2017-01-22

Notes.

Hello from the Bay Area! Eric here, stepping in for Spencer this week as he embarks on a new, exciting journey. This is the third time I've had the opportunity to guest-edit The Prepared, and look forward to many more. I've modified the categories a bit this time around, and welcome any feedback you have. Enjoy.

Cars.

• With just a software update, Tesla’s Model S P100D beat Faraday Future’s recently-unveiled FF91 to 60mph. Tesla also quietly announced a new range option, bumping their packs up to an impressive 335 miles.
• A fantastic short film from 1937 about how differentials work.
• Real Engineering looks at the greatest innovations in Formula 1. As noted in the video, carbon fiber manufacturing is becoming more prevalent in production cars. BMW's i3 factory is full of impressive tooling to make this possible - see this blog post of mine for some highlights.

Making & Manufacturing.

• Circuit design software EAGLE is moving to a subscription pricing model ($15 per month or $100 per year).
• A video tour of one of Proto Labs manufacturing facilities. So many Haas machines! I'll admit, I have not used Proto Labs for quoting or production before, but this walkthrough is fairly impressive.

Joinery.

• A twitter account dedicated to sharing GIFs of Woodworking Joinery.
• A few weeks ago, Spencer shared some information about Ikea's new Wedge Dowel. Check out this behind-the-scenes video, and head to the 1:55 mark for a look at an impressive, enclosed CNC line.

Space.

• I hardly ever enjoy watching 360 videos from a laptop or desktop, but this brief, narrated ride-along of the 2020 Mars Rover is pretty fun.
• A neat rocket engine test, courtesy of the fantastic Engine Test Stands subreddit.

Other.

• I love this series of paintings by Josh Keyes that explore a world where unorthodox things are tagged with graffiti.
• My favorite old-school educational film, which explains the incredible mechanical computers used by the Navy for targeting.

And.SpaceX's Iridium-1 Mission in Photos