Bored Engineers

4G

2011-12-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

Well I've had my HTC Thunderbolt on Verizon's 4GLTE network for almost a week now. I remember how excited I was when I got my Ally, and all the promise of the Android system, with all the flexibility and capability. Of course the Verizon store didn't bother to tell me (and I hadn't known beforehand) that the Ally was an Android phone in name only, and although it theoretically had the capability of a full fledged android phone it was severely limited by inadequate specs. Voice recognition barely worked, navigation via Google Maps generally just got me more lost, because it took about 20 minutes for it to find a GPS signal, and I really couldn't install much in the way of applications because it had insufficient memory.

Now with the Thunderbolt I actually feel like I have a phone that does what they said it would do. I can actually use it as a GPS! Voice control works! I can install applications! And the 4G speeds are addictive.

I know there are newer and better phones on the market now, but the Thunderbolt is still right up there, but now has a discounted price. If you like "smartphones" do yourself a favor and avoid the low end stuff, and go with 4G. These things have come a long way since my first "Audiovox" XV6600 windows phone.

New phone!

2011-12-15T19:09:00.001-08:00

Well I finally gave up on my LG Ally. No memory, random restarted and generally slow performance finally got the best of me. Slung for a HTC Thunderbolt. Not the best phone out there but sure beats the Ally! 4g is addictive!

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.2

May the force be with you

2010-10-27T11:23:00.001-07:00

Don't get in the way

2010-09-16T13:32:00.001-07:00

Use the Force

2010-06-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Seems that we're getting ever closer to the mythical light saber...

http://www.wickedlasers.com/lasers/Spyder_III_Pro_Arctic_Series-96-37.html

Don't they have homework?

2010-05-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Who knew you could do this much with just a dorm and some lights?

Safety First!

2010-05-24T08:34:00.001-07:00

Some very impressive engineering detail here!

I want one!

2010-04-28T06:29:00.001-07:00

Drink Flinger!

2010-03-11T10:52:00.003-08:00

Well it's been forever since I've had something worth posting here, but I think this qualifies!

I want one

2010-01-21T12:06:00.000-08:00

Yet another project for sometime when I'm extra bored...

Christmas Rocket

2010-01-08T12:46:00.001-08:00

Very cool!

2009-12-18T05:52:00.000-08:00

Just to put things in perspective..

huh?

2009-12-09T05:55:00.000-08:00

Came across this today. I'm guessing that the tank-treades are some sort of way to transport the plane to a graveyard based on the physical appearance of that plane, but really not sure. Anyone else out there in bloggerland have an idea?

Really REALLY bored engineers and scientists

2009-12-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

I don't even want to think about how bored you'd have to be to come up with this idea... but apparently someone decided to see how to make the world's smallest snowman. Though it's made of tin balls rather than snow. I don't really get it, but to each his own!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1232987/Have-microscopic-Christmas-The-worlds-smallest-snowman-just-0-01mm-wide.html

DIY Airplane

2009-11-24T09:09:00.000-08:00

Gotta give this guy some serious credit. Building an airplane from scratch over 15 years and flying it when you're over 80. Sounds like fun!

http://www.oshkosh365.org/ok365_DiscussionBoardTopic.aspx?id=1235&boardid=147&forumid=178&topicid=3321

Who needs a steering wheel? Just use your phone

2009-11-19T11:57:00.001-08:00

Please keep them in your prayers

2009-11-16T07:49:00.001-08:00

While I was on the way to work this morning I heard a news report that there was a motorcycle fatality last night in Hanover township. I found out just a few minutes ago that it was the son of my old boss from when I was a co-op at Mack. I can't imagine the struggle the family is going through right now. Please keep them in your prayers.

Morning Call article,
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/all-fatal-crash-111609-cn,0,5340704.story

Russian+German=??

2009-11-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Stumbled across this today and thought it was too good to pass up. Just couldn't decide whether it belonged here or on foremostcarguy. While it's definitely a car thing, it also seems suspiciously bored-engineerish. Behold, the offspring of a BMW 8 series and a Volga.

Actually, it looks much better than one would expect, and might even be fun to drive!

More here
http://www.ladaparts.ru/hotrods.php

Cool little science project. Oh, and Terminator

2009-10-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

This looks like a fun project I may have to try in the near future. Doesn't seem too difficult, and should have lots of good uses (predicting weather, and freaking out houseguests for instance)
http://www.instructables.com/id/S7O46BNFX557CBJ/

On another note, Boston Dynamics is hard at work bringing about Terminator type devices. As long as they don't make Skynet I think we're ok, but still a little eerie.

And for those of you having trouble with not smiling enough there's a solution!

happiness hat from Lauren McCarthy on Vimeo.

http://www.lauren-mccarthy.com/happinesshat/

Light/Chair?

2009-10-22T04:55:00.000-07:00

This one actually looks like a pretty good idea, although it really doesn't look that comfortable. Of course it might look better if it was real and had a real person sitting in it rather than the low resolution digital model. In any event, the concept is nice to combine a few common features. Add a stereo system and drink cooler and you're all set!
http://www.thedesignblog.org/entry/light-and-armchair-light-that-unfolds-to-become-an-armchair/

Cardboard

2009-10-22T04:51:00.000-07:00

So you know how you always thought it would be super-cool to make a non-functioning replica of a gigantic camera strictly out of cardboard? Yea, me either. But apparently this guy thought it was a good idea. Just how bored do you have to be before this seems like the best utilization of time?

Kiel Johnson's Cardboard Twin Lens Reflex Camera Time Lapse from Theo Jemison on Vimeo.

Dyson

2009-10-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Interesting concept. Apparently a regular old rotary fan isn't good enough for the folks at Dyson, so they created an air accelerator/multiplier. It's really a neat idea, but not sure how many people want to pay $300+ for a table fan. Maybe they'll drop in cost eventually though, This would be really cool as a ceiling fan also. Much easier to deal with and clean.

http://www.dyson.com/technology/airmultiplier.asp#HowItWorks

2009-10-09T10:16:00.001-07:00

Kind of a slow day... perfect for pointing out a simple little internet game for engineers.

http://www.globalspec.com/BrainStrainer/

Concrete bobsleds?

2009-10-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

Leave it to civil engineers to create something this crazy...
http://www.gnctr2010.com/

The GNCTR is an annual event that aims to challenge the creativity, resourcefulness, and practical skills of engineering students nationwide. Participants must design and construct a toboggan with a steel frame and a concrete base. The toboggan must meet a variety of safety specifications: it must weigh less than 300 pounds, be fitted with a roll bar in case it tips and have a breaking system.

The event itself consists of two phases: a technical exhibition and the race itself. Before the race, teams are required to submit a technical report outlining the design of the toboggan, after which the entry is reviewed for safety measures. Once the toboggan is approved, its concrete base is waxed and it is raced down a hill with five passengers, usually traveling at 50 km/h.

Concordia's team has been working since early September designing the toboggan, constructing the steel frame and mixing and molding concrete.

Alicia Gallagher, a third-year Civil Engineering major, is involved in the planning and organization of the project.

"I am a person who pays attention to detail so I had a lot of fun working on it," she said. This is Gallagher's second year participating in the event.

"We have modified the design since last year," she said. "Last year we had skis but this year we have a flat base. Also last year's sled was more enclosed and looked like a bobsled and this year it is more open. Since weight is a big part of the competition having an open structure for the top helped a lot."

Gallagher was also involved in raising money for the event. "The biggest challenge was finding the money. It takes a lot because we need materials from companies and transportation for the toboggan that has to be shipped to Calgary by truck and train."

Lisa Pensato, a Civil Engineering major and first-time participant, was involved in the construction of the base. "My friend participated last year and suggested I give it a try. I learned a lot about time management and how to apply the things we learn in class," she said.

"The biggest challenge was some of the actual construction. You always run into stuff you didn't expect. After we poured the concrete we couldn't see the bottom until a month later because it had to set. By the time we saw the base we were pressed for time and it had grooves in it that had to be fixed because smoothness is crucial to the toboggan's speed. Little things like this don't get taken into account and take up a lot of time to repair."

Pensato claims she has devoted too much time to the event but does not regret it.

"Right now it's the stressed out part of it because we have to get everything ready to go but the real fun will start once we get there. I think it will be a great opportunity to meet a lot of new people and share ideas," she said.

This year marks the 31st anniversary of the GNCTR. The event was first proposed in the spring of 1972 by the Alberta chapter of American Concrete Institute as Canada's alternative to the Concrete Canoe Race held annually in the United States. The event was held that winter but deemed a failure because of a low turnout. Students who participated in the first GNCTR later regrouped to revive the event and develop a clear set of rules. The competition was held the following year, was a huge success, and has continued every winter since. The event attracts teams from across Canada, Europe and the United States.

May the (mass*acceleration) be with you!

2009-10-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

A little more geek than bored engineer maybe, but hey it took some thought to do this.

If you want to make your own check out
http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-a-Lightsaber/

Or if you're lazy just buy one..
http:
//www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/collectibles/adc5/

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/collectibles/b72c/

Ready to fight the queen alien?

2009-10-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

I always thought that forklift from Aliens was pretty sweet.. Looks like I might be able to buy one in a few years.. well I'm sure they'll be out of my price range, but at least theoretically. Pretty cool concept!

http://www.pinktentacle.com/2009/09/power-loader-exoskeleton-suit/

Not all engineers go to college

2009-10-01T04:47:00.000-07:00

A project borne out of need rather than boredom, but still pretty cool. An African teenager turns junk into a functional windmill. I haven't read the book, but it looks pretty cool. Check it out.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061730327?ie=UTF8&tag=theawes-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061730327

Mechanical Tumor?

2009-10-01T04:41:00.001-07:00

I don't even want to know how bored you have to be to make one of these... Nor do I know why you would be impelled to even in extreme boredom, but someone saw fit to wire up a "mechanical tumor" to his computer, that expands and contracts depending on CPU utilization. I don't get it, but whatever floats your boat.

2009-09-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well not a whole lot new to post on, but this blog has now been viewed in 27 states in the US, and 11 countries. This knowledge thanks to a handy little google application
https://www.google.com/analytics/

Twinkies

2009-09-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

This apparently has been around for a while but has just come to my attention. Fairly amusing couple of engineering students at Rice University decided to perform several "scientific" tests on Twinkie snack food. Read, laugh, enjoy.

http://www.twinkiesproject.com/

Space

2009-09-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

Hi-Def video from space... fun stuff, and no NASA budget!
Just stick a camera on a baloon, throw on some wireless transmitters and letter rip!
http://bear.sbszoo.com/bear3-4/bear4.htm

One last one for the day

2009-09-25T12:29:00.001-07:00

A self sustaining housing concept.. interesting.

Kettering

2009-09-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

I just remembered (how could I forget?) a classic bored engineer project from a fellow student at my college a few years ago. Apparently he decided a tank was the perfect vehicle for cruising around Flint. Can't say that I disagree.

Rigging

2009-09-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

Another submission from a reader
"My girlfriend is off galavanting in Europe so it's just me and the boys this week. I'm not bored mind you. I just found myself practicing some knot tying and that lead to thoughts about rigging and then, well, before I even realized it, I was hoisting a heavy oak cabinet and tying it off to a table one third the weight of the cabinet:"

Lost in translation

2009-09-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

If you haven't discovered it already this is great fun!
http://www.translationparty.com/

Couple more

2009-09-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

Couple more submissions from readers

"I do freshwater fish with a planted tank.
Besides the fishtank, I conduct cycling, swimming, shooting/gun collecting, and the family among other things."

"I modify razors....."

WHY!

2009-09-24T05:09:00.000-07:00

Feel that your current megayacht is just too small and cramped?
How about a 190'x125' be (yes you read that right, 125' wide)? Very handy as you'll come in just below the Power&Motoryacht 100 list, so you won't look ostentatious.
Looks pretty slick if you're into the ultra-modern theme.
Apparently some boat builders got bored and said "why not just make a really wide boat?"
http://www.why-yachts.com/

Other surfing

2009-09-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

For the terminally bored with no better ideas there's always the default of web-surfing... Some sites to help you find something better to do.

http://theawesomer.com/

http://www.ruminations.com/site/

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/

Freshmen pranks

2009-09-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

Trying to think back on my college days, and remembered a rather funny one from my first freshman term. One of my good friends absolutely HATED hamsterdance. Unfortunately for him, his suite-mate was a computer science major and was relatively well versed at getting computers to do things you don't want them to (or in my case what I wanted it to!), and set his computer to automatically open internet explorer and navigate to hamsterdance as soon as he logged in to Windows. Drove him bonkers for a few days and finally got his suitemate to remove the code.

Later, with this same guy some other friends of mine employed a pretty cool trick. Took a "print screen" of his empty desktop, and set that image as his desktop. Then they deleted all the shortcut icons (moved to a folder somewhere else so no permanent damage was done), and set his task bar to "auto-hide" at the top of his screen. Thus none of his icons or start menu (captured on the screen shot and thus appearing as always on the desktop) worked.

Same guy reports that after he transferred to a different school people continued to play similar pranks...

This is why all my computers now have passwords set with a screensaver timeout of 3 minutes or less!

2009-09-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here's one I came across in my daily browsing.. A pool-shark robot from Queens University
"You’ve heard of Deep Blue, the IBM computer that bested Gary Kasparov in a chess match a decade ago. Now, there is Deep Green, a robot that plays pool. And by the looks of the demo video above, it can’t lose.

As Delicious founder, and now-Googler, Joshua Schachter points out, it is “only a matter of time before one of these kills a person.”

Deep Green is a project out of the robotics and computer Vision lab in Queens University. They are also working on an “augmented reality” version of pool that lines up your shot with lasers. This is also known as cheating." (http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/09/17/deep-green-the-pool-playing-robot/)

Enjoy

2009-09-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Some new submissions. Keep em coming!

"I knew an engineer who was also a commercial pilot, flew his own float plane for fun, built his own beautiful home with 12" thick walls and also to withstand hurricane force winds just for the heck of it. He also took apart and restored virtually anything with an internal combustion engine again, just for fun."

"I have a reef aquarium which can keep me busy for hours and hours and hours....

Or I drink wine."

Ok, the first one actually sounds a bit like me (if I had more $$$). And I've always wanted an aquarium, so I'm thinking engineers have some in common. Some of the best stories probably come from engineering students in college though. I've got to look up some from my (relatively recent) college years. Keep em coming!

2009-09-20T13:26:00.001-07:00

2009-09-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

Bored?

2009-09-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

Engineers are hard-working people, although much of the stuff we design is intended to create less work (TV remote anyone?? Microwave oven?). The problem is, inevitably, there are times in an engineers life when boredom takes over. That's where this blog comes in.. a place to chronicle what happens when engineers get bored! You can't let all those years of engineering school or experience go to waste just sitting around, so you come up with some project to stay entertained. Some may be brilliant inventions... others useless experiments. Or maybe catastrophic failure? You tell me.
Post comments, or e-mail me at brandon.shriver@gmail.com with your bored engineer tale and/or pictures and I'll post it up here.