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Messages - Robert Deed

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76
Off Topic discussions / Re: My Smart Fortwo Pure
« on: 2008.04.25, 05:04:51 »
You're right.. I did misspeak my source for the stats was outdated, however brazil  doesn't edge the US out by a whole lot, and in 2006 the US actually outproduced brazil.


Also, most of the problems are outlined here: http://www.energybulletin.net/5062.html   though I don't believe this was completely unbiased and it is slightly dated it still lists the problems for a "green" energy source..  ethanol may be an alternate fuel, it is however not green. 

However.. e85 is still e85 no matter how it is produced, while using sugar cane reduces the impact on food supplies, it still has less energy potential of other fuel sources.

If we are going to use ethanol at all, it would be best if we ran on straight ethanol (not an ethanol/petro blend) and had cars which were tuned to simply run on it, the problem here is that the petro is used mostly as a stabilization agent, since alcohol is much more dangerous to transport in a fuel tank then petro is.  I have seen formula engines modified to run off pure ethanol and the storage system was a aluminum fuel cell.  This of course wouldn't be suitable for road use, even though the car was close to 600hp it did max out at about 2.5mpg =)

 

Brazil still is using E85, good old American corn ethanol.  While they have discovered ways of producing ethanol from other crops, as far as I am aware none are currently in production today.  I have alot more faith in sunfuel since it is close to being viable, can be used in any currently available diesel engine without modification, has close to no co2 impact and diesel engines are more efficient then gassers anyway.

Well, actually as Brazil is the number one producer of ethanol in the world and among other the majority of ethanol used in Sweden comes from.... Brazil. Sugar cane did the trick for them. Also Australia is putting a lot of efforts into sugar cane to produce ethanol, due to the prices of oil, there is now a lot of money to be made. Read some where that Australia plan to be among the top 3 producers of ethanol in a few year.

77
Off Topic discussions / Re: My Smart Fortwo Pure
« on: 2008.04.25, 05:01:35 »
Not much.  Since food production and distribution is more dependent on diesel and there are plenty of alternatives which can be used in an unaltered diesel engine. 

The oil companies and partner companies which are creating this stuff are just waiting for the right moment to step in and save the day.  Obviously if 50% of our diesel trucks were given the option to run biodiesel at no loss of efficiency (in most cases increased mileage and service intervals) the prices of petroleum based diesel and heating fuel would plummet.  This wouldn't be good either.

The argument is all academic.  I believe the road we're going to b e going down is already paved, and they are just waiting to remove the cones and let us through. 

Re:

Quote
Yes, Formula races are run on e85.  These cars had a 30% drop in performance, so bad they were thinking about bringing the limit back up to 10 cylinders to make up for the difference.   There is a big difference between competive racing and something which could be used in a street car.  For one, the race cars are going around a track and their fuel supply is never far away.  Also, f1 in general has fixed pit stops and regulated how often they need to refuel.  Also, racing is heavily subsidized by sponsorships.. in this case.. a few companies which create and market e85.   

Many of these cars have engines swapped out within one season.  As internal combustion engines age their energy creation potential drops.  This is because of wear of the pistons and seals and change in the compression of the engine.  While formula cars will never experience this issue, a road car will over it's lifespan.. when you start with 30% less power, and then  have to deal with the effects of time on the engine you will very quickly have a car which drives unsatisfactory.  Not to mention, it makes for very hard cold weather starts.

I tend not to pay attention to adverts because it just leaves me looking like a fool.

Ok, ok... Robert, let us say you have won the in the case/argument of the non-use of ethanol as fuel for transportation... now, just what effect will we now experience with respect to the cost of putting food on our kitchen tables, and the costs of transportation within the context of the world's petroleum production outlook?  8)

 

78
Applications / Re: Ecomstation 64 Bit Kernel
« on: 2008.04.25, 04:57:46 »
Hey RobertM..  While we're playing the game.. I've been an IBM Development Partner since 1993 (I believe, OS/2 2.0).  I actually beta tested all versions of OS/2 since 1.3 (though I had a version of 1.2 which did not run on my PS/2.. ironic.)  I even beta tested different versions of CSet and Visualage =) 

However, my actual productivity as a development partner was rather limited.  Since most of my applications are closed source billing systems I never really took part in developer forums. =)

Though I do find it amazing that someone who came to the game later on can argue things which we actually watched happen.

79
Applications / Re: Ecomstation 64 Bit Kernel
« on: 2008.04.25, 04:52:47 »
This is actually a reply to your other message.   

PMSHell and WPS were just recompiles from the Intel code, however any toolkit which IBM did not have the source to or permission to use on PPC processors were removed.  So theoretically it has less 3rd party code in it.  Only IBM could really answer this.

MMOS/2 as far as PPC went was never completed.  However, it was a full ground up 32bit rewrite.  Actually, OS/2 PPC didn't contain any 16bit code.. so any parts of OS/2 which are 16bit (or were at the time of OS/2PPC) were either omitted or re-written.


  Hi Robert,

As for the kernel, one of the reasons I was interested in the PPC one (which I have little to NO knowledge about - ie: I know it exists) is because it would be a good "reverse engineering" starting place to get more hints about what and how the kernel worked (and more of a possibility of something that IBM could release - if they could find it)... and though it is based off the Mach kernel, I am sure it included several key things for Intel-OS/2 similar threading and scalability...
So... yeah, I agree! Good Points!

  I really think OS/2 for PowerPC not being released (even if recompiled for Intel!) was a big shame. I fell in love with its design and really think that should be the way computing should go. But this is past and we should think about future. Anyway, I agree it would be a great starting point. The problem with this approach remains the same as using a unknown kernel: we would have the need to write all device drivers, something very cumbersome.
  BUT, being OS/2 PPC kernel based on MACH kernel (although not the same "release version as MacOS X, AFAIK), maybe it's possible to add MacOS X device driver support to it in a not-so-painful way. But at this time, this would only means we would be able to run OS/2 on MacIntel computers... something that is not bad at all :) , but it is not a perfect solution also.

   Anyway, there are lots of things to happen before this decision. If IBM decide to release OS/2 PPC Kernel source code, this could be natural way to go (even if others are possible). Let's the time show us the better way.


80
Networking / Re: Realtek 8139 driver not installing
« on: 2008.04.24, 04:14:03 »
Most of the time they not only share with other components but sometimes with other slots as well.  I was working on a compaq a while back that had 4 slots and all 4 recieved the same irq no matter what you did.  The computer could barely run 98 and try installing NT, OS/2 or Win2000 and it was a total no go.


 Thanks for the tips. Ive already tried changing the IRQ in the bios and whether its 3, 5, or 11 it shared with something and makes no diff. I also thought about changing the slot the card is in but Im running xp, 98, and beos and Im afraid it will break networking there. But Ill probably give it a try anyway. When os2 is booting it says something about networking can be configured by PCICfg.snp driver. I cant find it on the partition though and there is nothing about it on google.

Hi Brian,

I think I might have written that post in a confusing manner.

If I am reading your post correctly, you have an 8139 CARD (ie: it is not built onto the motherboard). Thus, you dont want to change the IRQ of the card in the BIOS. You want to disable any NIC functions/settings/parameters in the BIOS, and then either let the BIOS autoconfigure the card, or the card's driver autoconfig the card.

I've run numerous RT8139 cards with a very high level of success and reliability. On one HP machine though, I definitely needed to change what slot it is in. Many of the HPs and Compaq's (since they are made by the same manufacturer) often share the same components such as motherboards - so you may find that such is the case for you as well.

What model Compaq is it?  What else is on the PCI bus?

Robert

81
Off Topic discussions / Re: My Smart Fortwo Pure
« on: 2008.04.24, 04:09:14 »
That does sound interesting.  I would love to see if Chrysler could do it, it might just make Diamler keep them around.  Especially since chrylser/dodge one of the most fuel inefficient companies out there (along with ford).  I really wish Chevy could get the volt out the door a bit quicker because that is one of the first electric cars I find somewhat interesting.

On the other hand, my home is fairly insuitable for solar panels and using public service would just be wasteful.  However, I wouldn't mind having a volt for my commute and then having my gasser for when I would require greater range.

Hey Robert,

As a relatively related side note, Chrysler just recently announced (most recent Detroit Auto Show) that they plan on releasing an all electric car in the very near future that should get over 250miles/charge and cost about the same as equivalent capability/size gas cars.

I'm looking forward to a solution such as that, which then can be charged via a home solar setup or a bio-generator or geothermal setup (a lot of promising things in the works in that front using geothermal and Sterling Engines).

Robert

82
Applications / Re: Ecomstation 64 Bit Kernel
« on: 2008.04.24, 04:04:44 »
Actually.. OS/2 was in fact written from scratch, while there was some compatibility with windows and dos, even that support was at the time written from scratch.

I don't agree that making an OS/2 like linux distribution makes any more sense then any other project which has built upon the code.  What makes OS/2 unique to me is the way it handles the hardware, sure it doesn't support a large amount of hardware.  The threading model was great for it's time and could easily be improved.  These sort of things aren't going to happen if you just try to make linux feel like OS/2.  I could spend some money and make a geo FEEL like a mercedes.. but it will still be a geo.

Quote
A little premature to be looking beyond the first release of a project which may well never come to be.  I personally have said before that Voyager if they follow the easiest route will be the end of the road for me as far as OS/2 goes.  I may still develop my personal software for legacy and true OS/2, but I am in no way interested in an OS/2 compatibility layer thrown on top of any unix derivative.  That makes as much sense to me as Mac OS X makes, and that is none at all.

Now, why talk about
Quote
"an OS/2 compatibility layer thrown on top of any unix derivative"
when OS/2 in itself was not developed from "scratch" when one take a look at the development of this OS:

Quote
http://www.os2bbs.com/OS2News/OS2Warp.html

and, this is why I am in total agreement with "Peter Jespersen" when he said:

Quote
Move on - the source code will never be released under any open source license - period.

The BeOS community has been in somewhat the same situation, where ZetaOS where their eComStation. But they have moved on with HaikuOS. The eCS community should do the same.

But there's no need to reinvent the entire system - in short - Support your local Voyager developer
Lets have a system build on an existing kernel - at first API compatibility should be accomplished, then later on the binary compatability could be introduced using somewhat the same technique as in McVista or as Win16 compatability was done in OS/2 - using a VM. That also have the advantage of tightening the security - but it should be optional when installing system as in OS/2.

Surely, one does not necessarily have to re-invent the w-h-e-e-l in coming up with a sustainable solution to the OS/2 saga. The folks who are holding on to the Source-Codes (for dead) need to be shown that there can indeed be viable alternatives. 8) ::) 8)



83
I will actually be checking out this product shortly for use in a virtual reality arcade game =)

We are looking for a cheap alternative to SSD drives.. 

As Robert says (love that name), a SSD will be seen by the computer the same as any other type of drive of that category (SATA or IDE - if you can find an IDE one)... just like (my addition to the conversation) an SD or CompactFlash card installed into an IDE or SATA converter (just DONT get a cheap IDE/SATA converter as numerous speed related functions are often unsupported... you want something that supports the full IDE/SATA specs and makes the computer see the CF Card as a "state of the art, new" HDD).

As a side note, there is a new SATA converter (check Engadget, sorry I dont have the link readily available) that will take 3 CF cards (including the new super-duper-high-speed ones) and make them "into" one SATA drive giving you supposedly unbeatable performance (even compared to pre-built SSD drives), for a cheaper price (including the CF cards)... about 96GB for the price of a 64GB SSD.

The converter is $192, and Engadget liked it (I havent tested it - but if someone buys and sends me one, I would be glad to!)


(the other) Robert

84
Off Topic discussions / Re: My Smart Fortwo Pure
« on: 2008.04.24, 03:55:37 »
But Robert, we all know that hyping a product up is much more important then actually having a product which can be delivered.  So actually, I see the connection.  Ethanol is not a deliverable sustainable product, and neither is his much mentioned software =).

However, I actually enjoyed the original discussion about the smart and it actually did help me decide about some things, mainly that I would love to own one of those cute little cars except for the conditions of the roads on my commute.  Anyway, I am stepping out of this.

I know this thread is in the "Off Topic discussions" section... but the title of that section means...
NOT OS/2 related BUT on topic for the particular thread... what that means is if the thread in that section is about Nuclear Physics, then the posts should be about Nuclear Physics...

...the occassional off topic post is fine. But it would be appreciated if the continuous, repeated, off-topic posts were minimized such as the repeated (in a dozen threads, including this totally unrelated one) posts that pretty much say nothing more than:
Quote
aspects these discussions come in - hence the relevant sophisticated computer applications; and, this is where we are at with COMFETAR - LIVE. Hope you get the idea. 

...or perhaps I have missed the relationship of that to the current (and various other) discussion.

Thanks,
Robert


85
Off Topic discussions / Re: My Smart Fortwo Pure
« on: 2008.04.24, 01:55:08 »
Re:
Quote
This however does not have any relation to the argument that ethanol is a good product.  It is clearly documented even by ethanol producers and the auto industry that ethanol is not a good way to power an internal combustion engine.  Any product which uses more energy to create then can be gained from the use of that energy source is non-sustainable.  This doesn't change no matter how much you "know".

Guess that you are quite free to say whatever "you" wish, anyway it will all come down to this; and, that is - others will have their "say" too: ;D


This isn't an advertising campaign.  Believe and say whatever you wish, this will not change physics.  This will not change the facts.  A bad product is a bad product no matter how good you may personally believe it to be.  It is simply a matter of a particular molecular bond not being able to release enough energy to be worth the cost of refining said product.

Yes, Formula races are run on e85.  These cars had a 30% drop in performance, so bad they were thinking about bringing the limit back up to 10 cylinders to make up for the difference.   There is a big difference between competive racing and something which could be used in a street car.  For one, the race cars are going around a track and their fuel supply is never far away.  Also, f1 in general has fixed pit stops and regulated how often they need to refuel.  Also, racing is heavily subsidized by sponsorships.. in this case.. a few companies which create and market e85.   

Many of these cars have engines swapped out within one season.  As internal combustion engines age their energy creation potential drops.  This is because of wear of the pistons and seals and change in the compression of the engine.  While formula cars will never experience this issue, a road car will over it's lifespan.. when you start with 30% less power, and then  have to deal with the effects of time on the engine you will very quickly have a car which drives unsatisfactory.  Not to mention, it makes for very hard cold weather starts.

I tend not to pay attention to adverts because it just leaves me looking like a fool.

86
Off Topic discussions / Re: My Smart Fortwo Pure
« on: 2008.04.24, 01:52:25 »
And here is one which is relevant today because this plant is currently in operation and should be able to meet full production shortly, and to boot it can be used in any unmodified diesel car or truck, which means it can be used in all stages of product creation and transportation.. (hence sustainable).

http://www.azom.com/news.asp?newsID=3752

saborion2,

Here's a link to something interesting...
$1/Gallon "Green Gasoline" In Sight

And, unlike your links and posts, it's actually relevant!  ;)

Enjoy!
Robert

87
A Solid State drive should be no different then any other storage which is attached either through IDE or SATA.. 

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-notebook-portable,1913.html
It would be neat to try it on the T23. Would eCS work with it?

88
Off Topic discussions / Re: My Smart Fortwo Pure
« on: 2008.04.23, 16:33:32 »
Actually yes, Engineering thermodynamics does make sense to me.  Though I have never worked on a project as vast as the Concorde, I understand most principles of engineering.  And obviously when you are dealing with an aircraft of supersonic speeds you are going to need to understand the effect temperature has on any materials which the aircraft is constructed. 

This however does not have any relation to the argument that ethanol is a good product.  It is clearly documented even by ethanol producers and the auto industry that ethanol is not a good way to power an internal combustion engine.  Any product which uses more energy to create then can be gained from the use of that energy source is non-sustainable.  This doesn't change no matter how much you "know".


Quote
First of all..  I really doubt that people are pawning things to pay for fuel, and if they were then they would be doing it anyway because the 4 dollars per fillup extra that it has cost me over the last 2 years is certainly not causing me to go out on a pawning spree.

Second, Ethanol is NOT A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT.  Ethanol production is very expensive and uses huge amounts of resources (diesel for the tractors, petroleum or petroleum or coal based electric for the refinement, WATER.. yes.. Corn needs WATER to grow).  It uses up crops which would be otherwise used for food.  It does not burn at a sufficient temperature to be used efficiently in current cars.  Cars which are compatible with it get much worse fuel economy while using it.  A current production car would need larger fuel tanks (to keep the same range on lower mileage), larger fuel pumps to pump the extra volume required to MOVE THE CAR.  Larger injectors to get the fuel into the engine, higher voltage ignition systems to get the fuel to the correct temperature in order to have a clean burn and avoid detonation.   

Do you even understand how an internal combustion engine functions?


Third.. E85 IS AN AMERICAN PRODUCT.  IT COMES FROM AMERICAN FARMERS.  We sell it to other countries.

I am a Certified Level 11 NDT Tech. and attended Technical College in England and also prepared samples for materials testing for the "Concorde" airplane (and can tell you a few things about the production of SWEDISH STEEL). Do the words Engineering Thermodynamics make much sense to you?. And, Do you wish to know more. I can be your teacher. 8)
 

89
Applications / Re: Ecomstation 64 Bit Kernel
« on: 2008.04.23, 16:25:30 »
A little premature to be looking beyond the first release of a project which may well never come to be.  I personally have said before that Voyager if they follow the easiest route will be the end of the road for me as far as OS/2 goes.  I may still develop my personal software for legacy and true OS/2, but I am in no way interested in an OS/2 compatibility layer thrown on top of any unix derivative.  That makes as much sense to me as Mac OS X makes, and that is none at all.

I am rather sure that the eCS 2.0 (it ever) will be the last "real" version.
Move on - the source code will never be released under any open source license - period.

The BeOS community has been in somewhat the same situation, where ZetaOS where their eComStation. But they have moved on with HaikuOS. The eCS community should do the same.

But there's no need to reinvent the entire system - in short - Support your local Voyager developer
Lets have a system build on an existing kernel - at first API compatibility should be accomplished, then later on the binary compatibility could be introduced using somewhat the same technique as in McVista or as Win16 compatibility was done in OS/2 - using a VM. That also have the advantage of tightening the security - but it should be optional when installing system as in OS/2.

This was well said "Peter Jespersen"; but, just to add - ("support your local Voyager/Cassini Developers. 8) In this way "Cassini" comes with the "features" (bells and whistles) that eluded Voyager's Developers). ;D

Best regards.



90
If your computer is slowing from running too many apps it simply means you don't have enough processors!

Makes for an argument for using non-Win operating systems (like eCS) and smaller computers?

Well, I think the conclusion was for using an operating system, like OS/2, that has a better threading model than the one his wife was using, although the blogger failed to make it. The argument was that the wife was running too many things at once, therefore the "computer" was slow. This would have been the same argument if she had multiple applications running vs. multiple plug-ins, so I'm not sure what was the point of the blog.


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