Blogs
Motion Control Device Adds Pizzazz to Web Surfing
December 29, 2009 11:42 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsBack at CES ’09, I had the chance to preview Hillcrest Labs’ MEMs Accelerometer-based motion-control technology. They’ve since marketed it as a consumer device, the Loop Pointer. Essentially an air mouse on steroids, the Loop Pointer is one of the coolest gadgets I’ve seen in a while.
40 years later, ''The Final Frontier'' ain't what it used to be
December 29, 2009 11:01 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | Comments40 years ago, Neil Armstrong emerged from the Lunar Module Eagle, and stepped into history. He became the first human being to step foot on the moon, forever changing the scientific and engineering communities. And yet, 40 years later, the space program is a shell of its former self. Public enthusiasm is at an all-time low. How did we get to this point?
The Tin Foil Hat Brigade Strikes Again
December 29, 2009 8:30 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsIn what’s sure to encourage conspiracy nuts worldwide, Britain has released the government's complete file on the "Rendlesham Forest Incident" of December 1980. The 191-page document was released as part of a larger cache of British “UFO files” covering the years 1981-1996.
Global Warming or Global Cooling?
December 29, 2009 8:21 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsGentlemen, start your debating—according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the July average was the highest recorded ocean temperature in 128 years. July’s worldwide average of 62.6 will revive the global warming debates, inasmuch as some will cite this as evidence of climate change.
Light Bulbs and the Madness of Energy Efficiency Regulations
December 29, 2009 8:06 am | CommentsEuropeans (like Americans) choose to buy ordinary light bulbs around 9 times out of 10 (European Commission and light industry data 2007-8). Banning what people want gives the supposed savings that are "good for them"—no point in banning what people don’t want!
Autonomous military eobots: A short survey
December 29, 2009 6:48 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsTrue robot “consciousness” may be eons away, or impossible, but that hasn’t stopped its development. The end stage includes robots acting as “full ethical agents,” i.e. “those that can make explicit moral judgments”. Some feel this is unnecessary. The benefits are clear: robots wouldn’t experience the “fog of war,” or fall prey to emotions.
FCC grills Verizon on increased Early Termination Fees
December 29, 2009 5:23 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsThe Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is investigating why Verizon Wireless doubled their Early Termination Fees for “Advanced Devices.” The $350 ETF for “Advanced Devices” went into effect 11/15, and applies to PDAs and Smartphones (such as RIM Blackberries).
Army develops robotic helicopter sniper
December 29, 2009 5:13 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsCollateral damage has become synonymous with modern urban warfare. In fact, the concept of “total war,” where there is “less (or no) differentiation between combatants and non-combatants (civilians),” has existed since The Peloponnesian War. As far back as 431 BC, civilian casualties were considered an acceptable (and often desirable) outcome of total warfare.
Company unveils world’s first commercial spaceship
December 29, 2009 5:04 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsThese are the voyages of the VSS Enterprise. To ferry civilians into space. To collect $200,000 a head. To boldly go where few space tourists have gone before! On Monday, December 7th (an “infamous” date, to be sure), Virgin Galactic unveiled SpaceShipTwo, the world’s first commercial spaceline.
Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System goes 4 for 4 in testing
December 29, 2009 4:45 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsThe Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), a laser-guidance platform from BAE Systems, scored four hits in four shots during the final phase of testing. APKWS adds precision laser guidance capabilities to 2.75 inch rockets—specifically, those found in attack helicopters.
They're Here! Winter, Holidays, and the New Year. How Will You Save Energy?
December 22, 2009 7:53 am | by Energy Savers Blog | CommentsWinter officially hit this week, and those of you on the east coast found out in a big way. Many of you are still shoveling out while trying to take care of those last-minute holiday preparations. (I'm actually kind of jealous. I love shoveling snow. I just
Dishwasher – 1; Human – 0
December 21, 2009 8:51 am | by Energy Savers Blog | CommentsMy dishwasher and I have been locked in mortal combat for almost a month now, ever since it decided to quit working at nearly the same moment I decided to start washing the Thanksgiving dinner dishes. Over the past week it has started to look as if the dishw
SWUGN Year in Review - July 2009
December 18, 2009 7:51 am | by Richard Doyle's Community Blog | CommentsTop StoryThe SWUGN Summit - Columbus draws 105 attendees, far above the expected turnout. The event features 10 different presenters, and is represented by 5 different user groups. Many of the presenters were doing their first ever sessions, and all of them did an outstanding job. The...
SWUGN Year in Review - June 2009
December 18, 2009 5:54 am | by Richard Doyle's Community Blog | CommentsTop StoryJust over 100 people attend the SWUGN Summit - Happy Valleyin State College, PA. The amazing thing about this Summit event is how far people travel to attend. SolidWorks users from Pittsburgh (140 miles),Philadelphia (190 miles), even Rochester, NY (240 miles) make the trek to...
Establishing Flip Chip Coplanarity by Pressure Measurement
December 17, 2009 6:57 am | CommentsSuccessful flip chip assembly of large die with many bumps for applications such as image sensors depends upon the substrate and the die that is being placed upon it having parallel, coplanar surfaces when they are brought in contact. Any deviation from coplanarity can cause
