Technological Progress – Is it getting too complicated?

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

Posted by Bob Wilson on 25/07/2019 09:41:24:

We had a Nissan Micra for 18 years and it never broke down. Finally had to get rid of it because the gear change was getting slightly stiff and spares no longer available. Got a Nissan Pixo, but dislike it because I can't see the bonnet when driving, so no more parking in limited spaces. Using Park & Ride more and more. If I get a new computer printer, I know for a fact that it will be obsolete in a few months.

Bob

Since the dawn of mainstream home computers, the most essential item has always been a sharp knife to get the box open as quickly as possible before it became obsolete. True in 1981, true today. Big difference is that fewer and fewer users realise that they actually have a computer, they have a box to do a task, back then you had a box that you needed to find a task for, usually saving the universe.

While cars are better built and designed today from the point of view of longevity and safety and user convenience, I still think that whoever decided that obvious consumables like light bulbs should require a major strip down of the car to change does deserve a really, really, good smack over the head.

When I did my electronics training in the late '60's, systems were modules that were made of components that you could identify and change. Nowadays I expect that their equivalents would need to be sent off to a factory for refurbishment, either because changing a component needs special tools considered uneconomic to let field people have, or just because.

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

On my ship, we had two teleprinter systems. One was connected to a HF transmitter of conventional design. The other was connected to the satellite communications. If the old system broke down, I could usually repair it myself just for cost of components. If the satellite conked out, I was told never to even attempt a repair, but just identify the faulty circuit board and send it back to the factory, and we would be supplied with a new board for a "nominal" cost. I asked what the "nominal" cost would be, and was told £2,000! After a few years, replacement board costs to the satellite euqipment was astronomical, but I doubt if repairs to the old system came to much more than £50 or so! Talk about uneconomic! Both teleprinters did the same job. When I was required to send an immediate distress message one hot sweaty night off the coast of West Africa,, the satellite did not work because the fluctuating mains power supply disrupted the tracking of the satellite dish. Then we lost power completely, so the conventional main transmitter did not work either and the emergency generator, although it started up automatically, choked on the smoke and stopped as well. I finally resorted to the emergency transmitter that ran from 24 Volt batteries with a two-valve transmitter that was only capable of sending morse! (how quaint and old fashioned!) Half way through sending the alarm singnal, I could hear another ship close by tuning up their main transmitter. Immediately I completed the distress message, the tanker Overseas Argonaut advised me they were 25 miles away, and steaming towards us at full speed. They were with us within two hours and stood by us for three days until we were sure the fire was out. The salvage tug was only able to find us via the almost obsolete MF direction finder, plus HF teleprinter direct contact. I was less than impressed with "progress!"

Bob

[redpmgParticipant @redpmg]

Out of nostalgia bought a 69 MG Midget when living in UK early 2000's – loved every minute driving it – especially on country roads and in Europe – but it cost a fortune to maintain and using it every day brought on the dreaded tinworm . If I had a choice today would use an old one for parts , new body from Heritage and mechanicals from a Datsun 1400 5 Speed pick up . All based on the original A series motor & gearbox – so it simply bolts into place but utilises updated technology with far better reliability.

Most reliable car was one of the second series of Toyota Corollas . Bought one for better half in 1980 , ran until 2004 , (Air Con included ) , travelled over 300,000 kilometres , would have still being going strong in the family except son had an argument with a Jeep Grand Cherokee – Cherokee came off worse . Son sold it after R200 repairs and we believe its still going – Jeep needed R78,000 to put back in shape.

As to radios , seem to remember a Pixie single channel – rubber powered escapements – so new technology is great but one wonders how long these modern 2.4GHz systems will last. Using a planet T5 and 6 versions which are now off the market. All three of the old 27mhz Futaba and Hitec sytems still function well – at least 40years old now . Newer 40mhz and 35MHZ (takes 40mhz crystals) seem a little flimsier somehow,. Would never replace the 5 channel 27mhz dual stick throttle Ace Nautical Commander imported from the US years ago. Interference could be a problem yes but not many other modellers around here and no CB's.

As to Lipo's and brushless motors – have a few but put off by the fire hazard having heard of 2 houses in SA lost to Lipo fires and watching one battery carelessly chucked aside burst into flame. Acquired some brushed speed controllers which cater for Lipo's and Nimh /Nicads but not yet used with Lipo's. Takes time to adjust and sort out – easier to run with what you know .

Laugh at using ballast in model boats – why not larger batteries instead…………one of my old club members out here ran his very large tug with 2 12v car batteries and a friend here in Gansbaai was in the process of building the same type when he sadly passed away a few years ago

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

I think you have to be dedicated in any hobby, or you just don't enjoy it. apart from my classic cars and bikes over my years, I have only ever have had one hobby since the age of 8, and that is building model boats……….and still learning, even at 68 years of age.

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Not altogether sure that is right Neil. There seem to be a lot of people who are happy to buy something RTR on EBay and just take it to the pond. Maybe just for the benefit of their kids.

Not my cup of tea but each to their own I suppose.

Colin

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

I suppose all aspects constitute the hobby , but most modelling interests have model maker/operators and the cheque book enthusiasts who just want a means to an end. I find 90% of the enjoyment in the building 😀

Regards Ray

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