Journal2001Aug
From Simreal
Contents |
August 2001
Today, I'll take a tour through my status.
R2 Time is flying past now. I've finished the first ten chapters of the new book, and I'm preparing to mail them in now for editing. These cover all of the mechanical aspects of the robot, plus most of the electronic aspects. Next up is a chapter on sensors and I/O, then some hard work on simulated intelligence. Finally, I get to review a bunch of interesting software and technologies, so the book will get easier once I push through the next couple of chapters.
Moving July went past in a blur. In fact, it looks like I even forgot to post what little journal there was for July! Moving will do that to a person... and then, just when you think the pain of moving is over, there is the organizing. The workshop still isn't back together, though it is getting closer.
Boris I finally have Boris back in my clutches again. Not because I am going to work on him, but because I needed his compressor to test an animatronic I repaired.
What is Boris' fate to be? I'm glad you asked. I'm pulling the pneumatics off of the frame for re-use in other projects. The controller boards are coming off, too; those that are still in good shape may end up as gifts to interested people. The metal frame is going to take a quick trip through eBay (just out of curiosity, to see what happens) and then will probably hang from my wall for a few years. Brutal. Sorry.
B3 This project is still in stasis -- I'm far too busy right now, and there isn't a competition or need for it.
Halloween The season is upon us, and yes, I have plans. I have finished a repair on the alligator pop-up device from the Nightmare Factory (you would be amazed at the stress this thing puts on it's pivot) and I'm trying to get my garage together for testing right now. This repair is the bulk of the work I'm doing for them this year (though next year may see more). That's fine, though... I need the rest.
I am, however, going to be three things at the Haunted Trails this year. First, I'm the special effects manager (I was railroaded, really!). Second, I am the station manager for the finale (and I have no idea how I'm going to pull it off yet). Third, I'm going to be a trail guide during run nights. Come November, I won't need the zombie makeup anymore... it will be more of a natural effect than a special effect.
Finally, Marla (my girlfriend, and generally nifty person) and I will be having a Halloween party on, well, Halloween. Got to do something for that, since I do have a reputation to maintaining.
