science videos on YouTube
The Ornithopter Zone --- Where machines fly like birds!
Project Ornithopter --- This full-scale ornithopter is an engine powered aircraft carrying
one pilot.
Lighten your yard work with a DIY Hovercraft Wheelbarrow
Making a simple hovercraft that will hold one or two people is relatively easy.
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This Ultra-Simple Hovercraft follows along the some idea as the previous link. The author
gives credit to the hovercraft plans on Bill Beaty’s page.
Build Your Own Hoverboard --- This one is more like a skate board.
A Weekend Hovercraft Project from MAKE Magazine. Also, have a look at the
Shovercraft plans.
For a summer project, try a $200 one person hovercraft
Here are a few simple experiments involving magnets.
Bill Beaty’s 3D Magnetic and Electric Field Viewing Bottle
Roger Baker has made a Homemade Microscope and A LED Illuminator for Reflected
Light Microscopy and Photomicroscopy.
Microscopy --- Things to make
Microscopy --- Links
Amateur Microscopy.net is a site for all who love amateur microscopy and
photomicrography.
Using a Black and White Webcam in RAW Mode for Astronomical Imaging
The following 5 items are from The Science Creative Quarterly
The MacGyver Project: Genomic DNA Extraction and Gel Electrophoresis Experiments
Using Everyday Materials
EXPERIMENT #1: Transformation of Bacteria from Antibiotic-Sensitive to AntibioticResistant Characteristic
EXPERIMENT #2: Analysis of DNA by Restriction Enzyme Cleavage and Agarose Gel
Electrophoresis
EXPERIMENT #3: Preparation and Isolation of High Molecular-Weight DNA from Onion
Tissue
The Biology Animation Library allows you to view the simulation of various biological
processes such as PCR.
The DIY PCR Appendix --- provides a supplement to the Home Molecular Genetics piece
in Issue 7 of MAKE Magazine.
Experiment with a novel Intermittent Wind Powered Generator
Shawn Kelly’s DIY PCB Drill
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Anchor Optics has an on-line collection of DIY optics construction projects
The Society of Robots has an online Step-by-Step Robot Tutorial
A DIY 1 to 65.535 kHz signal generator
NASA’s Beginner's Guide to Rockets
NASA’s Rocket Index
S. SHIOTA's Model Rocket Page
"Really, this is rocket science!" --- Dave Johnson’s, Water Rocket Annex
Water and High Pressure Rockets
Check the Water Rocket Links on Leo Commandeur’s Kites - Water Rockets –
Geocaching Site.
Jetzilla is an online magazine of amateur jet propulsion.
Experimental Investigations in 15 Centimeter Class Pulsejet Engines
Tie One On!
The Kuiper Belt Page
Jocelyn Bell Burnell is an astrophysicist, who, as a postgraduate student, discovered the
first radio pulsars.
Pulsars + Jocelyn Bell = An Astronomical Injustice
Little Green Men, White Dwarfs or Pulsars? --- By S. Jocelyn Bell Burnell
Big Ear, Radio Observitory, Memorial Website
George W. Hart --- Sculptor!
The Ordnance Technical Intelligence Museum’s purpose is to preserve the history of the
U.S. Army's Technical and Scientific Intelligence History.
On March 26th, Engineers Without Borders, sponsored their second Designs for a
Sustainable World competition at the University of British Columbia.
The 2009 Edinburgh International Science Festival will be held from 6th to 18th April
2009.
In 2009 The HMS Beagle Project will be celebrating the bicentenary of Charles Darwin's
birth.
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The Scientific American Community Forum
LDraw is an open standard for LEGO CAD programs that allow the user to create virtual
LEGO models and scenes.
Google SketchUp 6 is free software that you can use to create, export and present 3D
models.
Piconomic Design has developed a condensed course for the person who wants to switch
to the brilliant 8-bit Atmel AVR microcontroller.
British Defence Ministry contest brings out flying saucers, mini-helicopters
The Kids Room
The Honeywell Hometown Solutions National Underwater Robotics Challenge --- It’s
probably too late for this year, but what about 2009?
The mission of UNAVCO's Education and Outreach Program is to promote a broader
understanding of Earth science through the scientific methods, data, and results of the
unique suite of scientific research of UNAVCO's community.
Build a “Pop-Pop” Boat.
Have you ever seen a “Mouse Trap Car”?
What’s New in Mouse Trap Cars?
Mike Flamino and Kevin McHale's Mouse Trap Car
Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab is your source of free science projects and experiments for
parents, teachers, and children of all ages.
The Design Science Lab is a rigorous, hands-on training in the problem solving, planning
and design methodology called Design Science, pioneered by Buckminster Fuller and other
visionaries.
The History of Water Filters - Introduction
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Thames & Kosmos, Science Kits
ExpressPCB offers free electronics design software and a low cost printed circuit board
manufacturing service.
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The Electronic Goldmine is an online source of standard and unique electronic
components. For example they have a Powerful 8 Ultraviolet (UV) LED Light for under
$10.00.
Omnitron Electronics --- A little bit of ‘everything”!
Hobbyengineering.com is a supply store for people who want to build robots, electronic
gadgets, kinetic art or anything else that moves, beeps or flashes.
On The Lighter Side
Lemmings is a much loved computer game from “yesteryear”. It has been re-created, in
Java, for your online enjoyment and amusement.
The Order of the Science Scouts of Exemplary Repute and Above Average Physique
The GlobalSpec Trebuchet Challenge
From The Far Side
Say What !! ??
Insultingly Stupid Movie Physics
The Museum of Unworkable Devices is a collection of typical PMM ideas and methods to
analyze them.
What is a Perpetual Motion Machine?
Jim Randall's Place --- A collection of a few free energy links.
Is inventor Thane Heins “turning physics on its ear” with his electric motor invention,
which he has dubbed the Perepiteia?
See Thane Heins and his Perepiteia on You Tube
Hackers' posts on epilepsy forum, reportedly, cause migraines and seizures.
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WANDERINGS
No. 148
04 July 2008
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
In June’s Backscatter, Mark Valentine commented about finding a link to T.E.A
(Transversely Excited Atmospheric Pressure) lasers in May’s WANDERINGS column.
For those of us who are unfamiliar with this type of laser, the T.E.A. doesn’t require a
vacuum, exotic gases or optics so therefore it’s probably the simplest laser for the DIY’er to
construct. All you need are some goodies from your local hardware store plus a few other
odds and sods.
Nyle Steiner builds simple homemade T.E.A. lasers. Nyle uses the dye from High-Liter
markers and laundry blueing as UV indicators.
Watch one of Nyle’s T.E.A. lasers in action on YouTube
Here is an informative Power Point presentation on the construction of a T.E.A. laser
Lasers at the Joss Research Institute
The June 1974 The Amateur Scientist Column describes a T.E.A. laser --- “An Unusual
Kind of Gas Laser That Puts Out Pulses in the Ultraviolet”
In the October 1974 The Amateur Scientist, Paul R. Burnett suggests a simple procedure to
extract fairly pure nitrogen from the air.
And as an extra --- Stephanie Maksylewich shows us how to harvest a High-Powered
Laser from a junked DVD burner. (Not a CD burner!)
If you don’t want to go to the trouble of stripping down a DVD burner try looking through the
selection of stuff at StoneTek Electronics.
Follow the forum discussion on DIY Red Burning Lasers (DVD Diode)
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This laser information page contains a tremendous amount of laser related links. The
many topics include safety, building your own and conducting experiments to mention just a
few.
The Laser Community is a forum for laser enthusiasts to gather and discuss all topics
relating to lasers.
101 + Ways to Use a Laser --- Edited by: Herb Gottlieb
Wanderings
How many of you are aware that SAS maintains an archive of Hands on Projects that
were extracted from TCS?
While we are on the subject of archives, you can browse through the previous
WANDERINGS Columns (29 Mar ’02 --- to --- 09 Dec ’05). For later ones you’ll have to go
to the TCS Back Issues Page.
Last month, I mentioned that I “cut my teeth on” the RCA 1802 microprocessor. For those
of you who are interested check out the COSMAC ELF web site.
The late Klaus Halbach of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory discovered the Halbach
Array, an interesting permanent magnet configuration that concentrates magnetic flux on
one side of the array and cancels it on the other.
The Open EEG Project has plans and software for DIY EEG devices.
Isabella’s DIY PPM and pH meters bring some lab instruments into the range of the
amateur. See her other site for some possible additions.
Here are Pete Kosel‘s Successful Designs for Inexpensive PVC Flutes
Have a listen to Raphi Giangiulio's Homemade Pipe Organ.
Perhaps, if Charles Babbage had access to LEGO or Meccano kits the evolution of the
computer would have taken another direction. For example see what Andrew Carol, Tim
Robinson and Graham Jost have accomplished with these “toys”.
•
Andrew Carol’s Difference Engine: Building A Calculating Machine Using LEGO
Pieces
•
Tim Robinson's Meccano Computing Machinery
•
Graham Jost’s Babbage Difference Engine No. 1 built with Meccano
Not content with building little village scenes, Jonathan Brown has turned his attention to
some Serious LEGO.
Tie another one on!
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Daniel J. Geduld has an Amateur Microscopy Blog, but like so many other amateur
science sites, it has not been updated since Feb. ’06.
Using the PC’s parallel port, is probably, the easiest way to communicate with the “outside
world”. Neil Fraser has written several programs to simplify these tasks. Please see his
Parallel Port Monitors.
Neil's Open-Source Software Collection
Neil’s collection of interesting DIY hardware projects.
Do you have a pile of old CD’s that you were planning to throw out? If so, The Tesla CD
Turbine may be of interest to you. It’s a little DIY turbine made from recycled CD’s and
super magnets.
Phoenix Turbine Builders Club is an open source Tesla Turbine Developers Forum
A CD Tesla Turbine Project by Sean Doyle
Build a Build a 15,000 rpm Tesla Turbine using old hard drive platters
A Tesla CD Turbine With Scary Steampunk Laser PumpkinCutter Attachment
Rocketry.org is your comprehensive online experimental rocketry resource
Pulse Jets.com calls its self “the home of the world’s most active forum for home made jet
engines of all types”.
CAPOW (Cellular Automata for Electric Power simulation) is a flexible and easily
programmable Windows application for simulating and analyzing one-dimensional and twodimensional cellular automata.
The Molecular Workbench is free open-source software for creating interactive simulations
(including molecular, mechanical and discrete-element simulations.
Google SketchUp 6 is a free software package that you can use to create, export and
present 3D models.
This site shows you how to construct Nomogram for various functions.
Koichi Hirata gives us an Elementary Knowledge of Metalworking
Stephen P. Hansen’s web site, the Bell Jar, dealing with all things relating to vacuums is
announcing the start up of The Vacuum Technology Forum.
A real-time, online checklist program, eBird has revolutionized the way that the birding
community reports and accesses information about birds.
408
The Amateur Entomologists' Society promotes the study of entomology (an interest in
insects), especially amongst amateurs and the younger generation.
Tim Koeth built a 12−inch cyclotron while he was an undergrad, at Rutgers University.
The Tree of Life Web Project (ToL) is a collaborative effort of biologists from around the
world provides information about the diversity of organisms on Earth, their evolutionary
history (phylogeny), and characteristics.
The Encyclopedia Of Life is the beginning of our exciting journey to document all species
of life on Earth.
The Earth Impact Database comprises a list of confirmed impact structures from around
the world.
Solar Cycle Prediction --- Predicting the behaviour of a sunspot cycle is fairly reliable once
the cycle is well underway.
Predicting the Size of the Solar Maximum
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is the UN’s voice on the state and
behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces
and the resulting distribution of water resources.
Climate Change: The Skeptics
World Climate Index
Arctic Climate Research at the University of Illinois
The Cryosphere Today
Compare Daily Arctic Sea Ice
Selected Mineral Identification Guides from the Internet
Norman Yarvin’s Usenet Archives will provide hours of browsing. Perhaps, you might even
find something useful.
Advice for amateur mathematicians on writing and publishing papers
Globalspec is an engineering search engine.
Natscience.com is a multi-disciplined science forum.
How many viewers visit SAS.org?
The Kids Room
409
Science Fairs are geared toward the young scientist and engineer. But, what about the rest
of us? Skills Canada is the “fair” for those interested in the trades. You know --- the ones
that do ALL of the work ;-) The “brains” may design it but it takes the “trades” to actually
build it ;-)
The Royal Society of Chemistry publication, Education in Chemistry, has a column by
Colin Baker, of Bedford School. His Exhibition Chemistry Series provides spectacular
chemistry demonstrations, designed to capture the student's imagination. The
demonstrations are easy to prepare, safe to dispose of and they work. Select a back issue
of Education in Chemistry from the archive, on the left, and search for Exhibition
Chemistry. Most of the features are of restricted access but fortunately, Exhibition
Chemistry is “open”.
Done with that pizza? Don’t throw the box away! Instead, use it to build a Pizza Box Solar
Oven and cook your next pizza.
Learn How to Fossilize Your Hamster
Matthew O'Brien’s Science Demonstrations Site attempts to make science fun for
everyone.
Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center sponsors an annual ROV
Competition. This is a good time to start designing your entry for next year’s competition.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Speedy Metals Online offers a wide selection of various types of metals with NO MINIMUM
ORDERS !!!
The Peltier Device Information Directory contains sources for these solid state
thermoelectric cooler/heater modules.
The February, 1994 Amateur Scientist is about Making a Mirror by Spinning a Liquid. I
wonder if Envirotex Lite would be a suitable substitute for epoxy.
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WANDERINGS
No. 149
01 August 2008
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
Forget the “Corn to Fuel” process! Let’s get rid of North America’s millions and millions of
used tires. See Waste/Energy: Turning Tires and Oil Into Alternative Fuel
Was Castro right?
The rising cost of corn is putting bite on food, drink and ethanol producers
The Ethyl War: Forbidden Fuel and Public Poison
A US farm bill promotes advanced biofuels --- Legislation that promotes biofuels made
from non-food crops and offers incentives to move away from corn ethanol production has
been passed after the US Congress overturned Bush's veto of the legislation.
Is petroleum a fossil fuel? No, its not, according to the late Prof. Thomas Gold . In his two
books, Power from the Earth and The Deep Hot Biosphere, he looks at the possibility
that methane and other hydrocarbons are formed, naturally, deep beneath the Earth’s
mantel.
Oil Doesn’t Come from Squashed Ferns and Fish
New Ideas in Science --- Dr. Thomas Gold
Why not try your hand at producing your own DIY Ethanol fuel --- or --- Drain your deep
fryer and make some bio-diesel.
LocalB100.com --- A web site for biodiesel, biodiesel homebrewers, and small-scale
commercial producers
Biodiesel links & resources
Wanderings
411
"Amateur Science--Strong Tradition, Bright Future" --- by Forrest M. Mims III
Jimmy Yawn warns about the dangers of using potassium chlorate as a rocket fuel
component. He’s right! Two of my high school friends were seriously injured “playing” with
potassium chlorate.
Jimmy Yawn’s Recrystallized Rocketry Site --- Specializing in Rcandy: KNO3/Sucrose
propellant made by solution and recrystallization.
Mohammed Bah Abba, from northern Nigerian, won a Rolex Award for Enterprise for his
invention of a simple cooling system that can help preserve food in rural areas where
there is no electricity.
Convert a tire inflator-type air compressor into a Simple DIY Vacuum Pump.
In many costal areas, wave power could supplement local energy requirements.
Start experimenting with DIY Wave Power.
The Creative Science Centre at the University of Sussex (UK) has, among other features,
a Things to Make and Do page.
Has anyone seen the British TV program --- Rough Science? The show takes a team of
scientists to some remote location and presents them with a series of challenges that they
have to overcome. For example, in one case they had to determine their Latitude and
Longitude. Check it out and see how you would solve some of their problems.
If you ever need a specialized spring why not try and make your own? --- How To Make
Springs.
The Evil Mad Scientist shows us how to make our own analog computer --- a Fraction-ofan-inch Adding Machine.
Doug Coward’s Analog Computer Museum and History Center
More mechanical analog computers can be found at the Slide Rule Universe
While playing with my dog’s Chuckit, I got thinking about the atlatl, an ancient spear
throwing device. There’s even an atlatl association --- The World Atlatl Association, Inc.
Rocketry Online is your global rocketry resource.
The Water Rocket Index
The Guerrilla Guide to CNC Machining
I came across these instructions for making DIY-Flexible-Printed-Circuits by accident.
Unfortunately, I haven’t found a source for small quantities for the DuPont Pyralux.
Perhaps you could get a free sample from DuPont.
412
A few weeks ago my daughter, Jennifer, heard about a Rocket Stove while attending a
weekend Straw Bale Construction workshop. This high efficient stove sounds interesting:
• The CCAT Rocket Stove
• PYRO-Eco Stove for Cooking on Rural Areas
• The Rocket Stove
• Design Principals of Wood Burning Cook Stoves
• Designing Improved Wood Burning Heating Stoves
• Cooking With Cow Patties
Other DIY stoves can be found at the Wings: The Home-Made Stove Archives
Make Your Own Solar Cell
The Philosophy of Science Portal is a venue for discussions of science and philosophy.
Electronic Circuits and Tutorials
All About Circuits is an on-line electronics course.
Radio QRP --- The Art of Low Power and Clandestine Radio Transmitters.
Sam's Laser FAQ --- A Practical Guide to Lasers for Experimenters and Hobbyists
Royal Society of Chemistry shows how to Build Your Own Spectrophotometer
A digital camera + a CD-ROM + a cardboard tube + some aluminum foil, tape, and hot glue
= a spectrometer/spectrograph
Alton Moore’s DIY Wind Power Page
There are directions for making a Print-and-Fold Ames Room in Make Magazine #14.
The GRACE twin satellites are making detailed measurements of Earth's gravity field and
revolutionizing investigations about Earth's water reservoirs, over land, sea and ice.
PVC Schedule 40 & 80 Pipe Dimensions
Weed Identification Photo Gallery
The Nutrient Content of Fertilizer Materials
Signs of Thaw in a Desert of Snow --- Scientists Begin to Heed Inuit Warnings of Climate
Change in Arctic
The North Pole may be ice free for first time during the summer of 2008.
The Joggins Fossil Cliffs located, near the head of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia,
Canada, is a world-class palaeontological site that has been designated a UNESCO World
Heritage Site on 7 July 2008. These cliffs have yielded fossils that give an unprecedented
glimpse into life during the Carboniferous Period, including a rich variety of flora, a diverse
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fauna of amphibians, some exciting track ways of the Arthropleura, and some of the
world's first reptiles.
The Kids Room
ROBLOX --- The free Virtual Playworld
Some Successful Designs for Inexpensive PVC Flutes
NCUBE --- The Norwegian Student Satellite Project
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The Scientific American Book Of Projects For The Amateur Scientist.
Light and Its Uses: Making and Using Lasers, Interferometers and Instruments of
Dispersion
Home Power Magazine is your source of Solar, Wind and Hydro information.
The TechShop is a fully-equipped open-access workshop and creative environment that
lets you drop in any time and work on your own projects at your own pace.
A wee bit expensive at $1000US/week but The Tinkering School, which offers an
exploratory curriculum designed to help kids - ages 7 to 17 - learn how to build things, looks
like fun.
MyPlasticStore ----- Canadian
On The Lighter Side
It’s Alive!
The Darkroastedblend site will give you hours of browsing through weird and wonderful
postings.
Hoax-Slayer ... Debunks the latest e-mail hoaxes & current Internet scams
Snopes --- Did you hear an urban legend or is it true?
Use Globalspec’s Brain Strainer to build a rocket launcher.
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414
WANDERINGS
No. 150
05 September 2008
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Wanderings
Join Project BudBurst! and help collect important climate change data on the timing of
leafing and flowering in your area through
Build a simple DIY digital thermometer
You can measure wind speed with this Homemade Anemometer that is based on a digital
bicycle speedometer.
The Sietch has some renewable energy and green living DIY projects that may be of
interest.
If you want to make “it” but don’t know how, then why not rent a DIY video from Smartflix.
The History and Practice of Photographic Printing (1840 – 1895) by James M. Reilly
IceInSpace is a community website dedicated to promoting amateur astronomy in the
southern hemisphere
Glass Blowing for Vacuum Devices from Teralab
Backyard Ballistics is a Web site that is dedicated to the development of home-brew
devices for propelling weird objects through the air.
ABS Versus PVC for Spud Gun Construction
The TerraMagnetoScope! is operated by students and amateur scientists who are
currently studying the Earth's Geomagnetic Field and the dynamic forces that affect it. Also,
see the Crystal Lake Geomagnetic Observatory.
A harmonograph is a mechanical apparatus that employs pendulums to create geometric
images.
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Thomas B. Greenslade’s Instruments for Natural Philosophy site has a collection of
Antique Harmonographs.
This YouTube video will give you an example of a DIY Harmonograph. Here is another
one.
Making a simple harmonograph
How to make Home-Made Harmonographs and other interesting devices
The Reynst Combustor is a simple type of pulse jet engine. See Valveless Pulsejet
Engines 1.5 --- A historical review of valveless pulsejet designs - by Bruno Ogorelec.
There are directions for making a Reynst Combustor or Jam Jar Jet in Make Magazine
#5.
Search YouTube for Reynst Combustor --- or --- Jam Jar Jet to see a host of examples
of how to build and run these engines. USE CAUTION!
Acetone as a fuel additive is said to increase mileage --- Readily-available chemical
added to gas tank in small proportion improves the fuel's ability to vaporize completely by
reducing the surface tension that inhibits vaporization of some fuel droplets. EXPERIMENT
AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I haven’t tried this program for converting hard copy graphs and plots into machine
readable data, but it may prove to be useful.
Radio Astronomy FAQ’s from The National Radio Astronomy Observatory
The Guru's Lair is Don Lancaster’s treasure trove of amateur resources. He covers many
topics and includes links to thousands of interesting sites.
Jeremy Parsons' Renewable Energy Links
Mosquito Dunks, containing Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israaelenses, will keep your
rain barrel free from mosquito and black fly larvae for 30 days or more.
The Planetary and Space Science Centre, at the University of New Brunswick, compiled
The Earth Impact Database which is a list of all known confirmed impact structures from
around the world.
Vacation at the Algonquin Radio Observatory
The Sound of the Big Bang is John G. Cramer’s audio simulation of the sound waves
present in the first 760,000 years of the birth of the universe, based on WMAP data.
The IceCube Neutrino Detector is a neutrino telescope that is under construction in
Antarctica. See --- Analysis / Verification / Simulation and Icing the IceCube Cake.
416
A Slocum Autonomous Underwater Robot Glider recently sailed under water from New
Jersey to Nova Scotia.
NASA’s safety panel is concerned about the Moon Ship’s design.
Project Gutenberg --- the first producer of free electronic books (ebooks)
del.icio.us is a social book marking service that allows you to share your favourite book
marks with the “world”.
The Kids Room
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the World Championship Mathematics
Competition for High School students and is held annually in a different country.
Jose Pino’s Projects --- A small collection of DIY science projects
The KidWind Project is a team of teachers, engineers and scientists committed to
innovative energy education.
Magnet Fundamentals
Magnetics from Hyper Physics
Over 22,000 participants are expected to take part in Winston Science 2008, a 20-day
series of events beginning on 8 November in Dallas, TX.
The Night Sky
The Science Toy Maker Home Page contains many interesting projects that can be built
with common house hold materials.
Suppliers
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Vintage-howto-Projects.com has a wide selection of instant downloadable e-books for
$3.95 each. For example, they have a book on “Home Made Harmonographs - Plans &
Instructions”
Applied Magnets offers the strongest neodymium magnets for sale at very competitive
prices.
K&J Magnetics, Inc. is a source for incredibly strong neodymium rare earth magnets.
Forcefield --- “It’s wise to invest in strong magnets”.
Follow in Emile Berliner's footsteps and build an actual gramophone recorder/player
that etches an old CD to record your sound.
417
United Nuclear Scientific is relocating to Laingsburg, Michigan. You may recall them from
Steve Silberman's article Don't Try This at Home, that appeared in Wired Magazine? The
article chronicled United Nuclear's run in with the “law.” Fortunately, they are still in business
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418
WANDERINGS
No. 151
03 October 2008
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
anderings
Some times we may require a set of slip rings to transmit power or a signal across a rotating
joint. Well, these can be expensive to buy or difficult for the average experimenter to
fabricate. I found a novel DIY slip ring assembly that uses a ¼ in. phone plug/jack on the
GOTWIND site. Go to their “Latest Experiments Page” and scroll down to The DIY Slip
Ring Design.
Douglas W. Jones has an online tutorial --- The Control of Stepping Motors
Here is a DIY stepper motor driven XY(Z) engraving / milling / router for Hobby use
The Techlib site has been re-vamped since the last time that I visited. Have a look! They
have tons of DIY projects.
ePanorama is another site that contains a variety of miscellaneous amateur science
experiments.
The Research Media & Cybernetics site contains a large collection of DIY scientific
projects. Most of the parts used can be obtained from their on line shop.
Green Power Science’s belief is that some of the smartest people in the world discover the
best things through trial and error IN THEIR OWN BACKYARDS OR GARAGES.
Pepakura Designer is a shareware program that allows you to create paper craft models
from 3D data.
How to make a paper model from scratch
Now you can print gigantic 20 metre posters of any picture as a pdf mosaic.
The goal of the Degree Confluence Project is to visit each of the Latitude and Longitude
integer degree intersections in the world.
419
101science.com is an Internet Science PORTAL to more than 20,000 science sites such
as this collection of Science Experiments.
Scrolls from the Dead Sea --- The Ancient Library of Qumran and Modern Scholarship
Laser Safety from Wikipedia
Laser Classification
Guidelines for the Safe Use of Art and Craft Materials for the K-6 Level
10:51, 10 September 2008 --- Working LHC produces first images
Online Cosmic Rays at the Moscow Neutron Monitor
The What’s This Caterpillar site features over 800 caterpillars of Britain & Europe. If you
have found a caterpillar but can't identify it, this is your first port of call! Its partner site, The
What’s This North American Caterpillar, aims to identify the most common species of
caterpillars found in North America.
This Medieval Siege Weapons and Castle Warfare site is filled with information on
medieval siege weapons, castles, armour, knights and much more!
Who contributed most to the invention of the electronic programmable computer?
The US or the UK?
Did Gustave Whitehead beat the Wright brothers into the sky?
The Wannabees from The Wright Brothers Museum
Blacksmith Institute released its second annual report `The World's Worst Polluted
Places' on September 12, 2007
The Perry-Castañeda Library’s Map Collection at The University of Texas at Austin, TX.
The Centre for Marine Biodiversity was established to enhance our scientific knowledge
of the marine biodiversity in the Northwest Atlantic.
New record for ice melt in the Arctic adds urgency to climate talks.
Radioactive Bird “Poop” found in the Arctic.
Ice Shelf --- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
During the summer of 2008, the 4500 year old, 50 km2, Markham Ice Shelf has broken
away from Ellesmere Island in Canada's High Arctic.
The Kids Room
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The KidWind Project is a team of teachers, engineers and scientists committed to
innovative energy education. Our goal is to promote the elegance of wind power through
affordable tools and training programs that challenge, engage and inspire students of all
ages.
The purpose of The Virginia Instructors of Physics (V.I.P.) is to end the isolation felt by
so many high school physics and physical science teachers by sharing classroom ideas and
projects.
Music from Outer Space brings you your first wacky, zany, weird (and possibly odd) sound
maker project - A.K.A. Weird Sound Generator or WSG
Miscellaneous Mathematical Utilities
Students Design a Satellite via Internet
The Spore game simulates life - but is it science?
Designs for a Sustainable World is an annual challenge to design solutions to real-life
humanitarian and environmental issues facing people around the world.
Engineers Without Borders is dedicated to improving the livelihood of people in
developing countries.
Creating a Three Sisters Garden
Roger Curry’s LATERAL SCIENCE Site a collection of science & engineering subjects,
both real & virtual
On The Lighter Side
The Museum of Hoaxes is dedicated to promoting knowledge about hoaxes.
Weird Universe explores every aspect of a human and natural cosmos that is not only
"stranger than we imagine, but stranger than we can imagine."
Down load Sudoku to your PC.
Play Sudoku on-line.
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WANDERINGS
No. 152
07 November 2008
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the SAS Community Forum. Just “click” on FORUM. You don’t have
to be logged in to read the postings.
Feature
Brian White --- Stone Mason --- Amateur Scientist
Compound Parabolic Solar Cooker --- SAS Community Forum 07 Oct ’08
Increase The Output Of A Solar Array With A Compound Parabola.
The Solar Cooking Archive
The Solar Cooking Archive Wiki
Brian White on The Solar Cooking Archive Wiki
Wanderings
An Unusual Source of X-Rays --- Scientists at UCLA have shown that X-rays are
produced when sticky tape is unrolled.
Sticky Tape X-Rays --- The Movie!
Methane Digesters for Fuel Gas and Fertilizer --- by L. John Fry
A Home-Made Particle Accelerator --- by Can Altineller
Neil Fraser’s PC Parallel Port Controller / Monitor
A million or so years ago, when I was a wee lad, a couple of my buddies and I were
interested in the sound of Jamaican Steel drums. We acquired some old oil barrels and
tried to make a drum. Zero success! Now, if we had the Internet, back then, we could have
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easily found the complete instructions on how to make our steel drum in The Steel Pan
Tuning Handbook.
Tesla Down Under
The Tesla Coil Builders Guide
Build a Tesla Turbine from Re-cycled CD’s
The SnowCrystals.com! site is all about snow crystals and snowflakes -- what they are,
where they come from, and just how these remarkably complex and beautiful structures are
created, quite literally, out of thin air.
Photographing Snowflakes --- A How-To Guide
Wilson A. Bentley --- The Snowflake Man
Pinhole Photography Resources & Links
Build a Digital Pin-Hole Camera
Build a DIY Spectroscope
If you need a bellows, why not try making your own?
The Bellows Resource Page
Build a Bellows for a Large Format Camera
An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Drone is basically an aerial robot that is capable of
both remotely controlled flight (like a regular RC aircraft) and fully-autonomous flight,
controlled by sensors, GPS, and onboard computers
Here is an on-line tutorial on Photovoltaic Power Sources.
Astronomy 161 --- The Solar System from the University of Tennessee
TNTlite is a free downloadable program from MicroImages that allows you learn all about
spatial data analysis, GIS, image processing, CAD, and desktop cartography.
Cartography & Geomatics Lectures from the University of Northern British Columbia
Spread the Net and Nothing but Nets are charitable organizations that supply mosquito
netting to families in malaria prone countries.
The Diesel Tree: Grow Your Own Oil
Copaifera langsdorfii
100 Greatest Science Discoveries of All Time?
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The Roswell Incidents --- Not what you may think!
Canada may be the home to World's oldest rocks
Baffin Island residents watch for rubber ducks in NASA study
Hero Rats --- Rats are trained to sniff out landmines.
Current local times around the world
The Cassini spacecraft has monitored intense radio emissions from Saturn.
The "sounds of space" collected by University of Iowa
Radio Emission from Supernovae and High Precision Astrometry
Yale University scientists say that switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact
fluorescent bulbs may increase the amount of mercury in the environment.
Living near wind turbines may cause health problems.
National Invasive Species Information Center
List of Invasive Species from Wikipedia
The Atlas Experiment --- An animated tour of the Large Hadron Collider
Oops! A bad solder joint shuts down the Large Hadron Collider --- or --- perhaps it was a
wandering Black Hole 8-)
The law suit to halt the Large Hadron Collider Project has been dismissed.
The Kids Room
First Step to Nobel Prize in Physics is an International Physics Research Competition
for High School Students who are interested in physics and are willing to perform their own
research works.
The International Baccalaureate Program offers high quality programmes of international
education to a worldwide community of schools.
Scratch is a new programming language that makes it easy to create your own
interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art -- and share your creations on the
web.
Project Exploration inspires minority youth and girls with the wonders of science and
discovery.
Binary Marble Adding Machine
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Glenbrook South Physics Home Page --- A great resource for students and teachers
A 16-year-old high school student designs and builds a functional wooden bicycle.
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The American Science & Surplus on-line catalogue contains many unusual and useful
items.
The Hungry Scientist Handbook: --- Electric Birthday Cakes, Edible Origami, and Other
DIY Projects for Techies, Tinkerers, and Foodies
From The Far Side
The Stargate Project --- US tax money at work in Remote Viewing Experiments.
Rods --- Fact or Fiction?
A Student's Guide to Cold Fusion
An E-book About Cold Fusion
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WANDERINGS
No. 153
05 December 2008
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the SAS Community Forum. Just “click” on FORUM and you will be
able to read the postings without being logged.
Feature
Merry Christmas
WANDERINGS
In the Backscatter section of last month’s TCS (07 Nov ’08), Tim Kraemer shared with us
his success in using Thomas P. Gootee's methods of fabricating printed circuit boards.
Looks good! --- Thanks Tim!
Sonoluminescence (Wikipedia) is the emission of short bursts of light from imploding
bubbles in a liquid when excited by sound.
Single Bubble Sonoluminescence: HOWTO
See the section on Sonoluminescence in WANDERINGS No. 96 --- 20 May 2005
This site will show you how to produce a Stable Plasmoid with a graphite microwave
resonator. It would probably be wise not to use your kitchen’s microwave oven for
experimenting. Buy one from a second hand shop :-)
Roger Baker has developed a method for depositing metallic films on glass. This article
was originally published in The Effects of Gravity on Plant Growth, and the Deposition
and Use of Thin Films: Scientific American --- Amateur Scientist: June 1970. Check it out
on the SAS CD.
It is interesting to note that the section on gravity and plant growth was submitted by our
“fearless leader”, Shawn Carlson’s grandfather, Don Graham.
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For more on the subject see Growing Plants in Less Than One G: February 1996 and
Geotropism, One Last Time: March 2001.
The Transistor Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of one of the greatest
invention of the 20th Century.
The CK722 Museum --- The CK722 holds a unique place in the history of the transistor.
Introduced by Raytheon in early 1953, the CK722 was the first low cost junction transistor
available to the general public.
If you want to try and make your own diode or transistor try Nyle Steiner’s Spark, Bang,
Buzz and Other Good Stuff Web site and his older web site.
Pete Friedrichs has written two informative books that deal with building DIY radio receiver
components. The first is Voice of the Crystal and the second is Instruments of
Amplification. Both can be purchased from Lindsay Publications. I have both and found
them very interesting.
Science Toys shows how you can make some awesome toys out of common household
materials that demonstrate fascinating scientific principles.
Bizarre Labs is a collection of classic home science projects. For example --- Build a cloud
chamber and view the paths of particles emitted by radioactive decay and cosmic rays.
Crystal Growing! Detailed instructions on how to grow dozens of different types of crystals
The Disgustoscope --- Bill Beaty plays with mirrors and other stuff.
Hugh Piggott's Scoraig Wind Web Site is a huge resource for DIY Wind Power information.
The Centre for Alternative Technology (UK) offers solutions to some of the most serious
challenges facing our planet and the human race, such as climate change, pollution and the
waste of precious resources.
The Stormpulse site shows current and archived storm data.
MyArmoury.com is a resource for historic arms and amour collectors.
The WorldWide Telescope is a software environment that enables your computer to
function as a virtual telescope.
The goal of the Large Binocular Telescope project is to construct a binocular telescope
consisting of two 8.4-meter mirrors on a common mount.
CBA Belgium Observatory is a privately owned astronomical observatory, located in
Landen, Belgium.
Finite Element Method Magnetics (FEMM) is a suite of programs that aid in solving low
frequency electromagnetic problems on two-dimensional planar and axisymmetric domains.
The Museum of Hoaxes --- Examining dubious claims and mischief of all kinds
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Here is the Discovery Channel’s list of Top 10 Hoaxes. Believe It Or Not ----- There may
have been an actual Potato-Powered Web Server. :-)
NASA’s Ozone Hole Watch web site allows you to check on the latest status of the ozone
layer over the South Pole. NASA says this year's ozone hole is the fifth biggest on record.
When operational, Masten Space Systems intends to fly anything you want into space and
back for $250/kg.
William Hepburn's Radio & TV DX Information Centre
Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn’s Weather and Sky Photography
Atmospheric Optics --- Light playing on water drops, dust or ice crystals in the atmosphere
produces a host of visual spectacles.
TiltingSun2 is freeware which shows the Sun's orientation, poles, equator, rotation
direction, prominence position angles and drift direction for any date, time and location.
TiltingSun-G is a special graphics tool to overlay the disk orientation and latitude-longitude
grid onto images
Visit the heavens with Google Sky
SIGVIEW is a real-time signal analysis software package with wide range of powerful FFT
spectral analysis tools, statistics functions that is distributed as shareware
Koichi Hirata, of Japan’s National Maritime Research Institute, has produced an e-Book,
Elementary Knowledge of Metalworking , which should prove to be a useful addition to
the Amateur’s Workshop.
A Heat Transfer Textbook, 3rd edition by John H. Lienhard IV and John H. Lienhard V.
Ethnologue: Languages of the World --- An encyclopedic reference work cataloging all of
the world’s 6,912 known living languages
The main areas of focus for the Bradshaw Foundation are archaeology, anthropology and
genetic research.
Oetzi, The Iceman, May Be The Last In His Family --- or was he? --- DNA shows Otzi
the Iceman has kin
The Eöt-Wash Group: Laboratory tests of gravitational and sub-gravitational physics
Pope Benedict sees physicist Hawking at evolution gathering --- Pope Benedict told a
gathering of scientists, including the British cosmologist Stephen Hawking, that there was
no contradiction between believing in God and empirical science.
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Alexandra Morton --- Scientist at Work --- Saving Wild Salmon, in Hopes of Saving the
Orca. Once dismissed as an outsider and amateur, Alexandra has gradually gained the
respect of scientists and fishermen.
The Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia
The Kids Room
The Canada Wide Virtual Science Fair is an annual online science and technology contest
open to all Canadian students in grades K-12. They particularly encourage the participation
of students in more remote regions, of aboriginal descent, and those who may not normally
participate in an extra-curricular science activity.
Science Buddies --- Science Fair Project Ideas
Rock Around the World --- Mars scientists are asking students from around the world to
help them understand the red planet. Send in a rock collected by you or your classroom
from your region of the world, and we will use a special tool like the one on the rover to tell
you what it's made of. Then everyone can compare their rocks to the ones found on Mars.
The 2009 MATE International ROV Competition will be held on June 24 - 26, 2008 at the
Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts.
Build your own Energizer Scientist Laboratory
Sounds Crazy --- A Musical Exploration of Everyday Things
For years, I have been making Moose Calls like this for my kids. I can’t remember where I
first got the idea but it sure spooks up Halloween! One thing, I wet the boot lace instead of
using a wet cloth.
Building a tin can Stirling Engine
Howtoons!
Crocodile Clips develops and sells educational software for schools and colleges.
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
RobotShop is a world leading source for domestic and professional robot technology.
Lynxmotion has a nice selection of intelligently designed, precision engineered robot kits
and components.
Roithner-Laser Technik (Austria) carries a wide selection of laser components.
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Learn particle physics at home :-)
On Screen DNA --- The must know details of DNA in 3D
R O V- i n - a - B o x P r o j e c t K i t
On The Lighter Side
Messier 31 --- How far away is it?
Why Women Live Longer Than Men
From The Far Side
History of 'New Energy' Invention Suppression Cases
Energy Information
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WANDERINGS
No. 154
02 January 2009
Ralph J. Coppola
---
SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the SAS Community Forum. Just “click” on FORUM and you will be
able to read the postings without being logged.
Feature
Well here we are in a new year. Many of us can agree that 2008 was a “doozie”! What will
2009 have instore for us? I hope that you, your families and loved ones will have a safe,
happy and productive year ahead of you. Happy New Year!!!
======
I find that by compiling and submitting WANDERINGS several weeks before publication
makes me “a day late and a dollar short” on many breaking stories. Even though, let me get
my “two cents in” :-) and congratulate Forrest Mims III, Ely Silk and Bill Hilton for being
included in Discovery Magazine’s The 50 Most Important, Influential, and Promising
People in Science.
Forrest Mims III --- forrestmims.org --- Sun and Sky --- and --- Forrest on Twitter
Ely Silk --- Views From Science
Bill Hilton --- The Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History
WANDERINGS
When Backyards Were Laboratories
DigiWiz shows us How to Convert Vinyl/Cassette to CD using Audacity, a free, open
source software package for recording and editing sounds. This software could have
various scientific applications.
Matthias Wandel's Igloo building experiments
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A spectrometer is an optical instrument used to measure properties of light over a specific
portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. This site links to other excellent spectroscope
sites, some of which are posted below.
The Optics of Spectroscopy - A tutorial By J.M. Lerner and A. Thevenon
Joachim Köppen has a very nice page dealing with CD ROM Spectroscopes including a
section on How to design a spectroscope
Spectroscopy for the School
A Cereal Box Spectroscope
Another CD Spectrometer
And Another One
Build a DIY Spectroscope
Here is a Metacafe.com video showing how to make a DIY Spectroscope.
PopSci builds a Cereal-Box Spectrometer
MiniSpectroscopy displays a visual representation of a sample spectrum simultaneously
with a graphical (intensity vs. wavelength) representation.
To use a CD in a transmission spectroscope, you’ll have to remove the CD’s aluminum
backing. To do this, lightly scratch the backing with a single line across the diameter (I use a
razor blade). Then apply a strip of tape across the scratch (5 cm / 2 in cello packing tape).
The backing should lift when the tape is removed. I then clean the CD with a gentile wash
with dish detergent and water. Note: I found that not all CD’s will freely give up its backing.
Some of you may have been following Paul Verhage’s Poorman's Space Program series in
TCS and wish that you could launch your own BalloonSat. But due to your location you
know that the prevailing winds will carry your balloon out to sea or over heavily forested or
mountainous terrain where recovery of your precious instrument package would be
impossible. If that’s the case why not look into an alternate technology such as The High
Altitude Glider Project where the glider is carried, by balloon, to altitudes of up to 85,000
and then released to fly back to the launch point?
An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Drone is basically an aerial robot that is capable of
both remotely controlled flight (like a regular RC aircraft) and fully-autonomous flight,
controlled by sensors, GPS, and onboard computers
On August 11, 2003, model aviation history was made by "The Spirit of Butt's Farm," also
known as TAM-5, became the first model airplane to fly nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean.
The Colorado Space Grant Consortium’s programs are hands-on ways to introduce new
engineering students to fundamental engineering techniques and team working skills.
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The Teralab site is Robert Hunt’s attempt to document some of the physics experiments
and science projects which he has conducted in his home laboratory.
5 Bears Research has another page on fabricating Printed Circuit Boards (PCB’s).
An Inexpensive X-ray Machine --- I like the sticky tape method of producing X rays better
---- Sticky Tape X-Rays.
See How to Capture on Film the Faint Glow Emitted When Sticky Tape Is Peeled Off a
Surface by Jearl Walker, in Scientific American’s Amateur Scientist: for December, 1987 or
on the SAS CD.
Turn a scanner into a camera
The Brewster Kaleidoscope Society is an international organization for kaleidoscope
enthusiasts.
Wayne Schmidt's Kaleidoscope Mirror Designs Page is one of 70 pages, on various
topics, on his This and That Site.
YouTube --- How to Make a Recycled Kaleidoscope
Watch Kip Kay, from Make Magazine, make an ornithopter.
The Disgustoscope --- Bill Beaty plays with mirrors and other stuff.
Yes I know – This is a “re-run” from #153 :-)
The Engines of Our Ingenuity --- Science and Technology
The North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics (NADAG) is a database
and website that aims to promote use, education, communication, and a knowledge base of
the practice of archaeological geophysics in North America
The Woodsmith Tips is a collection of tips and techniques for the wood worker from the
editors of Woodsmith and ShopNotes magazines.
Gordon Couger has assembled a huge collection of Microscopy Links.
Roger Baker and the Leeuwenhoek microscope --- with permission from Science Probe
April 1991.
Modern Microscopy is a free web journal for the professional microscopist.
Ted Clarke’s Microscopy Bibliography
Microscopy UK is an online magazine that is devoted to promoting the study of the very
small world around us - the microscopical world.
Newport Glass --- Your source for scientific glass products
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How To Grind & Polish A Lens
Grit Sizes Conversion Chart
Grinding, Polishing And Figuring - Thin Telescope Mirror: Part I
Grinding, Polishing And Figuring - Thin Telescope Mirror: Part II
Famous Scientists --- Who’s Who in Electrochemistry?
The Internet History of Science Sourcebook
Extreme Science is the place online to find the biggest, baddest, and the best in the world
of extremes and learn about the science behind what makes each the most extreme
example of its kind.
W.A.T.E.R., or Watershed Activities to Encourage Restoration is a compilation of simple,
low-cost projects that you can use to help protect and restore a watershed.
Worldmapper is a collection of world maps, where territories are re-sized, on each map,
according to the subject of interest.
The Science Cheerleader
The Kids Room
The Nerd Girls is a growing, global movement which celebrates smart-girl individuality
that’s revolutionizing their future.
Here are some Fun Science Activities from National Geographic Kids.
Information for the First time Microscope Buyer
How to Make a Kaleidoscope :-)
You might find some interesting Science Projects on the Home Science Tools site.
The main event of Sun-Earth Day:2009 will take place on 20 March 2009 Sun-Earth Day is
comprised of a series of programs and events that occur throughout the year culminating
with a celebration on or near the Spring Equinox. Middle schools are invited to participate in
Solar Week in Spring 2009, a week of games, activities and curriculum about the Sun.
Collaborative Pre-University Science Projects
Web Resources for Teaching Research
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
434
Would you like to have a program like Photo Shop but can’t justify the steep price? If so,
look into a package called GIMP which is a freely distributed piece of software for such
tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It works on many
operating systems, in many languages.
Mr. Wizard's 400 Experiments in Science
The Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments
Chemistry Experiment Kit 3000
The Maker Shed has teamed up with OnlineMetals.com to introduce an entirely new way to
purchase small quantities of quality metals and plastics.
New cameras available to amateur astro-photographers
M&M Glassblowing: Your analytical and scientific glassblowing specialists
Parallax, Inc. designs and manufactures microcontroller development tools and small
single-board computers that are used by electronic engineers, educational institutions, and
hobbyists.
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435
WANDERINGS
No. 155
06 February 2009
Ralph J. Coppola
---
SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the SAS Community Forum. Just “click” on FORUM and you will be
able to read the postings without being logged.
Feature
Retired chemist, Victor Deeb, ran afoul of local, state and federal authorities --- Chemistry
hobbyists face a labyrinth of local and state regulations
This is similar to Steve Silberman's article, Don't Try This at Home, that chronicled United
Nuclear’s problems with the “law”.
Rocket hobbyists are not alone in facing overzealous regulation of materials for use
in amateur science.
Here is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism
Standards containing The DHS Chemicals of Interest List.
Readily Available Chemicals --- Many laboratory chemicals are now out of the reach of
the amateur chemist. However, some chemicals with "everyday" uses are still available.
This site gives an outline of chemicals that can still be bought ‘over the counter” and where
you may find them.
Perhaps it would be easier to just do virtual chemistry on the University of Oxford’s Dept. of
Chemistry Virtual Chemistry Laboratory web site or you could change your interests to
another area.
Chem1 Virtual Textbook --- a reference text for General Chemistry by Stephen Lower.
Here is a collection of Web links for students of General Chemistry
Keith Hammond’s article Great Balls of Fire, in Make Magazine #16 takes a nostalgic look
at the chemistry sets of long ago. Why were they better than your modern sets? Keith, also,
gives us some useful links.
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PhotochemCAD is a computer-aided design and research tool in photochemistry.
The Alchemist is the ChemWeb’s newsletter.
Here is an unrelated item, but is very similar to Victor Deeb’s and United Nuclear’s stories.
In Make Magazine #16 there is an article by Star Simpson describing her arrest for
wearing a piece of “LED Art” at Boston’s Logan Airport.
MIT student arrested at Logan in bomb scare
“Stop with the sympathy for MIT student Star Simpson” --- From FREEDOM EDEN
An amusing (?) outcome of this fiasco was that, when Star was invited to attend the 11th
International Symposium on Wearable Computers, she had to decline because this NSF
sponsored event was being held at the Hyatt hotel at Logan airport. And as part of her
“conviction” she was issued a restraining order baring her from the airport property.
This is the so called “bomb” that Star was wearing --- Make a Breadboard Sweatshirt
(Instant Wearable Electronics!)
Star has posted several other items on the Instructables web site such as Build a SkinOn-Frame Outrigger Sailing Canoe and How to Build a Microwave Transformer
Homemade Stick/Arc Welder.
This is another Homemade Welder that was found on the Instructables site.
And finally, there’s the tale of Steven Kurtz --- Genetic art crosses line, says FBI
Wanderings
Claude Paillard’s video, Making Your Own Vacuum Tubes, is a turely amasing
demonstration. Further info can be found in the article --- Extreme Breadboarding.
The Return of Amateur Science --- Mark Frauenfelder explains how the natural tinkerers
who built the web are starting to hack the world.
Spooling the Stuff of Life by Shawn Carlson --- How to extract and purify DNA
James Spottiswoode built a Diamagnetic Suspension Seismometer for $20US.
The STM (Scanning Tunnelling Microscope) Construction Kit gives everybody an
opportunity to get "hands on" experience with the nanoworld. This site provides all
information for you to build and use some of the standard equipment of this fascinating field
of science.
Amateur Astronomy (A Guide) --- An online book by Rick Boozer
Build a simple DIY Homopolar Motor.
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“Please pass me the screw driver”. OK, but witch one?
Building a Balancing Scooter --- A DIY Segway
The Enigma-E is a DIY Building Kit that enables you to build your own electronic variant of
the famous WWII German Enigma coding machine.
A $2 egg beater, replacing a bulky centrifuge, may help diagnose disease in developing
countries.
DIY Steam Engine I
DIY Steam Engine II
Nial McCabe’s e-Zee (Little) Steam Engines & Free Building Plans
The Spark Museum contains John D. Jenkins’ collection of Antique Wireless and Scientific
Instruments.
Bob's High Voltage Home Page documents his experiences a number of high voltage
devices.
The Radio-SkyPipe II is an internet enabled strip chart recorder program that can be used
for radio astronomy, seismology, weather, or any scientific or industrial monitoring task.
Rick Boozer’s Automated System for Detecting Meteors
Secret Worlds: The Universe Within --- View the Milky Way at 10 million light years from
the Earth. Then move through space towards the Earth in successive orders of magnitude.
You probably do not have access to an oscilloscope or a spectrum analyser. But if you need
one, Winscope is a software package that will allow you to use your sound card to sample
input waveforms and display results on your computer monitor.
As of April 1, 2007, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) began making its electronic
topographic mapping and geospatial data available to all users, free of charge, over the
Internet.
Cruising the Geoweb
The TerraServer Web Site has assembled a large variety of aerial photos, satellite images
and USGS topo maps for access via the Internet.
The Circuit Exchange International Site contains electronic schematics, articles on
design, analysis and theory of electronic circuits.
Freebyte is an online source to electronics, software & utilities.
Wareseeker.com is a huge archive of software for Windows, Mac, Linux and PDA.
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SciPy (pronounced "Sigh Pie") is open-source software for mathematics, science, and
engineering.
Citizen scientists' watch for signs of climate change --- People with no formal training
are helping scientists track and record birds, fish, stars, and plants in their neighbourhoods.
The Molecular Expressions website features their acclaimed photo galleries that explore
the fascinating world of optical microscopy.
The Creative Science Centre is a sort of 'scrap book' of interesting science.
The Altair web site teaches understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum using handson experiments, suitable for classroom, self study, or science fair.
Altair's Favorite Links
Here is a gigantic list of IC Pin outs.
How to Make Oil from Algae in Four Steps
The Element List Science Link Directory links to top science research labs, online
databases, forums, science news, journals, educational sites, jobs, science blogs, and
more.
The Scientech Club of Indianapolis was founded in 1918 as a forum for the
interdisciplinary exchange of technical information in central Indiana
Gary Strobel, a professor of biology from Montana State University, and his team have
discovered a microbe, the G. roseum, that thrives inside the trunk of the Ulmo tree could
prove to be a future source of biofuels.
Electro magnetic compatibility and printed circuit board (PCB) constraints
The Maker Faire comes to Newcastle, UK --- March 14-15
Nanotechnology raises big hopes — and big fears
The Kids Room
Take part in the Sun Shadow Investigation Project on 20 March 2009
Flash Back! --- May 1941 --- Industry Gives a Laboratory to America’s Young Scientists
Janelle Schlossberger and Amanda Marinoff, two 17 year-old high school seniors won
$100,000 college scholarships for creating a molecule that helps block the reproduction
of drug-resistant tuberculosis bacteria
“A child who grows up with a parent who is a scientist has an immeasurable
advantage over one who does not”
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Free Science Videos and Lectures --- Free Education Online is Possible!
Science Buddies --- Free science fair project ideas, answers and tools for serious students
All Science Fair Projects --- Science fair projects with complete instructions
Science Fair Projects - Finding the right topic for a winning science project
Science Made Simple --- Science fair projects: ideas, topics, methods, examples, articles,
and experiments
The ME2011 Robot Project, at the, University of Minnesota, is a chance for students in the
Introduction to Engineering course to be creative, to face a substantial challenge, to show
off, and to stretch themselves as designers.
Visit the ROBLOX Virtual Playworld
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Build your personal Place --- Create buildings, vehicles, scenery, and traps with
thousands of virtual bricks.
Meet new friends online --- Visit your friend's place, chat in 3D, and build together.
Battle in the Brick Arenas --- Play with the slingshot, rocket, or other brick battle tools.
Be careful not to get "bloxxed".
Here is a collection of free physics games from Fun Motion.
And Yet It Moves… is a conceptual game that won the 2007 Independent Games
Festival Student Showcase.
HobbyScience is a collection of a collection of fun and easy science and craft projects for
kids.
Free Easy Kids Science Experiments --- Here you will find easy and fun science projects
Bill Nye “The Science Guy”
Sky Scan --- A real space exploration project for Alberta Science 9 classes.
Free Online Graph Paper / Grid Paper PDFs
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Radio-Sky Publishing makes the fascinating world of radio astronomy accessible to a wide
audience of students, teachers and amateur scientists.
Information Unlimited is a company dedicated to the experimenter and technology
enthusiast.
JD Photochem may be a source of chemicals in Canada. Have a look!
440
Amazing Magnets! Has a large selection of rare earth NdFeB magnets, at discounted
prices for industry, crafts, hobby and science.
On The Lighter Side
Dihydrogen monoxide (also known as hydric acid) is responsible for injury, death, and
property damage all over the world. Has the time come to lobby our politicians for a total
ban on this obnoxious substance?
The Cartoon Laws of Physics
A smiley for every occasion
The mazeguy plays with dominoes
What would happen if you dropped a rubber ball, made from 1000’s of rubber bands,
from an airplane?
From The Far Side
Magnetic Levitation Light Bulb Uses Wireless Energy Transfer
Go levitate. Yourself!
The Mad Is Scientist Bringing Back the Dead
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WANDERINGS
No. 156
06 March 2009
Ralph J. Coppola
---
SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the SAS Community Forum. Just “click” on FORUM and you will be
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Static Electricity is an interesting subject to pursue. Your investigations could range from
simply stroking a cat (a dog in my case) to building a complex static machine
Bill Beaty’s Static Electricity Page is a good starting place for project ideas. Also, check
out his Van de Graaff Electrostatic Generator Page.
Dr. Antonio Carlos M. de Queiroz has constructed many electrostatic machines and has
assembled a comprehensive list of related links.
Cheap High Voltage --- Make big bright sparks and perform other high voltage experiments
with a PVC pipe. Note: It’s not clear in the description, but the outside of the polyethylene
Leyden jar is covered with aluminum foil --- “The foil normally in place around the water
level was removed to make the sparks dim enough to photograph.”
The Leyden Jar is a device that stores static electricity between two electrodes on the
inside and outside of a jar.
An Iinstructables article on making a Leyden Jar
A Java simulation of the operation of a Leyden Jar
The Spark, Bang, Buzz Web site has a similar device --- Static Electricity Generator
with PVC Pipe
Have a look at the Triboelectric Series Table and see if you can see something better than
paper or cotton to use with PVC. Got any rabbits??? :-).
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The Electroscope is an instrument that is used to detect the presence and magnitude of a
static electric charge on a body.
Build a simple electroscope
Use an electronic electroscope to measure electrostatic charges
Build a Wimhurst Electro Static Machine
Step by step instructions on how to build a Wimshurst Machine
Where There Is Charge, There Can Be Sparks!
Electric Blue Sparks! --- is another good source for DIY Static Machines.
Directions for making a small Van de Graaff generator can be found on the scitoy.com
site.
How Stuff Works --- The Van de Graaff Generator
This Instructables clip shows how to make a Van de Graaff Generator.
Bill Beaty’s Simple Electrostatic Motor --- Build this high voltage motor from plastic pop
bottles.
YouTube --- Lord Kelvin's water-drop electrostatic generator
Bill Beaty’s "Kelvin's Thunderstorm" Also, look here.
Prof. Gabriel Lorente’s New Electrostatic Generator, US Patented (#4990813)
Otto von Guericke’s Electrostatic Machine
Wikipedia’s List Of Electrostatic Generator Patents
Thomas B. Greenslade, Professor Emeritus of Physics at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio,
has photographed many Instruments for Natural Philosophy among which is a collection
of Electro Static Apparatus.
The Museum of Science in houses the largest Van De Graaff generator in the world.
Here is a picture of a typical Victorian Amateur Scientist’s “Lab” :-)
Wanderings
Cocktail Party Physics is a group science blog that aims to create a salon-like virtual
space where contributors and readers alike can chat about the latest news and ideas in
science -- with a twist.
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The harmonograph is a mechanical apparatus that employs pendulums to create
geometric images.
The harmongraph was pioneered by the French physicist, Jules Antoine Lissajous in 1857.
The first harmonograph actually used a light beam on a screen instead of the pens on paper
that are used today
Making simple harmonographs for the classroom
How to make a Large Harmonograph
I like this one! Motors are used instead of pendulums.
Animated Interactive Virtual Harmonograph
This online simulation enables you to control an interactive harmonograph
Aerogels can be made at home --- Ten Year Old Child Produces Homemade Aerogels
--- (A ten year old ???)
Malaysian scientist turns rice husk into Aerogel
Electrical Fantasies with a Tesla Coil --- By Harold P. Strand
Making your own "X-ray Photographs"
Build a spectrophotometer
The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) is an international nonprofit organization whose mission is: to observe and analyze variable stars; to collect and
archive observations for worldwide access; to forge strong collaborations between amateur
and professional astronomers.
Levitation systems using magnet and graphite are an interesting field to investigate.
Earthquake Seismometers, Seismographs and Their Various Unique Sensors and
Related Topics
Seismic Sensor based on Diamagnetic Levitation
Build a $2 Diamagnetic Suspension Seismometer
Seismosurfing the Internet for Earthquake Data
Here is a collection of Interactive Java Tutorials from the National High Magnetic Field
Laboratory
PowerStream’s Technical Resources for Batteries
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A collection of Mechanics & Physics Conversions, Formulas & References may be
found on the rfcafe site.
Welcome to the Edmund Optics Technical Library!
Print your own warning label with this Warning Label Generator.
An Investigation Into Wind Farms And Noise
C.L. Stong’s book --- The Scientific American Book of Projects for the Amateur
Scientist has long been out of print but now is available at Scribd.com. With more than 50
million users per month, Scribd is a Web service that enables you to publish, discover and
discuss original writings and documents.
Google Book Search has brought online a fantastic feature which allows one to browse
books and back issues of popular magazines.
It Doesn't Take a Rocket Scientist --- Great Amateurs of Science
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts
to defeat hunger.
The Kids Room
ScienzFair™ Project Ideas provides numerous ideas or outlines which may be developed
into a science fair project.
Activities to explore Static Electricity
Learn about static charge & static shocks @ Science Made Simple
Science Buddies supports the idea that hands-on scientific investigations are the best way
to teach science literacy.
Metric Prefixes for large and small numbers.
Free education online is possible with Free Science Videos and Lectures
FUN Science from The Nexus Research Group
Science projects for kiddy science students
The Young Scientists of Australia (YSA) is a group of young Australians dedicated to the
promotion and awareness of science in a friendly social environment.
Here is an interactive, on-line, LEGO building game.
Triboluminescence and Thinking Putty --- from Putty World
Sid the Science Kid
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"Sid the Science Kid" Has Plenty of Science, But Needs More Muppets
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Homemade Lightning: Creative Experiments in Electricity --- by Richard A. Ford
Electrostatics: Exploring, Controlling and Using Static Electricity --- by A. D. Moore
and Joseph M. Crowley
Electrostatic Experiments: An Encyclopedia of Early Electrostatic Experiments,
Demonstrations, Devices, and Apparatus --- by G. W. Francis
Sci-Supply sells a Wimshurst Machine for $39.95.
The Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments
Anchor Optics is a source for affordable quality optics.
Micro-Mark is a mail-order source for hard-to-find tools and supplies for any profession or
hobby that requires the use of specialized precision miniature tools.
Electrical Conductive Paint
Electrical Conductive Copper Tape --- The self-adhesive backing is also conductive, so
overlapped seams are electrically continuous.
On The Lighter Side
The Evolution of a Programmer
“CLICK” The Ball
The Impossible Triangle
Maze Solver
From The Far Side
The Global Consciousness Project --- Global Correlations in Random Data
Weird or Speculative Science
Canada’s Stonehenge? --- Retired University of Alberta professor, Gordon Freeman,
claims to have discovered a prehistoric open-air sun temple near Calgary Alberta.
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WANDERINGS
No. 157
03 April 2009
Ralph J. Coppola
---
SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the SAS Community Forum. Just “click” on FORUM and you will be
able to read the postings without being logged on.
Feature
Why doesn’t our SAS Community Forum attract the activity that some of the other
Amateur Science Forums do? 550, or so, posts in almost 3 years can not be regarded as
great participation.
Have a look at:
• The Science Hobbyist
• ScienceForums.net
• The Science Forum?
• EDAboard.com Forum
Wanderings
Dr. David R. Brooks, president of the Institute for Earth Science Research and
Education wants amateurs to get involved and take part in a global project to measure and
share Atmospheric Aerosol Optical Thickness Data and / or to Monitor Solar Radiation
Stardust@Home is looking for talented volunteers to help with their search for stardust.
Amateur astronomer and retired miner, Trevor Barry, captured a rare electrical storm on
Saturn. In this video clip, Trevor shares, with us, his passion for the heavens.
Mahlon Loomis --- Amateur Scientist
The Return of Amateur Science
The “Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments” is the type of DIY book that I remember from
my youth. It has been out of print, for a long time, and is reported to be very rare with less
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than 200 copies residing in libraries world wide. Fortunately copies can be down loaded
from the Web from sites such as Scribd.com. See “Golden Book of Chemistry
Experiments”
Anne Marie's Chemistry Blog also has a copy of “Golden Book of Chemistry
Experiments”
Another excellent out of print book is Bertrand R. Brinley’s “Rocket Manual for Amateurs”.
Years ago I had a copy but, unfortunately, I lent it to someone and it was never returned.
PDF copies of the book can be found on several sites such as 4shared.com. Search for
“Rocket Manual for Amateurs”.
A Guide to Amateur Rocketry
The Art of the All-PVC Amateur Hybrid Rocket Engine
A DIY Yeast Generator for Producing CO2
Bill Beaty shows us how to make Poor Man’s Liquid Nitrogen
The All Atoms Web Site has a page on making liquid oxygen.
Experiment with Your Own Microbial Fuel Cell
Build a DIY Parabolic Solar Cooker
Build the Radial Dirod #8 Electrostatic Generator
A reprint from Modern Mechanix shows how to build a Toepler – Holtz Static Generator.
Have a look at Bill Beaty's Ridiculously Sensitive Charge Detector.
Several of David Saum’s interests revolve around DIY VLF receivers that can detect
Sudden Ionospheric Disturbances (SID’s) and inexpensive seismometers.
The Auroral Chorus web site explores the Realm of Natural VLF Radio Phenomena and
the Music of the Magnetosphere and Space
DIY Flexible Printed Circuits
A better PCB etching solution --- Stop using Ferric Chloride etchant!
An Examination of the Amateur Scientist Circuit Board Nitrogen Laser
A Simple Nitrogen Laser
“DK Plus” --- A Second Simple Nitrogen Laser
280 DIY Projects from Make Magazine
Bryan’s Notes on DIY Graphene transistors
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SmarterThanThat --- Home Experiments That Demonstrate Scientific Phenomena --- For
example:
• Measure The Speed Of Light.
• Top 10 Ways To Know The Earth Is Not Flat/
Fab@Home is a project dedicated to making and using fabbers - machines that will allow
you to make almost anything, right on your desktop.
Easy to Build Desk Top 3 Axis CNC Milling Machine
Joseph Jones shows how to use stepper motors that were salvaged from old 5 ¼ floppy
drives.
Stepper motors from junked IBM 5 ¼ in floppy drives
280 Pages of DIY Projects from Make magazine
Build a robot in David Cook’s Robot Room.
Ron Neumeyer’s Microscope Forum is a gateway to information and links related to the
operation and use of the optical microscope.
Microscopy-UK and it’s a free online magazine, Micscape, is devoted to a wide range of
resources for people who are interested in popular microscopy.
The Wiremap is an innovative projection technique that builds a real and interactive 3d
image by manipulating light from a projector.
An Instructable --- How to Build a DIY Wiremap
An Instructable --- Catch a critter with a DIY Net Gun.
The This-to-That Web Site is devoted to glues and gluing. See their Glue of the Month.
Robert Hunt uses his Teralab site to document some of the science projects he has
conducted in his home laboratory.
Roy Schmaus has compiled a great deal of information that is useful to the amateur
experimenter during his years at The University of Alberta
The Primitive Ways Web Site gives us a look into how things were done in ancient times.
Methods for extracting gold from ore
Here is a collection of Micro Soft Tutorials and Resources from The King John School,
Essex, UK.
The DNA Rainbow and DNA Radio are a mixture of science, art and curiosity and
represents a new way of looking at our our chromosomes.
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The Free Patents Online search engine is one of the fastest and easiest patent search
engines on the web.
Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases
C. L. Stong Papers, 1952-1976, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American
History: Archives
Just as we are all forgetting about the Y2K Problem up comes the Y2K38 Problem
The Kids Room
Perhaps if there were a Science Fair for Adults they would STOP doing their children’s’
projects!
Geekdads and Science Experiments
The Creative Science Centre plays a key role in helping and guiding creative science
projects and workshops in schools
Simon Field’s Sci-Toys is a collection of science toys you can make with your kids or for
yourself.
Science Demonstrations, Experiments, and Projects --- By Anne Marie Helmenstine,
PhD
Chemistry Projects for Kids
Demonstration Experiments in Chemistry --- maintained by Peter Keusch, University of
Regensburg
Play CSI and test for blood!
Here is a collection of Web links for students in General Chemistry courses.
Chem 1 Virtual Textbook --- a reference for General Chemistry
Here is a collection of “Science Snacks” from San Franco’s Exploratorium.
Exploring the Science of Light!
The Science Toy Maker’s page is a site for people, of all ages, who like to roll up their
sleeves and make fun and educational toys that entice scientific investigation.
The Mad Scientists' Club --- tales by Bertrand R. Brinley.
Suppliers and Stuff
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Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
You can easily purchase a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide (H 2O2) any drug counter. But if
you are looking for a higher concentration, try the local hair dresser as they use various
percentages for bleaching hair.
Building Scientific Apparatus is a unique reference for the scientist or engineer whose
work requires the construction of unique apparatus. A New edition to be released in May
2009 for around $50+ or so US.
Airpot Corporation is a world leading manufacturer of ultra low friction, super-responsive
pneumatic piston and cylinder motion dampers and actuators
The Live Science Store carries The Ultimate 400x Digital Microscope for $140.00 US
Steve Spangler Science --- Making science fun!
KK’s Cool Tools really work. A cool tool can be any book, gadget, software, video, map,
hardware, material, or website that is tried and true.
Aware Electronics Corp. --- Makers of PC based and stand alone Geiger Counters and
other monitors for use with PCs plus easy to use software for those interested in the
quantum side of nature.
Xump - Science Toys is a multi-channel science education retailer
On The Lighter Side
What Time Is It? --- Several unique clocks
Guilloché Pattern Generator --- WOW!
Cool Contraptions --- :-)
From The Far Side
Originally, I was planning on devoting April’s WANDERINGS to From The Far Side in
celebration of April Fool’s Day, but I talked myself out of doing it. ;-)
The From The Far Side section may contain “Big Brother”, “Believe it or Not” or “Strange
but True” items and works from researchers who:
• are doing genuine research that may be revolutionary or ahead of its time
• are misinterpreting the data or do not know/understand the basic science behind
what they are doing
• are out right frauds
• are absolutely crazy ;-)
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•
•
have received a revelation from God, aliens or have discovered ancient scrolls from
Atlantis etc
are convinced that the government or big business is out to get them, to shut them
down or to steal their work.
I don’t usually pass judgement or comment on the Far Side links. I’ll leave that up to you.
What is Pseudoscience?
Flim-flam, pseudoscience and nonsense
How to Bash Pseudoscience
Ridiculed Discoverers --- Vindicated Mavericks
When James K. Gimzewski unveiled the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) at a 1985
surface-physics meeting, he was laughed me off the stage. For your own DIY STM see --Build your own Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) for $100
Robert T. Carroll’s Skeptic's Dictionary --- From Abracadabra to Zombies
BioCrimes and Misdemeanours and the Patriot Act --- by Edward McSweegan
Homeland Security Implements Chemophobia
Raw Foodists Arrested for Trafficking Chocolate; Interrogated for "Cacao Crimes"
Can the type of music that you listen to affect your SAT scores?
The Eltanin Antenna, Rods, and the “Bug Scooter” are a few of my “favourite” Far Side
topics.
The Eltanin Antenna --- On 29 August 1964, at a position of 59:07'S by 105:03'W, the US
NSF Oceanographic Research Vessel, USNS Eltanin, photographed a strange object on the
ocean floor at a depth of 3904 metres. This device has become known as The Eltanin
Antenna.
There has been much written about the Eltanin Antenna, suggesting that it is a piece of
forgotten or alien technology or part of an ancient planetary grid. However, it has
subsequently been identified as an example of a deep sea sponge, the Cladorhiza
concrescens, that was first identified by Alexander Agassiz in a dredged-up sample in
1888. (Wikipedia)
Eltanin Antenna (Sponge or Not?)
The Eltanin Enigma
Rods --- Flying rods (or simply 'rods' or 'skyfish') are flying linear anomalies caught (usually)
on video, having not been seen at the time of filming.
Sol's "Rods" Study
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Roswell Rods contends that they have evidence that rods are something other than
insects, birds or CCD camera artefacts.
Bug Scooter --- Viktor S. Grebennikov is said to have constructed a flying anti-gravitational
platform that is powered by wasp egg shells.
Bio-Gravitics
The Amazing Randi and the Russian Levitator
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WANDERINGS
No. 158
01 May 2009
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the SAS Community Forum. Just “click” on FORUM and you will be
able to read the postings without being logged.
Feature
One does not have to spend vast amounts of money to conduct science experiments at
home. Recently, I came across a couple of sites dealing with doing science on a shoe
string. The first site was compiled by Arvind Gupta a scientist and educator in India. His site
shows how to build science toys from what is, essentially, junk.
Scientist Turned Toymaker --- Arvind Gupta’s Web Site contains a vast collection of his
DIY science toys, on-line books and videos.
Next, you can look at the work of David Wiliamson. Again, he uses common stuff to
construct numerous science “toys”.
More Cheap Science Experiments is a collection of the best from David Williamson’s
wonderful cardboard science and toys site
These two sites are welcome additions to the following DIY Science sites which should be
familiar to the regular readers of WANDERINGS.
Simon Quellen Field shows us some Science Toys You Can Make With Your Kids . He
also maintains a catalog of some interesting or hard to find science items.
Slater Harrison’s The Science Toy Maker Home Page is a site for people who like to roll
up their sleeves and make fun, mysterious toys and projects that entice scientific
investigation. Also see his List of Great Science Links.
Professor Bassam Z. Shakhashiri’s Science is Fun site has a section of Home
Experiments. See Prof. Shakhashiri’s list of recommended Web Sites.
The Fun Science Gallery contains fun, simple and low cost science experiments for
amateur scientists.
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Science Experiments from Science Bob
Visit Bill Beaty’s The Science Club for Kids' Science Projects
Hunkin's Experiments --- Science experiments in a cartoon format.
Bizarre Stuff that you can make in your kitchen
The Sciencetoy Page has a selection of really cool science experiments you can do at
home.
The Creative Science Centre is a scrap book of interesting science projects that is aimed
at getting more people to make things within science.
Howtoons are cartoons showing kids "How To" build things with stuff that they can usually
find around the house.
WANDERINGS
I was saddened to discover that John Clark Lahr passed away on 17 Mar 2009.
His Fun With Science Site was a great resource for amateur seismologist.
From BBC Radio 4 --- “The growing role of amateurs in collecting scientific data. From
using home computer downtime to search for extraterrestrial life and designer drug
molecules to asking amateur experts to track comets with their back garden telescopes, the
public are getting involved in a huge range of surveys and experiments.”
Amateur Science = Non-Traditional (semantics)?
Forrest Mims pointed me to the following two links:
• An interactive view of the solar system
• A 7 day prediction of sulfate, dust and smoke drift across North America from the
U.S. Naval Research Atmospheric Aerosol Laboratory
Forrest is getting ready for his annual vacation at the Mauna Loa Hawaiian resort. :-) He
says that the purpose of the trip is to calibrate his atmospheric instruments but I’ll bet that if
you check Mauna Loa’s live web cam you will be able to catch him basking in the sun.
How to Build a Sun Photometer
Robert Billon’s Website contains sections on Amateur Science, Amateur Radio, Tesla
Coils and Antique Electrical Equipment.
Roy’s Hobbies --- DIY Electric Motors and Stirling Engines
View The Levitating Pencil video and then, perhaps, build your own.
Magnetic Levitation at Room Temperature
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Diamagnetic Levitation --- Its Magic
Diamagnetic Levitation at Home
Meredith Lamb’s links to Diamagnetic Levitation and Seismometer Experiments
Play with Scientific American‘s DIY Quantum Eraser
A Student Assembled Spectrograph With CCD Detector
Christian Buil’s Home Page that deals with Spectroscopy, CCD & Astronomy.
A Webcam Based DIY Laser Rangefinder
Build a DIY Organic Light Emitting Diode
Build Your Own Video-Rate 2-photon Microscope
At The Electronics Lab! you will find useful circuits with full descriptions, diagrams and
PCB layouts.
Drink Pee! --- Derive houseplant fertilizer and ocean-safe water from your pee!
Waterworld I --- URINE: can you really drink it?
Waterworld II --- URINE: how do you make it drinkable?
Creative Science is a collection of science TV programs from the UK
Fred's World of Science --- Science and Electronics Made Fun.
RFID Reader Detector and Tilt-Sensitive RFID Tag --- Want to detect the presence of
RFID readers? Want to control when a RFID tag is active or readable? This link describes
how to do both using bits of copper and card, and some readily available electronics
hardware
The Campfire Dude will show us all about campfires and fire starting.
The purpose of the Home Metal Shop Club is to provide an opportunity for the exchange
of ideas, the sharing of resources, and instruction in metal machining among the
experienced and novice members.
Learn How To Weld
The Planar Machines' Web Site --- An invitation to Topology Planar Machines
Java Animations of Virtual Mechanisms
Here is a look at the Periodic Table of Elements with links to similar sites.
Get back to basics with assembly language programming
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The Earth Portal is a comprehensive resource for timely, objective, science-based
information about the environment.
All the Best Bits --- All about technology, physics, life, the universe and everything
Ingredients --- Simon Quellen Field shows us what's in the stuff that we buy.
The Path to Low Cost Abundant Energy --- by Gary P. Hoffman
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a process that involves the joining of metals without fusion
or filler materials.
The Kids Room
An excellent science fair project could be the investigation of Terra Preta as a natural
process for soil carbon-sequestration. The process was probably discovered by preColombian agricultural peoples of the Amazon.
Many of the deaths, in developing countries, are caused by the lack of suitable drinking
water. Watercan.com provides a set of activities that will allow students to conduct a series
of experiments simulating various water filtration and purification techniques.
Science Buddies gives advice on purchasing chemicals.
Educational Web Sites on Astronomy, Physics, Spaceflight and the Earth's
Magnetism
The Gamequarium --- “The site that swims with learning fun!” has a lot to offer parents and
teachers of younger children. Such as:
• Science Resources
• Interactive Science Links
• Science Videos
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Can you really build a fully-working Stirling Engine from cardboard? Apparently so --see this kit plus some other interesting fully functional “paper” kits.
Science Kit & Boreal Laboratories , VWR LabShop and CR Scientific carry a wide
selection of science kits and supplies.
Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments --- By Robert Bruce Thompson. This
is a book for students, DIY hobbyists, and science buffs, who can no longer get real
chemistry sets.
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Small Parts, Inc. supplies quality materials, components and tools to scientists, engineers,
researchers and product developers.
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WANDERINGS
No. 159
05 June 2009
Ralph J. Coppola
---
SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the SAS Community Forum. Just “click” on FORUM and you will be
able to read the postings without being logged.
Feature
A few weeks ago I was re-reading the SAS E-Bulletin from 27 July 2001 (Scroll down to
“Searching for F. B. Lee”). In it, Shawn Carlson was reminiscing about F. B. Lee—“a true
legend in the world of homebrew instrumentation.” I did a quick Google search on his name
and found that he founded a company called Science First. The search also turned up
some interesting DIY articles that he wrote which leads me to the purpose of this Feature.
The articles resided on Science First’s Web site but were not linked to from any of their
current pages. For example:
http://www.sciencefirst.com/artcls/6.pdf
I thought that I was missing something, so I sent an e-mail to Science First and inquired
about the missing links. They promptly replied:
“Thank you for your interest, but we no longer support these articles on our website.” They,
also, told me that their legal department told them to remove the articles in case someone
using the information.
If F.B. Lee was still alive, I don’t thank that he would be too happy about this decision.
“Fear of litigation has made suppliers unwilling to deal with amateurs. The fear of law suits
has also diverted some nice stuff away from people into the dump. It’s simply hard to buy
something that you could possibly get hurt on.” F.B. Lee.
All of which brings us to the fact that the Web is not “etched in stone”. What is there
today may not be there tomorrow. If you find something of great interest --- download
it --- don’t just rely on a bookmark.
Steve Hanson’s vacuum site, the Bell Jar, has some material on F.B. Lee:
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•
•
•
Material About and By Frank Lee
The Conversion of Refrigerator Compressors into Vacuum Pumps
Vacuum on the Cheap: the Refrigeration Compressor
An example of page disappearing from the web is a science fair project that dealt with an
investigation into an alternative method to improve water conditions using biological-based
technologies.
This project was originally located at www.alumni.ca/~farese/#toc but when I recently tried
to view it I found that it was gone.
Fortunately, there is a Web service called The Way Back Machine which tries to archive
much of the Web. And that’s where I found the missing document A New Approach to
Water Purification.
And, yes I down loaded a copy.
Wanderings
Take a little bit of Yttrium Oxide and throw in some Barium Carbonate and Cupric Oxide and
you end up with your own home-made-superconductor.
Yttrium Oxide MSDS sheet
Barium Carbonate MSDS sheet
Cupric Oxide MSDS sheet
International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC)
The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Morning Coffee Physics is Jasper Palfree’s blog about physics.
DIY Science at Morning Coffee Physics
Science Base --- David Bradley’s science blog
Stupid Science from Science Base
The Science Page --- Mark Csele’s personal memoirs of his adventures in science and how
he got started in science and electronics.
Bill Beaty’s traffic waves might prove to be an interesting area of further investigation.
Brian Manning’s article covering how An amateur built a ruling engine to produce a
diffraction grating for use in a spectrohelioscope can be found in the Instruments and
Imaging Section of The British Astronomical Association’s web site.
Scilab is a free open source scientific software package, similar to MATLAB, for numerical
computations providing a powerful open computing environment for engineering and
scientific applications. Download your free copy of Scilab 5.1.1.
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PINOUTS.RU is a collection of hardware interfaces of modern and obsolete hardware,
including pinouts of ports, expansion slots, and other connectors of computers and different
digital devices.
PC Parallel Port Interfacing Made Easy: Tomi Engdahl shows us some simple circuits and
programs on how to use the PC parallel port output capabilities.
Last month I wanted to build a circuit for work. Basically, we have a computer system that
sends control signals to a radio transmitter. The software expects to see certain responses
for the different controls. If it alarms will be generated and things just will not work. Since I
do not have a transmitter in my office I designed a simulator based around 5 double pole
double throw relays. I did not want to take the time and trouble to make a printed circuit
board. For one thing, it would be a mess as there would have been many crossed traces.
So what did I do? I reverted to Wire Wrap, a technology that I haven’t used in years but it
worked out great! Check here for a quick lesson on Wire Wrapping Techniques
There are many science related videos posted on the popular YouTube site. But EXTREME
CAUTION must be exercised when trying to duplicate some of the postings as many are
frauds and/or out right dangerous. In fact I have started to collect a list of the fraudulent
videos which will be posted when I have collected a suitable number. So please send me
any that you think are suspicious --- or --- videos that you really like.
See in the dark!
Bill Beaty’s Dangerous High-Speed Magnetic Levitation Maglev
MrfixitsRick and his Tesla CD Turbines and Homopolar Motors
Mendocino Motor --- Solar Powered and Magnetically Levitated
Lego Motor --- Another Solar Powered Levitated Motor
391 Homopolar Motors on YouTube
392,000 Science Videos on YouTube
52,900 Science Experiments on YouTube
607 Science Projects Ideas on YouTube
Here is an amazing video of a bursting water filled balloon and here is a video of a
water balloon not exploding.
The Xerces Society is an international, non-profit organization that protects wildlife through
the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat.
iGEM is the international genetically engineered machines competition. The objective of the
competition is to design and build an engineered biological system using DNA.
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The Home Chemistry Society (HCS) is devoted to helping those who are fascinated by
nature and science but who are not affiliated with a major university lab or large company
lab to meet others, acquire reagents and lab ware, perform experiments and further their
knowledge of chemistry.
Ideas for building amateur research equipment
Build a DIY Magnetic Stir Plate
Here is United Nuclear’s DIY Ball Mill
Home Made Bunsen Burner
WorldWide Telescope (WWT) enables your computer to function as a virtual telescope,
bringing together imagery from the best ground and space-based telescopes in the world
The sling was likely mankind's first, true projectile weapon.
The Centre for Alternative Technology, in the UK, tries to demonstrate practical ways of
addressing the problem of climate change, pollution and the waste of precious resources.
The MadSci Network represents a collective cranium of scientists providing answers to
your questions.
Life without numbers --- The tiny Amazonian Piraha tribe is said to have no concept of
numbers, time or colours.
What do you do if you catch an Ultra-Rare Megamouth Shark? You eat it, of course!
In a way it’s amusing. On the political level some countries are “at each others throats” but
on the academic level there appears to be co-operation. Take for example the SESAME
Project (Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East).
By the way the founding members are Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, the
Palestinian Authority, and Turkey
The Kids Room
Mothers CAN do science! Here is a selection of home science experiments for mothers of
elementary school children. For example Water Rockets are always a great hit with the
kids.
The Nexus Research Group’s website is full of fun scientific activities and ideas for
parents, teachers and students of all ages.
It's 02:00, and with plenty more home work to finish, and you discover that you have just
used your last sheet of graph paper! Don't worry …. Angelica says. Print your own!
The Science House’s mission is to increase student enthusiasm for science by partnering
with K-12 teachers to promote hands-on inquiry-based science learning.
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LabVIEW is a platform and development environment for a visual programming language
which is commonly used for data acquisition, instrument control, and industrial
automation. A student version of LabVIEW can be obtained from National Instruments.
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The Online Science Mall has a nice looking propane / butane Bunsen burner for $13.95
US.
On The Lighter Side
The Impossible Figure
From The Far Side
The Alchemy Web Site
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WANDERINGS
No. 160
03 July 2009
Ralph J. Coppola
---
SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the SAS Community Forum. Just “click” on FORUM and you will be
able to read the postings without being logged.
Feature
Every once and a while I come across a project that really peaks my interest and the
following item is one of them.
A number of years ago, I came across Sean Johnston’s presentation “A High School
Student Builds a Recording Spectrophotometer” in Scientific American’s Amateur
Scientist column from January 1975. At the time, I thought that a simpler device could be
made based on a PC and ADC instead of Sean’s analog methods. But a “mental design”
was about as far as I got.
As I was looking for some interesting links for the current WANDERINGS, I came across
Citizen Science/The Urinomics Project which is a project application for a LED based
spectrophotometer. Two of the principals, Tuur Van Balen and Vincent Rouilly, told me that
their first experiments with the Arduino/LED spectrometer were based on: Eric
Rosenthal’s Liquid ID Spectrometer. It should be noted that this design can be adapted
for either transmissive or reflective modes.
Eric Rosenthal hopes that this project becomes the starting point to spark the imagination to
develope different applications based on spectrometry. With some further development and
calibration this instrument could prove to be a valuable tool for environmental monitoring
and perhaps medical diognosis in emergining countries.
As I was doing some research on Eric Rosenthal I found out that his spectrometer appeared
in Issue #14 of Make Magizine. Also, see the Flicker entry on the spectrometer.
Royal Society of Chemistry shows how to Build Your Own Spectrophotometer.
MiniSpectroscopy displays a visual representation (a "spectroscope view") of a sample
spectrum simultaneously with a graphical (intensity vs. wavelength) representation.
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A LED Color Chart
LED Information
Notes on LED’s
Interfacing to the IBM-PC Parallel Printer Port
Use of a PC Printer Port for Control and Data Acquisition
Wanderings
Agnes Pockels --- Amateur Scientist --- Making History at the Kitchen Sink
Amateur Science ---- “Amateurs are typically motivated by the sincerest of motivations, a
thirst for knowledge and understanding.”
Can Amateur Scientists Do Theoretical Science? --- Philip Dorrell
Amateur Science --- by Jonah Lehrer
“Who are the scientists of today? Where do they work? What motivates them? As
science increasingly shapes our cultural moment, the identity of its practitioners is also
evolving” ---- An essay by Steven Shapin
Geospatial Technology and the Citizen Scientist
ImageJ is a public domain Java image processing program that can display, edit, analyze,
process, save and print 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit images including TIFF, GIF, JPEG, BMP,
DICOM, FITS and "raw" formats. See Forrest Mims’ Country Scientist article “How to
Analyze Scientific Images” in Make: Magazine #18. In Issue #19, Forrest will demonstrate
how he is using ImageJ to analyze tree rings.
Roger Marin sends us this interesting link to a site dedicated to “hacking” the Canon Power
Shot Camera’s firmware. Here are some examples of pictures that were taken with the
modified cameras. Amazing! Thanks, Roger.
microObservatory Image is simple to use, yet powerful astronomical image processing
program that works with FITS and GIF files.
Ely Silk Web site, Views From Science, shows his extensive interests in amateur science.
Forrest Mims gave me a “heads up” to this interesting NOAA site that documents their use
of GPS satellite signals to measure atmospheric water vapor ---- NOAA’s GPS-Met
Observing Systems
As they say --- “Great minds think alike” ;-)
466
In the June 2009 issue of TCS we can find Allan Rydberg’s article on Wire Wrapping and if
you slide on over to WANDERINGS you will find that I described my recent use of the
techniques.
Allan Rydberg’s Maverick Experiments is a collection of articles dedicated to
understanding the principles behind science.
Do you need some Ballistic Gel? Why not make your own?
Amateur Astronomy --- Getting Started in Photometry
The Micro Observatory allows you to explore the Universe with telescopes that you can
control over the Internet.
Build your own digital microscope
The Microscope on a Budget --- Here is a complete guide to the low cost light microscope
for the laboratory, photographers, and hobbyists by M. Brian Stevens
Zach’s Cool Stuff --- Making holograms with an inexpensive laser pointer
The Digital Dragonfly --- How to use a flat bed scanner to produce images of living
dragonflies.
Introduction to Interferometric Optical Testing
The Scientific Toolbox is a clearinghouse of ideas to make science more accessible to
everyday people
Among other things on Terrie Miller’s Citizen Science Projects Site is a nice video titled
Chemistry Sets, Past and Present containing a clip of “guess who?”
Terrie’s site also has a collection of Web Tools for Citizen Science Organizations
Why water freezes faster after heating
The U.S. Naval Observatory has a page that allows you to obtain the times of sunrise,
sunset, moonrise, moonset etc for any location on earth.
The Naked Scientists are a group of researchers from Cambridge University who use
radio, live lectures, and the Internet to strip science down to its bare essentials, and
promote it to the general public.
Nikola Tesla and his patents
The Acme Mapper is another way of looking at Google Maps.
OpenStreetMap is a free editable map, of the whole world, that allows you to view, edit and
use geographical data in a collaborative way from anywhere on Earth.
The Galileo Project contains information on the life and work of Galileo Galilei.
467
Marbling --- Topological Computer Graphics
The International Space Station comes together!
The Kids Room
Sea Perch is an innovative underwater robotics program that trains teachers - who then
train their students - to build an ROV, or remotely operated vehicle. The program, started by
MIT Sea Grant (MITSG) in 2003, is aimed at igniting children's enthusiasm for science,
technology, and engineering.
What time is it? Build a LEGO clock and find out.
How to Collect Spider Webs
Learn Physics Using Java
The Science Explorer is a collection of family experiments from the Exploratorium.
Microscope fun for kids
Measure the Diameter of the Earth
The Physics Toys web site will help teachers learn how to use easily made toys to teach
physics concepts in a more concrete way.
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Sparkfun is a source of the Arduino plus other useful stuff.
Arduino accessories from The Maker SHED
The Propeller microprocessor chip contains eight 32 bit processors that can operate
simultaneously, either independently or cooperatively, sharing common resources through a
central hub.
g.90 USB is a ‘plug & play” GPS Receiver that is designed, primarily, for use with laptops in
field applications.
BBC BASIC for Windows is a version of BASIC for PCs running Windows 95, 98, Me,
NT4, 2000, XP or Vista). BBC BASIC provides the programmer with a modern interface
combining the simplicity of BASIC with the sophistication of a structured language, allowing
you to write utilities and games, use sound and graphics, perform calculations and create
complete Windows applications. See the User Manual. Price --- about $50 US.
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On The Lighter Side
10 weird experiments from the Mad Science Book
From The Far Side
The Hyper Cube and The Fourth Dimension --- The Fourth Dimension is the next step in
the series: "Length, Height, and Width...." But what is it?
Here is some information on the The US Navy’s work with Cold Fusion --- Vol 1 and Vol 2
The Sailing Stones of Death Valley
Mystery SOLVED! --- Has the mystery of Death Valley’s Sailing Stones been solved?
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469
WANDERINGS
No. 161
07 August 2009
Ralph J. Coppola
---
SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the SAS Community Forum. Just “click” on FORUM and you will be
able to read the postings without being logged.
Feature
All of us, at one time or another has come across a web site that forced us, in order to
access the sites features, to enter a code such as:
This is called A CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing Test To Tell Computers
and Humans Apart) which is a program that protects websites against bots by generating
and grading tests that humans can pass but current computer programs cannot. Thanks to
Mike Dziekan via Forrest Mims for alerting me to this.
“The Turing Test is named after Alan Turing who was a British mathematician, logician,
cryptanalyst and computer scientist. Turing is often considered to be the father of modern
computer science.
During the Second World War, Turing worked at Bletchley Park, Britain's code breaking
centre, and was for a time head of the section responsible for breaking the German naval
codes. He devised a number of techniques for breaking the German ciphers, including the
method of the bombe, an electromechanical machine that could find settings for the
Enigma machine.”
Note: The preceding was edited from the Wikipedia entry for Alan Turing.
Also see:
Bletchley Park
The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park
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The Enigma Machine from Wikipedia
Build an Electronic Enigma Machine from a kit
Download and build a Paper Enigma Machine
Colossus --- The code breaker
Tommy Flowers and Colossis
The Design of Colossus --- by Thomas H. Flowers
Codes and Ciphers in the Second World War with Tony Sale.
Code messages with this DIY paper slide rule.
Wanderings
On 16 July 2009, there was a 7.8 earthquake recorded in southern New Zealand. This
has special interest to me because my daughter, Jennifer, has recently started working for
GNS Science which is a research Institute that is owned by the New Zealand Government.
Her duties include the processing of seismatic data so she will probably be busy for a
while.
In Age of High-Tech, Are Americans Losing Touch with DIY Skills? --- By Glenn Harlan
Reynolds
Have a look at the Science of ‘Yesteryear” from Science and Mechanics.
QuarkNet --- The science connection you've been waiting for!
Cosmic Ray Muon Detectors --- Particle Physics Using Nature's Accelerator
QuarkNet Classroom Projects
The Cosmic Connection --- The Berkeley Lab Cosmic Ray Telescope Project
Astronomical Photoelectric Photometry by Jeff Hopkins
Build an Aluminum / Carbon battery
High-Speed Flash Photography for Amateur Photographers Scientists
Darrel Emerson’s FGM-3h Fluxgate Magnetometer Tests
Perhaps you are interested in robotics but are not that mechanically inclined to actually build
you own robot. All is not lost! With Hacking Roomba you can turn a Roomba vacuum
cleaner into a real robot.
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Recrystallized Rocketry is Jimmy Yawn’s site that specializes in Rcandy: KNO3/Sucrose
propellant made by solution and recrystallization.
A Citizen Science opportunity --- CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community
Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, communitybased network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and
map precipitation (rain, hail and snow).
The Cloud Appreciation Society observes clouds for the love of it.
OpenWetWare is an effort to promote the sharing of information, know-how, and wisdom
among researchers and groups who are working in biology & biological engineering.
Many science projects involve the collaboration among several contributors. Forrest Mims
has already alerted us to Twitter, a service that allows you and your colleagues, to
exchange quick frequent messages. There are several other services on the Net that offer
more complex collaborations. These include:
•
Pachube is a service that enables you to connect, via the Internet, and share real
time sensor data from various devices located around the world. See Pachube
Community for more information.
•
OpenWet Ware’s on-line lab notebook can be setup for yourself or your group.
•
Goggle Docs allows you to create and share your work online.
•
Google Wave is a new tool for communication and collaboration on the web, coming
later this year.
OS Nano is an experiment in making nanotechnology research accessible, simple and
transferable and to make it address environmental, health and social justice issues around
the world.
This started out as an informative site but there does not appear to have been any action
since 2007. Overlooking this, they have one DIY project --- Cook Up a Batch of Magnetite
Nanocrystals
OS Nano, also, has some interesting links:
•
HOWTOPEDIA is a collaborative platform for practical knowledge and simple
technologies that require no complex machine that are easily explainable and usable
by individuals or small communities for a sustainable and ecological future.
•
APPROPEDIA is the site for collaborative solutions in sustainability, poverty
reduction and international development
•
DLab is Amy Smith’s appropriate technology development laboratory at MIT.
•
MacGyver for the Developing World
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•
Science in Africa --- Africa’s first on-line science magazine
•
The Zeer Pot - a Nigerian invention keeps food fresh without electricity
•
The International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) is the
premiere undergraduate Synthetic Biology competition. Also, see the Wikipedia
entry.
•
iGEM Closes Doors to Amateurs
•
Learn Genetics at Home With the University of Utah
•
DIYbio is an organization that aims to help make biology a worthwhile pursuit for
citizen scientists, amateur biologists, and DIY biological engineers who value
openness and safety.
Dr Mark Miodownik has assembled a Library of the World’s Most Unusual
Compounds.
Here is a list of links to useful mathematical textbooks available for free on the Internet.
They are all legal and maintained by their authors or by the legitimate publisher.
I like pie --- especially, homemade apple, mince or pumpkin pie. But Eve Anderson loves
PI!
The wiseGEEK answers “What Is ---- ?”
Has the Tunguksa Blast Mystery been solved by the use of the space shuttle?
Boy! Where has the time gone? Look at this post, by Bill Beaty, from 1994!
The Kids Room
Collect Micrometeorites with Bizarre Labs.
Collect and examine micrometeorites
The Red Phoxes --- Meteor Observation Astronomy Resource
Preparation of Technical Reports --- by Dr. Ronald Francis
The Cool Cosmos --- “Learn about Infrared Light and open the door into the fantastic world
of Infrared and Multiwavelength Astronomy.”
CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, has a selection of DIY science experiments.
Make your own seed tapes
The LEGO Digital Designer is a program that lets you build with LEGO bricks on your
computer.
473
LDraw™ is an open standard for LEGO CAD programs that allow the user to create virtual
LEGO models and scenes
Online Resources for LEGO Mindstorms Robots
Darlene Cavalier, The Science Cheerleader, alerted us to Crayon Physics, a new 2-D
physics game. You can download a free copy or purchase Crayon Physics Deluxe. Read
Darlene’s review and then visit the download site.
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
It would be nice if every community had a facility like this --- The TechShop is a
membership-based workshop that provides members with access to tools, equipment and
instruction.
OpenOffice.org 2.3.1 --- With this, free open source, office suite you can create dynamic
documents, analyze data, design eye-catching presentations, and produce dramatic
illustrations. See the review.
Its time, again, for water rockets! See Antigravity Research for a complete line of supplies.
The File Guru site contains hundreds of downloadable software.
Carl's Electronics stocks many different electronics construction kits, such as:
• Ultrasonic Wind Speed Meter Kit
• Ion Generator Kit
The Yellow Ibis is your source for science T shirts.
Air Variable Capacitors are getting harder to find but you might be able to find what you
need at Surplus Sales of Nebraska.
On The Lighter Side
See what happens when Highlanders get bored with their sheep!
How to cure a bored dog!
Here’s what get when an artist is studying to be a doctor.
From The Far Side
Build a novel perpetual motion machine that could fool a lot of people.
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475
WANDERINGS
No. 162
04 September 2009
Ralph J. Coppola
---
SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the SAS Community Forum. Just “click” on FORUM and you will be
able to read the postings without being logged.
Feature
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind --- William Kamkwamba a young Malawi boy powers
his home with windmills that he made from junk.
Wanderings
Hirohito: Emperor of Japan --- A mere collector or a true amateur scientist?
A Naturalist's Notebook or, The Most Cost-Effective Science Project You'll Ever Do --- by
Sheldon Greaves
Field Journal and Scientific Note Taking
Don Lancaster wrote an interesting article on Taking Low Level Measurements. He
shows just how easily one can be led astray by bad measurements. I wouldn’t be surprised
if bad measurements are the root of many fantastic free energy “discoveries”.
Don Lancaster on Pseudoscience
Hacking a Roomba Vacuum Cleaner
Do you need a Microtome? Than, build one out of Lego.
Build a PCR Thermocycler for $350
Lime Jell-O, Yeast and Carbon Paper are used to construct a fuel cell.
Twitter-For-Beginners
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Advanced-Twitter-Tips
PC Users ---- What is the Windows registry?
Mythbuster Adam Savage talks about Skepticism and Reason
The Fusor Net ---- Home of Amateur Nuclear Fusion
Feel like building something? Than have a look at The Daily DIY site for some possible
ideas.
Or, how about Things To Make And Do from The Creative Science Centre.
Here are a few items from Popular Science Magazine’s On-line DIY page:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Old Flatbed Scanner + 50mm Lens = Amazing 130-Megapixel Scancam
Carve Steel with Saltwater, Electricity and a Tin Earring
Quantum Physics in a Glass
Making Glass in a Grill
A Credit Card-Sized Linux Computer and a Matchbook-Sized PIC
Powerhouse
Do You Need to Buy Microsoft Office?
What Can You Do With Twitter?
Amateur rocketry index from Hobby Space
Pulse-Jets.com is the home of the World’s most active forum for home made jets of all
kinds.
The Mohs Scale of mineral hardness characterizes the scratch resistance of various
minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material.
The Rockwell Scale is a hardness scale based on the indentation hardness of a material.
The Kids Room
A Dozen Dynamite Science Demonstrations
Planet Science --- Free & fun Science resources for children, young people, teachers and
parents.
The Faulkes Telescope Project provides access to a global network of robotic telescopes
and provides free resources for science education.
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
477
The DI-194 is a 4-Channel, 10-Bit Analog to Digital Converter that sells for $24.95 US!
The DI-194 comes with free chart recorder and waveform playback and analysis software.
Have a look through the DI-194 User Manual before you decide to order one.
Genetic Genealogy allows us to trace the path of our ancestors and find out who they
were, where they lived and how they have migrated throughout the world.
The Galileoscope is a high-quality, low-cost telescope kit developed for the International
Year of Astronomy 2009 by a team of leading astronomers, optical engineers, and science
educators.
On The Lighter Side
Whoopi Goldberg : Scientist
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WANDERINGS
No. 163
02 Oct 2009
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Come and join us on the SAS Community Forum. Just “click” on FORUM and you will be
able to read the postings without being logged.
Feature
The feature in WANDERINGS # 162 was:
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind --- William Kamkwamba a young Malawi boy powers
his home with windmills that he made from junk.
YouTube has a few clips, interviews and further information on this remarkable
young man.
Wanderings
Citizen Scientists enable researchers to breed colonies of dwindling native ladybugs.
Read Prof. Mark Csele’s personal memoirs of his adventures in science and how he got
started in science and electronics.
Chris Tait, a Manitoba lawyer and amateur palaeontologist, has discovered the fossilized
remains of a crocodile estimated to be about 100 million years old.
Have any of you ever studied John Gillespie Magee’s poem High Flight in highschool or
college?
“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings”
Well, if any of you have ever wished that you could “dance the skies” you might be
interested in Mike Sandlin’s series of Bugs (Basic Ultra light Gliders).
See the BUG in action on YouTube.
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The ArduPilot is a full-featured autopilot based on the Arduino open-source hardware
platform.
The phduino Project describes a DIY pH meter using an Arduino microcontroller board.
Build a working cardboard replica of van Leeuwenhoek’s microscope.
How to Make a Van Leeuwenhoek Microscope Replica
Improving the Performance of the Single Lens Microscope
Measuring the Magnification of Homemade Simple Microscope Lenses
Digital Holography Using a Laser Pointer and a Consumer Digital Camera
Laser Pointer Holography
Animated Engines is a visual explanation of the inner workings of a variety of steam,
Stirling, and internal combustion engines.
Jeffrey Bushendorf relates his experiences in building a version of James Senft’s N-92
Low Temperature Differential Stirling Engines.
Steve Eves breaks records with the largest and heaviest amateur rocket that was ever
launched.
Here are 4 Extreme Soda-Pop Rockets (With Step-By-Step Plans!)
Techlib shows us how to construct DIY Ionization Chambers
Build Rob Hartmann’s Ten Dollar Pseudoscope and see everything inside out. You can
also catch Kip Kay’s version on YouTube.
The Fire Piston --- Predecessor to the Diesel Engine See how to make your own Fire
Piston on YouTube.
Aubrey Jaffer’s Simple Buoyancy Seismometer
Modernized Conventional Pendulum Seismometer
Build the DIY The Time Fountain. Go here for the instructions.
Gabriel documents his work with DIY Heliostat Solar Tracking and CNC Projects.
The Arba Minch Solar Initiative Project outlines the construction and use of simple
parabolic solar cookers to save firewood in Ethiopia.
Red Rock Energy’s Web Site contains a pile of info on solar energy.
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On 25 Aug 2009, Jim Hannon posted the URL for the Citizen Sky Group to the SAS
Community Forum. Perhaps you can help them solve the mystery of epsilon Aurigae, a
star that has baffled scientists since 1821.
Web Elements --- Here is another Web based periodic table
Capacitors
The ePanorama.net Site contains many useful sections such as electronic schematics and
freeware software.
Let’s take another look at The Enigma Enciphering Machine.
Writing a Technical Book --- a case study
The Canadian Ice Service - Ice Graph Version 1.0 is an application that will generate a
predefined set of ice coverage graphs for the selected region and dates.
Many of you are familiar with the quote attributed to the Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu --"Give a man a fish; feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish; feed him for a lifetime".
Along this line is an organization called Kiva which allows you to make a loan to specific
entrepreneurs, empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty and put them on the road
of self sufficiency.
Innocentive --- Solve Problems, Earn Cash, Change Lives
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, the Founder of Sulabh International Social Service
Organisation, a pioneering non-profit voluntary organisation (NGO) in the field of Sanitation
in India, envisioned the need for the setting up the Sulabm Museum of Toilets.
A Corolla fanbelt is used to help recover Apollo data
Wikipedia Color-Codes for Credibility
The Kids Room
Amy Martin sends us this link to Rock and Mineral Resources to replace a similar obsolete
link from a past WANDERINGS. Amy says “I have been using this page and it provides a
ton of resources on rocks and minerals including igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic,
lesson plans, etc. I've incorporated them into my lesson plan as well.” Thanks Amy!
Here are the 2009 results of the First Robotics Competition.
Two high school students design and construct a LED replacement for a fluorescent
lamp.
Science Buddies --- free science fair project ideas, answers, and tools for the serious
students
481
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Soda-Pop Rockets: 20 Sensational Rockets to Make from Plastic Bottles
Shoebox Holography: A Step-By-Step Guide to Making Holograms Using Inexpensive
Semiconductor Diode Lasers by Frank DeFreitas, Steve Michael and Alan Rhody. --$15.25 at Amazon.com
Introduction to Low Temperature Differential Stirling Engines by James Senft --$13.95 at Amazon.com
On The Lighter Side
The Order of the Science Scouts of Exemplary Repute and above Average Physique
has developed a system of merit badges.
What was the greatest Canadian invention?
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482
WANDERINGS
No. 164
06 November 2009
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature
If you have a Canon camera you might be interested in the free Canon Hacking
Development Kit (CHDK) which will allow you to temporally override most of the camera's
factory settings plus add some exciting new features such as remote shutter release and
automatic time laps photography to name but 2.
Interested? Further info may be found at:
• One Page Ultra-Quick Users Guide
• CHDK firmware usage
• CHDK/End-Users-Guide-All Best 50
• CHDK-SVN Autobuild Download
• How to expand your camera with CHDK
• USB Remote Cable
• Laser Triggered High-Speed Photography
I assembled the preceding links before I realized that in WANDERINGS #160 I posted a
recommendation from Roger Marin:
Roger Marin sends us this interesting link to a site dedicated to “hacking” the Canon Power
Shot Camera’s firmware. Here are some examples of pictures that were taken with the
modified cameras. Amazing! Thanks, Roger.
I don’t know if this repeated entry is because I’m getting old and my memory is going or
what! Anyway I decided to include the new entry.
Here is a DIY IR filter that can be constructed from floppy disk media
Wanderings
In an earlier column, I mentioned that our daughter, Jennifer, is working in New Zealand. In
order to eliminate our astronomical phone bills, she suggested that we start using the
Internet based SKYPE application. SKYPE allows us to make free computer to computer
483
(PC or Mac) audio and video calls. There is a fee charged if we want to call a regular or cell
phone.
Download SKYPE for Windows, Mac or Linux and try it yourself.
A while back, I wanted to download a video from YouTube but they do not have download
facilities. Fortunately, I had Real Player SP, a free utility, installed on my computer. Real
Player SP interfaces, automatically, with YouTube and allows you to capture the videos.
You can also use Real Player SP to download missed episodes of MAKE TV. Or, if you
don’t want to go to the trouble, just watch them on-line.
MAKE: Sets up The Science Room.
James Spottiswoode built an inexpensive Diamagnetic Suspension Seismometer.
Attention! --- MacBook or MacBook Pro Users --- SeisMac, a Macintosh Freeware utility,
turns your Laptop’s Sudden Motion Sensor into a three-axis seismograph.
The mission of the Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory (ASL) is to support the
operation and maintenance of seismic networks.
View Interactive Map of Global Earthquakes from the past 24 hrs.
IRIS - Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology is a consortium of universities
dedicated to the operation of science facilities for the acquisition, management, and
distribution of seismological data.
Force Field --- A source of powerful magnets and ideas on using them
Photosounder is a free image-sound editing program that may find some use in your
scientific endeavours. Briefly, it is capable of converting images to sounds. Read the
complete description on its web site. Can any of you think up a scientific use for this
software?
Photosounder has its own channel on YouTube.
FFT for Dummies, by Renato Romero, is an introduction to Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
and Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT)
The Scientist and Engineer's Guide to Digital Signal Processing --- an on-line book by
Steven W. Smith, PhD
DSP for Dummies --- by Jonathan Naylor
The Java FFT Analyzer applet is a powerful signal analyze toolkit.
The Sound Spectrum JAVA Demo is a JAVA applet demonstrating basic concept of Fast
Fourier Transformations (FFT). This program analyzes a sound source, which can be a URL
sound file or signals generated by the internal oscillator.
484
Gijs Gieskes has built an interesting Image Scan Sequencer. I guess that you could call it
a modern day player paino. Check out his web site for further information.
The International Submarine Race's contestants include universities, high schools,
individuals and research labs.
There is a debate on the Internet over whether or not it is possible to have a vehicle,
powered only by the wind, travel down wind faster than the wind. In fact someone
coined the acronym DWFTTW which stands for Down Wind Faster Than the Wind.
What do you think?
The DWFTTW web site is soon to be dedicated to the exchange ideas, designs and
concepts for manned and unmanned vehicles that achieve the best possible DWFTTW
performance. Check back as the site is still under construction.
How to build a DIY DDWFTTW cart
• Build video 1 of 3
• Build video 2 of 3
• Build video 3 of 3
Staying with the same theme, have a look at these 4 videos from Coolaun. Just see how
attentive his students are!
•
•
Along the paper faster than the paper
•
•
Under the ruler faster than the ruler
Under the ruler 2: the ground moves
Under the ruler 3: tilting the ruler
Here is Paanoik’s LEGO version of Coolaun’s “car”
Cable Lacing --- A lost art
Do you need to transfer power and/or a signal across a rotating joint? Perhaps a Rotary
Transformer will help.
The purpose of Lets Make Robots is to share knowledge, and form a community that
encourages development of faster, better, funnier robots.
Homemade Laser Rangefinder
Todd Danko’s Webcam Based DIY Laser Rangefinder
A Real-time Laser Range Finding Vision System
Negative Scalar Distance? One of our readers sent us a link to a paper that he found on
the subject.
Here is a 42 week Graphical Pregnancy Calendar that is presented in a rotatable 3D
format.
485
Nicole Kuepper, a 23-year-old Australian PhD student is using the KISS principle in
developing a method of using an inkjet printer to produce photovoltaic (solar) cells.
Donald L. Blanchard’s The Formation of Pangaea: The Making of a Supercontinent
Carl Helmers was one of the early pioneers of the personal computer revelation.
Epson and Infineon develop a tiny single-chip GPS receiver. Yes, that’s a match head!
First Scientists: The Ashkui Project
Inuit village blames climate change for strange events
The Northern Arizona University and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
say that the Arctic at its warmest levels in 2,000 years.
Darrell S. Kaufman, Professor: Geology and Environmental Science, Northern Arizona
University
North Pole may be may become seasonally ice-free within 10 years.
Here are some pictures of some awesome Russian icebreakers operating in the Arctic
waters.
The Kids Room
Try your hand at building The Best Paper Airplane in the World.
Don’t put the paper away yet! Here’s some more paper airplane links.
Super Science Fair Projects is your complete step-by-step guide to science projects,
ideas, topics and experiments.
Science Castle’s vision is to create an online science community, for children, that delivers
a hands-on science experience via the Internet.
Nexus Research Group --- a training room for young scientists.
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The Maker Shed carries an extensive selection of DIY Kits, Tools, and Books etc.
I haven’t dealt with Information Unlimited but they seem like an excellent source for
inexpensive high voltage capacitors and diodes. They also carry a 1000 Meg 10kv
486
resistor for $12.95US. The leakage characteristics of these resistors might be improved by
the application of Natural Ceresin Wax.
The OPB780Z is a full color sensor with 4 different frequencies relating directly to a specific
color seen by the sensor.
Get your supplies for school science projects at Xump.
Do you have a use for an ultra small video camcorder?
Using SLOOH’s patented instant-imaging technology and user-friendly interface customers,
of all ages and skill levels, can take control of powerful telescopes from their Mac or PC
computer and Internet browser. Real-time space exploration is just a click away! Check out
their offer via Toys “R” Us.
HobbyPartz is an online store carrying a wide selection of RC (radio control) hobby parts
and other goodies.
On The Lighter Side
David Hyde Costello built a Toy Car Powered by Helium Balloons
See Heita3 and his DIY Musical Instruments.
The Vegetable Orchestra performs music solely on instruments made of vegetables.
There I Fixed It is a collection of novel repairs and applications.
Play Lights Out Cube.
Who do you look like?
From The Far Side
Have you heard The Hum?
Where is Bigfoot? Bigfoot's likely haunts 'revealed'
Battle of LA UFO: Stunning New Photo Enhancements
See Photos of Planet X at Zeta Talk
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487
WANDERINGS
No. 165
04 December 2009
Ralph J. Coppola
---
SAS Disclaimer
Feature
It’s that time of year, again and I would like to wish you and your loved ones a very merry
and safe Christmas season.
Two years ago, while I was recovering from prostrate surgery, I experienced excruciating
pain in my right knee. I went to my local ER and after X-rays and an ultrasound a possible
blood clot was ruled out. Some over the counter pain killers and a few days cured the
problem.
Any way, while in the ER, I started to wonder about the Pulse / Blood O2 monitor that they
had me hooked to. I could easily figure out how my pulse was being measured but not the
blood O2. The whole thing slipped my, until several days ago, when I remembered it and
thought that it would be a good WANDERINGS item.
One thing, though, be very cautious of attaching electrodes to your skin. The LED
sensors will be OK but if you don’t know what you are doing stay away from the
electrodes.
The Principles of Pulse Oximetry Technology
An IR LED / Detector pair is interfaced to an Arduino to make a Pulse Rate Monitor.
Charles Martin’s simple heartbeat sensor using an Arduino
While this Pulse Oximeter doesn’t use an Arduino it still contains excellent basic info on a
Pulse/O2 meter.
Here is a Heartbeat Midi Controller that uses a PIC controller.
A Homemade Electrocardiograph
488
A DIY ECG Machine Made On the Cheap
The Open EEG Project Read their warning!!!
The EEG Page
Several of the above items were based on the Arduino micro controller. Many home
experimenters regard the Arduino as “the greatest thing since sliced bread”. It just goes to
show you that spaghetti isn’t the only good thing to come out of Italy 8-)
Besides the Arduino, there are other excellent microcontrollers on the market. Have a look
at The Basic Stamp and Propeller from Parallax and The PicAxe
The Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-touse hardware (Atmel AVR micro controller) and software.
Arduino @ Wikipedia
MAKE: Magazine maintains an Arduino Archive
Hack N Mod has chosen 40 Top Arduino Projects on the Web
Arduino Projects from the Electronics Lab
Check here for a Wii Nunchuck to an Arduino adapter.
John Park shows us how to make a Personal Flight Recorder or dual axis accelorometer
using an Arduino and a Wii Nunchuck.
Here is a thread on Arduino and Nunchuck Interfacing that was found on the Adafruit
Customer Support Forum.
With this SD shield you can add mass storage to your Arduino.
Triggering a Camera’s Flash with Sound and Light
Here is a Personal G-Force Meter using a ADXL320 and PIC
Make: How-to Tuesday: Arduino 101 Accelerometers
Using an ADXL330 accelerometer with an AVR microcontroller
Here is Ji Binu’s Amtel AVR Project page.
Wanderings
Great Amateurs in Science --- by John Malone
489
Amateur Contributions to Science --- lists sites describing major scientific research
projects being carried out by individuals or groups of skilled, motivated amateur
astronomers.
Citizen Sky is a citizen science project providing you with a chance to do real scientific
research.
Welcome to Galaxy Zoo, where you can help astronomers explore the Universe
The World Wide Telescope (WWT) enables your computer to function as a virtual
telescope, bringing together imagery from the best ground and space-based telescopes in
the world.
The above items were found in the Citizen Science section of the excellent Universe
Today Web Site.
Robtex’s robots crawl the web and categorize many of the sites that they find.
Some of the categories include:
• Science
• Amateurs Astronomy
• Earth Science
In 06 Nov ‘09’s Backscatter column, Mike Dziekan alerted us to a web site that shows us
how to build a portable UV light that can be used, among other things, to find scorpions --Scorpion Detection Using UV Leds .
Nicholas Kwan built a DIY Inclinometer.
Inclinometer et al is a blog about inclinometer basics, technologies, safety measures, and
applications over a broad spectrum of industries
Motöri The Plotter --- Here is another DIY 2D plotter that was fabricated from junked
printer and scanner parts.
The Mendocino Motor --- A DIY Solar Motor
Things to do --- from Make; Magazine
Laser Hacks from Hack N Mod
Pyro Electro News has a very large collection of electronic projects of varying complexity.
ExpressPCB is a free software program that will allow you to design printed circuit boards.
You can then send the final design to the company and they will produce the board for you.
Or, you can do it yourself.
Bernd Ulmann shares, with us, his extensive list of interests and projects. Much is in
German but you should be able to find something of interest in English.
490
Remember Ötzi the Iceman? The Iceman Photo Scan is an innovative project which
recorded the complete photographic documentation of the body of the body of the Iceman
mummy.
The University of Utah’s Learn Genetics Web site has an interactive display on the scale
of cells. Use the slider under the picture to zoom in and out.
Look! A DIY Blood Type Test Kit
LabRoots (a scientific Twitter?) is.a free, social networking site that enables scientists,
engineers, and other technical professionals to connect, collaborate with, and learn from
each other.
Sorry! But it looks like I missed this one. Back in 2007 Amazon and Instructables
sponsored a Science Fair that was open to all.
How they judged the Science Fair
You may find something that interests you in the Instructables Current Contests.
Several years ago we visited the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford, UK. If you
are ever in the area, be sure to drop in. It will be well worth the trouble.
The Tesla Coil Mailing List covers the topics of Tesla coil construction, operation,
measurement, and use.
Based Mathematica, the Wolfram Demonstrations Project is an open-code resource that
uses dynamic computation to illuminate concepts in a wide range of fields such as science,
technology, mathematics and art.
Xerox develops an ink that will allow you to print your own circuit boards.
The Surgical Instruments from Ancient Rome
The Kids Room
Women and Girls in Science
Gever Tulley, founder of the Tinkering School, spells out 5 dangerous things you should
let your kids do.
Make your own “milk glue”.
The SeaPerch Project guides teachers and students through the construction of an
underwater robot.
SeaPerch a MIT Sea Grant project
See the Perch Group on Google Groups.
491
Won’t your parents let you have a pet? Then why not grow your own with The Bacteria
Growth Science Kit?
Think for Yourself --- A Science Teacher’s Blog
View the list of science experiments at The Science Castle.
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Limor Fried, a.k.a. ”Ladyada”, is a graduate of MIT Engineering who runs her own company,
Adafruit Industries, which sells unique and fun do-it-yourself electronics kits. Check out
her Arduino section.
You can get your ADXL320 Accelerometer from Sparkfun
The ADXL320 Accelerometer Data Sheet
Are you building a project and need some type of box or enclosure to stuff it into? Then
check out Bud Industries
This thing looks cool --- Poulsen's Wire Recorder Kit
Lindsay Technical Books --- books for experimenters, inventors and basement scientists.
Get the catalog!
Making Crucibles --- by Vince Gingery
Amazon isn’t just for books. Have a look at their Scientific and Industrial holdings.
On The Lighter Side
Top 12 Things You Need To Be A Mad Scientist
Do you need a T Shirt? Or, how about these?
From The Far Side
Have some fun with a Spooky Tesla Spirit Radio
All About 2012
No Doomsday in 2012
The truth regarding the 2012 Doomsday Prophecy
Mesoamerican Long Count calendar
492
= = = = = = 165 = = = = = =
WANDERINGS
493
No. 166
01 January 2010
Ralph J. Coppola
---
SAS Disclaimer
Feature
FREE!
FREE!
FREE!
FREE!
FREE!
FREE!
FREE!
FREE!
FREE!
Most of you are aware of the Amateur Scientist 3.0 CD ($27 US) that contains all of the
Amateur Scientist Columns, from 1928 until its cancellation. Now, following along in its foot
steps, I am offering the complete collection of Wanderings, from #1 (March ’02) to #165
(Dec ‘09) FREE OF CHARGE!
Occasionally, for one reason or another, I want to find some item in a past Wanderings and
found that it was much easier to do a search if all of the columns were compiled into a
single file.
So, if you would like a copy, send me an e-mail stating which format that you want --- MS
Word --- or --- htm.
I plan to keep the file current and add updates every January
The file is BIG (Over 500 pages @ 6,000 kb)
One more thing ---- Unfortunately, the content of the Internet is NOT “etched in stone”!
Therefore, many of the sites that I recommended no longer exist or have had their URLs
changed,
Wanderings
In June 1996, The Scientist magazine ran an article by Bruce V. Bigelow --- Amateur
Scientists Making Significant Discoveries While Fighting To Receive Recognition And
Respect.
This Instructables features an Arduino-Based Optical Tachometer
A beginner’s guide to accelerometers
A Buffered 3D Accelerometer
494
Build a low cost Tesla Coil and see it in operation.
Here is a good YouTube tutorial on Wind Turbine PVC Blade Design
Join the Open Source: Small Wind Turbine Collaborative Design Center
From The Backwoods Geometer --- The Stop-Action Kinematics Behind Centrifugal
Force
Michael Gasperi's LEGO Mindstorms NXT/RCX Sensor Input Page contains a collection
of LEGO and Mindstorms articles.
Here is a LEGO RCX Input Mux & Color Sensor Project
Here’s how to build a Simple Color Detection Using RGB LEDS
Here is an Instructables that shows us how to make Potato Plastic.
These two videos illustrate how to make potato plastic. The first is from Richard East and
the second is from Ravi Carlson
Kreigh's web site shows his Homemade Lapidary Equipment
This YouTube Video shows experimental footage, chronicling the development of the socalled ALICE (ALuminum and water ICE) solid rocket propellant by a team from Purdue
and Penn State.
Photochemical Spectra by Category
Barometric Pressure Conversion Chart --- Inches of Mercury (InHg) / MilliBars (mB) /
kiloPascals (kP)
Wikibooks Electronics Templates is a collection of electronics related drafting symbols
Water Drop at 2000 Frames per Second
First person view (FPV) flying, which incorporates a radio controlled model plane, an on
board video camera and video goggles, can give you the sensation of actual flight. Here is
an example of a FTV flight. This looks like fun, and it even has scientific applications, to
boot!
FPV Videos
Useful FPV Links
This Youtube video shows Earth's weather from August 17 to August 26, 2009. It was
created at a 7-kilometer resolution with NASA's GEOS-5 atmospheric general circulation
model.
495
Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift ---- The Full Circle?
“Climate science is one of those fields where anyone, regardless of their lack of expertise or
understanding, feels qualified to comment on new papers and ongoing controversies.” --This is a quote from Real Climate.org.
Climate Audit --- Steve McIntyre’s Climate Blog
Global Warming / Climate Change --- Fact or fiction? Flawed science? For a possible
answer it might be a good idea to solicit the opinion of the Inuit and other Arctic dwellers.
Thursday, 3 Dec 2009 --- Sir Muir Russell to head the Independent Review into the
allegations against the Climatic Research Unit (CRU)
The University of East Anglia confirmed that over 95% of the CRU climate data set
concerning land surface temperatures has been accessible to climate researchers,
sceptics and the public for several years
“The Kyoto Protocol is not enough to stem global warming” --- warns a group of
international climate experts. On 8 Nov’04, they issued one of the most urgent warnings
on climate change to date, and could put new pressure on the US and other nations to curb
fossil-fuel emissions.
About GlobalWarming.org is the web site of the Cooler Heads Coalition, a sub-group of
the National Consumer Coalition. The Cooler Heads Coalition was formed to express their
views that global warming is a myth that is fuelled by flawed science.
A Lukewarm View of Global Warming by John L. Daly
Climate Change Education.org is a growing resource dedicated to education on climate
change and global warming.
Could Mega Engineering Projects be used to slow global warming / climate change?
The Kids Room
How to make holograms with an inexpensive laser pointer
Using a Laser to Measure the Speed of Light in Jello
SEED (Schlumberger Excellence in Educational Development, Inc) is a volunteerbased, non-profit education program focused on working with underserved communities.
Global Climate Change and Energy --- Is the global climate changing? Is the world
getting warmer?
Super Science Fair Projects is a complete step-by-step guide to experiments and ideas
for kids K-college
496
General Chemistry Starting Points for Students
Just Call Me Ms Frizzle --- Inspiring The Science Classroom With Creativity
The Blotting Paper Chronicles, Or How We Made—Or Didn’t Make—A Battery
Suppliers and Stuff
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Contraptor is a DIY open source construction set for experimental personal fabrication,
desktop manufacturing, prototyping and bootstrapping.
Looking for a job? Perhaps ResearchGATE can help.
On The Lighter Side
The Galaxy Song by Eric Idle
Have you ever wondered what a kestrel’s call sounds like? If so, you can use the
FindSounds web site to listen to the kestrel’s song plus many other sounds.
Mighty Optical Illusions is one of the Internet’s largest optical illusion data bases.
Do they have air traffic controllers in China?
From The Far Side
Suppression, Censorship and Dogmatism in Science
Polonium Halos: Unrefuted Evidence for Earth's Instant Creation!
= = = = = = 166 = = = = = =
497
WANDERINGS
No. 167
05 February 2010
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
The complete collection of Wanderings, from #1 (March ’02) to #165 (Dec ‘09), has been
compiled into a single document and is now available - FREE OF CHARGE!
If you would like a copy, send me an e-mail stating whether you would like MS Word or
htm format.
Since the file is BIG (Over 500 pages @ 6,000 kb) it will be zipped. Therefore, you must
have the ability to un-zip it.
I plan to keep the file current and add updates every January
Feature
On Amateur Science, an essay by amateur radio astronomer Jim Sky, describing the spirit
of amateur scientists and their approach to discovery. … "For me, one of amateur science's
real attractions is the challenge it poses in terms of developing experimental (or
observational) equipment with limited resources."
Radio JOVE students and amateur scientists observe and analyze natural radio emissions
of Jupiter, the Sun, and our galaxy.
The INSPIRE Project, Inc. is a non-profit scientific, educational corporation whose
objective is to bring the excitement of observing natural and manmade radio waves in the
audio region to students.
Listen to the Sounds of Space and the Space Audio files at the University of Iowa.
Listen to a simulation of The Sound Of The Big Bang as compiled by John G. Cramer,
Professor of Physics aat the University of Washington
NOAA's Space Environment Center provides real-time monitoring and forecasting of solar
and geophysical events,
498
Dr. Tony Phillips' SpaceWeather.com contains science news and information about the
Sun-Earth environment.
Obtain Aurora Alerts from the University of Alaska.
The goal of The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) is to
further advance the knowledge of the physical and electrical properties of the Earth's
ionosphere.
Wanderings
The International Laser Display Association issued this Safety Warning regarding the
harvesting of laser diodes from DVD burners.
The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) provides us with Seismic
Monitor that allows us to monitor global earthquakes in near real-time and visit seismic
stations around the world.
The Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program seeks better understanding of all
volcanoes through documenting their eruptions, small as well as large, during the past
10,000 years.
The vision of The American Geophysical Union is a worldwide scientific community that
advances an understanding of Earth and space that is used for the benefit of humanity.
The Dark Side of Amateur Science ---- by Bill Beaty
Freeduino.org --- “The World Famous Index of Arduino & Freeduino Knowledge”
The Arduino microcontroller board forms the basis of this Laser Tripwire that will interface
with Twitter and provide webcam capture.
Arduino shields are add-ons that enhance the Arduino by adding additional functionality
such as music, GPS, internet e.t.c.
The First 10 Things Everyone Does with their New Arduino
Anders’ Mindstorm Page contains a collection of high end Lego projects such as his NXT
Image Scanner and NXT Plotter .
Giorgio Carboni shows How To Build A Panoramic Camera in his Fun Science Gallery
Here are Bill Beaty’s Plasma Globe Construction Articles, Plans and Links
Build a simple DIY Balancing Robot
If you are interested in DIY CNC (Computer Numerical Control), then Instructables is the
place to go. They have detailed step by step instructions on how you can build your own
CNC devices.
499
Hubert Stierhof’s Low Temperature Differential Stirling Engine Designs contains his
work with a Simple Solar Pump.
Larrys DIY Gas Turbine Jet Engines --- contains links to many DIY jet engine sites.
Robert Hunt’s Teralab site covers physics experiments and glass blowing
Dangerous Laboratories specializes in DIY scientific, industrial, and alternative energy
projects.
Oilgae is an online source of information about extracting energy from algae.
The Nature of Steam
The Particle Adventure --- the fundamentals of matter and force
The Control of Stepping Motors: A Tutorial --- by Douglas W. Jones
How to make etched circuit boards for surface mount devices (SMD)
What series resistor should I use with my LED?
Electronics Calculators from Daycounter, Inc
The Earth Portal is a comprehensive resource for timely, objective, science-based
information about the environment.
Ida Kubiszewski’s Energy Timeline traces energy usage from “day 1” to the present era.
In Dot Earth, Andrew C. Revkin examines efforts to balance human affairs with the planet’s
limits by tracking relevant news from suburbia to Siberia.
“GreenTerraFirma delivers ideas, information, DIY projects and tools, which the ordinary
citizen can use, everyday to reduce their impact on mother earth.”
John N. Harris’ The Last Viking ... Did the Vikings traverse the Northwest Passage?
“The V-2 ballistic missile (known to its designers as the A4) was the world's first
operational liquid fuel rocket.”
Can a return flight to Mars be accomplished in 80 days? Perhaps! Ad Astra in collobration
with Nautel and Scientific Magnetics is developing an ion drive engine that will soon be
filght tested.
Leonardo da Vinci --- His Life
The Leonardo Store --- Books, CD, DVDs, model kits and posters
Take an Astrotour with the Gunn Company of New Zealand.
500
REDSHIFT 5 is an e-index of articles on our solar system.
Earth Observatory and Visible Earth sites are but two of the extensive collection of
information that NASA posts to the web.
NASA releases climate change multimedia resource reel --- NASA has prepared an
online Climate Essentials multimedia gallery to provide journalists, educators, and the public
with copyright-free media content.
Ebook --- Atmospheric Science 2 Edition ---- by J. Wallace P. Hobbs
Why Climategate Is So Distressing To Scientists ---- John P. Costella
I was alerted to this piece by Forrest Mims and Tim Dolan.
“Climate scientists need to take more responsibility about how their work is presented
to the public, suggests the Met Office's Richard Betts. In this week's Green Room, he says it
is vital to prevent climate science being misunderstood or misused.” --- BBC News, 11
January 2010
“A virtual tour of the cold (and not so cold)” --- by Andrew Freedman
The Kids Room:
A high school student wins second place in Physics at the 2003 International Intel Science
and Engineering Fair with his version of a Farnsworth Fusor.
The Washington Large Area Time Coincidence Array (WALTA) is a project to investigate
the highest energy cosmic rays with the participation of middle and high school students
and teachers throughout the Seattle area
The T.W.I.N.K.I.E.S Experiment could serve as the basis of your next science Fair Project.
Science@home --- Science activities for parents of babies, toddlers and school children.
The Science Projects Lab contains science projects, ideas, procedures and techniques.
Use simple Blotter Paper Chromatography to separate the components of marker ink.
Chromatography for Kids --- how to perform Thin Layer Chromatography at home.
David Williamson shows us how to construct a wide variety of science based toys from
common house hold “junk”.
Also, along the same line, let us re-visit to Arvind Gupta’s Toys from Trash Site.
The MadSci Network represents a collective cranium of scientists providing answers to
your questions.
501
Teen Scientists Capture Awesome Space Photos
Here is Brian Wesley Rich's Science Website with some Science Experiments that you
can do.
We have looked at some of Matthais Wandel’s creations in the past. Now have a look at
his:
• Wooden combination lock
• Lego domino row building machine
• Marble run building blocks
Suppliers and Stuff:
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The Acc_Gyro Board ($ 49.99US) contains a 3 axis accelerometer that is mated with a
solid state gyroscope
TH1M Digital Temp / Humidity Sensor
Astromedia has designed a line of DIY working kits of antique scientific instruments.
TutorVista's online tutoring is done using an interactive whiteboard to work problems,
simulations, assessments and other tasks.
The Amateur Geologist is a source of equipment for geologists and rockhounds.
On The Lighter Side:
No! We all don’t live in igloos, up here in Canada. But some could :-)
The Medieval Helpdesk --- The original version
The Medieval Helpdesk --- The English re-make
But, Dad, I’m just doing my home work! ---- Now you can put all those hours of “training” in
front of your video game to good use --- The University of North Dakota is offering the
world’s first bachelor’s degree for UAV pilots.
UAV or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Thousands Gather to Protest Global Warming
Build a Periodic Picnic Table
Amazing Optical Illusions
More Optical Illusions from Mighty Optical Illusions
502
Albert Einstein --- “God does not play dice”
From The Far Side:
Gary McKinnon, a 43 year old British man with Asperger's syndrome, faces a possible 70
year perision sentense if extridated to the US. His crime? He, allegely, hacked into NASA
and US Military computer systems searching for a cover up concerning UFO contacts.
Gary McKinnon: British hacker to be extradited
'UFO Hacker' Tells What He Found
Did UK hacker Gary McKinnon find NASA UFO fraud?
Can carbon be transmuted into iron?
Blaze Labs is experimenting with Electro Hydro Dynamics (EHD) Thrusters also known
as Lifters.
JFK Assassination Research and the Zapruder Film Hoax
The FBI Files of Werhner Von Braun --- By Tom Carney:
• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5
• Part 6
• Part 7
• Part 8
• Part 9
= = = = = = 167 = = = = = =
503
WANDERINGS
No. 168
05 March 2010
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature:
It’s March and almost St. Patrick’s Day.
During the Great Irish Famine of the 1840's, a famous London chef, Alexis Soyer, was
commissioned to develop a receipt to be used in the Irish soup kitchens
It is interesting to compare the receipt of Soyer’s Famine Soup to his Receipt No. 6 that
he developed for the British Army in the Crimea.
In contrast, the Army Soup provides 0.834 lb of meat per serving as opposed to the 0.016 lb
per serving for the Irish. (1 serving = 1 pint)
If you will be in or near Edinburgh, Scotland between 3 and 17 April 2010 be sure to visit
the 22nd Edinburgh International Science Festival.
As a reminder, the complete collection of Wanderings, from #1 (March ’02) to #165 (Dec
‘09), has been compiled into a single document and is now available - FREE OF CHARGE!
If you would like a copy, send me an e-mail stating your preferred format --- MS Word or
htm.
Wanderings:
Why We Need to Stop Worrying and Love Amateur Science
Dangerous Science!
The Engineer's Disease --- Asperger's Syndrome may help make some scientists who they
are.
Forrest Mims and his Engineer’s Mini-notebooks are discussed on the All About Circuits
Forum.
504
A Solar Monitoring Project --- Nikolas Wolfe’s work with the development of an opensource monitoring system for remote solar power applications
The Arduino Punk Console is a grown up version of The Atari Punk Console.
A SRF05 Ultrasonic Range Finder is interfaced to an Arduino to Make a Radar Screen
to Visualise Sensor Data.
The author uses parts from an Arduino and parts from an old scanner and CD drive to
make a Beer Bottle Plotter to label his home brew bottles.
Do you have a treasure trove of vinyl records but no turntable to play them on?
If so, try Charles Altmann’s DIY Turntable and Tone Arm.
Code, Circuits, & Construction --- code and fabrication resources for physical computing
and networking
Cosmic Ray Telescope and Muon Detector
Magnetometers - Measuring the magnetic field of Earth
Jack Smith’s circuit prototyping page
Manhattan Style Circuit Building by Chuck Adams
CircuitMaker Student Edition is a free download, although it is no longer supported by the
original developer. It still works fine under Windows XP.
Getting Started With Circuit Maker
Take a tour of Cadsoft’s EAGLE PCB Layout Editor, a powerful easy to use tool for
designing printed circuit boards.
Down load Eagle Light, a freeware version of their licensed package.
The White Fusion kit allows you to mix your Red, Green and Blu-Ray (Violet) lasers to
produce any color you like. Even white!
The Laser Pointer Forum
Sam's Laser FAQ --- Photos, Diagrams, Schematics
Sam’s Laser FAQ --- Diode Laser Power Supplies
Sam’s Laser FAQ --- Safety, Info, Links, Parts, Types, Drive, Construction
The Tesla Universe
Tony van Roon’s High Voltage Project Page
505
The Control of Stepping Motors: A Tutorial ---- by Douglas W. Jones
The Museum of Mathematics strives to enhance public understanding and perception of
mathematics.
How do you convert a bagel into a two-twist Möbius Strip?
Or, how would you tie your bagel into a Trefoil Knot.
The Student Hands-On Training (SHOT) II Workshop will provide students an opportunity
to launch a small payload on a high altitude balloon, in order to observe the effects of a near
space environment on their flight experiment.
Michael Gasperi's LEGO Mindstorms NXT/RCX Sensor Input Page
Astronomy 161 The Solar System, is an on line seminar in astronomy from Dept. Physics
& Astronomy University of Tennessee.
The Webb Space Telescope is scheduled to join the Hubble in 2014.
Stephanie Majewski is at CERN.
"Rock-star physicist" Brian Cox talks about his work on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
CERN in a nutshell
The Large Hadron Collider – a video explination on You Tube.
The latest news from the Large Hadron Collider
Walter Wagner and his colleague, Luis Sancho, attempted to sue t he builders of the
world's biggest particle collider over fears that the experiment might create globegobbling black holes or never-before-seen strains of matter that would destroy the planet.
Listen to Walter Wagner on YouTube.
Stephanie Majewski is at CERN.
"Rock-star physicist" Brian Cox talks about his work on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
CERN in a nutshell
The Large Hadron Collider – a video explination on You Tube.
The latest news from the Large Hadron Collider
Virtual Polyhedra: The Encyclopedia of Polyhedra --- By George W. Hart.
You will need to install a browser plug-in in order to view the *.wrl files.
ScienceBlogs is a gateway to a wide collection of science related blogs.
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Darren Naish’s blog ---- Tetrapod Zoology
Don's Maps is a resource for the study of Palaeolithic and Paleolithic European, Russian
and Australian Archaeology and Archeology
The Geoscience Data Repository (GDR), is a collection of Earth Sciences Sector
geoscience databases that is managed and accessed by a series of Information Services
(GDRIS). This site allows for you to discover, view and download, free of charge.
The Quantum-Mechanics-of-Macroscopic-Objects --- by Yanbei Chen, CIT
Maxent is a software package that was designed for species habitat modeling
DIVA-GIS is a free computer program for mapping and geographic data analysis.
WorldClim is a set of global climate layers (climate grids) with a spatial resolution of a
square kilometer. They can be used for mapping and spatial modeling in a GIS or other
computer programs.
And the debate goes on ---- “Himalayan Glacier Goof-up: More fake ammo for the
climate denial industry”
Environmental Graffiti is an eclectic mix of the most bizarre, funny and interesting
environmental news on the planet.
Forrest Mims gave me a leads to the following 4 items. Thanks Forrest.
Here is a Searchable Database of the Confirmed Emails from the East Anglia
“Climategate” affair.
Watts Up With That? News and commentary on puzzling things in life, nature, science,
weather, climate change, technology, and recent news by Anthony Watts
Surface Temperature Records: Policy Driven Deception? --- Is a paper by veteran
meteorologists Joe D’Aleo and Anthony Watts that contends that leading meteorological
institutions in the USA and around the world have tampered with instrumental temperature
data, to such an extent, that it cannot be safely said that there has been any significant net
“global warming” in the 20th century.
The Science and Public Policy Institute (SPPI) is a non-profit institute of research and
education dedicated to sound public policy based on sound science.
Skeptics say that scientists are using selective temperature data.
James Lovelock, the originator of the 'Gaia theory', explains why he thinks nuclear
power, not wind farms, can address the problems of global warming
The Candu Reactor --- Canada’s little reactor.
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Yves Rossy a modern day Icarus!
The Kids Room:
Women in Science ---- Lisa Randall PhD in theoretical physicist
Down load a free copy of Inquiry in Action that will assist you in teaching physical science
and chemistry concepts using an inquiry-based approach.
The Science Explorer is an online e-book of “at home” science projects.
Cogito was designed to connect young people around the globe who have a passion for
math and science.
Here is a collection of DIY Paper Airplanes from Instructables.
The Educational Observatory, when completed, will provide K-12 students with an
opportunity to do real science (observational astronomy) from their classrooms via the
internet. See the Educational Observatory's Aurora page.
My 4 year old foster daughter loves PixelWhimsy - A Software Toy For All Ages. It is a
digital sandbox for learning, play, and experimentation. By the way, one of her, and her
sister’s, favourite toys is the Glodoodle which is a hi-tech version of the old Magic Slate.
The Glodoodle uses a red and green LED to produce a selection of 3 colours (red, green
and yellow) that is used to back light the screen. Another one of her favourite pass times is
creating her own critters with SPORE.
Suppliers and Stuff:
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
Rockcliff Machine is a supplier of CNC systems and components.
Download a free copy of ACF Components & Fasteners Fastener Specification
Handbook.
All Electronics carries a large selection of electronic components.
Apogee Components, Inc --- Expert information and resources for model rocket builders,
designers and flyers
On The Lighter Side:
Black Hole Rap
The BBC will air world's first film shot by chimpanzees. But I’ve always thought that the
little critters have been running TV for years :-)
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From The Far Side:
Was Haiti’s: Earthquake a punishment from God for their pact with the devil?
Some also say that Haiti’s extreme poverty is a ‘punishment”. Or was it caused by the
decades of corruption under the dictators, like of the Duvaliers, and the $21 billion, in
compensation, that Haiti was forced to pay France for its loss of a slave colony.
The Enigma Project is a private association of scientifically trained and technically oriented
individuals who investigate and document claims of unexplained phenomena.
What will they think of next? --- Quanum RTR Bomb System 1/6 scale Plug-n-Drop
If you thought that Y2K was bad --- just wait for the Year 2038 Problem. That is, assuming
that we all survive 2012!
110 Crop Circles
The Circlemakers' Website contains a wealth of information by and about England's crop
circlemakers.
Is Your Printer Spying On You?
Bigfoot's likely haunts 'revealed'
Sea Serpents and Lake Monsters: Legends and Myths, or Reality?
To Be or Not to Be: Arguments For and Against the Sasquatch
Quantum Gravity Physics Based On Facts, Giving Checkable Predictions
25 January 2010 --- Residents of Harbour Mille, Newfoundland reported seeing an
object fly over their community.
The Electrogravitational Mechanics page presents a study of electrogravitational field
mechanics.
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509
WANDERINGS
No. 169
02 April 2010
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
Feature:
I debated whether to include Martin Grusenick’s YouTube demonstration --- Extended
Michelson-Morley Interferometer experiment here or in From The Far Side. I finally
decided to put it here because it is similar to Dr. Lance Osadchey’s Velador Experiment
that was chronicled on the SAS Forum.
See:
•
02 February 2007 ---- An Experiment to Measure the Absolute Motion of the
Earth
•
06 April 2007 --- Update and Comments about an Experiment to Measure The
Absolute Motion of the Earth
•
04 May 2007 ---- SAS Community Forum Update
•
Charles Edwards ---- Reproducing the Velador Experiment
•
Grusenick Repetition Of Michelson-Morley Interference Experiment
•
Physics Forums ---- An interesting interferometer experiment!
My reservations concerning posting Grusenick’s experiments here stem from some ties to
The Far Side.
On the other hand, it would be interesting to compare and contrast Grusenick’s work with
that of Osadchey & Edwards.
Build a Desktop Michelson-Morely Interferometer
Build a Laser Interferometer on your kitchen counter for $20
The Bath Interferometer can be used to check the quality of mirrors and lenses.
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How to build a Bath Interferometer
Interferometry and Fringe Analysis for the amateur astronomer
Basics of interferometry and interferometers
Further links to light and interferometers may be found in Wanderings #98 (17 June 2005).
You can read it in The Complete Collection of Wanderings, from #1 (March ’02) to #165
(Dec ‘09). To receive your free copy, send me an e-mail stating your preferred format --- MS
Word or htm.
Wanderings:
“Does the U.S. Produce Too Many Scientists? --- American science education lags
behind that of many other nations, right? So why does it produce so many talented young
researchers who cannot find a job in their chosen field of study?” --- Scientific American
article by Beryl Lieff Benderly.
Come and join Dr. Shawn and Dr. Michelle on the LabRats Facebook Page.
For those of you who may not be familiar with LabRats --- They are developing the most
comprehensive hands-on education program in the physical and biological sciences ever
devised.
David R. Brooks, Ph.D., whose Gallery submission, Historic Snow in Northeastern
States, can be found in the 05 March 2010 issue of TCS, has a VERY interesting Web
Site. Be sure to have a good look around. For starters, here are a couple of his links:
•
Student Climate Change Research
•
Calculate solar position and the time of solar noon at your coordinates.
I really like Karl Sims’ How to Make a Three-Pendulum Rotary Harmonograph
Scroll down to Further Reading for a couple of helpful links.
Here is a YouTube shot of the Harmonograph in action.
Check out these other YouTube Harmonograph Videos.
You too can be a space scientist! Visit the Tube Sat’s Web Site and find out how you can
launch your own satellite into Low Earth Orbit.
NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative is another way to go.
The Instructables Web Site is an excellent source of DIY science projects.
•
Instructables --- Science
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•
Instructables --- Fun Science
•
Instructables --- DIY Handheld Van de Graaff Generator
•
Instructables --- Solar Panels for Your Home
•
Instructables --- Be a Scientist: Build an Electrostatic Motor
The next two Instructables cover the construction of two low cost PC based oscilloscopes:
•
DPScope is a low-cost pc-based oscilloscope ($89 US).
•
LCS-1M is a full-featured, low-cost hobby oscilloscope.
Zelscope is a PC soundcard based dual-trace storage oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer.
I know that this may be The Most Useless Machine EVER but I bet that you want one.
Well then, why don’t you build one? And if that wasn’t enough, here are 273 more of
these things!
NerdKits has a wide variety of kits, projects and tutorials. For example, the following are
two of their tutorials:
This tutorial shows you how to interface an inexpensive digital caliper to a micro
controller or computer and achieve measurement accuracies in the range of 0.001 inches or
0.0254 mm.
In this tutorial, a $20 digital bathroom scale is hooked to an amplifier and a microcontroller
--- Digital Scale Strain Gauge Weight Sensor
How to Build an Inexpensive Microbarograph that can detect infrasound (sound less than
20 Hz) and atmospheric tsunamis.
Also, have a look at Detecting Subtle Tsunamis (May 1998) that is contained on the SAS
Amateur Scientist CD.
Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories is “making the world a better place one evil mad scientist
at a time”.
Visit Forrest Mims and his The Puzzler Challenges on the Jamco Electronics Web Site. I
especially like Puzzler #4. Be sure to check the other items in their Work Shop section.
Do you need a small radiator or heat exchanger?
What about some riveted chain maille or 4 in 1 maille?
Or can I interest you in some DIY Lava?
512
This DIY Microphone Blimp will assist you in eliminating wind noise during outside audio
recordings.
Here is another unusual microphone configuration.
A DIY Wind Vane --- From Conception through Construction to Conclusion
Jason Rollette's Underwater ROV and Steve Thorne’s Home Built ROV’s are a couple
examples DIY remote operated under water vehicles.
NASA’s Radio JOVE receivers are used a simple student radio telescope.
Make a sun dial and find out what time it is. That is, if the sun is shining.
The Make: Science Room will show you how to make crystal iodine.
Here is an experimental ozone generator based on readily available inexpensive parts.
Make some more ozone.
Make an ioniser that emits a stream of negative ions into the air.
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) was designed to connect peripherals to a PC
How To Design, Build And Test Small Liquid-Fuel Rocket Engines
The Cole-Parmer Web Site, besides offering a wide selection of scientific and laboratory
equipment, has a Technical Library contains over 850 files of articles, information and
FAQs. For example, here is their Flowmeter FAQs
“The American Scientific Affiliation (ASA) is a fellowship of men and women in science
and disciplines that relate to science who share a common fidelity to the Word of God and a
commitment to integrity in the practice of science.”
H a mma ch e r Sch le mme r is o ffe ri n g a 24" x 18" Canvas Portrait of your unique
DNA for less than $500.
The Journal of Serendipitous and Unexpected Results (JSUR) is an open-access forum
for researchers seeking to further scientific discovery by sharing surprising or unexpected
results.
Sat-nav systems may be under a growing threat from 'jammers'.
Is Caño Cristales the most beautiful river in the world?
The Kids Room:
Here are a few Science Fair Projects that may be found on Instructables.
513
Brown University’s Exploratories Project contains a collection of free software tools aimed
at using computers and the Web in education.
Paper Airplanes are believed to have originated in China more than two thousand years
ago.
Almost everyone loves to blow bubbles! Why not give it a try?
•
Big Bubble Magic
•
Bubble Town
•
Magic Bubbles
•
Homemade Bubble Solutions
Bubble Blowers lists three bubble science kits that are available.
Suppliers and Stuff:
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
DIY Water Motor --- This is a working paper model kit for a proof-of-concept Osmosis
Motor. Download the plans to your computer and assemble it with some common household
materials.
Super Magnet Man is a supplier of stock and custom magnets.
The Little Machine Shop is a premier source of tooling, parts, and accessories for bench
top machinists.
Online Metals (and plastics too) is your online resource specializing in the smaller order.
Have you ever “lost” your car? If so, this GPS Homing Device is for you. This is the
simplest portable GPS locating device available, ideal for finding your car after shopping or
your hotel after a day of touring in an unfamiliar city.
Thorlabs looks like a source of optical components.
The RK-48708-20 is a 1.3 megapixels (10x to 200x) Digital USB Microscope for less than
$250.00.
On The Lighter Side:
The object of this game is to exit the door. Clues will be given next month, in Wanderings
#170.
KOHCTPYKTOP --- Engineer of the People and other games from Zachtronics Industries.
514
Turn any URL into music with CODEORGAN.
Go low tech and build a human powered Segway.
From The Far Side:
James D. Hardy's Self-Looped Water Pump and Electricity Generator consists of a 165
gallon/minute water pump powering a water wheel, which is connected through belts to a
generator. It is claimed that the generator then powers the water pump as well as an
incandescent light bulb.
Make a power saving plug and save up to 35% on your power bill.
America’s Army, a computer game devised, by the US Army, has come under fire from
parents anxious that it glorifies violence. The army hopes that the game will help it to attract
the tens of thousands of young people it needs to join its ranks each year.
US Armed Forces are Data Mining Info Sources to assist recruiters in targeting young
people.
How 10 digits will end privacy as we know it
Crank Dot Net --- Aether
= = = = = = 169 = = = = = =
515
WANDERINGS
No. 170
07 May 2010
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
The Amateur Scientist 3.0 CD-ROM is available from Bright Science for $27 US.
Get your Complete Collection of Wanderings, from #1 (March ’02) to #165 (Dec ‘09). To
receive your free copy, send me an e-mail stating your preferred format --- MS Word or htm.
Feature:
Many science projects incorporate electronics in one way or another. The various
applications may include indicating, controlling and/or measurement.
For simple devices the experimenter may choose to build the circuit on a solderless bread
board. But for a more complex or permanent device, a printed circuit could be selected.
If you decide to go with a printed circuit build you could etch your circuit board from a hand
drawn resist pattern drawn on a copper blank. An easier way would be to use one of the
many Freeware or purchased software packages that are available via the Internet.
Cadsoft offers a free download of their Eagle commercial software that will allow you to
take your design from a schematic through to the artwork that you will use to produce your
final board. Here is an outline of the various steps.
Build Your Own Printed Circuit Board is a book that shows you how to use Eagle. A copy
of Eagle, on a CD, is included with the book.
Cadsoft --- Eagle Tutorial
Cadsoft --- Eagle 4.1 Manual
Sparkfun has developed several Eagle Tutorials
•
Lecture 8 --- Eagle: Schematics
516
•
Lecture 9 --- Eagle: PCB Layout
•
Lecture 10 --- Eagle: Creating a new part
Instructables --- Draw Electronic Schematics with CadSoft EAGLE
How-to: Prepare your Eagle designs for manufacture
Here is a YouTube video, with Collin Cunningham, showing us how he etches a
printed circuit board.
Did you ever try to draw a circle with an Etch-a-Sketch? You didn’t have too much success,
did you? Well, perhaps if you had a little bit of help :-)
Wanderings:
2 litre plastic soda bottles are being used as prosthetic arms for land-mine victims.
Here are some low tech sun trackers for solar panels or cookers. Also, see this
Instructable.
Robert Hart has released the preliminary results of his work in developing a very low cost
cosmic ray detector using common fluorescent tubes.
Robert, also, built a Muon Detector using Geiger–Müller Tubes to be used as a
comparison standard for his fluorescent tube unit.
BTW --- Check the selection of Russian Geiger tubes on eBay.
Alpha Radiation visualizing using a web cam
See Counting Particles from Space in the February 2001 Amateur Scientist.
Here are some projects in Biomedical Instrumentation
William Steer says that standard PC multimedia audio facilities offer much under-utilised
potential for scientific projects. See Soundcard Audio Tools and Toys on his
Techmind.org site.
The Power Labs site shows us how to build a High Voltage Power Supply using a fly-back
transformer from an old TV.
Instructables ---- High Voltage Experiments
Instructables ---- Build a Variable High Voltage Power Supply
Instructables ---- Build a DIY Handheld Van de Graaff Generator
517
Last month I had a link to making DIY Lava. If you wish to try it for yourself you will need
some type of solar furnace.
•
Bill Beaty’s Infinitely Large Solar Furnace
•
Random Destructive Acts via Focused Solar Radiation
I bought a Fresnel Lens Page Magnifier for $1.00 at my local Dollar Store. Unfortunately,
they only had one or I would have bought more.
Jim Hannon alerted me to The Home Scientist YouTube series which grew out of Make
Magazine’s Science Room. Thanks, Jim.
We’ve had Bat Detectors. Now, how about a Rat Detector?
Robert Hunt shows us his very nice little Cloud Chamber on his Teralab Site.
You can see him demonstrating his Homemade Expansion Cloud Chamber on YouTube.
Robert Hunt demonstrates his glass blowing skills in this video --- Homemade
Incandescent Lamp (Glass Blowing).
See A Canteen Cloud Chamber in the January 2001 Amateur Scientist.
Detection of X-ray and Gamma-ray Photons Using Silicon Diodes
The Pin Diode Circuit Designers’ Handbook
Instructables ---- Convert a bicycle pump into a manual vacuum pump.
Instructables ---- Turn a telescope and webcam into a USB super telescope.
Instructables ---- Water Rocket Parachute Deployment Mechanism
I’ve listed Charles Wenzel’s Techlib, several times in past Wanderings. I think that it’s worth
while to repeat his link to an extensive array of DIY projects.
Karen Orton has written several versions of a Humnuller Program that will remove 50 or
60 Hz line noise (fundamental and harmonics) from low frequency data files. These are
especially useful for VLF recordings.
Another one of her circuits is the Mic Input Telemetry which is a simple ADC using your
PC’s “MIC” input.
Spectrum Lab, by Wolfgang "Wolf" Büscher (DL4YHF), is a software tool for audio analysis
and DSP. See all of his projects here.
Resonances, Waves and Fields Their Applications, Physics, and Math - Ceperley.
Peter
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Here is a simple electronic circuit simulator written in Java. We have seen Paul Falstad's
Java Applets several times in the past.
MAGE Water Management’s a solar water still, Watercone system, is capable of
providing safe drinking water to developing regions or disaster relief.
"What good is Relativity?"
The thousands of pages in JRank Science & Philosophy Science Encyclopedia Website
cover all branches of science.
The U.S. Geological Survey provides several ways to obtain real-time, worldwide
earthquake lists
GraphCalc is an all-in-one solution to everything mathematical. GraphCalc combines all the
features of a professional mathematics package with the simplicity of an easy to learn
windows interface. It provides user-friendly help and tutorials to guide you through the easy
and fun process of mastering GraphCalc.
Zonum Solutions has developed a collection of free software for the fields of Hydraulics,
Hydrology, Irrigation, Watershed management, CAD, Geographic Information Systems and
Remote Sensing.
J-Track 3-D is a 3D database of over 900 satellites in Earth orbit.
The University of Sussex’s Department of Engineering and Design has two useful writing
guides:
•
Guide To Laboratory Report Writing
•
Guide To Technical Report Writing
Fessenden and the Early History of Radio Science
DIY Self Charging Batteries
Are Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs Dangerous?
Biofuels --- are bad for feeding people and combating climate change
Fuel's Gold --- Turning corn into ethanol may not be worth it
Here is Scientific American's The Amateur Scientist Column Index that I compiled, way
back in the early 90’s. Bill Beaty must have rescued it from my old web site before it was
shut down.
Look what I found hiding on the Internet! Society for Amateur Scientist's Forum has been
inactive for years but it is still “out there”.
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On 31 August 1998 the Internet News Group, alt.sci.amateur, was founded. It started out
with high hopes of attracting interested amateurs but skimming over the years you’ll see a
large collection of “nuts”, “trolls, and “flames”. All in all, it has shown little traffic.
The Kids Room:
Dr’s Shawn and Michelle on YouTube with LabRats
This ionization chamber based radon detector is designed to be easy for the student or
hobbyist to build and use.
Educypedia is a gigantic information resource about Scientific and Educational material:
Electronics, Science, Engineering, Encyclopedia and Information Technology.
The Zephyr Education Foundation is a non-profit organization created to support marine
science awareness and education through hands-on field activities.
Mr. Rick's Science Web Site was developed to support the science classes that he
teaches at Oak Harbor High School.
Temperature Risin’
Suppliers and Stuff:
Being listed here does not constitute an endorsement by SAS or me of any information,
product or service.
The Wireless USB Digital Microscope lets you explore and capture digital images without
any interference from wires hanging from the top of the microscope.
The GPS Travelogue uses GPS to track and record everywhere you travel, allowing you to
later upload your journey to online mapping applications such as Google Earth.
Bookmark Buddy appears to be a very useful bookmark organizer.
Information Unlimited has a selection of DC and AC High Voltage Power Supplies.
On The Lighter Side:
Here are the clues that may assist you in solving the room puzzle that was presented in
Wanderings #169.
Pingu on YouTube :-)
The Simpsons - Homer Evolution
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From The Far Side:
Nikola Tesla
Tesla and the Pyramids of Mars
I wonder what they talked about. --- Communicating with Mars: The Experiments of
Tesla & Hodowanec
Say what?
The Enigma Project is a private, Maryland-based, association of scientifically trained and
technically oriented individuals who investigate and document claims of unexplained
phenomena.
= = = = = = 170 = = = = = =
521
WANDERINGS
No. 171
04 June 2010
Ralph J. Coppola
--SAS Disclaimer
The Amateur Scientist 3.0 CD-ROM is available from Bright Science for $27.
Get your Complete Collection of Wanderings, from #1 (March ’02) to #165 (Dec ‘09). To
receive your free copy, send me an e-mail stating your preferred format --- MS Word or htm.
Feature:
For this month’s Feature we will be looking at the Arduino microcontroller.
Microcontrollers are small computers, often housed on a single chip, that are capable of
performing many types of programmed tasks. One common function, of the device, is to
replace a circuit made up of a complex array of discrete logic gates by a computer program.
An advantage of this is that the application can easily be modified by changing some
program code instead of doing actual hardware modifications.
Before we go too far, I’d like to mention that the Arduino is not the only show in town. There
are many excellent systems, on the market, with vastly different features so you should be
able to find one that fits your needs.
You have probably come across several of the most popular:
•
BASIC Stamp and Propeller from Parallax
•
Picaxe based on Microchip Technology Inc’s PIC family of micro controllers.
•
MakeController Kit v2.0 from the Maker Shed.
Recently, I came across NGX Technologies’ BlueBoard-LPC1768-H which looks quite
impressive.
A few of the reasons that I like the Arduino are:
• There is a large user presence on the Web
• It has a small foot print
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•
•
•
Its architecture is “open source”
There are a large number of “daughter boards” or “shields” available
There is a SD shield available that gives several gigs of data storage.
Is there anything that I do not like about it? Yes, I wish that there was a mounting hole at
each corner. Other than that, I haven’t found anything more. Granted, I have not had too
much time to “play” around with my board.
The Arduino Home Web Site
The current basic Arduino, the Duemilanove, is based on the Atmel ATmega328 chip.
Duemilanove means 2009, in Italian, the year that it was released. You can hear its proper
Italian pronunciation in the following sound files --- WAV, OGG, MP3, FLAC, WMA 8-)
The Arduino @ Goggle Code
Join the AVRFreaks for discussions on the ATmega386 and other Atmel products.
The book, Getting Started with Arduino, that was written by Massimo Banzi, one of the
Arduino developers, is a good place to start.
The Arduino Tutorial Bundle is a collection of 11 tutorial experiments.
Here are a few of the many sites that host Arduino project collections:
•
The World Famous Index of Arduino Knowledge
•
10 DIY Arduino Projects and HOW - TO - Tutorials
•
Instructables --- Arduino Projects
•
Electronics Lab --- Arduino Projects
•
Hack a Day --- 301+ Arduino Projects
•
uCHobby --- Arduino Projects
•
Introduction to Microcontrollers with Arduino
•
The Arduino as I2C bus scanner and other projects
Eric Rosenthal designed and built an Arduino based Liquid ID Spectrometer that can be
adapted for either transmissive or reflective modes. See Wanderings #160, 03 July 2009
for further information.
An Arduino based ph Meter
Arduino controlled Magnetic Stirrer --- Part 1: The Hardware
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Arduino controlled Magnetic Stirrer --- Part 2: The Software
Be lazy and build an Arduino RC Lawnmower
Arduino based serial RC servo controller
Arduino RFID Door Lock
How to Install the Arduino to the Lithium Backpack
The Arduino AA Undershield
Arduino Sound – Part 1
Arduino Sound - Part 2: Hello World
Arduino Sound - Part 3. Playing a Melody
Use an Arduino and a SRF-05 ultrasound range finder to make a radar.
How to connect LCDs to the Arduino
The Maker Shed has a 4 digit / 7 Segment Display shield available for $50.
The Reverse Geocache Puzzle --- This Arduino / GPS based puzzle is a box that won’t
open until its owner figures out where on earth to move it.
Follow the Puzzle Box saga on Arduiniana
Ferret was a high altitude balloon tracker that was constructed for a balloon launch (Project
Orion) launched on 07/03/10 from Churchill College, Cambridge.
Here’s how to Hack a Keychain Digital Camera for Arduino control.
Digital camera control using Arduino
This Arduino-based camera, designed by Flickr arms22 , includes a LS20031 GPS
receiver and a C328 640x480 camera module plus a SD card to store images.
Unfortunatelly, its mostly in Japanese. But you might be able to glean some information
from it. Give it a try.
Here are some of Flickr arms22’s other work.
Arduino I/O Pin Performance
Solarbotics Ardweeny --- The little friend of the Arduino
How to build the Ardweeny
Kimio Kosaka’s Burning the Arduino Bootloader without external AVR-Writer
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How to use an Arduino to program an Atmega168 / Atmega328
A Simple Arduino Robotics Platform
The Proto Shield is an open-source prototyping shield for the Arduino.
An Arduino board layout library, in Eagle format, is available for download at
Adafruit.com.
The Jedi Mind Control Game uses EEG technology to read your alpha and beta brain
waves to control the levitation of a ball. It’s a simple task to hack into the game and possibly
control other tasks. Brain Control for the Arduino. May the force be with you!
The EyeWriter is a low-cost eye-tracking apparatus that allows a person with paralysis
resulting from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis to write or draw using only their eyes.
The Eye Shield is a circuit board that allows the Arduino to have the power of sight. It
interprets analogue video (PAL or NTSC) from a camera or other source. It gives the
Arduino the power of sight.
Core2duino --- See how to build an Arduino shield that adds another Atmega 168/328 on
top of your Arduino,
If the Core2 wasn’t enough, try the Core3duino
Expand the Arduino I/O with the I2C bus
I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) is a multi-master serial single-ended computer bus that is
used to attach low-speed peripherals to a motherboard.
The Philips I²C Bus Manual
How to update the Arduino
Parallax has an easy-to-use GPS module for DIYers
PIC Projects and how to construct a GPS data logger using a PIC16F88 and a Delorme
Tripmate GPS receiver
So, where can you buy an Arduino?
Wanderings:
The White House Wants to Hear from You --- Join the Conversation on the Future of
Science in the US
Bruce Hegerberg’s DIY Sun Gun, a solar telescope that allowed one to safely observe the
sun was the topic of Scientific American’s Amateur Scientist Column in August 1999 and
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was also listed in Wanderings #145. You should check his complete work on his site and
perhaps you might be able to spot a Super Solar Flare like Richard Carrington’s discovery
in 1859.
Dr. David R. Brooks, whose site I included in Wanderings #169, has alerted me to a
couple of interesting links that are located on his site:
•
This application, a Simple Model of Solar Irradiance or Insolation, is an
approximation that provides some insight into the basic physical processes that
control the amount of sunlight reaching Earth's surface under "clear sky" conditions.
•
The Bird and Hulstrom's Solar Irradiance Model is widely used for estimating
broadband clear sky irradiance at Earth's surface.
The Vostok Ice Core has yielded a 400 000 year profile of Temperature and
Atmospheric CO2 Concentration.
See the link, about “official” US weather stations that I placed in From the Far Side:
AccuWeather.com Global Warming Center offers links to some of the latest research and
commentary by experts from both sides of the global warming / climate change debate. For
example Evidence Suggests Man-Made Warming Greatly Exaggerated.
The University of Wisconsin’s Video Lab Manual , covers many DIY projects that are aimed
at helping us to explore the nanoworld. For example, see how to make your own Organic
Light Emitting Diode (OLED).
Take some time wander around the rest of their site as there is a lot of good stuff there such
as --- Exploring the Nanoworld with LEGO® Bricks.
Tho X. Bui briefly describes his Solar Catenary Reflector, in Issue #21 of Make: Magazine
but his Web Site covers the reflector in much greater detail.
The Icarus Project ---- “Who needs a Space Shuttle? Amazing pictures of Earth
captured by one man, a balloon and his compact camera.” Robert Harrison received
much British media attention for the series of pictures that he took from his balloon launch.
Robert’s work is a bit more advanced than The Balloon Project: San Francisco
About the Balloon Project
All these balloons reminded me of Nena’s 99 Luftballons
A Peltier Cooler is used to make a Cloud Chamber
Build a CD spectrograph in a cardboard box.
This Instructable will show you how to build a "Baghdad Battery"
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You can find all kinds of good stuff on eBay. For example, these inexpensive Panasonic
WM-61A microphone capsules were used to build a DIY Hydrophone.
DIY Conductive glue, paint and thread might prove useful to the experimenter. How about
making a, papier-mâché, high voltage terminal for a Vann de Graaff generator?
Acrylic sheet stock can be used as a project building material.
Here is a Passive Infrared (PIR) Motion Sensor Tutorial from Adafruit.
Creating Printed Circuit Boards with a INKJET Printer
Many activities, related to amateur science, “stink” so it might be advisable to make use of a
fume hood. Here is one idea showing you how to build a small fume hood for stinky
projects.
But, before you roll up your sleeves and start construction of your hood you should look at
the Fume Hood Standards from the University of Waterloo and take special note about
using spark free electrics (fans / switches / etc) if you ever intend on using substances that
give off flammable vapours.
You could also expand the fume hood into a combination with a glove box. I wanted to give
you a link to a better DIY glove box but unfortunately, the best one that I found was on a
DIY Designer Drug site and for obvious reasons I did not want to use it.
The TeleToyland site consists of web connected applications, such as robots. Through
these projects, you can reach out of the Internet virtual world and affect the real world.
See how TeleToyland’s Marble Maze was built.
Download your free copy of VirtualBreadboard, an easy to use virtual simulation tool that
can be used in place of a real breadboard to quickly model electronic and microcontroller
applications. Now it is equipped with a virtual Arduino!
Raven Lite is a free software program, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, that lets users
record, save, and visualize sounds as spectrograms and waveforms. Raven Lite is intended
for students, educators, and hobbyists, and can be used for learning about sounds, as an
aid in birdsong recognition, and in musical instruction. Download your copy of raven Lite.
Here is another freebee --- Inkscape is an open source vector graphics editor, with
capabilities similar to Illustrator or CorelDraw.
Chuck McManis’ site covers the theory of H-Bridges.
Here is a schematic for a “better H bridge” design from Eugene Blanchard.
Basic Testing of Semiconductor Devices
With a suitable digital multimeter, you should be able to do a fairly accurate go/no go test
of MOSFET transistors.
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Max’s Little Robot Shop was founded as a resource for the amateur robotics community.
Look here for a page on his DIY 3D milling machine.
Do you know that your Roomba vacuum cleaner can form an excellent robot platform? See
how to communicate with your Roomba via a serial link.
Is our response to music hard-wired or culturally determined? Investigate the question
with Bobby McFerrin in Notes & Neurons at the The World Science Festival.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is a tool that is used to process signals (or data) by digital
means.
This Digital Signal Processing Tutorial from 101 Science is but one from their extensive
selection of tutorials.
For those of you who are running a Linux system here is a collection of Signal
Analysis/Processing Software.
Dr. Dan Russell’s Acoustics and Vibration Animations page contains animations which
demonstrate various concepts concerning acoustics and vibration. I especially like this
visualization of Longitudinal and Transverse Wave Motion.
Here is a didgeridoo that was modified to provide electronic manipulation.
Build a Hydraulic Ram Pump that can pump water with no energy input except gravity.
One down side, this pump requires a head of at least 1 metre in order to work.
Use your PC’s serial out put to control a small variable speed motor.
Do you remember the Rubik’s Cube? How fast could you solve it?
What is the Infamous Double Slit Experiment? Here, you can run the Double Slit
Experiment yourself.
Mike Davey built this excellent example of a Turing Machine. The concept was originally
the result of a “thought experiment” by Alan Turing, one of the fathers of the computer age.
This Java applet is a Simulation of a Turning Machine.
In 1999, Sarah Flannery, a 16-year-old Irish girl, won the Esat Young Scientist Exhibition
and the EU Young Scientist of the Year Award for her project entitled "Cryptography - A
new algorithm versus the RSA". Her paper described her discovery of the Cayley–Purser
Algorithm. Even though she later reported that the algorithm was flawed the whole thing
attracted considerable media attention.
GRID-Arendal is an official United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) collaborating
centre, supporting informed decision making and awareness-raising
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SciVee is a leading provider of Internet video and rich media solutions for the scientific,
technical and medical markets.
Educypedia is an information resource about Scientific and Educational material:
Electronics, Science, Engineering, Encyclopedia and Information Technology.
The Integrated Publishing site contains a wealth of assorted information such as this
section on Radiation Detection Technology. Some of the items are free while others are
available as user pay subscription service.
Intute is a free online service that helps you to find the best web resources for your studies
and research
The following is an excellent collection of descriptions of the myriad of different screws that
are available. There seems to be as many screw types as there are stars in the sky. Well --almost.
•
When a Phillips is not a Phillips!
•
When a Phillips is not a Phillips Plus So Much More!
Personally, I strongly dislike Phillips, Posidrive, Reed and Prince or any other “cross” head
screws. In fact, I refuse to use them unless forced to under pain of death – Well not quite 
--- My preference is the Robertson AKA Square Recessed screw.
Alt Codes is a collection of 256 decimal numbers that give the user access to characters
that are not normally available on the standard PC keyboard.
Anyone who is running a web site or contemplating doing so may be interested in the
following sites:
•
Web Building Tutorials from W3Schools
•
HTML Primer --- If you know nothing about HTML, this may be a good place to start.
•
The HTML Code Tutorial provides helpful guide to creating web pages.
•
Ted’s Comprehensive HTML Tutorial
Some like it hot! In 2007, Guinness World Records certified the Bhut Jolokia as the
world's hottest chili pepper with a Scoville rating of between 855,000 and 1,050,000.
Patent medicine refers to medical compounds of questionable effectiveness sold under a
variety of names and labels
The Kids Room:
SURFING the NET with KIDS offers a vast collection of resources for kids. Have a look at
their Science Section. They even have a selection of Science Games such as
Assembler.
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It’s alive!
Collin's Lab Notes @ Make Magazine --- DIY Cymatics
You could use this free download version of the NCH Tone/Waveform Generator, with a
suitable amplifier and speaker, to drive your “corn starch monster”.
Experiments in Psycho-Acoustics --- Does the ear and brain mix signals?
Funology --- The science of having fun
The Science Explorer --- An Exploratorium at Home Book
How to make an Awesometastical PVC Flute
What is the Game of Life?
The Little Shop of Physics is a group of science educators and students who travel their
region with a van full of hands-on experiments teaching people that science is something
that anyone can do.
From The Far Side:
It is utterly unbelievable that these are the locations of some “official” US weather
observation stations!
James Randi talks about the ADE651 aka Quadro Tracker.
Here is a REAL ADE651 promotional video.
You, too, can purchase an ADE651.
Eric Krieg, of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT), follows the
“work” of Free Energy Gurus Dennis Lee and Joe Newman.
EarthTech International (ETI) is a privately funded research organization dedicated to the
exploration of new frontiers in physics.
John Hutchison and the Hutchison Effect
Bill Beaty demonstrates Antigravity and the Beaty-tchison Effect.
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