A S T R O  S A

INCORPORATED


Adelaide Branch

Welcome to the July newsletter. Things have picked up momentum from last month, with Andrew's successes with his steam injection heading the list. On a lighter note, amongst Ashleys recyclables brought along to the last meeting were a pile of Popular Mechanics from the 1950's. I managed to retain a few of them and was both interested and amused at some of the advertisements in them. These range from water injection to building a rocket to fit to your bicycle!!! I shall insert them into the newsletter over the next few issues for your enjoyment.

JUNE MEETING


This months meeting began at 8.20PM with 21 people eventually being present, including four visitors, Dion, Wendy, Tony and De. Ashley began the proceedings by welcoming all those in attendance, closely followed by Kevin giving the Treasurers report. I then read the incoming correspondence which included the Crop Circle newsletter, the ASTRO Vic. newsheet, the upcoming IANS forum information from America and the latest Searl newsletter from WA. I then gave a reminder that next month's meeting will also include the AGM to elect a committee for the next 12 months. I also mentioned that we received some free publicity on the "Metaphysical Show" on 3D radio when the host of the show read out one of our brochures that Ashley had placed in Quantum bookshop.

Ashley reported on the Tesla video, recommending it to those people interested in the subject, and donated some more audio tapes to the library. He also reported on the New Dawn magazine, which is like a metaphysical equivalent of Nexus. Finally Ashley presented this months recycled box (not as exciting as last months) and passed around a pamphlet on the "Freedom of Information Network. Andrew then presented the much awaited news of his tests with the steam injected Bongo van, (full report later in this newsletter) and Randall reported that his Enfield electric car is going well with daily use to and from work, with the only project associated with the vehicle being the construction of an automatic battery charger. Michael then presented several articles that he has gleaned off the Internet on magnets, Tesla coils, magnetic monopoles, magnetic shielding materials and a list of physics laws and their meanings. Unfortunately somebody or bodies took off with the magnet, monopole and shielding articles so could the originals or a copy please be returned to me so that I can share this information with all through the newsletter. Thankyou. Tony reported that he found "bugger all" from the Internet this month in the free energy area.

Then came a surprise presentation to the meeting when seven or so rockets made their appearance on the scene thanks to Jim and De. These varied from quite small ones up to ones about 1 metre high, complete with NASA paintwork. De has a licence to import and fire these rockets (they are considered to be in the same line as fireworks which are illegal in SA) and is trying to set up a Rocket Club in Mt Barker. More on this later. Roger reported on the Automotive Expo where the Split Cycle engine was on display recently and finally Ashley brought up the suggestion that members could give a report on any interesting books at meetings to promote books that are worthwhile reading.

The meeting sort of closed after one of the Baumgartner videos was shown. After tea and coffee to wake everyone up again we all wandered outside to look at Andrews van and watch a rocket being fired from my front garden and disappear through the clouds above. We normally report on UFO's, not make them!! So after another interesting night. the last people were crowbarred out the door at about 12.30.

SEARL GROUP AUSTRALIA

The latest Searl Group Australia newsletter has arrived with a very nice looking logo on the front page. Interest and activity is rising in the various groups around the country dealing specifically with this technology, I suppose partly due to the current visit to Australia by John Searl himself.  The newsletter carries reports of meetings in NSW and VIC as well as some WA information. One item of interest that applies more to what we are involved in regards a report that one of their members has constructed a linear magnetic device that worked. Steve, the writer, editor, printer of the newsletter, reports that he will endeavour to get some information about this device in a future newsletter when he has more information on it.

TESLA TURBINE

There seems to be a continual interest in Tesla turbines within the group, so I have included this article that Peter has passed on to me, which shows how to build a model turbine to demonstrate the principles of its operation. Sorry about all the dimensions being in inches, but the original article comes from England and I was too lazy to convert them all to Metric. So gather up your scissors, sticky tape and cardboard and get to work!!

"Take 15 thin circular discs 2 1/4 inches radius - make them of strong, stiff cardboard if you wish. Cut four 1/2 inch holes equispaced at 3/4 to 7/8 inch radius from the centre of each and one of 1/4 inch bore through the exact centre to take an axle. From the same thickness or thinner cardboard cut 14 discs 13/16 inch diameter also drilled 1/4 inch through the centre. Now thread the discs carefully on a 1/4 inch rod (with a shoulder about 1 inch diameter at one end and a fine screw thread at the other) between each larger disc placing one of the smaller discs to act as a spacer. Tighten all the discs together gently against a thin circular metal washer and that's half the Tesla machine made.

Now cut two sides of the casing from the same material as the discs, 4 by 29/32 inch diameter with a tangential projection     1 5/8 inches deep as shown in the drawing and a hole in the centre 2 1/16 inch diameter. Assemble these two ends to leave a working clearance for the end discs and join the periphery of each by a cardboard strip attached by sticky tape. Drive the shaft at about 1500 RPM and you have a quiet little air blower for drying newly painted objects, ventilating a small workshop, etc.

To take the useful experiment a stage further, mount the blower shaft in easy-fit bearings: blank off what was the blower air outlet with a carefully cut piece of cardboard through which a hole has been cut to take a compressed air line of about 1/4 inch bore. Direct a stream of air against the discs near their circumference and see what happens. Next increase the area for exhaust by expanding the four openings laterally for another test. Then increase the exhaust area radially outwards and test, stage by stage, thus gradually reducing the surface area between the discs and increasing the opening for exhaust. Further experiments and tests can be made, while increasing the bore of the compressed air line stage by stage."

Next month we will look at part of Teslas original patent (U. S. Patent 1,061,206 dated May 6th, 1913) to get a better understanding of what the original turbine actually looked like.

ANDREWS STEAM INJECTION

The news is all good regarding Andrew's project as reported at the last meeting, with the main points as follows:

- The Bongo has increased power going up what was a 60KPH hill now at 8OKPH.
- The main jet size has been reduced and the air correction jet size has been increased.

- The ignition timing has been advanced 5 degrees above normal with no signs of pinging. With standard timing, Andrew tells us that he was singeing the bumperbars of following cars with blue flames out the exhaust on overrun, due to incomplete combustion of the fuel mix.

- A Holden temperature light switch (115 degrees C operation) is being added to the system to automatically switch on the water control solenoid when steam is being produced. This will replace the "guess when it's hot enough" manual. switch on the dashboard.

- Andrew has eliminated a flat spot which was occurring off idle by retuning the main Jet and air correction jet and now reports that except for the increase in power, you would not know the system was on the car.

The exhaust has been lagged with insulation and covered with steel pipe, well tin cans actually, to prevent road spray killing the system on wet days.

- Initial tests indicate a measured improvement of 30% in fuel economy, but with further sorting Andrew is expecting this to be further improved.

TEFLON ENGINE TREATMENT


Just a reminder for those who may be thinking of trying the steam injection idea but may be concerned about engine lubrication. As mentioned a long time ago in this newsletter, I have available a teflon engine treatment. This chemically bonds to any engine part operating under heat and pressure, eg. bearings, and so doesn't get flushed out with the next oil change. I have been using the Australian made product AUTO-EEZE for the last 12 years both in racing engines (before I changed my wasteful ways) and in normal everyday transport. Although I have found that each engine responds differently to a treatment (depending on engine clearances, etc.) the reduction in friction in the engine generally gives more performance, better fuel economy and longer engine life. It is available for ASTRO people for $35 a can, so if you are interested see me at the next meeting.

MOTOR VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM

An article which appeared in the Adelaide Advertiser on 1/6/95 about a new vehicle tracking system recently caught my attention. Called the Locus GPS, it was developed in Australia and by using a satellite transceiver fitted to the vehicle can track its position to within 5 metres. It is available through a company called Mobiletrack and is being sold primarily as an anti-theft device for about $2500. Each vehicle is linked to a central control room which is manned around the clock, while on police command, Mobiletrack can activate a remote engine disabling function, which will cause the vehicles engine to stop. The system is available now in NSW and is expected to be operating nationally within 6 months anywhere in Australia that is covered by the cellular phone network. I guess it seems a good idea as long as further down the track, because it successfully prevents vehicle theft, it doesn't become compulsory as it would then become a "geographical tax file number" with the powers that be having control over each individuals movements.

TEAP NEWS

Information on the Western Australian company, TEAP, has appeared in Issue No.52 of the Soft Technology magazine which originates in Melbourne. Along with the article appeared the first picture that we have seen of the Thermovolumetric Motor which is used for generating electricity. The article really plays down the electricity generation aspect of TEAP's work and concentrates on the thermal heating aspect as can be seen by this quote from the opening paragraph. "By their own admission the power generation aspect of this system was a bit of a side issue - albeit an important one - to the main thrust of their work, which is the development of efficient thermal storage systems using the phenomena of latent heat associated with certain phase change salts." The article did however go on to give a brief description of the principle of operation of the TVM with the basic schematic diagram as appeared in this newsletter a couple of issues ago. I guess we shall have to wait and see how far this system goes in both efficiency of operation and cost of the final product. Roger is on their mail list or should I say FAX list, so if any developments occur then we will hear about them.



*** WANTED *** WANTED *** WANTED *** WANTED *** WANTED ***



Roger is looking for a book called "THE ENERGY MACHINE" by Joseph Newman & the Rex Research info pak on the GRAY PCD engine. Unfortunately Roger actually donated the GRAY PCD info pack to the library, but someone has borrowed it and not returned it, so if YOU have it PLEASE RETURN IT!

AlsoI am looking for a carburetor off a mower or chainsaw - anything with a 12-15mm bore, butterfly type would do. Thankyou.

ANTI GRAVITY GYROSCOPE

Roger has also given me this article from back in 1989, when it appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald. I seem to remember Sandy Kidd, the inventor, also appearing an Beyond 2000, or as it was called Towards 2000 in those days, giving a demonstration of his antigravity device. Does anyone know of the whereabouts of Sandy Kidd now, or of his invention?

"When Sandy started out in 1980 to build an anti-gravity machine, after a life time's obsession with space technology, he knew he was tackling the "Impossible." But if flying saucers existed elsewhere in the universe, then he was certain they were harnessing the power of high speed gyroscopes, spinning wheels which build up an endless supply of energy. He spent nearly four years working in his garden shed on the project, when in 1984 he watched his machine generate its first vertical thrust. "Not much, but it was there and I was over the moon" he recalls. A few weeks later, the device was demonstrated at the Imperial College, London, for the benefit of Professor Eric Laithwaite, a world expert on gyroscopes. He described Kidd as "Ingenious" after watching the 3 kilogram unit, 45 centimetres tall with a gyro at each end of the crossarm, rise from the test bench against a counterweight.

Kidd worked for another two years on the machine to improve its design and performance. It was then that Dr Bill Ferrier brought the device to Dundee University, however several months later, the university pulled the plug on funding the project. It was then that Victorian millionaire boss of BWN, based at Dandenong, signed up Kidd on a development contract. This saw Kidd move to Australia where he built a second prototype which was tested in Melbourne. The trials, which lasted three days under the supervision of specialised engineers, are believed to be the first of their kind carried out on such a machine. Placed in a sealed wooden box, the device was suspended in mid-air from a cord attached to an overhead beam fitted with sensitive measuring instruments.; Each time the machines gyros were powered up by their model aeroplane engine, the entire device lost weight as the vertical thrust overcame the force of gravity.

By producing this lift without reacting on air, water or solid surface, the Kidd machine was defying Newton's Third Law of Motion which states that every action must have an equal and opposite reaction. "It created enough thrust to float a small orange through the middle of the room," Kidd says of the phenomenon. "People in the laboratory were clearly shaken." The next move is to increase the lifting force, then design a commercial prototype. A team of experts is now being assembled to tackle this scientific Everest. "It may take us several years but we'll get there," says Kidd, who is determined to go down in history as The Man who Changed the World."

NUCLEAR RESEARCH LASER

Roger has passed an article onto me which appeared in the New Scientist magazine, dated 24th October 1994.

"After months of agonising, the U.S. Department of Energy has given the go-ahead for a giant nuclear research laser. The National Ignition Facility will cost $900 million to build, and $60 million a year to operate for its planned 15 year life. The laser will implode targets containing deuterium and tritium to generate, the DoE hopes, more energy by fusion than it consumes. (That's the interesting bit!)

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, submitted its proposal for NIF in May, expecting a quick approval to start preliminary design work. However, antinuclear groups objected because the prime goal of laser fusion has long been to simulate nuclear weapons. Critics said the U. S. was hypocritical to build the giant laser to simulate nuclear explosions while pressing other nations to abandon all nuclear tests.

After listening to the arguments, the energy secretary Hazel O'leary decided the laser is needed for the safety and security of our remaining nuclear weapons ... without nuclear testing"

SPLIT CYCLE ENGINE

This engine appeared in Adelaide recently at an Automotive Equipment Expo held at the Croydon Institute of TAFE. It was interesting to see the engine in real life and I was surprised at the small size of it even though I have seen it before on video. Another interesting aspect of the display was their new Fan Forced Induction System. The fan is similar to other units available with the difference being the shape of the blades at the circumference of the fan. At the time I was there the people associated with the display were busy setting up a promotional talk for the local press and TV stations and so were not interested in talking to individuals like myself

Roger also went to the Expo and was more fortunate in that he saw a lecture on the motor and got to talk to the inventor of a new fuel injection system which is used on it. This system has managed to decrease the fuel droplet size down to 7 microns. Roger reported that a $20 million deal has been signed by NASA to use the Split Cycle engine in one of their projects a "Stealth Jeep". Being in the right place at the right time, and lucky for us ASTROites, Roger was given a 1 hour video of the Split Cycle Technologies, which was produced this year and will be shown at the next meeting.

ROCKETS

As mentioned in the meeting report, Jim and De brought along some rockets to the last meeting, culminating in the firing of a small one at the end of the night. De is importing these units as kits from America as well as building ones from scratch here with Jim. The kits range from small single stage units up to three stage ones complete with parachutes for the descent of each part. These guys are very serious in their intention of actually building up their expertise to firing a full size rocket in the future. If you are interested in looking at a catalogue of available kits or want to become involved in a rocket club, or want to become involved in the more serious side of their endeavours, contact either of these guys on 08 398 3946.

NOTE: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FRIDAY 21ST JULY

This will be held at 7.30PM, directly before our normal monthly meeting in order to elect the committee for 1995-96. Please think about who you would like to have as committee members and if you would like to be involved yourself. The amount of work is minimal and mainly occurs on meeting nights.

MONTHLY MEETING FRIDAY 21ST JULY

The video for this meeting will be: THE SPLIT CYCLE ENGINE

This is a video, made this year, that Roger was given at a recent Automotive Expo in Adelaide, so it contains the latest information. The usual applies in that please bring $3.00 to cover video purchase and newsletter printing and postage, and something for supper would be appreciated. I hope to see you all at the next meeting !!!!