Cool stuff you've come across... (that can be used on a Mac)

[kmclemore]

OK, I guess I'd like to start a thread where we can all post 'cool new stuff' we've found (or not so new but possibly obscure), and then we can discuss the pros/cons of using same on a Mac.

Here, for example, is a pretty cool generating system for a sailboat... this probably isn't anything new, but I've certainly never seen one being used.

AQUAIR UW Submersible Hydro Generator

-- 1.8 kilowatts per day at 6 knots boat speed
-- Produces about one amp per knot of water speed
-- Works at just 1.5 knots even at anchor in a strong current
-- 14.44" from nose to tail, 8.375" diameter and weighs 22 lbs.
-- Propeller diameter is 12.5"
-- Warranted for 3 years.

===================================================

From the same website I found these nifty lights.. the claims are pretty good, but I'm hardly an expert in this field (Moe?). Could this be the holy grail to solve the dilema over the Mac's OEM bright-but-wasteful cabin lights vs using LED's with their bulk and limited light coverage?

Cold Cathode Fluorescents:
A Breakthrough in Low Energy Lighting Solutions


CCFs offer durability, long life, low power draw, low heat, low profile/surface mounting, dimming and attractive packaging while illuminating more light per watt than compact fluorescent bulbs and LEDs.

-- CCF lights Need Less Electrical Power to Produce the Same Light Level
-- CCF lights Operate at a Much Lower Fixture Temperature
-- CCF lights Provide Up to 25,000 Hours of Service Life & Unlimited Starts
-- CCFs Have Unmatched Durability
-- Energy saving dimming capability is incorporated into the CCF Lights
-- Stainless Steel Fixtures Coated for Marine Environments

(Edited subsequently to correct outdated links)

[Chip Hindes]

The generator is pretty cool, but for $1K plus I think I'll just go for the enrvironmentally unfriendly gasoline generator.

I've often wondered why sailboat outboard manufacturers or some smart aftermarket people don't wind a small generator into the propeller hub. Guess there might be a heat problem with thru hub exhaust, but it seems like that's solvable.

The numbers for the lights don't add up. Their smallest unit is 6.5W. That's about 3X as much as a really large LED fixture. If puts out 8X the light of a 6.5W incandescent, it's going to pretty much sear your eyeballs, so what's the point?

[Moe]

I wonder how that generator, designed for stream currents and sailboats, would hold up at the 15+ knot speeds of a motorsailer under power? In general, I'm not fond of anything that creates drag on a MacGregor under sail, and this appears that it would create quite a bit.

I looked at the cold cathode fluorescents awhile back. They come in 7.5 and 15.5W one and two tube wattages while the Thin-Lites are 8W and 16W, so consume about the same power as the Thin-Lites. I doubt the 7.5W CC model produces as much light as a 16W Thin-Lite, except perhaps in cold weather, where the Thin-Lites really dim down. I have no idea how the CC units do at 50 degrees, but I can tell you our Thin-Lites aren't as nearly as bright as when at 70 degrees. Perhaps the CCs are better in these conditions.

Another thing that concerns me is how their housing covers a lot of the bulb. They appear to be somewhat directional, perhaps not as much so as many LED lamps, but won't have the advantage of the Thin-Lites spreading their light throughout the cabin and reflecting off the white bulkheads for more even lighting. This is a real problem with most LED lights, as well.

Finally, IIRC, they're 3 times the cost of the Thin-Lites. I'd like to try one, especially in cool weather, but not at that price.

--
Moe

[Pouw Geuzebroek]

Talking about generators, how is this? Check out the DuoGen. You can use it as a water or wind generator
http://www.duogen.co.uk/index.html

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

Here's something for every Mac tool box.

Cold Heat Soldering Gun

Very cool, works great (I just got one for my birthday), and only $19.99 at many stores or online. Runs on AA batteries, doesn't burn anything when you set it down. The tip cools in less than 5 seconds from it's 800 degree soldering temp.

[kmclemore]

Talking about generators, how is this? Check out the DuoGen. You can use it as a water or wind generator
http://www.duogen.co.uk/index.html

That's REALLY cool, Pouw. I like being able to use it both ways, air or water, and it seems like the smallest one would fit our boats, too. Only problem is that it's 1186.32 / $2135.38 (!) and also "Unfortunately we are not able to ship to the USA or Canada initially."

Sigh..... well, I can dream anyway.

[Casey]

It also looks like it would have a lower center of gravity compared to the ones I have seen that are strictly wind.

[Pouw Geuzebroek]

Only problem is that it's 1186.32 / $2135.38 (!) and also "Unfortunately we are not able to ship to the USA or Canada initially."

Well what can I say, I gave up on Marine pricing long time ago. Looks like anything sold with the label Marine on it is at least twice the price it would cost in other environments. And I am also fed up with suppliers that do not seem to work globaly. I have this quest on getting the crab bar without the table. I try to get one for more then 2 years now. You can't get it in Europe, so I tried it on my vacation in Florida last year. Seemed that all Mac dealers went out of business overthere. Blue waters has the thing I need, but they have no experience with overseas shipping. Looks like I have to go on holidays to the Seatle area and get it myself.

[Idle Time]

take along a couple of solar powered yard lanterns. We hang it from the boom for light in the cockpit and in the cabin for getting around. Bright enough to eat by..but not to read etc.

[Pouw Geuzebroek]

Well KMClemore, here is a nice wind generator for your collection of funny pictures. http://foxxaero.homestead.com/indrad_007.html

Would be nicer on a Mac then on a Cat don't you think.

[ronacarme]

If anybody gets the cold heat solder gun, please post delivery time and how well it works, particularly joining 3 or 4 zip cord wires.
I have a little butane torch with a solder tip, but it is less convenient to use than the usual 120v solder iron.

[Pouw Geuzebroek]

Look at this Rat protection device. Looks to me that you can easily make this yourself from a standard CD or maybe even an old long play record. Does anyone has any rat problems on his boat anyway?
http://www.swiss-tech.com/shops/eng/index.html

[Chip Hindes]

I guess rats are a fact of life at many seaports and marinas. Looks like the devices would be effective. Only for 25and 30mm docklines makes it useless for a boat the size of the Mac. The prices are truly outrageous.

For soldering, I power my regular 120V iron from my inverter, works just fine. If you don't already have an inverter, you can get a cheap one from Wal-Mart for little more than the cost of the Cold Heat iron and one tip, and use it for other stuff as well.

[Mark Prouty]

Absolute must have! Dang rats!! Anybody got some old Jim Neigbors records?

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

My wife just picked the ColdHeat soldering iron up at Schucks auto parts. Radio Shack sells it as well. I'm sure you can find it in stock locally. It comes with one tip.

I did a few test solders of two and three wires. It works great. I hate using my regular soldering iron. Waiting for it to get hot is a pain. The hot tip is always hitting things it shouldn't even when I'm careful to set it on the stand. With the ColdHeat one you will never burn yourself or something else again. Easilly worth the $20 just for that not mention the geewiz cool factor.