Nomadic Research Labs

Running commentary (last edit September 3, 2010)

Nomadness and Dervish have now moved to a new marina, on a shared end-tie (with nearby parking for the Polaris mobile lab and other support facilities). I am working on shutting down the lab and moving all the rest.

I've been blogging about the new mobile lab for MAKE, and my Nomadness blog is finally back online after having been broken since March. Microblogging updates have been on Facebook, not Twitter... despite that gadget to the right. I don't like Twitter very much; it's too public, does not support conversation threads well, and is clunky in Firefox.

This page carries ephemeral bits of news like eBay sales, current books, and an actively maintained project list. I welcome Facebook friend requests, but only if there is an accompanying introductory note (unless I already know you, of course).

My Reaching Escape Velocity book is on Amazon, or if you prefer a signed copy it's also in my online store (a little cheaper, too, at $13.50 plus about $2 for postage). This is my whole collection of "trade secrets" for working with sponsors, volunteers, and media... stuff I have never published before. If you're trying to pull off a grand caper with minimal resources, it will be very helpful. There is now a DRM-free Kindle edition as well (not optimally edited for that layout, since I don't have one).

Live from the Boat

Eventually, this will show some telemetry channels, but for now we only have the latest view from the boat's webcam. If you would like to just sit back and watch (at a leisurely one frame per minute, but we don't want to abuse the EVDO cellular connection), please go to the auto-updating Nomadness Webcam page... which also links to a live location tracker. It was alive during the recent run from Oak Harbor to Olympia, though is not active while in the boatyard.

Next Steps

This section is an attempt to focus on just the next Clearly-Defined Tasks from the massively complex project-management toolset. Mental noise is reduced when one can only see what has to be done next... not the infinite landscape of fractally expanding tasks that are collectively overwhelming. I am mostly maintaining this for the benefit of the Nomadic Research Labs team, but if you see something here that you'd like to do, by all means please let me know! We need all the help we can get. Tasks are lined-out when done, then deleted within a few days.

Nomadness Projects	Next Tasks
Anchoring	Acquire chain stopper Acquire chain snubber Shackle to anchoring waterline eye - .5" loose Rig backup stern anchor
Bow Thruster	Research RBT packaging and motor options Create vee template incorporating Hull-Guard dimensions Scale drawing of full bow profile Dimensions of deployment system to Rick Explore water-jet design (same substrate)
Companionway Door	Final tweaks: EPDM, sealant, lock pad shaping Fab hold-open block that accepts slide bolt and prevents loading
Nomadling Dinghy	Spec blocks and cleats for new lifting system; order parts
Bridge	Make subpanel to fill old autopilot space Move B&G instruments Move hydraulic joystick to wood frame Move AC panels to small console over table Move Webasto panel to AC console Move genset panel to DC console
Paint, Rust, & Leaks	Add keel-guard strip on stem Examine a window frame to assess repair strategy Chase rust and repaint all toerail tangs Re-do anchor locker region
Solar Array	Acquire 8 drains with barb fitting for rain catchment Key measurements to Rick for solar arrays Choose solar array edge treatment for antenna convenience Design cable routing system independent of structure
Power System	Improve MATE cover retainers Install MX60 shunt & cabling Find return amps value so FNDC reports full charge Third shunt for alternator or FX? Complete extraction of obsolete chromium switches Extract ancient automatic change-over relay Extract galvanic isolator Install Isolation Transformer Move genset control panel to new power console Move genset run-time meter Move AC voltmeter and dedicate to genset Set Outback aux output to enable fan at suitable enclosure temp Install new AC panel on power console Install Bluesea AC monitor to right of new distrib panel Dedicated AC 15A branch to GFCI outlet for Dervish Fab Dervish shore-emulation cable Determine whether diodes wise for PV array halves (partial shading) Serial cable from MATE to Shacktopus via FTDI USB
Field Radio Pack	Mount PSK-31 and FT-817 in Pelican box Tighten Buddipole package
Waterworks	Rebuild leaking Whale Gusher galley foot pump Mount watermaker and UV sterilizer Mount valve matrix Access panel for water pump serviceability Make instrument panel for node, TDS, and gauges
Audio Systems	Install Sirius antenna Replace junk speakers in aft cabin Move starboard salon speaker to port demi-wall Re-route speaker cables to new console zone Temporary stereo installation pending console fabrication
SSB Installation	Attach AT-140 tuner to platform Pull cables to console region Ground to hull rib via mica capacitor and foil Locate feedthrough to backstay Install GTO-15 feedline
Internet	Move Pepwave Surf Mini to boat from mobile lab before launch Add perimeter sensor and light control to Axis Create AP with outside antenna for Dervish and Polaris
Navigation Systems	Choose minimal appliance plotter with N2K for helm On-water autopilot commissioning procedure Install Managing the Waterway DVD content on Mini Install MacENC on Mini
Central Server	Hello-world using onboard SPI temp sensor Update Debian version (?) Connect USB weather sensor module Build speech and DTMF module with radio interface Move all known objects into data point library
Macintosh	Order Carnetix P2140 power supply + P5V + Mini cable set Acquire all-in-one printer for use aboard
Node S - Sewage	Magnet and valve sensor adhesion problems - change valves Test hall-effect sensor alternative Design holding tank sensor interface
Node X - Crossbars	Breadboard HC595 and latching relay design List all known matrix zones
Engine-Related	Oil change on generator Find and fix the evil main-engine starting intermittency Fill wing tanks Restrain two hoses at risk for chafe (main engine) Clean genset air intake screen Check for clear exhaust elbow on genset Experiment with reversing vent fans for aspiration
Cockpit	Sketch enclosure design Change pedestal cage for enhanced mounting utility Open seat-back area from below to explore expanded stowage Design helm throne with vertical platform mount Find and repair slow hydraulic leak
Lab/Studio	Sketch console frame design Acquire swivel chair (bolted down) Acquire tool cabinet Remove fwd seat structure Define all desk legs, confirm ~18" height, and layout for cutting Build plywood desktop Cut out piano access panel Model console and full space in SketchUp Integrate shop vac under settee Integrate compressor under settee Plan CNC and tooling space Hinged workbench surface at forward end of console Mount monitor swing-arm Pre-plan cable managament for all long-lines
Nav Station	Extract old equipment panels Pull all old cabling Build bookshelf & stowage nacelle for sextant
Propane	Determine fix for failed gauge Replace tank with clear fiberglass in walled compartment Line to new stern rail BBQ
Water Heater	Cut clearance in shelf for hoses and cable Mount heater Wire to AC breaker panel Plumb to water system at shower with T fittings and valve Design solar heater using engine-loop connections on Isotemp 40x40 collector, enclosed, over dodger, active closed loop
Plumbing	Strategize removal of Lectrasan junk and related plumbing Aft head: old tank and o/b - one Y-valve Incorporate fresh-water flush option when on city water Plug mystery drain in aft head (or enable, if sump pump still exists)
Rigging	Cut and whip Zuby-damaged jibsheet Service winches Get spinnaker pole from previous owner Install Sailomat windvane
Deckage	Research pulpit straightening Rebolt pedestal Trace existing washdown hose Feasibility study of old KY chest for foredeck
Lighting	Mount LED flood on radar bracket Pull cable through arch for LED flood Replace spreader lights with LED units - follow up on MagnaLight deal Add LED lights at bow and stern rails Bebi "owl" anchor light Integrate wireless remote/timer & Axis cam with cockpit flood Design worklights for console zone (Luxeon) - EMI testing of BuckToot constant-current sources for Luxeons Design substrate for Golight on pulpit Order Beka cockpit light for solar frame mounting R&R intermittent light fixture in Penfa
Galley	Add vent fan to hatch over galley sink Spice rack Find new hammock for produce; eliminate junk one New galley stowage region at old AC panel area Design rack for plates/cups/etc for fwd wall of galley area Optimize over-sink pantry SS wineglass rack just above propane control panel Replace fiddly Cobb with rail-mount BBQ (Dickinson)
Accommodations	Sew side curtains Upholster step seat Drill holes in step rails for seat Soft pouches (like ship's log sleeve) for iPad, Touch, laptops St Mary's hitching on top rail of woodstove cage Order high-temp foam tape for curtain magnets Rig bed-making system (3 blocks, 2 clamcleats, 2 tarp grips) Sew velcro-on air-blocking cover for dorades Security bars for companionway and hatches
Documentation	Sewage Label all stowage zones for db integration Waterworks full system Refrigeration Fuel and Oil systems Engine & controls Hydraulics Rigging Raw water AC power including genset & Outback DC power Nav & Instruments Standardize 11x17 doc binder and acquire printer Sketchup model of lab zone
Miscellany	Medical kit upgrade with new supplies Find & fix leak in pilothouse roof Find & fix leak in aft cabin (port side) Install GPS datalogger in Mode 2 Tighten clamp to address slow drip at main wet exhaust Dedicated medical cabinet (currently too scattered) Find way to move air through bilge when needed Start video series with general walkthrough of the boat Choose hose, regulator, mask for hookah Suite of air tools Mount tokens over cabin door
Dervish Projects	Next Tasks
Rigging	Replace lifelines with unjacketed stainless Replace outhaul Improve homebrew flopper-stopper Research quick-release rig for 2nd headsail Clean winches Attach tell-tales Run boom vang to cockpit and cleat jib halyard at mast
Anchoring	Remove clunky shackle between rode & chain Swivel or smaller shackle at anchor
Dodger	Sea Hood Choose commercial dodger kit Structure for solar panels
Galley	Rebuild Hillerange burner/valve assemblies Drawer for icebox Spice rack Relocate paper towel holder Get plate rack
Accommodations	Mattress topper Install hanging-locker dowel Parts & spares stowage system
Plumbing	Install pressure tank for freshwater pump Consider garden-sprayer option Research passive solar heating option, also fillable from galley
Power & Electronic	Remove old battery charger New AC battery charger Diagnose questionable engine charge regulator; replace Fabricate control panel, hinged Replace VHF with Standard Horizon from Microship Install dual-band ham radio (Icom 3220) Install Amp-Hour+ battery monitor and shunt Clear dangling wires and other loose ends in power system Reconnect (or replace) engine-hour meter Improve bilge-pump wiring Test all mast wiring and relabel circuit breaker panel LED cabin lighting Small inverter for laptop
Engine & Mechanical	Determine whether dripping dripless shaft seal needs adjustment
Fiberglass & Structural	Patch and stiffen sliding hatch Fix or replace bilge floor panel Fix leak around mast step Helm seat
Hamster dinghy	Replace tired grab-lines
Miscellany	Mount Dervish mascot Swim ladder Reinforce forward hatch
Other Projects	Next Tasks
Polaris Mobile Lab	Lube wheel bearings Power emergency disconnect brake from on-board 12V DC branch to auxiliary outputs DC branch to LED lighting Acquire TRSB and Buddipole Field book Add curtain for dust control at machine shop boundary Install fan on output vent Add velcro covers for vents in freezing weather Order CNC machine Multiport IP camera server Complete office move-in Update old Linux box for CNC controller
Sailboat Trailer	Spare tire carrier Replace broken left rear marker light Adjust brakes Investigate jackstand retrofit to prevent locking bolt flexion Add backup light
NRL Store	Write dox for marine GPS datalogger kit Resistors by the foot All components inventory Add TD Paddle Leash and combo deal CAA
Publishing	Design tech monograph style sheet Network drawing poster
Web Content	EVDO/Vid article Install MediaWiki Fuel monitoring article
Entropy Reduction	Minimize office-suite clutter & install shelving for storage The great tool sorting marathon
Facilities	Take gutter to Oly for new shed (assuming shed is a go) Replace junk Honeywell thermostats Replace toilet (or at least clear encrusted pipes) Clean cat mezzanine (ewww...) Septic system inspection/pump Window hardware sliding bits Baseboard radiator covers Clean lab gutters Pressure-wash lab roof Fixturing bolts for removable wall
Music	Convert sheet music library for MusicReader

Tonnage Reduction

The Microship General Store on eBay has lots of goodies, some of which you surely need, and I also have a small bookstore on Amazon. Also, to speed this up, I maintain a list of books, magazines, videos, and CDs for sale.

Artifacts that have found new homes in the past 30 days (most recent first):

11-pound batch of books - $47.00 to Seattle, Washington:

Stacks - Carl Malamud
1996 TAPR packet-radio software library on CDROM
Digital Integrated Circuit Applications course
The New Complete Walker
8 issues of Backwoods Home (1998-2000)

14-pound batch of books - $38.50 to Knoxville, Tennessee:

Glen-L Book of Boat Designs
Altered States of Consciousness
Early American Metal Projects
Finish Carpentry Illustrated
Witchcraft
Encyclopedia of Magic & Superstition
The Graphic Work of M. C. Escher
2,000 Designs, Forms, & Ornaments
2 back issues of Nomadness

1878 Indian Head Cent - $13.05 to Elmore, Ohio
1875 Indian Head Cent, full Liberty VF/XF - $58.05 to Concord, Massachusetts
1874 Indian Head Cent, crisp full Liberty - $56.55 to Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
1873 Indian Head Cent Open 3 (rare re-punch) - $307.99 to Middletown, Maryland
4 gallons of sulfuric acid - free to Lyman, Washington
HP 95LX Serial Cable from Connectivity Pack - $20.00 to Dublin, Ireland
Lucy Lippard: Overlay - Contemporary Art and the Art of Prehistory - $12.50 to Pekin, Indiana
Thor Heyerdahl: Fatu-Hiva, Back to Nature - $2.75 to Pekin, Indiana
Batch of 14 hot-tub chemicals - FreeCycled
3 foam saddles for kayak cartopping - free to Camano island
Sparkly fluid-filled lantern thing from 1988 - free to a friend on his way to Burning Man
Batch of cardboard parts bins and empty Clippard cylinder tubes - free to Camano Island
Static dusting kit, kitchen stuff, and clothing - $17.50 at yard sale in Olympia, Washington
5' steel black shelving unit - free to Camano Island, Washington
Geographical View of the World, 1826, Goldsmith 1st edn - $150.00 to Taiwan
6' steel gray shelving unit - free to Camano Island, Washington
From BEHEMOTH to Microship - $10.00 to Fredericksburg, Virginia
Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ telescope - $100.00 to Seattle, Washington
A few dozen cardboard parts bins - free to Olympia, Washington
71 issues of Electronic Design, Machine Design, & Electronic Products - free to Silvana, Washington
UC29 mint entire envelope, 6c + 1c - $20.00 to Aitkin, Minnesota
1858 Flying Eagle small cent, quite worn - $5.00 to Paragould, Arkansas
1859 Indian-head small cent, full Liberty - $17.00 to Everett, Massachusetts
1861 Indian-head small cent, copper-nickel - $20.50 to Winlock, Washington
1860 Indian-head small cent, copper-nickel - $11.83 to Lexington, Ohio
1862 Indian-head small cent, copper-nickel - $9.00 to Brick, New Jersey
1864 Indian-head small cent, copper-nickel - $14.09 to Winlock, Washington
UC29 mint entire envelope, 6c + 1c - $20.00 to Mannford, Oklahoma
1864 Indian-head small cent - $14.26 to Oil City, Pennsylvania
1865 Indian-head small cent - $21.49 to Rochester, Illinois
1866 Indian-head small cent - $52.97 to Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
1867 Indian-head small cent - $102.50 to Roswell, New Mexico
1868 Indian-head small cent - $34.00 to Knowlesville, New York
1869/9 Indian-head small cent, rare overdate - $466.88 to Seneca, South Carolina
1870 Indian-head small cent, VG - $118.55 to Knowlesville, New York
1872 Indian-head small cent, Full Liberty VF - $405.00 to Knowlesville, New York
1871 Indian-head small cent, full Liberty VF - $202.50 to Oil City, Pennsylvania

And here's a sampling of the current eBay inventory, which I am working to convert into boat parts:

Nickel Generators

Currently Reading...

Links and Miscellany

The front door of this web site is the place to start, and the Nomadness site (including a regularly updated blog) carries the most focused current info about the boat project.

MBR1000 for $165 at 3Gstore!

HUGE SAVINGS!
Get the Cradlepoint
MBR1000 for 165
w/ Verizon or Sprint
2-year activation

Search Microship, Nomadness, & NRL:

Feed the kitty:

If you have any questions or comments, please drop me a line.

Learn more about our research vessel over at the Nomadness walkthrough...