Ep 266: A Writer's Deck, Patching Your Battleship, and Fact-Checking the Eclipse
Apr 12, 2024
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Tom Nardi and Elliot Williams discuss dual-gantry 3D printers, bespoke note-taking gadgets, rock tumbling, WWII battleship maintenance, keyboard technologies, DIP chip repairs, documenting celestial events, challenges of AI, and working with high-power lithium batteries in projects.
Customized 18-volt system for children's electric jeep using Ryobi tool batteries and ESP32 microcontroller for safety features.
Innovative rock tumbler design with electromagnet shaking mechanism and clear printed chamber for improved rock polishing process.
Importance of documenting maintenance and rust treatment methods on Battleship New Jersey for historical preservation and steel ship maintenance.
Deep dives
Innovative Retrofit for Children's Electric Jeep with ESP32 Integration
A project details how a standard children's electric jeep was retrofitted with an 18-volt system powered by Ryobi tool batteries, motor controllers, and an analog throttle pedal. The addition of an ESP32 microcontroller allowed the customization of speed settings for different users, including an emergency stop feature. The project showcases a web interface for control and monitoring, providing a foundation for further enhancements and safety features.
Creative Rock Tumbler Design using Printed Springs for Improved Tumbling Motion
The project explores a unique rock tumbler design with an electromagnet shaking mechanism controlled by printed springs. By combining two differently shaped 3D printed springs, the tumbler achieves a scoop-and-throw motion, enhancing the tumbling process for rock polishing. Additionally, a clear printed chamber was used to observe the tumbling process, showcasing both mechanical ingenuity and visual appeal.
Preservation and Restoration of Battleship New Jersey's Hull Maintenance Documented
The maintenance and restoration process of the Battleship New Jersey, an Iowa-class battleship, undergoing dry docking and hull inspection, is meticulously documented on YouTube. This historical preservation effort offers insights into the patching and rust treatment methods used on the battleship, drawing from past experiences like the Battleship Texas maintenance. The detailed recording serves as a valuable resource for preserving steel ships, showcasing the importance of accessible historical documentation.
Challenges of AI Integration in Real-world Applications
The podcast delves into the challenges faced in integrating AI into real-world applications, highlighting instances like Amazon's just walk out shopping system where human interaction was still required for about 70% of transactions despite the AI implementation. Similar trends were observed in other AI ventures, emphasizing the limited autonomy of AI systems which often rely significantly on human intervention. The discussion touches on the necessity of human involvement in complex decision-making scenarios and the potential limitations of fully replacing human roles with AI technology.
Exploring Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Configurations and Balancing
Another key focus of the podcast is the detailed exploration of lithium-ion battery pack configurations and the importance of balancing individual cells within the pack. The episode provides insights into the significance of balanced charging methods to ensure the uniformity of cell voltages and prevent potential battery failures due to uneven charge distribution. Practical tips and considerations for building safe and efficient battery packs are shared, underscoring the essential role of balanced charging and battery management systems in maintaining the health and longevity of lithium-ion batteries.
Before Elliot Williams jumps on a train for Hackaday Europe, there was just enough time to meet up virtually with Tom Nardi to discuss their favorite hacks and stories from the previous week. This episode's topics include the potential benefits of having a dual-gantry 3D printer, using microcontrollers to build bespoke note taking gadgets, the exciting world of rock tumbling, and the proper care and maintenance required to keep your World War II battleship in shape.
They'll also go over some old school keyboard technologies, DIP chip repairs, and documenting celestial events with your home solar array. By the end you'll hear about the real-world challenges of putting artificial intelligence to work, and how you can safely put high-power lithium batteries to work in your projects without setting your house on fire.