Robstar's Heliosphere: 2019

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Bedford Festival

Apologies for leaving early,but 5pm my body shuts down as I push myself through each day struggling against some un-diagnose-able immune disorder - greatly exacerbated 7+years of stress with first mother and then father dying (very slowly from dementia) (and I was living with him most of that time) - then two inter-continental moves!First to Bulgaria, then back to Bedford!

I found the meeting quite inspiring. It was great to see the individuals who have already stepped forward and taken responsibility for different areas. And I thank all of us who took the time to show up to the meeting and Kim who made her communications in advance from a distance.

I think the idea that the festival be promoted as Gardens and "something" festival is a great one. (e.g. Bedford Gardens and more) Bedford and surrounds
Gardens and hand produce. But should keep the well know name Bedford Garden Festival. The concern about the lack of rain is very valid.
(I'll say more about both these points in a while.)

Firstly, who am I to suddenly show up and claim to have anything relevant to say?
You heard me answer Brian that we had actually met before - in 2009 (I said 2008 - by mistake) when I organised a talent show on the green opposite the municipal buildings. It was attended for free by 400+ of our darker-skinned brother sisters and children - who roared and clapped with delight. See this very edited video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTAbsaKO0JY
I end here for now. Have things to offer/ideas to share as time permits, and I have chatted to the relevant person.

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Affordable Energy Solutions

SOLAR COOKERS

There are many examples of SELF-BUILD solar cookers, both dish and box types to be found on Youtube and of course a Google search.

Cardboard kit fold up type

One made from car screen sun-sheild

8 Years ago, when I last lived in Bedford, I built a fibre glass mould with the idea that people could borrow it and make Paper-Mache dish-type solar cooker from it. I left it with a woman in Bedford who was working with people in the township. I have no idea what happened to it, but one day will try to find it!

Me in blue showing the fiber-glass mould.
My cardboard Parvarti version heating something in the black pot behind me.

I have had one example with full size patterns on my website for several years.

Over that last month, under my guidance, my part-time gardener and maid have made one from these plans - http://newearthstar.com/buildasolarcooker.htm

Cutting the joining pieces.

Showing my shadow with my head exactly at the focus point where I can
see the most black reflected on the silver foil

A box type cooker requires less frequent turning to face the sun, but will reach a lower temperature than will the dish type (when well set up and adjusted to face the sun every 20 mins approx)

Mr Teslonian's wood stove which runs a generator, runs a fridge and heats hot water at the same time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arbXj9R6ZXw&list=WL&index=5.

(Watch first 17.21 minutes only. Then at 47.35 to see the whole.set up.) It's a bit crude and experimental, but you get the idea of what is possible.

Gasifier Plans Web: http://woodgasifierplans.com

Wood Pellet Gassifier video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6e3CprVTi8&t=289s

Gasifier Plans Web: http://woodgasifierplans.com

Here's a palletted fully working off-the-shelf wood-gas to electricity system. I followed this companies development since their beginning when their first systems were looking a bit like Mr Teslonians! Then they developed a good gassifier which they gave away plans for or bough a kit of parts, pre-cut. They have now stopped selling kits.