How Bumpy is It?

This morning I got my latest datalogger project running like it should. I added a tri-axis accelerometer (glued onto the main circuit board) and a GPS puck. I'ts logging all three axes of acceleration 50 times per second plus a GPS fix twice per second to the micro SD card.

The little inset map is a plot of driving. Red indicates zero mph. Green is medium speed, and purple is fast. We can also overlay the acceleration values to see where it's bumpy. 

We're going to use this on a new soft-ride mower to see if people drive their mower faster when the ride is smoother.

Worthwhile Cause

The UNL Sig Ep fraternity that I'm chaperoning has set up a website for the funding of our Ecuador trip. Click here: GoFundMe. We've nearly reached our goal of $58,000 for taking 15 guys on a two-week expedition. If you have extra cash that you're wanting to throw into the wind, please consider a donation to our cause. I'll put up another post with the details of the trip. 

This is Dean, our fearless expedition leader in Achuar territory. When he's not globetrotting, he gives speeches at schools in Nebraska and Iowa to motivate kids. He's a very dynamic leader.

60 Megapixel Ecuador Map

This week I created a 60 megapixel relief map of Ecuador from the digital elevation data I've accumulated. I was able to use our plotter at work and plot it out in large format (36 x 42") on glossy paper. It came out amazing!! DM next door is going to get it dry-mounted so that we can give it to Dean Jacobs.

The whole map includes portions of Columbia and Peru to the north and south, respectively. The black portion is the Pacific ocean. 

Below is a full-size detail of the area surrounding the active Tungurahua Volcano that's in the middle of the overall image above. The dataset used has an elevation point every 100 meters (330 ft). For large area maps, it's decent, but for details or low-relief jungle areas, it breaks down. I found a dataset that has three times the resolution; stay tuned for some higher resolution maps.

Busy Night

This past week was non-stop every night. Monday we went to Omaha for plates and camping gear. Tuesday I had a late dinner with a supplier (at The Lodge - it was yummy!). Wednesday we had Dean Jacobs, the leader of the upcoming Ecuador trip, over for dinner. Thursday was the night of ceremonies.

I went to CP's Speech Team Banquet and awards ceremony. What an amazing bunch of kids!! It was sad to see the seniors make their last appearance on stage.

JP went to GP's choir concert. From there she ran over and caught the last half of CP's ceremony where she was awarded for helping out with the upcoming national tournament in Lincoln in May.

Friday we took it easy and watched the stormclouds from the G's deck out in the country.

Patented

The patent we submitted in 2013 was finally approved!

It's for a control system on our commercial mowers that controls engine speed with an electronic governor. It's marketed as Exmark RED Technology. Helps to save fuel as well as reducing wear and tear on the clutch and engine.

Exmark RED Video

Next Project

Last weekend we began destruction on our next construction project: a sundeck in the back yard.

We've been talking about this for a few years. We leveled out a spot for the kiddie pool a couple years ago and used the area for the lounge chairs. We're going to enlarge it and put down some nice light gravel that won't burn your feet.

Easter Saturday Brunch 2015

Our friends, neighbors, and ex-neighbors joined us for our annual Easter Saturday Brunch. This year we were able to seat all of us at one big table.

The fruit bunny was tasty, as was everything else. 

The uneaten fruit was recycled in the blender and made into fruit smoothies.

Because we went to such lengths to fit everyone inside, we had spectacular weather all day. Everyone worked on their pre-season sunburns.

New Dining Room

The problem with Easter is that it's in the spring. We never know what the weather will be like for our Easter Saturday Brunch. This year we turned the living room into the dining room with seating for 20.

Of course, the dining room is now a much smaller living room. The sofas fit perfectly.

King of the Road

CP finally received his driver's license!!!

Here he goes on his first day of driving himself to school. Hard to believe he was such a little kid when we moved here.