#Instrumentation Engineering Service Providers

[katzenklavierr]

I am once again reminding people that Vocaloid and other singing synthesizers are not the same as those AI voice models made from celebrities and cartoon characters and the like.

Singing synthesizers are virtual instruments. Vocaloids use audio samples of real human voices the way some other virtual instruments will sample real guitars and pianos and the like, but they still need to be "played", per say, and getting good results requires a lot of manual manipulation of these samples within a synthesis engine.

Crucially, though, the main distinction here is consent. Commercial singing synthesizers are made by contracting vocalists to use their voices to create these sample libraries. They agree to the process and are compensated for their time and labor.

Some synthesizer engines like Vocaloid and Synthesizer V do have "AI" voice libraries, meaning that part of the rendering process involves using an AI model trained on data from the voice provider singing in order to ideally result in more naturalistic synthesis, but again, this is done with consent, and still requires a lot of manual input on the part of the user. They are still virtual instruments, not voice clones that auto-generate output based on prompts.

In fact, in the DIY singing synth community, making voice libraries out of samples you don't have permission to use is generally frowned upon, and is a violation of most DIY engines' terms of service, such as UTAU.

Please do research before jumping to conclusions about anything that remotely resembles AI generation. Also, please think through your anti-AI stance a little more than "technology bad"; think about who it hurts and when it hurts them so you can approach it from an informed, critical perspective rather than just something to be blindly angry about. You're not helping artists/vocalists/etc. if you aren't focused on combating actual theft and exploitation.

[fandomtrumpshate]

Fan Labor Golden Needles

At the time of posting, we still have 26 glorious fan labor auctions that have no bids. That means this could be your chance to make a small donation and get some help with beta reading, sensitivity reading, specialist expertise, or even some more unique offers!

astriiformes is offering Culture picking, Sensitivity reading, Specialist expertise, and Research for ANY fandom. They list the following areas of expertise:

Jewish & American culture-picking, sensitivity reading for Jewish, aromantic, asexual, transgender (especially transmasculine), ADHD, autistic, and chronically and mentally ill characters, as well as writing queerplatonic relationships. Specialist expertise: Archives and archival work, stringed instruments and orchestras, queer history, scientific & medical history, historical research

birbleafs is offering Betaing for Genshin Impact; Star Wars (Original Trilogy, Prequel Trilogy, The Clone Wars, Legends / Extended Universe) and Jujutsu Kaisen

Blue_Rose_1066 is offering Betaing, Sensitivity reading, Specialist expertise for Wheel of Time; Cosmere - Brandon Sanderson; and Good Omens. Here's how they describe their areas of expertise:

I am a Judaic studies student and have a good familiarity with ancient Jewish history, as well as WW2 German and USSR front. I can also provide knowledge about dog training, knitting, Hebrew Bible, Jewish practices, migraines and chronic paid. I can provide sensitivity reading for gender nonconforming (agender, nonbinary), Bisexual/ Frey sexual. I can provide any type of beta reading needed. I tend to ask a lot of questions, and notice small details.

BrowserET is offering Betaing, Specialist expertise for Avatar The Last Airbender; Legend of Zelda; and Any fandom they've created for before. Their expertise is in Camping/Hiking and Chess.

Chestnut_pod is offering to read a book or watch a ballet of your choice and give it a full-length review.

coslyons is offering Specialist expertise for ANY fandom

I am offering to provide myself as a resource for "ask an engineer". My expertise is primarily in civil engineering, but I have some background in other sub-types of engineering. I'm happy to provide feedback on any work, help with brainstorming and ideation, or answer general information questions.

donnadonera is offering Betaing and Translation (English to Spanish) for Dragon Age (Any); The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System; Tian Guan Ci Fu / Heaven Official's Blessing; and Steven Universe

fireandhoney is offering Translation (English to French) for Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan Doyle stories, BBC Sherlock); Any fandom they've created for before; and Harry Potter (Marauders Era, Original Series)

Galwithalibrarycard is offering Betaing for 9-1-1 and 9-1-1 Lone Star; Les Misérables; and Stranger Things

griffindor111 is offering Betaing, Culture picking, Specialist expertise, and Worldbuilding for K-Pop (SEVENTEEN); and Haikyuu!!!

Culture-picking: Australian, as well as picking for 1st generation Asian immigrant in a western country Specialist expertise: Law (specifically Australian Law), coding (Python, HTML), violin and choir Worldbuilding: can help you worldbuild and finetune the finer details of your world

justtheblueberry is offering Typesetting for Genshin Impact; Haikyuu!!!; and any fandom they've created for before

Keladry is offering Betaing and American Culture picking for ANY fandom

Keladry is also offering Betaing and American Culture picking for Check Please!; Hockey RPF; and Marvel (Any)

kitkatkelly is offering Betaing, Culture picking, Specialist expertise for Good Omens; Our Flag Means Death; and Legend of Zelda.

Canada, English. Specialist expertise in music, especially singing, public service (government) work, modelling.

Lanterns is offering Betaing for Iron Widow; Gravity Falls; and Fruits Basket

Math-Is-Magic is offering Betaing, Sensitivity reading (ace and lesbian), and a unique offer to "Create/update Fanlore pages, stuff like that" for Mo Dao Zu Shi / The Untamed, The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System, Arcane and Dimension 20

Fanlore Pages: I'm happy to create a fanlore page on your choice of subject, or to overhaul an existing one. However, the less I know about the subject, the more I may need to rely on you for guidance and feedback. I.e. if you want me to create a page for one of your fics, you'd need to summarize the fic for me, or for a fandom I don't know, you'd have to point me towards the Big Things to know about the fandom and where I might get first-handed sources to read about it, etc.

Mouse9 is offering Betaing for The Magnus Archives/Protocol; Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan Doyle stories, BBC Sherlock, Elementary, Enola Holmes, Sherlock & Co.); 9-1-1 and 9-1-1 Lone Star

multifandom-fanfic-writer is offering Betaing for Naruto; Hannibal; and Ace Attorney

obsidianbyten is offering Betaing for Bungo Stray Dogs; Naruto; and The Owl House

queer_drunk_dwarf is offering Betaing for Minecraft Youtubers (DSMP, Parkour Civilization, QSMP); and Original Work

ranichi17 is offering Betaing, Culture picking, Sensitivity reading, Specialist expertise, Translation for A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon; Good Omens; Sherlock Holmes: Arthur Conan Doyle stories, Granada Holmes, Robert Downey Jr Movies, Watson CBS, the KAJ Mycroft series

I am also a native Filipino still living in the Philippines so I can help with the culture picking and translations in Filipino.

schweet_heart is offering Betaing and Specialist expertise for Merlin and the Biggles Series by W. E. Johns

have some (slightly rusty) skills in Latin and Old English if you need help to translate short pieces for spells or other purposes.

ShadowSpires is offering Betaing for Call of Duty; One Piece; and Star Wars (Original Trilogy, Prequel Trilogy, Sequel Trilogy, The Clone Wars, Rebels, Rogue One)

tiltedsyllogism is offering Betaing, Culture picking, and Specialist expertise for For All Mankind

Yankpicking (both language and culture); Russia-picking (both language and culture)

Toshokanin is offering Specialist expertise for Interview with the Vampire; Mo Dao Zu Shi / The Untamed, The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System, and Tian Guan Ci Fu / Heaven Official's Blessing

I will nitpick your library or bookshop fic! Let me help you make the most of these fun fandom settings, while also ensuring that any variation from the reality of the industry is a deliberate choice you make for your story.

winchestered_again is offering Sensitivity reading for Stranger Things; Any fandom they've created for before; and It by Stephen King

I have experience with stigmatized disorders that are often/mostly demonized/sensationalized in media, such as OCD (bar O-OCD/Pure O-OCD or cleanliness OCD, the most well-known), BPD, NPD, and DID to name ones that are probably the most known. I can also help where things like those + disorders like Autism intersect with gender identity and sexuality, particularly with FTM or Non-Binary / Genderfluid identities and can also speak on the AroAce spectrum of sexuality.

[stevebattle]

Kermit (1978), by Ron Milner and Larry Nicolson, Cyan Engineering, Atari's secret think tank in Grass Valley, CA.

"The robot was a pet project for Nolan Bushnell, then still the head of Atari and a very creative guy. Its purpose in life was as Nolan put it to "bring me a beer!" Navigation for robots was a sketchy thing at that time with lots of pioneering work at MIT but no consumer cost ideas. Nolan brought us the incredibly original idea to navigate a robot (which mostly meant knowing where it was) by means of scanning bar codes attached here and there to the baseboards in the rooms the robot was to service. Why it wasn't patented I don't know.

I had lots of fun building the R2D2 style robot about 20" tall. I liked to put mechanical and electronic things together and we had a great shop at Cyan. Its brain was one of the 6502 based single board computers-I think it was a KIM but not sure. Locomotion was two DC gear motor driven wheels and an instrumented caster-about the same rig as a modern Roomba. A rotatable turret covered with a plexiglass dome carried microphones, an IR sensor to detect people, and ultrasonic ranging sensors I built on a separate PC board. A speaker so Kermit could beep gleefully, of course.

A ring of contact-detecting burglar alarm sensing tape (green in the pictures) around Kermit's middle told the software he had hit something and should back off. The ultrasonics provided range to obstacles and to some extent direction as the turret was rotated, so we could go around things.

My pride and joy was the barcode remote scanner which was mounted on the bottom of the robot so its rotating head would be level with the barcodes on the baseboards. It had a vertical telescope tube with a beam splitter between the IR Led and the photodiode sensor and a lens to focus 2-20' away. It aimed down at a front surface mirror at 45 degree to scan horizontally. The mirror was mounted on a motor driven turret so it spun around continuously with a sensor once around to resolve the continuous angular position of the beam horizontally of course with respect to Kermit's rotational position. Unfortunately, this part of the robot did not survive the closing of our group. The barcodes I made for the prototype to detect were about 4" tall made of 3/4" reflective 3m tape on black poster board.

My programming partner on the project was Larry Nicholson, a really bright guy. He made the barcode reading work to detect not only the barcodes, but where they were angularly with respect to the robot and also their subtended angle or apparent size (all from timing of the rotation of the scanner) which was a measure of distance combined with angle from the barcode. We worked out some pretty clever math to resolve that information from two or three of the barcodes into a position and orientation of Kermit in the room. We had rented an empty room upstairs on the third floor of the Litton building to try all this out and work out the navigation. Larry and I got the basic navigation and obstacle avoidance working so Kermit could go from one place to a designated other place in the room and avoid wastebaskets placed randomly. We demonstrated it to Nolan and he was impressed.

Shortly thereafter Warner Communication who had bought Atari from Nolan kicked him out and the Kermit project was cancelled."

– Kermit The Robot Notes by Ron Milner.

[bekolxeram]

7x03 analysis part 1 — Everything Air Ops

I promised helicopters, so now we get helicopters. I want to look into how Air Operations work in the 9-1-1 universe, in comparison to its real life counterpart in this first part. Then, I will try to figure out the location and intensity of "hurricane Ethel" during the clandestine operation in the second part. And finally, I will prove how risky it is to fly a helicopter into a storm and why Tommy deserves every bit of his Medal of Valor.

Location

Real!LAFD Air Ops operate (Station 114) out of Van Nuys Airport (VNY/KVNY). It's not only one the busiest general aviation airports in the world, it's also smack dab in between major green areas of the city of LA itself.

This location makes perfect sense in real life. Air Ops might get the occasional highway car wreck or urban structural fire calls, but most of their missions still consist of wildfire suppression and rural search and rescue. Being based at Van Nuys makes sure they can respond to emergency in a timely fashion.

in the 9-1-1 universe, the LAFD Air Ops are based at "Harbor Station", or Station 217. (Harbor and 217 are the same station, Chimney especially asked if Tommy was still at the 217 in 2x14 when requesting air support, unless the 911-verse LAFD has 2 different air operation units, which I highly doubt.) Obviously it has to be at an airport, because that's where the hangers and helipads are, and going by "harbor" I can only speculate that it's in the Harbor Region of LA.

The only non-military airport in the LA Harbor Region is Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB), but it's quite a busy commercial airport, probably not a good one to run emergency services from. There's also the Zamperini Field (TOA/KTOA) nearby in Torrance, although not exactly inside the Harbor Region, it's coastal and close enough to the 2 LA ports I guess? Feel free to create a whole new airport using your imagination though, as you know 9-1-1 is set in an alternate universe where geography and physics work differently.

Helicopters

The LAFD Air Ops have 5 medium (FIRE 1-5) and 2 light duty (FIRE 6/7) helicopters, you've heard Tommy in 7x04. Everything applies to the real world counterpart, but the medium type that real!Air Ops operate is AgustaWestland AW139, the Italian-made medium sized twin-engine helicopter with a 5-blade main rotor primed for emergency response and off-shore oil rig transportation.

It has auto-pilot, an anti-icing system for harsh weather and even auto-hover suitable for hoist rescue missions. In a passenger transport configuration, it can carry up to 15 passengers in a 3 row seating plan. In an SAR (search and rescue) configuration though, the middle row can be removed for gurney space. It's big and powerful enough to transport multiple patients, but at the same time, light and agile enough to get into difficult terrain.

The AW139 is designed to be flown by 2 pilots, flying solo is also possible, but only under VFR (Visual Flight Rules), with an additional certification, which LAFD pilots can and do. To fly it under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), it always requires 2 pilots according to the FAA last time I checked.

The light helicopter type real!LAFD flies is the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, a single engine twin-blade made in Canada. It's an relatively new airframe, set to replace the aging Bell 206, which the LAFD used to operate. It's quite a bit smaller than the AW139, it can only fit 1 pilot and 4 passengers.

While it's perfectly capable of carrying a Bambi bucket to assist with aerial firefighting missions, it's mainly used as a training aircraft for new pilots and HLCO (Helicopter Coordinator) when there is a major catastrophe that requires on-the-site air traffic coordination.

These are all brand new and sophisticated aircrafts that a mere TV channel can't get their hands on without a government budget. So for 911!LAFD Air Ops, ABC went to their usual helicopter service company for prop aircrafts.

Helinet Aviation provides all sorts of helicopter services from aerial journalism, medevac, delivery to regular chartering. All the 911!Air Ops scenes in 7x03 and 7x04 are naturally filmed in the Helinet hanger, for convenience's sake, at VNY, just a runway across from real!Air Ops.

911!Air Ops

Helinet hangar Street View

I believe I've identified all the helicopters shown in 7x03 and 7x04, but let's get the 2 in the background which probably do not belong to 911!Air Ops out of the way:

N72EH, a Sikorsky S76C++, still in its Boston MedFlight livery. Sold to Helinet in 2022, possible used as a medevac vehicle currently? Unlikely to have anything to do with 911!Air Ops, probably just happened to be in the background to make it seem like there were many helicopters.

The one Tommy flies Eddit to Vegas in is N67TV, an Eurocopter AS350B2 Écureuil (aka squirrel). No fire department would ever let employees take their expensive equipment out for a joy ride so it's likely that in universe, Tommy rented it from somewhere outside of the station. IRL though, according to this forum post, it's used as a backup helicopter for all its customer news stations, but also any TV or film production purposes outside of journalism.

Now, for the one seen in the hangar, therefore explicitly belonging to 911!LAFD:

N29HD, also an AS350B2, also a news helicopter. According to this reddit comment, it used to be shared between CBS and FOX, but now it seems to be configured as a dedicated aircraft for ABC7.

The one the who cares gang stole to rescue Bobby and Athena though has a fake registration number on it:

You just have to look up Helinet's fleet, and you will see this is obviously a DHL livery, and it's quite easy to find out that this is actually:

N211FN, an AS350B1 (so an even older variant than the previous two), operated on behalf of DHL for package delivery service.

Don't get me wrong, the AStar (how the AS350 is called in the US) is a versatile and reliable aircraft. It the 4th most produced rotorcraft in the world, someone even managed to land one on top of Mount Everest. But it's kind of small? It can seat only up to 5 passengers with 1 pilot, and there is hardly room left for any gear. There is also no space for stretcher, so anyone they rescue would have to sit upright. It's just not very realistic.

I have no idea what medium duty helicopters 911!Air Ops operate, we're unlikely to see them in the future. There is this Bell 205 in 4x12 Treasure Hunt, but it clearly says L.A County Rescue on the tail.

Pilots

Real!Air Ops pilots wear beige flight suits, it's the aeromedics who wear blue, and helitac crews wear orange. I'm not complaining too much though, Tommy looks good in blue. (I think the chief pilot wears dark blue, but I'm not sure.)

Helicopter pilots in general usually wear helmets, in case a particularly strong pocket of turbulence slams you against the body of the aircraft, or a bird decide to fly through the windshield into your face, but I get that it gets in the way of the camera, so I'm just gonna enjoy Tommy's beautiful face.

Real!Air Ops pilots work on a 24/48 shift schedule just like any platoon firefighters. Due to the danger of pilot fatigue on aviation safety, they do try to limit their continuous flight time to 6 hours before taking a prolong break.

There are 5 levels of pilots: pilot I (trainee), pilot II (probational), pilot III (full pilot), pilot IV (lead pilot) and pilot V (chief pilot). The chief pilot oversees the entire Air Ops and work on a 10 hour per day, 4 days a week schedule. The rest of the pilots are put into 3 shifts, each shift with a pilot IV, 2 pilot IIIs and 2 trainees/probies, together with 4 aeromedics. (Can't find the most updated version, the lastest one I can get my hands on is from 2022, so good enough?) Therefore Tommy's Bobby would not be a captain, it would be a lead pilot.

I've already explained in detail the timeline of Tommy's career as a firefighting pilot, but here is the short version of it: Once accepted into the LAFD pilot training program, he would have to train with the LAPD for 180 hours then back to the LAFD for 200 hours, that takes around 2 years, and by then he would be a probie. After that, he would have to slowly build up flight hours then train and certify for all types of missions on the medium duty helicopter, that would take another 2-3 years, and after that he would be promoted to a pilot III, which is probably the rank he holds now.

We can see from the form Hen submitted in 7x03 that she initially asked for Lucy as their pilot, as she's forgotten that Tommy also worked there. Fortunately Chimney called Tommy, as Lucy most likely would've still been a probie if not just a trainee.

Melton

I have no idea who he is.

I can sort of see his badge says "firefighter"? At real!Air Ops, everyone wears a flight suit as uniform, so that they can hop into a chopper in an emergency. I don't know what a dude in a regular uniform with the regular LAFD patch on his arm doing there.

Tommy's arm has the Air Ops helicopter patch on it.

Real!Station 114 though do have a crash unit staffed with regular firefighters, maybe Melton is with them? But then, why is he doing with Hen's helicopter requisition?

[joezworld]

Christmas Story

Two days later - Saturday, December 8th

Mercifully, Bear had a scheduled inspection on Friday, and was spared a full day of peak services with an engine that very clearly played favorites. 

Unfortunately, he was not spared the ensuing tirade from Delta, who had been lashed to Truro all day, and had been about ready to feed his buffers to him by lunchtime. “See, this is why we don’t have any hero worship in the Midland region, Bear.” She said seriously. “Because when the Coronations acted like that, you could just bump some manners into them! And they’d thank you for it later! That engine though…” She trailed off menacingly. 

“He’ll come around, eventually.” Bear said, trying to achieve a state of calm. 

“I don’t think he will.”

“He will,” Bear gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. “Because if he doesn’t, something unfortunate is going to happen - whether it’s to him or us is the issue.”

-

Bright and early on Saturday morning, Bear collected his coaches and waited at the big station for his departure time. He noted with some interest that the bandstand, which was usually littered with instruments from the American band, was empty. 

“Ah, Bear!” Stephen Hatt, the Fat-Controller-to-be, exited the station cafe. “Have you noticed the peace and quiet yet?”

“I have sir.” He said quietly. “Where did the band go?”

Stephen gave a slight grin. “Even my father, with his nigh-infinite amount of patience, grew tired of them. They’re on their way back to… wherever it was they came from, courtesy of a grateful island.”

“Grateful for their music, or..?”

“Grateful, and let’s leave it at that.”

“Of course sir.”

There was a lull in the conversation at this point, and Bear was about to bring up his issues with Truro, when the Fat Controller himself came walking down the platform. “Well, I see someone commiserating the loss of our band!”

Stephen pulled a face. “No, that is not what we were doing.”

Charles turned to face Bear. “What about you then, Bear? Is there a hole in your heart from the loss of the music?”

“Sir, I don’t feel comfortable lying to you.”

Both men laughed at that, and then the Fat Controller continued. “Well, I suppose that not every experiment can be successful. That group was quite rubbish, and I sent them on their way.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“Oh, don’t thank me yet.” He wrung his hands. “The Island Council is very keen on this going well, so they’re finding us a new group to perform.”

“Oh, sir…”

“I know, I know.” He held his hands out placatingly. “I have… informed them that it must be a better group. Perhaps a more… traditional one.”

There was a lot of coughing from Stephen at that, but he said nothing. 

“But,” Charles glared at him. “In the meantime, I suppose it is kind of quiet here, so I’ve arranged to have Radio 2 played over the Tannoy until the new group arrives.”

“Do we know who it is yet?” Stephen asked, pointedly. 

“No, but if it makes you feel better, I insisted that they provide us bands that are well-known in their home countries.”

“That doesn’t, actually.”

This back-and-forth went on for some time, and when his departure time finally came around, Bear was actually in a good mood. 

-

It lasted all the way to Haultraugh station. 

Oliver was there with his morning commuter train, and he was fuming. “Show me proof that anything going on here is my fault! I want to know! If it was me, which it wasn’t, I’ll take the blame!” 

The stationmaster, guard, driver, fireman, and two porters were arguing with each other. It was quite incoherent, but seemed to center around a trolley of luggage with no owner. 

At first, Bear didn’t think that this affected him, but as his departure time neared, he realized with some annoyance that the luggage compartment on his train hadn’t been tended to yet, and several passengers were waiting for their bags!

“Excuse me!” He called over to the confusion of employees. “But there is another train here!”

That caused everyone to spring into action, and while his train was tended to, Oliver tried and failed to explain. 

“I don’t know what’s going on,” He began, “But strange things keep happening. I mean, someone says that this luggage was supposed to be stored here, but there’s no-”

“My trunks!” A voice squealed, and everyone turned to look at a young woman leaning out of Bear’s train. “I thought I’d lost those!” 

It was very quickly discovered that she’d lost her luggage some time ago, never realizing that it was in the Haultraugh lost property office. A very quick reunion was staged, before the trunks and their happy owner were bustled back into Bear’s train. 

Bear watched this happen around him, not entirely sure what to do or where to look, but as Oliver’s train vanished into the distance, he realized that he was well and truly late. 

“Soot and Oil.”

-

Arriving at Arlesburgh fifteen minutes behind time, Bear tried and failed to act like nothing was wrong - or at least that he was blameless for it, but he’d reckoned without the small railway. 

“Oi oi oi!” Mike hooted from the platform. “What’s this? A quarter hour late? Did you stop to hibernate?”

Bear growled at him, his mood souring dramatically. 

“Oi!” The little red pipsqueak yelped. “‘S only a joke!” 

“Oh, pay it no mind,” a regal voice called out. 

City of Truro rolled elegantly out of the shed in a cloud of steam, paint and brass polished to a mirror finish. “That sort doesn’t understand humor. It probably thinks you to be serious.”

Bear’s oil pressure shot up, and his motor began revving in a threatening way. Mike’s eyes widened, and he shut up immediately. 

“Truro,” Bear said, a metallic grinding sound underpinning his voice. “Are you ready for today?”

“I have been ready for almost twenty minutes.” Truro said as he flounced past. “And you would know that if you could do the bare minimum and keep to time.”

There was a sound of scraping metal and shattering glass, and one of the classification lamps located near Bear’s chin fell to the ground. He’d scowled so hard that it had snapped off. 

Bear looked down at it, quietly but visibly furious, and then looked straight ahead. He didn’t acknowledge Mike, he didn’t acknowledge the coaches, and he didn’t acknowledge his driver until it was time for him to reverse around the train and couple between Truro and the coaches. 

As he rolled away, Mike released a breath that he didn’t realize that he was holding, and looked across the yard. There, by the goods depot, was a line of trucks who had heard and seen everything. They looked as equally frightened as he felt, and they locked eyes with each other.

This is not going to end well.

---

And yet, for the entirety of that weekend, it seemingly did. 

Bear’s heightened temper aside, the special “Truro” services went without incident - every train was packed to the gills with commuters, Christmas travelers, and enthusiasts alike. They ran to time, mostly, and any incidents were one that could happen to any engine or train. (Not that it stopped Truro from blaming Bear anyways…)

In fact, the biggest issue was,

Last Christmas I gave you my heart

That every time the train pulled into the big station,

But the very next day you gave it away

The same song was playing on the radio.

This year, to save me from tears

No matter what Bear did,

I'll give it to someone special

It would keep. Playing.

Last Christmas I gave you my heart

“I hate this song…” He murmured when they pulled into the station for the last time on Saturday night.

But the very next day you gave it away

It reminded Bear of how lonely he felt

I'll give it to someone special

The next morning, Truro was whistling the tune. 

Once bitten and twice shy

He thought about mentioning why, but figured that Truro would be needlessly cruel about it.

I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye

The only comfort during this period was, strangely, Gordon.

Tell me baby, do you recognize me?

“I say!” He’d bellow as soon as the song came on. “Turn off this racket!”

Well, it's been a year, it doesn't surprise me

“Oh, do be an adult!” Truro scoffed. “This is a wonderful song!”

Happy Christmas, I wrapped it up and sent it

“Perhaps for you bilgewater-drinking Westerners,” Gordon sniffed, looking at Truro out the side of his eye. “But proper engines do not enjoy… tunes such as this.”

With a note saying "I love you", I meant it

“Bilgewater! How dare you! I’m more proper of an engine than you could ever hope to be!”

Now I know what a fool I've been

“Puh!” Gordon sniffed. “I see now why you have Bear as your minder. He has to balance out your preposterousness!”

But if you kissed me now, I know you'd fool me again

“You dare lump me in with that?”

Last Christmas I gave you my heart

“Only by circumstance! Bear hates this song as much as I do, and I wouldn’t associate a proper engine like him with the likes of you unless there wasn’t a choice!”

This year, to save me from tears

Gordon steamed away before Truro could say anything, and did so with such bombastic clouds of steam that nobody could see Bear smiling buffer to buffer at Truro’s fury. 

I'll give it to someone special...

----

That had been the last train of Sunday, and Truro was still smarting over it when Bear left him at Arlesburgh that night. 

He was in such a state that his crew found it quite difficult to move him, let alone do anything complicated like center him on the turntable, and so when Duck and Oliver arrived back in the sheds a few hours later, they found him facing the back wall. 

“Turntable broken?” Oliver asked, nonplussed at the sight. 

Truro said nothing, and Oliver took his irritation to be from a different source. “Eh, it happens sometimes. I mean, it's easier for us ‘cause we’ve only got bunkers, but still, facing the wrong way the whole time isn’t exactly fun.”

Truro unclenched his jaw long enough to say “Thank you”, without showing off how furious he really was, and then Duck bustled in. 

“My goodness Truro. What on earth are you doing facing the wrong way?” He immediately began fretting. 

“Dunno.” Oliver said. “I think the table might be broken.”

“It can’t be, I just used it.”

“Search me then. Fancy a change of scenery, Truro?”

“... My driver has issues with his competencies.” Truro managed to grind out. 

Oliver’s eyebrows shot up. “He couldn’t center you on the table?! Well, paint me blue and call me an easterner!” 

Duck looked horrified. “Oliver! He must be so embarrassed!”

“Only if you make a huge fuss, so stop quacking on about it!”

“Quacking on - oh for heaven’s sake!” At Duck’s urging, his driver reversed him out of the shed, and he was coupled up to Truro in no time at all.

“What on earth are you doing?” The bigger engine asked, not sure if he should be confused or angry or both.

“I’ve turned round King classes before,” Duck soothed as he pulled Truro out of the shed. “I’ll have you the right way round in a jiffy!”

Oliver rolled his eyes and watched through the door as Duck shunted Truro around the yard. If he wasn’t so tired from the day’s nonsense, he’d be laughing at Truro’s halfhearted protests, but instead he sat back and watched while his crew tamped down his fire for the night. 

By the time everyone was (back) in the shed, Truro was dizzy, offended, and still quite cross about his earlier encounter with Gordon. However, he took pains not to show it, which turned out to be to his detriment…

“Oh don’t mind him,” Oliver chuckled. “He mothers engines he really likes.”

“I do not!”

“Do too.”

“When have I done that?”

“Well…”

This went on well into the night, and nobody got any rest until well after midnight, when Duck finally fell asleep. 

“At long last…” Truro muttered to himself, trying to fall asleep.

“Hey,” Oliver whispered. “Not to keep either of us up, but do you have a second?”

“Whatever for?” Truro opened one eye warily. 

“When you’ve been doing the shunting, have you… noticed anything strange happening? Or heard any unusual talk from the trucks?” 

Truro’s second eye opened. “Such as?”

“I don’t know, that’s the thing.” Oliver said, quite perplexed. “Odd things have been going on with me recently. Stopping at request stops with no one there, waiting for luggage that got lost. I get more trucks than I was supposed to take, or sometimes less. And I’ve been late three times just this weekend from silly nonsense! Nobody knows what’s going on - even the trucks are getting confused!”

Truro raised an eyebrow. “I haven’t heard anything, but I will admit that I haven’t been listening too closely. One usually does not associate themselves too closely with the trucks, but I will keep my ears open, as the saying goes.”

“Thanks,” Oliver murmured. “Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this.”

He then closed his eyes, and was asleep after a few minutes. 

“Yes,” Truro said quietly, to no one. “Hopefully we will.”

He stayed up most of the night, thinking…

[enzaelectric]

Common Electrical Issues That a High-Quality Current Transformer Can Prevent

In today’s fast-paced industrial world, electrical reliability is more crucial than ever. A small error in current measurement can lead to serious system failures, downtime, and costly repairs. This is where high-quality current transformers (CTs) make a huge difference. But what exactly can a superior CT prevent? Let’s dive in.

What Is a Current Transformer?

A current transformer (CT) is an essential device used to measure alternating current (AC) by producing a scaled-down, manageable current for meters, relays, and other instruments. It enables safe monitoring and accurate metering in high-voltage environments, protecting both equipment and personnel.

Common Electrical Problems a High-Quality CT Can Prevent

1. Overloading and Equipment Failure

Problem: Without accurate current measurement, systems can easily become overloaded, causing motors, transformers, and cables to overheat.

How a CT Helps: A precision CT ensures real-time, reliable current monitoring. It detects overcurrent conditions immediately, allowing protective relays to trip and prevent expensive equipment damage.

2. Inaccurate Energy Billing

Problem: Incorrect current readings can lead to wrong billing, causing businesses to either overpay for energy or face disputes with utilities.

How a CT Helps: High-accuracy CTs provide precise energy data for billing and cost allocation, especially critical in commercial complexes, factories, and power plants.

3. Protection Relay Malfunction

Problem: If a CT delivers incorrect signals, protection relays may not operate during faults, leading to extended damage and system blackouts.

How a CT Helps: Reliable CTs ensure protection relays receive the correct fault current levels, enabling fast and accurate circuit isolation.

4. Short Circuits Going Undetected

Problem: A minor fault can escalate into a full-blown short circuit if the protection system doesn’t detect it early.

How a CT Helps: Quality CTs capture even small fault currents, triggering alarms or shutdowns before damage spirals out of control.

5. Phase Imbalance Issues

Problem: Imbalanced phases cause excessive heating, motor inefficiency, and damage to sensitive equipment.

How a CT Helps: High-precision CTs monitor each phase accurately, enabling detection of phase unbalance conditions early and preventing system inefficiencies.

6. Harmonic Distortions and Power Quality Problems

Problem: Harmonic distortions interfere with the performance of sensitive equipment and reduce the overall power quality.

How a CT Helps: Specialized CTs can detect abnormal waveform distortions, enabling corrective action through harmonic filtering or load balancing.

Why Invest in a High-Quality Current Transformer?

Accuracy: Achieve metering-class precision essential for both billing and protection. Durability: Longer lifespan even in harsh industrial environments. Safety: Better insulation, thermal stability, and overload capacity. Compliance: Meets international standards like IEC and ANSI.

How Enza Electric Ensures CT Excellence

At Enza Electric, we specialize in manufacturing current transformers built with precision, reliability, and global standards compliance. Whether you need CTs for commercial metering, industrial protection, or utility-scale power distribution, our solutions guarantee unmatched performance.

Customizable options for various ratings High dielectric strength for safety Long service life even in extreme conditions

Explore our Current Transformer Range

Final Thoughts

A high-quality current transformer isn’t just a tool — it’s a first line of defense for your electrical system. Investing in precision-engineered CTs prevents common electrical issues, boosts system longevity, ensures accurate billing, and improves overall operational safety.

If you’re serious about protecting your infrastructure and optimizing performance, choosing Enza Electric’s current transformers is a smart move.

[bliow]

AGARTHA Aİ - DEVASA+ (2)

In today’s digital landscape, a captivating and functional website is crucial for any business looking to thrive online. Full service web design encompasses a comprehensive approach, ensuring every aspect of your site is tailored to meet your unique needs. From the initial concept to the final launch, this service provides an array of offerings, including website service, responsive web design, and custom design services. Whether you’re a startup seeking to establish your brand or an established enterprise aiming to enhance your online presence, understanding the elements of full service web design is essential. 

Full service web design

Full service web design encompasses all aspects of creating a website, from initial conceptualization to ongoing maintenance. This approach ensures that every detail is carefully considered to meet the specific needs of a business or individual. With a team of experienced designers and developers, full service web design offers a seamless experience that integrates aesthetics, functionality, and user experience.

One of the key advantages of opting for a full service web design is the cohesion of the website elements. Since all parts of the project are managed by a single team, there is less chance for miscommunication or inconsistency in design. This results in a more polished final product that reflects the brand’s identity while providing an engaging experience for visitors.

Additionally, full service web design allows for customized solutions tailored to unique requirements. Whether you need an e-commerce platform, a portfolio site, or a blog, a full service provider will offer dedicated support and expert advice throughout the entire process, ensuring your vision comes to life exactly as you imagined.

Website service

In today's digital landscape, website service is essential for businesses to thrive and maintain an online presence. A well-structured website serves as a powerful tool that encourages customer engagement and drives sales. By investing in a comprehensive website service, businesses can ensure that their website not only looks great but also functions seamlessly across all devices.

A key aspect of website service is the ability to optimize for search engines. By implementing SEO best practices, businesses can enhance their visibility and attract more organic traffic. This is where a reliable website service provider plays a crucial role, as they possess the expertise and techniques necessary to elevate your search engine rankings.

Furthermore, ongoing support and maintenance are vital components of a reliable website service. As technology evolves and user needs change, having a team that can promptly address issues or updates will keep your website relevant and effective in reaching target audiences. This ongoing relationship is instrumental in achieving long-term success in the digital realm.

Responsive web design

Responsive web design is an essential aspect of modern web development that ensures a seamless user experience across a variety of devices. With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, having a website that adapts to different screen sizes is not just a luxury but a necessity.

The core principle of responsive web design is fluidity. This means that the layout of your website adjusts dynamically based on the screen width, ensuring that content remains accessible and visually appealing regardless of the device used. This approach improves usability and can significantly boost conversion rates.

Incorporating responsive web design techniques involves using flexible grids, images, and CSS media queries. These elements work together to create a layout that responds gracefully to changes in screen size, making your website not only functional but also competitive in the digital marketplace.

Custom design services

In today's digital landscape, custom design services have emerged as a vital component of creating a strong online presence. Businesses understand that a one-size-fits-all approach does not cater to their unique needs and branding. Therefore, opting for custom design services allows them to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

These services offer tailored solutions that resonate with a company's specifics, from colors to typography and layout. By leveraging custom design services, businesses can ensure that their websites not only reflect their brand identity but also provide an intuitive user experience. This is crucial for keeping visitors engaged and encouraging them to take the desired actions.

Investing in custom design services ultimately contributes to better customer satisfaction and improved conversion rates. With a website designed specifically for their target audience, businesses can more effectively communicate their message and achieve their goals. This bespoke approach is invaluable in today's competitive environment.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

NASA cameras to capture interaction between Blue Ghost lander, moon's surface

Say cheese again, moon. We're coming in for another close-up.

For the second time in less than a year, a NASA technology designed to collect data on the interaction between a moon lander's rocket plume and the lunar surface is set to make the long journey to Earth's nearest celestial neighbor for the benefit of humanity.

Developed at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies (SCALPSS) is an array of cameras placed around the base of a lunar lander to collect imagery during and after descent and touchdown.

Using a technique called stereo photogrammetry, researchers at Langley will use the overlapping images from the version of SCALPSS on Firefly's Blue Ghost—SCALPSS 1.1—to produce a 3D view of the surface.

An earlier version, SCALPSS 1.0, was on Intuitive Machines' Odysseus spacecraft that landed on the moon last February. Due to mission contingencies that arose during the landing, SCALPSS 1.0 was unable to collect imagery of the plume-surface interaction. The team was, however, able to operate the payload in transit and on the lunar surface following landing, which gives them confidence in the hardware for 1.1.

The SCALPSS 1.1 payload has two additional cameras—six total, compared to the four on SCALPSS 1.0—and will begin taking images at a higher altitude, prior to the expected onset of plume-surface interaction, to provide a more accurate before-and-after comparison.

These images of the moon's surface won't just be a technological novelty. As trips to the moon increase and the number of payloads touching down in proximity to one another grows, scientists and engineers need to be able to accurately predict the effects of landings.

How much will the surface change? As a lander comes down, what happens to the lunar soil, or regolith, it ejects? With limited data collected during descent and landing to date, SCALPSS will be the first dedicated instrument to measure the effects of plume-surface interaction on the moon in real time and help to answer these questions.

"If we're placing things—landers, habitats, etc.—near each other, we could be sand blasting what's next to us, so that's going to drive requirements on protecting those other assets on the surface, which could add mass, and that mass ripples through the architecture," said Michelle Munk, principal investigator for SCALPSS and acting chief architect for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "It's all part of an integrated engineering problem."

Under the Artemis campaign, the agency's current lunar exploration approach, NASA is collaborating with commercial and international partners to establish the first long-term presence on the moon.

On this CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative delivery carrying over 200 pounds of NASA science experiments and technology demonstrations, SCALPSS 1.1 will begin capturing imagery from before the time the lander's plume begins interacting with the surface until after the landing is complete.

The final images will be gathered on a small onboard data storage unit before being sent to the lander for downlink back to Earth. The team will likely need at least a couple of months to process the images, verify the data, and generate the 3D digital elevation maps of the surface. The expected lander-induced erosion they reveal probably won't be very deep—not this time, anyway.

"Even if you look at the old Apollo images—and the Apollo crewed landers were larger than these new robotic landers—you have to look really closely to see where the erosion took place," said Rob Maddock, SCALPSS project manager at Langley. "We're anticipating something on the order of centimeters deep—maybe an inch. It really depends on the landing site and how deep the regolith is and where the bedrock is."

But this is a chance for researchers to see how well SCALPSS will work as the U.S. advances human landing systems as part of NASA's plans to explore more of the lunar surface.

"Those are going to be much larger than even Apollo. Those are large engines, and they could conceivably dig some good-sized holes," said Maddock. "So that's what we're doing. We're collecting data we can use to validate the models that are predicting what will happen."

NASA is working with several American companies to deliver science and technology to the lunar surface under the CLPS initiative. Through this opportunity, various companies from a select group of vendors bid on delivering payloads for NASA, including everything from payload integration and operations, to launching from Earth and landing on the surface of the moon.

image: One of the SCALPSS cameras is visible here mounted to the Blue Ghost lander. Credit: Firefly

[darkmaga-returns]

The past couple months have been kind of surreal for me to watch unfold. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization made by rebranding the United States Digital Service and utilizing its wide mandate to combat wasteful spending in government, waded right into the United States Agency for International Development, among other agencies accused of wasteful spending, and practically dismantled USAID right in front of us.

People should be celebrating in the streets. After all, USAID was an instrument of colonialist power, acting as a CIA slush fund, propping up the Deep State and their Empire through intelligence skullduggery and overseas nation-building and capacity-building specifically engineered to exert soft power and make third-world countries totally dependent on the West and NATO and pull them away from BRICS influence.

But to hear the media say it, what’s really happening is that an evil fascist maniac is dismantling a completely innocent organization that takes our tax dollars and selflessly provides foreign aid to those in need.

I’m sorry. What are people smoking? Did everyone put stupid juice in their vape pens and I just didn’t notice?

USAID is evil. Like, not a little bit. Hugely, monstrously evil. They have been since their very inception. I don’t use that term lightly, and once I share a selection of articles on the topic, you will understand why that specific choice of words is not hyperbolic.

[gpuzzle]

Where's the rant on water wheels. I want the rant. Gimme the rant.

I got some methylphenidate, a coke zero, some hard bop records, and fuck all to do at work. Send it. Disclaimer, this is largely a rant about European Industrial History; if anyone has any sources on like, Indian Industrial History or Ottoman and Arabic Industrial History or others, please send it to me, I would love to read it.

It is the year 1400. Your parents and grandparents lived through hell. You are some pimply teenager who's apprenticing to be a blacksmith. You go to work on what is basically a factory; there's a blast furnace that has bellows that pump in air from the top; there are trip hammers for shaping the tools, there's all sorts of mills for grinding ore into dust. It is all powered by water wheels.

The late medieval world was so much more industrialized than we give it credit for. Once the utter chaos of the early middle ages settled, the great knowledge network known as the monasteries held the keys to the kingdom; the one transnational organization dedicated to passing on knowledge. Meanwhile, the labor in cities, between merchants and craftsmen and those offering services, began to organize and gather capital to establish these industries, for leather, for iron, for wine, for cloth, for paper, for masonry. The structures of the economy were so much more modern than we give them credit for; it's everything else that's basically ripped from the Hellenistic period at best.

Watermills factor into this because they are the basis of all economies alongside windmills, but windmills are not constant and far more expensive, unless you are the Dutch. Every monastery, every hamlet might have a handful; at least one for grains and one for basic cloth fullinh. And it's producing at a higher level than ever before.

We spend years, ages dealing with this nascent if gross industrial production. Precision isn't a quality of those tools. It's why I think people stating the old adage about how the Romans could have invented the steam engine myopic at best. At its core, despite these grand water wheels, these huge leaps, this age where you might see a genuine industrial district on the rivers of Europe, where guilds establish their great artisanal manufactories, you don't have basic machines like the lathe.

The missing parts for that precision are things which the Renaissance really brought to the fore. It's the ability to mass print technical manuals; it's the ability to draw and sketch and mass print very precise depictions of machinery. It's a need - a profound need - to measure the world to its finest detail, which gave rise to the profession of "scientific instrument maker"! There was such a demand for it these craftsmen especializing in ultra precise gear became a class unto themselves!

And you slowly see, over the course of the 17th century and through the 18th century, a scientific approach to these great engineering projects. The first civil engineers are really taking control of what was before unstandardized master mason knowledge and providing us with the exact details. This is happening all over the place. The guilds must become scientific, become academic or die an ignonimious death. And, to their credit, they very much do. It is not for nothing that economics and engineering, to start, become academic objects of study around then.

Water wheels are inescapable and so are their background noises and smells until essentially the very late 1800s, and they anchor so much of life during that point; they are the premier way of making anything that requires force. And yet, much like every aspect of industrial life, they're completely forgotten or even purposefully ignored in some cases. It's such background noise we tune it out, and slowly lose them. Industrial history and archaeology as a whole is just insanely vulnerable because so much of it can just be removed within a minute and never brought back again. The last exemplar of a Barker reaction turbine sits in Puerto Rico where before it was ubiquituous across the US. A ship mill deteriorates in 50 years. And we forget just how automated life was.

I am tempted to say I am like this because I was born in a country where that sort of industrial history is functionally nonexistant. Brazil was deliberately and purposefully handicapped by Portugal for centuries; printing machines here postdate Napoleon. So to seek to comprehend what life was like in ages past it is this vacuum I seem to comprehend first and foremost.

At its core it's probably because I was a giant Anglophile as a kid.

[justforbooks]

Colin Tilney

Harpsichordist who recorded the instrument’s major works and encouraged new pieces for early keyboards

Colin Tilney, who has died aged 91, was an accomplished executant on historical keyboard instruments. He came to prominence in Britain during the 1960s wave of the early music revival. He went on to be a significant figure with regard to historically informed performance practice in his adopted Canada. Not only were his performances characterised by stylistic awareness and consummate discretion, but he was always scrupulous in ensuring that the instrument on which he played provided a suitable match for the music.

He is best remembered for his mastery of the Elizabethan composers, the Italian school (especially Frescobaldi) and German school (Froberger, Kuhnau) as well as Domenico Scarlatti, Bach and Handel, but a catalogue of more than 70 recordings covers virtually the entire harpsichord repertoire. Having at an early stage in his career played harpsichord on the 1964 recording of Stravinsky’s Rake’s Progress, under the composer’s own direction, he maintained an interest in contemporary music, commissioning and playing new works in both Britain and Canada.

The gift of an Irish harpsichord for his 21st birthday piqued a curiosity about historical instruments that would bear fruit in the decades to come. He became assiduous in seeking out originals or replicas of harpsichords, clavichords, fortepianos, chamber organs and virginals which he drew on to gain an ever better informed knowledge of the relationship of repertoire from different periods and geographical areas to the original instruments that brought this music into being.

He was especially devoted to a replica of a 1745 harpsichord by the 18th-century Flemish maker Johannes Dulcken – the only instrument he took to Canada when he emigrated in 1979.

Born in Maida Vale, north London, to Eileen (nee Graham) and Commander George Tilney of the Royal Navy, Colin grew up in Haslemere, Surrey. He was educated at Charterhouse school, in Godalming, then – following national service (when he learned Russian) – at King’s College, Cambridge, where he took a BA in modern languages and music, followed by a BMus.

While at Cambridge he studied harpsichord with Mary Potts, also the teacher of Christopher Hogwood, and with Gustav Leonhardt, the leading practitioner of the Dutch early music movement.

For a few years he worked as a repetiteur for Sadler’s Wells and the New Opera Company in London. Gravitating towards early music he appeared in the early 60s with ensembles devoted to English repertory.

Tilney’s period-instrument performances were consistently noted for their exceptional refinement, good taste and poetic sensibility. They were praised too for their crisp ornaments, stylishly discreet embellishments of repeats and a firm rhythmic control, which nevertheless avoided inflexibility.

A review of his recording of Bach’s Partitas, made when he was in his 80s, while noting the “leisurely trajectory” of his reading, also praised his ability “to make the quills on his resplendently engineered harpsichord sing”.

Eschewing mannerism or what he would have regarded as undue subjectivity, his performances further exemplified his mastery of agogic accents – made through extending the duration of notes – and meticulous attention to nuances of phrasing and articulation, as well as to such issues as the original notation and the instruments for which they were written.

The influence of Leonhardt is palpable in Tilney’s recording of Bach’s English Suites, made on a fine brass-strung Italian harpsichord of the early 18th century, where the first two suites are characterised by the Dutch master’s somewhat cerebral approach. His playing of the later suites, however, is more attuned to Bach’s dance rhythms and has greater rhythmic dynamism generally.

His continuing interest in contemporary music led to him giving the London premiere of Hans Werner Henze’s Lucy Escott Variations. He also commissioned works by Elisabeth Lutyens and the South African composer Priaulx Rainier.

He made his first tour of the US in 1971 and in 1979 moved to Canada, settling in Toronto, where he continued to teach privately and at the Royal Conservatory of Music and the University of Toronto. He worked additionally as an accompanist for the Canadian Opera Company.

To his collaborations with the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Toronto Consort he brought both performing skills and historical expertise, undertaking tours to Asia, Australia, Britain and elsewhere in Europe.

In 1985 he formed the chamber ensemble Les Coucous Bénévoles (The Benevolent Cuckoos), named after a descriptive keyboard piece by François Couperin. The initial purpose was to celebrate the tercentenary of Bach, Handel and Scarlatti.

Later, with the participation of the flautist Elissa Poole, the ensemble worked increasingly with contemporary Canadian composers. In 2002 he moved to Victoria, British Columbia, where he continued to teach and perform.

In addition to the erudite notes he wrote to accompany his own recordings, Tilney’s publications included an edition of harpsichord music by Antoine Forqueray and the three-volume Art of the Unmeasured Prelude (Schott), incorporating facsimiles, modern editions and commentaries documenting the harpsichord preludes of Louis Couperin, Nicolas Lebègue, Jean-Henri d’Anglebert and others.

In the early 60s Tilney had a daughter, Lucy, with his first wife, Samia Jazairy, an Algerian nurse and princess (the daughter of an emir). He had another daughter, Bee (Beatrice), with his second wife, Hilary Jones. Both marriages ended in divorce.

On Tilney’s emigration in 1979 he co-habited with a new partner, William Emigh, and they married in 2008. Emigh died in 2022, and Bee died the following year. Tilney is survived by Lucy.

🔔 Colin Graham Tilney, harpsichordist, born 31 October 1933; died 17 December 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[tech-sphere]

Tarun Wig: Co-Founder of Innefu Labs and Leader in Cybersecurity Innovation

Tarun Wig is the co-founder of Innefu Labs, an Indian cybersecurity company specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for national and cyber security. With over a decade of experience, Tarun is recognized as a leader in India's cybersecurity industry, known for pioneering innovative AI-driven security solutions.

Early Life and Education of Tarun Wig

Born and raised in a middle-class joint family in Delhi, Tarun developed a curiosity for technology and learning at an early age. His family, especially his elder sisters and brothers-in-law, played a key role in shaping his intellectual development. Tarun attended Montfort Senior Secondary School, where he excelled academically and developed a strong passion for technology.

He pursued Electronics and Communication Engineering at Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune. It was here that his interest in cybersecurity took root, as he explored the intersection of technology and security. During his time at university, he co-founded Appin Group, a venture that would lay the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial success.

Tarun Wig’s Entrepreneurial Journey: Appin Group to Innefu Labs

Tarun's first major venture, Appin Group, began as an educational initiative focused on training engineering students in emerging technologies. However, the company soon pivoted to providing cybersecurity services to government and corporate clients. Under his leadership, Appin grew rapidly, achieving a valuation of INR 14 crore within four years and securing its first round of funding.

Despite Appin’s success, Tarun felt the need to focus on developing homegrown cybersecurity products. This led him to sell his stake in Appin and co-found Innefu Labs in 2011, a company dedicated to building cutting-edge, AI-powered security solutions tailored to India's needs.

Innefu Labs: Revolutionizing Cybersecurity in India

At Innefu Labs, Tarun focused on creating innovative cybersecurity products rather than offering services. One of the company’s biggest achievements was the deployment of India’s first state-wide Internet monitoring system, a milestone that positioned Innefu Labs as a leader in national cybersecurity.

Innefu also developed a link analysis engine for the Delhi Police, which has been instrumental in solving complex criminal cases. The company has since partnered with major government agencies, including the Ministry of Defense, DRDO, and state police departments, helping to secure India’s digital infrastructure.

Global Recognition: Tarun Wig’s Impact on Cybersecurity

Tarun Wig’s expertise has earned him recognition as one of India’s Top 100 Cybersecurity Influencers. He is frequently invited to consult for intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and government organizations across the country. Tarun’s contributions to cybersecurity policy, AI-driven security solutions, and national security have earned him widespread respect within the industry.

Through his leadership, Innefu Labs has successfully competed with global cybersecurity firms, including those from the United States and Israel, by focusing on innovative solutions tailored to the Indian market.

The Vision for the Future: Scaling India’s Cybersecurity Products

Looking ahead, Tarun is focused on expanding Innefu Labs to dominate India’s cybersecurity product market. He believes that India’s IT and tech sector can reach its full potential only if more homegrown technology products are developed. Innefu Labs is at the forefront of this movement, creating high-quality AI-powered products that can compete globally.

Tarun's ultimate goal is to position Innefu Labs as a leader in India’s cybersecurity and AI ecosystem, offering products that protect national security and help businesses secure their digital infrastructure.

Conclusion: Tarun Wig’s Legacy in Cybersecurity Innovation

Tarun Wig has transformed the Indian cybersecurity landscape through his innovative approach and dedication to developing indigenous solutions. As the co-founder of Innefu Labs, he has led the company to become a trailblazer in AI-powered security technologies.

With a focus on cybersecurity products, national security, and AI innovation, Tarun’s work continues to have a lasting impact on India’s digital future. As Innefu Labs grows and evolves, Tarun remains committed to positioning India as a global leader in cybersecurity and technology product innovation.

By pioneering homegrown solutions and leveraging the power of AI, Tarun Wig is shaping the future of India’s cybersecurity industry. His vision and leadership are paving the way for a safer, more secure digital world.

[kervl-klear]

I was wondering, if Huchu attempted cognitive behavior therapy then how did he run those sessions in terms of what did he do to try to help the others? Considering you wrote that, in doing so he caused the others to "internalize their problem to the point they cannot be helped anymore including himself". Also, did he think he could be like a psychiatrist (or at least provide similiar service) due to the fact that psychiatrists work with medicine?

I hope my question is clear enough. If not, feel free to ask what I am trying to ask (^^)

Thank you for tuning in to my frequency! The answer contained potentially triggering contents, so I'll hide it under the cut. Please enjoy. ✨

Huchu’s Qualifications

Huchu has bachelor's degree in neuroscience, master's degree in Pharmacy. D. and is currently studying PHD on medical instrumentation engineering. Aside from taking class, he’s a neurosurgeon at marine corps hospital, take shift as a battlefield surgeon at marine camp and use the rest of his free time to operate Lubi service so he has the following active licenses, Pharmacist license and P&S license.

In Northland, here’s the requirements for attaining psychiatrist certification: Be a graduate of an accredited medical school certified by International Red cross committee, complete all trainings in a program approved by Northland mental care bureau, have an active, full, unrestricted medical license, and have satisfactorily completed the Northland mental care bureau’s specialty training requirements.

So do keep in mind that Huchu is not qualified to do psychiatrist work as he lacks item 2 and 4.

Does Huchu think he is qualified to do psychiatrist works?

Unfortunately, yes. Despite lacking all the correct trainings, he tried to be both therapist and psychiatrist for C2ISTAR as you can see Hongcha mentioning Huchu being the one who prescribed Risperidone for Angae in [🌹for Angae].

This is because Huchu think that Clinical Psychology is like Neuroscience but less scientific. Similar to our world, neuroscience is praised as the hardest medical major in the world. So naturally Huchu look down on psychology as an easier neurology mixed with social study. So, in his little head. If mental care staffs can do it, then definitely neurosurgeon can do it too.

Clinical Psychology in the world of C2ISTAR

In the world of C2ISTAR, Mental illnesses are usually deemed as invalid illness, so the mental care industry is constantly being look down upon. The discrimination also discourages many people in this world from studying clinical psychology. Even if Huchu open his mind and take studying clinical psychology seriously, it is still very unlikely that he will produce good result as study material for clinical psychology in this world is ineffective at best from the very beginning due to the lack of interest this world has toward it.

The acceptable branches of psychology are study by the industrial, intelligence and defense service for the purpose of manipulation, interrogation and indoctrination which is very different from clinical psychology in practice.

Clinical psychology is also heavily associated with the Aldehyde cult. A multi-faith cult that believes mental illness is a sign of ascension. The more soldiers lose touch with reality, the closer they are to heaven and if they are close enough to heaven. These soldiers will be able to give birth to the new Angel that will be savior to their world. They often kidnapped veteran from asylum so they can use these veterans to birth a new Angel.

Huchu's treatment on C2ISTAR

Huchu might be well intention and most faults mainly resulted from ignorance, but the damage is still there. In fact Huchu is actually skeptical that CBT would produce result, however, C2ISTAR seems to need it and Huchu is weak to that. Here are the treatments Huchu did on each C2ISTAR alongside its effects.

Orenji’s treatment

Orenji is Huchu's first patient for CBT service with his main problem being Paruresis. Huchu choose Journaling and Cognitive restructuring technique for him. However, the underlying root of Orenji's Paruresis is Urolagnia so Orenji can't quite be honest with his thought. However, the cognitive restructuring is somewhat almost effective due to the other physical treatment. Orenji had chronic UTI that connected with bladder infection, so Huchu often insert catheter for Orenji whenever he needs it. This seems to cause Orenji to associate Huchu with relieve, hence the reason why he can go when Huchu is around. But can't quite do the same with someone else. Orenji also seems to develop some form of incontinence whenever Huchu is around.

Huchu also lose his temper every time Orenji induced temporary amnesia on himself because he knows how fragile Orenji's brain is as he was the one who put Orenji's brain and sculp back together so he's constanly worries about Orenji accidentally killing himself but since Huchu always arrive with Clozapine, he had been unknowingly endorsing Orenji's behavior. Still, after Orenji is back to his sense. He would have to endure a session of outburst Huchu throwing things at him or start hitting him with a chair.

Baegcha/Hongcha’s treatment

The main method is Role playing through puppet activity; the idea was so that Beagcha could see why he need to stop pursuing his stop-list so they can start working on his fear of touch. Usually when a certain method doesn't work, therapist would move on to the next one, but Huchu let Beagcha continue with the ineffective method because this is what Beagcha prefer to do and Huchu doesn't have the heart strip this away from him. Huchu later resort to locking Beagcha in his room whenever Huchu notices things are taking a toll on him and simply use puppet therapy as a way for Baegcha to process what he went through each hunt.

Huchu also deemed Hongcha to be something he need to get rid of because Huchu see Hongcha as the evil alter that endorse Baegcha to pursue the stop-list. The thing is that, neither Baegcha nor Hongcha are the host. Both Baegcha and Hongcha are alters pretending to be the host. Usually alters are protective of each other and take responsibility as a system. However, Huchu intervention had created a dynamic where both alters cannot get along. And because Beagcha trusted Huchu, he begun to think he needs to repress Hongcha to be better and Hongcha became bitter toward the situation, he blamed Huchu for his sour relationship with his alter.

When Hongcha appear mid-session, Huchu would either shock him with electricity or shove him into a small box to chase him away. Huchu did made many attempts to get rid of Hongcha ranging from submerging him in extremely cold water to purposely staving him and since Hongcha is unaware that it is impossible to get rid of an alter. Hongcha see Huchu’s attempts as life threatening situation and in retaliation, he believes that he must kill Huchu which make Baegcha agreed with Huchu even more.

Seoltang’s treatment

After discovered that sedative doesn't work on Seoltang. Huchu would mainly use Imagery and Relaxation training. However, the underlying cause for Seoltang's insomnia is cumulative anxiety of being in disguise. Something Seoltang cannot tell anyone due his true identity. Huchu had no idea about Seoltang's anxiety, so he had no idea why Seoltang sleep schedule doesn't improve not to mention that imagery make him feel worse as it worsens his longing for the place that no longer exist.

Out of concern as Seoltang already show all signs of developing Alzheimer, Huchu decided that any methods that give Seoltang shut eyes will suffice and purposed the hypoxia idea. So instead of having his anxiety treated and get an actual sleep, Seoltang ended up inventing so many self-choking methods that even people with choking fetish would think that this man is a freak. Thus, Seoltang's anxiety was never addresses not to mention that one of hypoxia common symptoms is also anxiety which contribute to his mood swing getting worse as well.

Noeu’s treatment

Noeu is way too shy to address that his overworking tendency came from his constant fear of unexpected death, so Huchu assumed that Noeu is obsessed with conquest and taking control. This led to Moral reconation therapy. However, Moral reconation therapy required to be practiced in groups as one on one session can reinforces narcissistic behavior. Somethings that should not be mixed with Noeu’s competitiveness and ambition.

The therapy also required the therapist to be well versed in the subject of morality to work which Huchu’s morality is ambiguous at best so he can’t always keep up with Noeu’s questions or leaps of logic. This unintentionally validated Noeu’s thought derailment and prompted him to go from weakening other nations then have Northland invade them to the exact same thing but also profiting from them and take advantage of their resources because he’s more confident in his ideal than ever and he now genuinely think he’s doing this world a favor.

Angae’s treatment

Usually, therapist would approach patient with hallucination with Reframing technique. Something that Angae had already accomplish on his own. This is because managing a psychosis episode with medication was proven less effective as medication came with side effect. However, due to Huchu being a neurosurgeon with neurology logic. He goes straight to prescribing Risperidone and focus more on helping Angae with anxiety using Stress inoculation training. However, Angae didn't stress out because he's worrying about having an episode. He has an episode because he's stressed out, so Angae made no progress and Huchu had been accidentally gaslighting Angae into thinking that he had an illness he didn't have.

Angae already questioned reality around him, so he is unsure how valid his opinion is about the topic. This led to Angae letting Huchu continue with the treatment that make no sense to him even though this fueled the thought that he's being held back to fit into a certain explanation.

Yuseong’s treatment

A lot of people with Hyperthemesia has tendency to be obsessed over things easily as well as having trouble moving on from the past because they had trouble forgetting things. So Huchu choose Metacognitive therapy and Distraction technique. Due to the confusion that came with partial amnesia combined with the fact that Yuseong never experience forgetting stuffs before, Yuseong is desperate to seek for things he can identify himself with. This led to his obsession to connecting his identity with the unhealthy diary, something Huchu sees as a form of delusion.

Usually, the first rule of dealing with delusional patient is to validate their experience. Although what happen isn't real to us, it's real to the patient. However, due to Huchu's concern of Yuseong recreating situation in the diary. Huchu usually react very sternly and outright dismissed Yuseong’s belief in the session. Since Yuseong can control his expression well, Huchu had no idea that he is invalidating Yuseong. Although Yuseong still likes Huchu, he began to pay less attention to the session and draw or play with his alphabet book whenever Huchu is holding a session for him. He also hold on to the diary even tighter than before.

Effect of failed treatment on Huchu

Therapy is a stressful and draining job, both therapist and psychiatrist in real life are trained and educated on how they can handle their job without intaking their patient's baggage.

But since Huchu never went through these training, all the negativity goes straight to him and since he is at the end of the line for mental comfort. Combine that with his habit of caring too much, he got stuck in a position where he himself has no one to go to for all the problems above he involves himself in. This of course fueled his urge to go through with unethical method to get what he wants for instead, considering amputating Noeu so he never has to worry about him arriving at ER with seizure again.

.....................................................

Clinical psychology is one of my weaker subjects, so the treatment descriptions are simplified at best and none of my statements should be considered scientifically accurate.

Still, I hope this information suffice you. \(^^ )✨

[totalsoundproofingsolutions]

Top Recording Studio in Delhi Perfect Sound, Professional Quality

If you're a musician, podcaster, or content creator, you understand how crucial decent sound quality is. Whether you're recording music, a podcast, or any other type of audio content, the quality of your recordings can make or break the project. A Recording Studio in Delhi with the correct furnishings and acoustics may make a world of difference. However, soundproofing is essential in addition to the equipment. That's where Total Soundproofing Solutions comes in. We specialize in providing the ideal recording atmosphere through the use of modern soundproofing techniques. In this blog, we will discuss how the ideal recording studio and sufficient soundproofing may help you get the optimum sound quality.

Why Sound Quality Is So Important

When it comes to recordings, sound quality is crucial. Whether it's music, voiceovers, or podcasts, high-quality sound is vital for professional results. Poor sound quality might distract your audience and make your content less appealing. That's why it's critical to record in a studio with good acoustics and noise isolation.

Good soundproofing ensures that you may record clean, clear audio without interference from outside noise. It also ensures that the best Recording Studio in Delhi in the studio are ideal for recording. Total Soundproofing Solutions can help in the above instance. We offer soundproofing services to assist you create the optimum recording surroundings.

What Makes a Great Recording Studio?

A good recording studio isn’t just about having the latest equipment. There are a few key factors that set great studios apart from the rest:

Top-Notch Equipment: Excellent recordings require high-quality microphones, sound mixers, and monitors. Even the best performers may not sound their best if they do not have the proper equipment.

Experienced Engineers: Knowledgeable sound engineers can make a significant difference. They assist you in mixing and editing your recordings, ensuring that they sound professional.

Perfect Acoustics: The acoustics of the studio, or how sound interacts in the room, are extremely essential. You must ensure that outside noise does not enter and that the room boosts the sound.

Comfortable Environment: A comfortable, creative setting allows you to perform at your best. An excellent studio should leave you feeling relaxed and inspired.

How Soundproofing Improves Your Recording Experience

Soundproofing is an important aspect of making a quality Recording Studio in Delhi environment. It's not just about shutting out external noise; it's also about managing the sound inside the studio for the greatest results. Let's look at how Total Soundproofing Solutions can help in this process. 

1. Blocking Out Outside Noise

Cities like Delhi can be noisy, and extraneous sounds such as traffic, construction, or people talking can easily intrude on your recordings. Distractions can ruin even the best shots. Total Soundproofing Solutions employs innovative materials and processes to eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a tranquil environment in which to record without interruption.

2. Managing the Sound Inside

The acoustics of a studio have a significant impact on how recordings sound. If the acoustics are not correct, the sound may be garbled or indistinct. We assist manage how sound bounces off walls and ceilings, resulting in a clear, balanced sound. With services like acoustic panels, bass traps, and diffusers, we ensure that your studio sounds excellent for any type of recording.

3. Tailored Soundproofing for Different Needs

Treatments for various types of recordings varied. To achieve the finest results, music studios, podcast studios, and voiceover booths require specialized acoustic treatments. We tailor soundproofing solutions to meet your specific requirements, whether you're recording instruments or simply talking into a microphone.

4. Preventing Vibration Interference

Vibrations from adjacent traffic or machinery can occasionally disrupt recordings. These vibrations can spread through the walls and floors, resulting in undesired noise. Total Soundproofing Solutions uses techniques such as decoupling and vibration isolation to avoid these problems and ensure your Recording Studio in Delhi is as clear as possible.

Benefits of a Soundproof Recording Studio

Soundproofing is not just about blocking noise – it offers several benefits that can greatly improve your recording process. Here are a few key advantages:

Clearer Sound: With proper soundproofing, your recordings will be clear, crisp, and professional. This makes a huge difference, whether you’re recording music or podcasts.

Consistency: A well-soundproofed studio ensures that your recordings are consistent. You won’t have to worry about outside noises creeping in and disrupting your work.

Creative Focus: A quiet, controlled environment lets you focus on being creative without distractions. You can concentrate on your performance and get the best possible recording.

Professional Results: Great sound quality is a sign of professionalism. Whether you’re creating music or content for your business, clear and high-quality recordings will help you stand out and make a lasting impression.

Total Soundproofing Solutions: Your Ideal Partner for Recording Studios

Total Soundproofing Solutions has been an established soundproofing company for many years. We collaborate with studios across Recording Studio in Delhi to create environments that improve your sound and allow you to record like a pro. Here's what we provide: 

Custom Soundproofing Solutions: We provide soundproofing strategies that are tailored to the individual needs of your studio. Whether it's a music studio, podcast room, or voiceover booth, we make sure the space is perfect for your recording.

Acoustic Treatment: We offer treatments that improve the acoustics in your studio, resulting in great-sounding recordings.

Vibration Control: We help to eliminate unwanted vibrations that can disrupt your recordings. Our vibration isolation techniques keep your audio sounding pristine.

Consultation and Installation: We don't just sell soundproofing materials; we talk with you to understand your requirements and then install the best solution for your space.

Conclusion

Whether you're recording music, podcasts, or other types of audio content, the quality of your recordings is critical. In a city like Delhi, with its continual noise, having a soundproof recording studio is critical. This is when Total Soundproofing Solutions comes in. We provide the skills and tools required to create the ideal recording environment. With our unique soundproofing and book Recording Studio in Delhi services, you can always get the greatest sound.

Are you ready to take your recordings to the next level? Contact Total Soundproofing Solutions today to help you build the ideal place for your next project!

[rajasthan-political-leader]

We Are All Committed to Make Rajasthan the Capital of Skill Development: Col Rajyavardhan Rathore

Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore, a visionary leader and advocate for youth empowerment, has set forth an ambitious goal: transforming Rajasthan into the capital of skill development in India. With a strong belief in the potential of the state’s youth, he emphasizes the importance of skilling, upskilling, and reskilling to prepare for a future driven by innovation and technology.

Through comprehensive policies and initiatives, Colonel Rathore and the double-engine BJP government are laying the groundwork for a skilled Rajasthan, making it a beacon of progress for the nation.

Why Skill Development is Key to Rajasthan’s Progress

1. Preparing for the Future Workforce

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, skill development is crucial to:

Equip youth with industry-relevant skills.

Bridge the gap between education and employment.

Enhance productivity and innovation in the workforce.

2. Boosting Employment Opportunities

Skill development creates a robust ecosystem by:

Increasing employability in high-demand sectors like IT, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Promoting entrepreneurship by fostering a culture of self-reliance.

Supporting rural and urban communities with localized training programs.

3. Enhancing Rajasthan’s Competitiveness

Rajasthan’s focus on skill development strengthens its position as:

A preferred destination for investments in industries and technology.

A hub for talent that meets global standards.

A state that aligns its workforce with national and international opportunities.

Key Initiatives to Make Rajasthan the Skill Capital

1. Establishing Skill Universities and Training Centers

The government has initiated the creation of:

World-class skill development universities.

Training centers in collaboration with global leaders in education and technology.

2. Focus on Sector-Specific Training

To address industry-specific needs, programs are being tailored for sectors like:

Agriculture: Modern techniques and sustainable practices.

Information Technology: AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity.

Tourism and Hospitality: Global service standards.

3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

The government actively collaborates with private entities to:

Leverage expertise in cutting-edge technologies.

Ensure training is aligned with industry demands.

Expand reach through digital learning platforms.

4. Empowering Women and Marginalized Communities

Special focus is placed on inclusive development by:

Offering skill training programs for women in rural areas.

Providing resources and mentorship to marginalized communities.

Encouraging participation in leadership roles and entrepreneurial ventures.

5. Digital Platforms and E-Learning

Harnessing the power of technology, the government is:

Launching e-learning platforms for remote training.

Promoting digital literacy among youth in rural and semi-urban regions.

Collaborating with ed-tech companies to deliver interactive, high-quality content.

Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore’s Commitment

Colonel Rathore, known for his hands-on approach, has been instrumental in:

Advocating policies that prioritize skill development.

Engaging with youth to understand their aspirations and challenges.

Ensuring the implementation of programs that have a tangible impact on lives.

His commitment reflects a broader vision of transforming Rajasthan into a state where every individual has the tools to succeed in a competitive world.

Conclusion

The journey to making Rajasthan the capital of skill development is a collective mission that requires the combined efforts of the government, private sector, and citizens. Under the leadership of Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore, this vision is steadily becoming a reality, empowering the youth and positioning Rajasthan as a frontrunner in India’s growth story.

Together, with determination and innovation, the state is set to redefine the benchmarks of skill development and create prosperity for generations to come.

[lonestarflight]

Space Station Concepts: Dual Keel

"The new 'Dual Keel' Station was largely based on Lockheed and McDonnell-Douglas designs and its structure was much stiffer and hence easier to stabilize. It would offer additional space for external instruments plus a better microgravity environment than the previous gravity gradient-stabilized 'Power Tower.' The number of crew members was increased to 8 astronauts because scientists were concerned that a crew of six would be too busy with assembly and maintenance tasks and have no time for research. NASA's target date for the launch of the first element was now January 1993 while the initial operational capability had slipped to January 1994 mainly because the Fiscal 1986 budget was reduced from $280 million to just $200 million.

"McDonnell-Douglas illustration of the 'Dual Keel crew modules.

This McDonnell-Douglas concept drawing depicts a robotic arm controlled by an astronaut. The arm is being used to maneuver a new addition to the space station into place. The robotic arm was to have been essential to building the space station in orbit.”

11 Shuttle flights would be required for initial assembly. Officially, the estimated cost of the Station had only increased by $400 million but there were concerns that NASA was once again hiding the true cost of the larger, more complex 'Dual Keel' design.

“Dual Keel space station – Initial Operational Capability (IOC) Configuration, 11-15-85”

NASA struggled to define a 'Dual Keel' design that met all the various cost, engineering, safety, launch and user requirements. By the time Phase B1 ended in March 1986, the size of the truss structure elements had been increased from 3 x 3 meters to 5 x 5 meters for additional strength and stiffness. Another early 1986 modification involved the power system, which was upgraded to 87.5 kW. By the end of Phase B1 in March 1986, NASA had settled for a hybrid system consisting of 37.5 kW photovoltaic arrays and 50 kW solar thermodynamic generators. The number of American crew modules was also reduced from four to two while European and Japanese laboratories were incorporated in the design for the first time. The habitable volume remained the same, though, since the length of the US modules was increased to 13.3 meters. NASA Space Station Office submitted its recommended final baseline in May 1986 as Phase C/D started. The number of instrument mounting ports was reduced to five, down from an earlier projection of nine. One of the two bays for satellite servicing was also deleted.

According to the May '86 Space Station assembly sequence, the first element would be launched in January 1993. The Station would support man-tended operations after the sixth Shuttle assembly mission in August 1993 and be ready for permanent occupation after the ninth mission in January 1994. Initial Operating Capability (IOC) would be achieved after 21 flights -- twice as many as the 1984 estimate.

By the time of the 'Dual Keel' Space Station's final flight sequence overview in October 1986 NASA had to insert an additional eight Shuttle flights into the manifest. By this time, increased complexity and Shuttle payload capability reductions had increased the required number of assembly flights to more than 30 for an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) vs. 8-10 in 1984.

"The design of the Space Station has undergone the first major configuration change prior to the start of Phase B. The artist’s concept here depicts the updated Dual Keel method which retains many of the basic elements of the previously considered Power Tower concept. The primary difference is the move to favor two vertical booms rather than the Power Tower’s single boom. The dual booms provide additional framework for the attachment of other structures. Pressurized modules have also been moved from the lower area of the Power Tower concept to the Center of gravity. This has been done, NASA officials say, to meet the needs of future space station customers for the best microgravity environment attainable. More refinements are expected in the design as the program works toward the Systems Requirements Review in March of 1986."

NASA's new Space Station design was criticized in a widely publicized astronaut office briefing by Shuttle astronaut Gordon Fullerton. The Dual Keel design was found to provide poor access for maintenance, visibility from habitable areas was obstructed, there was no provision for internal vehicle 'hands on' access to EVA equipment. No crew escape vehicle had been added although a small fleet plus lower-than-hoped-for flight rates means astronauts could not be rescued as easily by the Shuttle. The Canadian manipulator was regarded as insufficient for building and maintaining such a complex Station. Fullerton also criticized excessive EVA 'spacewalk' requirements, including a 'long and complex' assembly sequence. 'Basic structure, wire runs, and plumbing are not easily designed for replacement / repair. EVA crew time even for planned maintenance was excessive. Correction of design errors may not be possible; unplanned failures may not be fixable at all...'

McDonnell-Douglas' redesigned 'Dual Keel' crew modules of this period introduced separate 'node modules' or docking ports which also accommodated many systems that would not have fit inside the original 'Power Tower' crew modules. NASA was still planning to contribute two laboratory modules plus two habitation modules in late 1985. Gordon Fullerton and other observers felt the Station's habitable volume was too limited when the number of US modules was reduced to one lab plus one habitation module. There would be no room for a second shower, commode or 'safe haven' emergency provisions. A Boeing longer 13.3-meter module was introduced in early 1986.

"Display model of Dual Keel Space Station concept (1986); boxy rectangular truss structure with attached modules and extended solar array wings. 1:100 Scale."

The Space Station was briefly suspended by a major row in the summer of 1986 when NASA tried to reassign some habitation module responsibilities from the Johnson Space Center to the Marshall Space Flight Center. A compromise was reached in September 1986, but it was yet another indication of the Station's Byzantine management structure and turf battles between NASA centers. But Congress still approved the project's $420-million Fiscal 1987 budget while imposing a number of restriction: power levels of at least 37.5 kW, fully outfit the microgravity lab by the sixth assembly flight, attach useful science payload by the third flight, launch all US elements before the foreign modules and restrict ESA's Columbus module to life sciences. The congressional requirements would essentially have forced NASA to change the Station along the lines of a new proposal which then, surprisingly, emerged from JSC. NASA had previously testified in Congress that no Station funds were being spent on alternative design studies. Using funding earmarked for alternate assembly sequence research, the Johnson Space Center nonetheless ordered its main contractors (Rockwell and McDonnell-Douglas) to examine a smaller, more compact configuration while keeping NASA headquarters in the dark about it... This caused additional confusion about who was really in charge of the project: NASA headquarters or Johnson.

NASA's first detailed cost assessment in February 1987 revealed the 'Dual Keel' Space Station would cost at least $14.5 billion in 1984 dollars, or $21 billion in current-year dollars. This caused a political uproar in Congress, where many politicians had started to express doubt about the project. However, NASA and Reagan Administration officials reached a compromise in March 1987 which allowed the agency to proceed with a cheaper $12.2-billion Phase One Station. This design initially omitted the $3.4-billion 'Dual Keel' structure and half of the power generators. It was dubbed 'Freedom'.

Article by Marcus Lindroos"

-Information from astronautix.com: link

Date: 1984-86

NASA ID: C-1986-2694, GPN-2003-00110, C-1985-8626, C-1985-8751, S85-42963, S87-38365, 86-H-332, KSC-85C-303, GPN-2003-00110

Mike Acs's Collection: SS23 B

National Air and Space Museum: A20100236000

NM Museum of Space History: DUAL KEEL SPACE STATION-0001, DUAL KEEL SPACE STATION-0002

SDASM Archives: 14_025378

Posted on Flickr by Numbers Station: link