Custom PC

January 19, 2015

As a computer scientist a well-built, finely-tuned machine is a necessity. My previous PC though built on a budget was incredible and lasted nearly a decade. But, as we all know, the only constant in life is change. So, out with the old and in with the new! Let me introduce Beast, the new kid on the block. Intel i7 4790K processor, Asus Maximus Hero 7 motherboard, and 32 GBs RAM. Have a look.

Rocket

December 14, 2013

Since I launched my first model rocket as a child, I've always dreamed of building one from scratch. I hoped to attach a GoPro to the rocket to record the entire launch and decent, however, that would have required a much larger fuselage, meaning more time and more money. Unfortunately, I was limited on both. My apartment complex would not have been happy about sharp projectiles being launched in the parking lot so I was off to the shop. There I was able to complete design and construction of the rocket with daylight left over to actually launch the thing. Here are some of the photos from the process:

Completion

The finished rocket on the launchpad eager to taste the sky.

Apogee Triggered Ejection Concept

This was a conceptual design I created to time ejection of the parachute just as the rocket begins descent. A double-pull double-throw relay is used in combination with a ball bearing sensor housed vertically in the rocket. During launch, the ball bearing contacts the bottom of the cylinder. As the rocket reaches apex, it flips and the ball bearing contact the opposing end of the cylinder, triggering the parachute.

Repurposing

A piece of PVC pipe and an old license plate served as excellent materials for the body and fins.

Remote Launcher

Here's a look at the RF remote circuit used to launch the rocket wirelessly. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough power during the first launch and had to resort to a wired launch. However, the remote system worked perfectly during the second launch.