Category Archives: Engineering

[Part 1] Arduino Data Logger

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This is the first post in a series in which I’ll document the development of an Arduino-based data logger. The requirements for this data logger are:

  • Data to be logged is a 4-20mA current loop signal (2-wire) from a sensor (using 4-20mA for analogue measurement is an industrial automation standard);
  • Sensor requires a 24VDC supply (I’ll be using a 240VAC-to-24VDC transformer plug pack to provide the 24VDC so there will be no mains supply work required);
  • Whole system to be contained in a box that can be sealed up and made “weather-proof”.

Planes I have flown in (updated to include Saab 340)

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May 2017 Update

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So it’s been a while since I’ve posted.  Notice a theme?
Anyway, here goes:

  • I’ve quit my job as a Control Systems Engineer in the mining industry and have started a new job as a Control Systems Engineer in the grain handling industry.  The change has been good and I feel reinvigorated.  I’m enjoying engineering more as I no longer have people reporting to me.  I’m also going away with work a lot less (and when I do go away it’s generally a day trip).
  • I’m catching the bus to and from work so the 1975 Mini Clubman is no longer a daily drive.  I’m getting some of the more involved work done on it now (disc brakes and suspension).  I’m planning on it being a fairly original car with some upgrades for safety (disc brakes and suspension) and for the look (period roof rack, possibly a rear window shade).  Recently fitted new plugs and leads as it lost a cylinder…

End of 2016 Update

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So it’s been a while since I’ve posted an update.  Apologies to my regular readers…

Here is a point form update:

  • Work and life are very busy (so no change there);
  • I’m not sure what I think about Fitbit buying Pebble (I don’t remember an acquisition like this ever going well);
  • The finches are doing well, the Painteds seem happy and are breeding, the Zebras perhaps a little too happy…;
  • Bird watching has taken a bit of a hit (closely related to amount of free time available unfortunately);
  • Using a 1975 Mini Clubman as a daily driver seems to be going well (after the clutch was replaced).

Birds seen from my office window

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List of birds seen from my first floor office window in Applecross, Perth, WA (in order seen/recorded).

  1. Silver Gull – regular fly-bys throughout the day
  2. Singing Honeyeater
  3. Rainbow Lorikeet – frequent
  4. Galah
  5. Australian Magpie – nesting nearby
  6. Australian Pelican – seen circling high
  7. Australian Raven – nesting nearby
  8. Red-tailed Black-cockatoo
  9. Red Wattlebird
  10. Laughing Dove
  11. Australian White Ibis
  12. Rock Dove
  13. Spotted Dove
  14. Willie Wagtail – road verge
  15. Brown Honeyeater
  16. Magpie-lark
  17. Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
  18. Eastern Osprey
  19. New Holland Honeyeater
  20. Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo
  21. Laughing Kookaburra

Planes I have flown in

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The latest addition to the list is the Brasilia, a plane I travelled on from the Carina mine site (East Jaurdi) to Perth.  A very noisy and bumpy ride.

Edited to add 737-800 (thanks John).

Mulga Parrot

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Part of the safety plan when driving from site to Perth is to call your supervisor when you reach Great Eastern Highway.  The Boorabbin Memorial looked like a good spot to pull over as it’s within a kilometre or so of the where we emerge from the bush.  As I pulled over I noticed a parrot perched in a low tree, seemingly attempting to defrost on what was a very chilly morning.  A Mulga Parrot!  What a spectacular bird.  It gave me enough time to get my binoculars out and then after a few seconds was off into the scrub.  Mulga Parrot (Psephotus varius) is number 269 on my life list.