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sunsolarcompanyau · 6 months

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Cost of Solar Installation

The cost of solar installation depends on several key factors. These include the home’s electricity demand and panel choice. It also includes hardware costs and soft costs such as permitting, labor, and inspections.

Another factor is whether to purchase the system with one lump sum or a loan, lease, or PPA. Finally, the utility will need to inspect and approve the system.

Cost

The cost of solar installation varies widely, depending on several factors. These include panel size, location, tax credits and rebates, labor and permit fees. A reputable solar installer will provide an itemized list of costs for your review.

The size of your solar system is the largest factor, as it determines the amount of energy you can offset. A larger system is more expensive but can yield greater savings over time. You can also reduce the price by choosing less expensive equipment or reducing your electricity consumption.

Solar panels are a great addition to any home, and they can add value to your property. In addition, solar systems are very low maintenance and can last for decades with proper care. Additionally, homeowners can earn additional savings by participating in net-metering, a program that allows them to sell excess power back to their local utility company. This process can significantly lower monthly electric bills. In addition, homeowners can receive state and federal incentives to reduce the installation costs.

Benefits

Solar energy systems are a great way to save money on electricity bills. They also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy independence. But there are a few things to keep in mind before making the switch to solar power.

First, make sure you have all of the necessary permits. This can be time consuming, so it's best to apply for them before starting any physical work. Also, make sure you take advantage of state and local incentives. These can offset the cost of installation and help you pay for your new system.

One of the most alluring incentives is the federal residential clean energy tax credit, which covers 30% of the total cost of a home solar system. You can find this incentive and others at DSIRE, which tracks state, local, and utility incentives for renewable energy. It's important to know whether your area offers net metering, which allows homeowners to sell energy back to their utility company.

Installation

Once the modules are installed, they must be connected together using conducting wires. These wires take current from the solar panels to an inverter and then to a PV disconnect switch before terminating at your home’s main circuit breaker. Some systems also include bypass diodes and blocking diodes to protect the system from faults.

Before a system is installed, it is important to select an installer with a reputation for quality work and good customer service. Choosing a company can be done in a number of ways, including reading online reviews (CNET has a great list), asking friends and family for recommendations and getting multiple quotes from qualified companies.

Once a Solar Installation Brisbane is complete, the utility company will need to inspect the project and approve it for connection to the grid. This process can take 60 days or more, depending on how busy the local utility is. Your solar company will handle this step and arrange for a local representative to visit your home to make sure that the installation meets electrical and roof setback codes.

Maintenance

When choosing a solar installer, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes and compare prices. This gives you a sense of fairness, weeds out scammers and gives you leverage when it comes to negotiating. Also, be sure to ask about solar incentives available in your area. These can offset the cost of a solar system by thousands of dollars or more.

Most solar systems require very little maintenance beyond a regular cleaning. However, some manufacturers require specific maintenance procedures to keep warranties in effect. For example, if you’re not using a specialized panel cleaning agent or you’re not trimming trees near your solar panels, you might void your warranty.

A good way to tell if something is wrong with your solar power system is to check its performance on a monthly basis, either via online monitoring or by reviewing your electricity bill. Typically, solar system problems will show up as a decrease in energy production efficiency.

#Solar Installation

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daisyliu618 · 2 years

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Glad to share newproject. Jeidar GL series 60-80kva 3/3phase online UPS, 10-200Kva available. technical points below: 1. 6pulse SCR rectifier, IGBT inverter 2. with input &output transformer (bypass transformer optional) 3. dual input, with input/bypass/output/battery/manual bypass 5breakers 4. front maintenance, bottom air in, top air out. 5. IP31 (adjustable),RAL7035. 6. size: W600*D800*H1900mm (adjustable) 7. DC voltage: 384V, 28-32pcs battery adjustable.UPS support parallel redundancy 8. LCD display, with Rs232/485/dry contact/ modbus/SNMP/EPO. 9. support customized size, enclosure design, can add current/Voltage/ frequency meter,Bypass transformer etc. https://www.instagram.com/p/CgPKqG2PdyC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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emiliouhwo906 · 3 years

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Online Tempo Meter Solutions And Affiliated Apps

With this in thoughts, users also wants to think about testing their internet speeds on one of many impartial internet speed check sites. Nevertheless, Verizon’s free speedtest is easy to make use of and provides a range of suggestions and other info for customers. Often, when you name buyer support regarding poor internet efficiency, the consultant will direct you to an ISP-made velocity check web site. Lo and behold, suddenly your web pace is returning download and upload speeds larger than earlier than. Using a third-party pace check like that of Allconnect’s ensures that you'll get an unbiased end result.

The ping check sends a signal out of your system to the network and then measures the elapsed time between sending and receiving a sign.

To receive a real velocity studying, connect instantly into your internet connection, bypassing any wi-fi routers.

According to Speedtest.net, the average mounted broadband pace in the United States as of May 2019 is one hundred twenty Mbps download and 41 Mbps addContent.

The hyperlink between two network/Internet nodes or community devices.

If you've some questions about your test outcomes, here are potential components that might be affecting your speeds.

Results can range broadly between broadband velocity checks and day-to-day as a result of changing community conditions. ZDNet considers the 5 five broadband pace tests above to be reliable and trustworthy. But to get a real image of your broadband pace, you'll likely have to run the exams a number of instances and examine results throughout completely different units throughout the day. We can’t assure that the results of the velocity check will match your service because of the external factors that impact your speed, like your devices’ hardware and operating techniques. The device (phone, laptop, etc.) used with the device can play a vital function since devices can have varying max speeds .

The Most Effective Grammar Checker

It’s still not beneficial to share a 60 Mbps web connection with more than two other folks, particularly should you take pleasure in streaming in 4K or must do business from home. The outcomes shall be affected by external influences, notably by how many individuals are using the internet on the identical moment as your take a look at. Fast.com is completely browser-based, so that you don’t should obtain an app or program. Just point your web-based or cellular browser to Fast.com and the check will mechanically run and present your obtain pace when it’s accomplished.

Is 25 Mbps good for streaming?

In general, to stream most videos in standard definition, you'll need internet speeds of at least 3 Mbps. You need at least 25 Mbps for 4K streaming video on your computer or Ultra HD enabled devices. To stream videos in HD, at least 5 Mbps is recommended. To stream videos in HDR or 4K, at least 25 Mbps is recommended.

TestMy.internet is the primary and only actually correct HTML5 & PHP driven velocity take a look at on-line. Other on-line velocity exams require third get together applications, TMN uses solely your web browser - no Flash, no Java. This makes TestMy's speed test extra sensitive to browser misconfiguration and is an excellent method to highlight performance differences between browsers. The FCCcurrently considers 25Mbpsto be a fast enough service for greater than four customers on a network, however many individuals will find this insufficient.

How Can I Check My Internet Providers Speed?

This device has been optimized to test the efficiency of MaxxSouth internet services. The take a look at server is located in our Pontotoc, MS, data middle and may accommodate connections up to 1 Gbps. Please note that exterior factors such as Wi-Fi sign and PC / browser efficiency can have an effect on the accuracy of testing results.

Indicates the delay a small packet of data requires to make a round-trip from your computer to the nPerf server. The shorter the delay, the most reactive is your connection. This combination of cookies allows for enhanced functionality and personalization, similar to video and reside chat. These cookies additionally allow TDS to count visits and the place they originate so we will measure and improve the performance of our website. They help us perceive which pages are well-liked and the way visitors transfer around the web site.

Discover A Different Web Service Supplier

The age of your device has a big effect on the speed take a look at outcomes. Newer devices are able to rather more velocity than older gadgets. Identify your location to see services, offers, and extra - particular to you. Login together with your Facebook or Twitter account to view outcomes taken from different browsers or multipe units, take away your previous results, set a default velocity take a look at server & more.

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5llowance · 4 years

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Attempting to verify Chinese freight "backdoor customs" fee... via /r/China

Attempting to verify Chinese freight "backdoor customs" fee...

Hello! So... I need to ship about 455 pallets of PPE that are 11 cubic meters in size over the course of 6 weeks, by plane from a factory in Guangzhou, China to Frankfurt, Germany.

My manufacturer has informed me that there may be massive delays of up to 6-8 weeks from Chinese customs and that in order to bypass my manufacturer would need to charge me almost 60% of my product prices in order to bypass any customs delays.

They are ensuring me that no other factory can do this and that if I get my own freight forwarder to pick up from their factory, the product will be held in local customs for weeks before the shipment is released.

Is this true? What is the average customs delay in China?

As these medical masks are time sensitive, how fast can one reasonably clear Chinese customs?

Are any freight forwarders able to pitch in? Thank you!

Submitted May 03, 2020 at 10:15PM by Vixcan via reddit https://ift.tt/2KVCAd1

#IFTTT #reddit

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lonesomealley · 4 years

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LLU v0.08: Balls, Ballroom, and Revamps

NOTE: THIS IS A MOD FOR THE GAME LETHAL LEAGUE BLAZE. IN NO WAY IS THIS MOD PRODUCED OR ASSOCIATED WITH TEAM REPTILE. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL GAME NOR IS IT A PIRATE / DRM BYPASS FOR LETHAL LEAGUE BLAZE. YOU NEED TO HAVE BOTH STEAM AND A COPY OF LETHAL LEAGUE BLAZE TO PLAY THIS MOD.

DOWNLOAD THE UPDATE HERE!

BALLFLASH! ...not like that you perv- It's another NEWSFLASH! This update has been kickin' for a while, and that means it's practically a grown adult! I mean, it's only been about a month right? Well that's no issue, because we got a lot of stuff for you today. This update aims to introduce new additions to the game, adjusting existing elements to be less egregious, and revamping/rebalancing character speeds and abilties.

LORE After a couple boring days of just the same ol' Lethal League, Sonata finally sat down and (literally) changed up the game! Knowing the best spot to debut her new toys, she took off towards the royal palace to play a little game of ball.

-=CHANGELOG=- Thank you to Elite for stability testing. Big thanks to B3B3 for percise and extremely helpful insight/feedback! Final thanks to Hang Boy and Mecha for the coding help.

-MISC-

Install process has been massively simplified. 1.09, PLL, and LLU updates all wrapped into one installer that handles the install process.

Mod name changed! Project Lethal League -> Lethal League Union.

Added old PLL team to in game credits.

Decreased default global volume on first time start up / progress reset. 100 -> 50

-NEW CONTENT-

Progressional system has been revamped! ---Decreased max level to 180. ---No shines earned on match completion. ---1 shine earned on level up. ---New modes (strikers and lethal volley) cost 5 each. ---3D maps cost 1, 2D cost 3. You start with 5 maps. ---Characters cost 1 each, only original 6 unlocked by default. ---Skins cost 1 each, statics cost 2, alt models cost 3.

New Stage: Ballroom! *It's a little unfinished, but I thought it'd be a good treat for you guys.

New game option: Ball types! New options to turn on beach, big, and gravity ball on any gamemode.

-STAGES-

Removed match requirement to unlock 2D stages.

Removed submarine from eclipse on Sewers.

Removed flames from eclipse on Stadium.

-GENERAL GAMEPLAY-

Decreased max ball speed. 2000 -> 1500

Decreased speed requirement for high damage (70%). 1600 -> 1000

Increased down throw speed removal. 25% -> 34%

Diminishing returns have been hard disabled again. *This feature is on the list to come back should I learn how to implement entirely new game options.

Powerups are back!

You can now earn XP from offline games.

-CHARACTERS-

Grab displacement is now nerfed, and all characters with special throw offset code have been defaulted and changed. All values -> (0.8, 0) -> (0, 0.3) *You can duck under horizontal throws now.

Characters have been reorganized on character select to mesh characters who play similarly.

All air deacceleration values were transformed to "0.35m * fpixel60_SIZE * 60".

Almost all character acceleration values have been played around with to better mimic LL1's momentum.

Characters are no longer stuck to the ground when landing mid dair animation (cancels dair animation).

Candyman

Decreased ground acceleration. 54 -> 45

Decreased ground deacceleration. 54 -> 45

Decreased air acceleration. 54 -> 45

Decreased min candyball speed. 20 -> minimum ball speed. *This is to allow for low speed Candy chains.

Decreased max candyball speed. 47.5 -> 45 *Let's see where this goes.

Dair frame data now consistent with every other character.

Changed smash angle. 70 -> 60

Dice

Decreased ground acceleration. 3 -> 1.85

Decreased ground deacceleration. 3 -> 1.95

Decreased air acceleration. 3 -> 1.85

Decreased crouch down duration. 0.03 -> 0.01

Decreased crouch up duration. 0.03 -> 0.01

Decreased minimum crouch duration. 0.02 -> 0.05 *Helps make performing super jump smoother.

Back dair angle changed. 110 -> 100

Doombox

Decreased Snipe's remaining hitstun factor. 0.8 -> 0.5

Soundblast readded. ---Pushback increased. ---8 -> 22 ---No more hitbox for players or the ball. ---Consumes half meter. ---*Soundblast has been repurposed as a mobility skill, no longer an offensive/defensive skill.

Decreased minimum snipe speed. 20 -> minimum set ball speed. *Ball control stuff from low speed.

Decreased max ground speed. 6.8 -> 5

Decreased ground acceleration. 115.2 -> 100

Decreased ground deacceleration. 72 -> 50

Changed NORMAL_HURTBOX size. (100, 170) -> (120, 170)

Grid

Decreased maximum move speed. 7.2 -> 6.8

Increased maximum air speed. 5 -> 5.5

Decreased ground acceleration. 60 -> 50

Decreased ground deacceleration. 40 -> 45

Decreased air acceleration. 60 -> 50

Forward dair angle changed. 63 -> 55

Backward dair angle changed. 117 -> 125 *Same as Sonata's dair angles.

Jet

Decreased ground acceleration. 55 -> 50

Decreased air acceleration. 55 -> 50

Decreased ground deacceleration. 55 -> 50

Bubble is now ungrabbable, even by Jet.

Latch

Decreased ground acceleration. 3.5 -> 2.5 *This was causing an issue with tap movements.

Decreased ground deacceleration. 2.2 -> 2

Decreased air acceleration. 3.5 -> 2.5

Wall down angle changed. 120 -> 30

Now keeps climb momentum when leaving wall.

Changed BUNT_HITBOX size. (79, 74) -> (132, 78)

Changed BUNT_HITBOX2 size. (124, 102) -> (132, 106)

Nitro

Decreased ground acceleration. 100 -> 55

Decreased ground deacceleration. 60 -> 65

Decreased air acceleration. 100 -> 55

Cuff launch position changed. (0.7, 0.26) -> (0.7, 0.3) *You can duck under the cuff launch now.

Decreased cuff speed. 36 -> 30

Raptor

Raptor's stitches have finally healed!

Decreased max speed. 7.26 -> 7.25 *For consistency!

Decreased ground acceleration. 2.2 -> 1.75

Decreased ground deacceleration. 2.2 -> 1.95

Decreased air acceleration. 2.2 -> 1.75

Sonata

Zoot Suit Deluxe skin now unlocked by completing arcade mode as Sonata.

Decreased ground acceleration. 2.2 -> 1.75

Decreased ground deacceleration. 2.2 -> 1.5

Decreased air acceleration. 2.2 -> 1.75

Switch

Max speed decreased. 7.1 -> 7

Decreased ground acceleration. 60 -> 45

Decreased ground deacceleration. 60 -> 35

Decreased air acceleration 60 -> 45

Decreased switchflip min speed. 30 -> minimum ball speed. *This is to allow for low speed crouchflip tech.

Decreased kickflip hit-ending lag. 8 -> 2 *More tech!

Switchflip now ends after 0.3 seconds of not connecting in the air. *Creates Switchflip whiff punishment.

Whiffing Switchflip now deducts half energy.

-BUG FIXES-

The game now says the correct version number!

Dice's dairs are mirrored now. (whoopsies)

Turning off "Use HP" no longer emulates health system.

Nitro and Grid now have the proper skin count.

Fixed the game not loading sometimes when choosing random. *Caused by the insertion of some Toxic code.

-THOUGHTS-

I absolutely need feedback for the new acceleration values.

Grid's current balancing is a little weird, if you come up with any ideas let me know.

Is Jet difficult to play / broken without the ability to grab the bubble?

Is Candy / Candyball too slow?

Planning to put Candyman through an entire overhaul to make him play like 0.9 LL1 Candyman.

Still considering revamping Sonata, I'll toss around ideas.

-KNOWN BUGS-

Sonata's charged special bug is back!

Putting your controller on port 3 causes certain parts of the game to freeze.

2D Train may or may not have graphical issues on eclipse.

Powerups cause the camera to move even when the camera is supposed to be stationary.

Big and gravity ball lack custom models.

Pseudo parry extend exists.

Ballroom lacks its own loading screen and stage preview.

Doombox's dash isn't activatable at half meter.

To be continued on. . . v0.09!

#lethal league #llu

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starlightgenerator · 4 years

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Diesel generator set in China

On July 25, 2020, an University of Technology purchased one set of 1000KVA Cummins diesel generator set from Starlight Power factory. It uses for emergency power supply system.

This University of Technology was founded in 1920, the University of technology is affiliated to the Department of industry and information technology. In 1951, it was identified as one of the two model universities to learn from foreign higher education mode. In 1954, it entered the ranks of the first batch of national key construction universities, and was once known as the cradle of engineers.

Cummins is the largest foreign investor in China. The engine of 1000kva emergency generator purchased by the customer is powered by Chongqing Cummins engine (Sino US joint venture). It has the advantages of small size, light weight, low fuel consumption, strong power, reliable operation, convenient supply and maintenance of accessories. Among similar products, it has better performance, better quality and more guaranteed service, so it is deeply loved by customers.

1000kva emergency diesel generator technical specifications

Genset prime power: 800kw/1000kva Standby power: 880kw/1100kva

Diesel engine: Chongqing Cummins KTA38-G5 (turbocharged, 12 cylinders, in line, 4 stroke)

Alternator: Starlight TFW2-800-4A ( brushless and self-exciting)

Control panel: SmartGen 6110

Rated voltage 230/400V, 1500rpm, 50Hz, 3 phase 4 wire, power factor 0.8lag

Accessories: 1000L external daily fuel tank, 2 pcs 200AH battery, Jacket heater, automatic battery charger, one set of maintenance tools kit etc.

Features of Cummins KTA38 series diesel engine

Aftercooler

Large capacity after cooler results in cooler, denser intake air for more efficient combustion and reduced internal stresses for longer life.

Fuel System

Cummins exclusive lowpressure PT™ system with wear compensating pump and integral dual flyweight governor. Camshaft actuated fuel injectors give accurate metering and timing. Fuel lines are internal drilled passages in cylinder heads. Spin-on fuel filter.

Cooling System

Gear driven centrifugal water pump. Large volume water passages provide even flow of coolant around cylinder liners, valves and injectors. Bypass thermostats regulate coolant temperature. Spin-on corrosion resistors check rust and corrosion, control acidity and remove Impurities.

Turbocharger

Cummins Turbo Technologies (CTT) exhaust gas driven turbocharger mounted

at top of engine provides more power, improved fuel economy, altitude compensation, and lower

smoke and noise levels.

Cylinder Block

Alloy cast iron with removable wet liners. Cross bolt support to main bearing cap provides extra strength and stability.

Service and Support

G-Drive products are backed by an uncompromising level of technical support and after sales service, delivered through a world class service network. The Cummins diesel generator purchased from Starlight factory can enjoy free maintenance service during quality warranty time.

The KTA38-Series benefits from years of technical development and improvement to bring customers an innovative and future proof diesel engine that keeps pace with ever changing generator set requirements. Recognized globally for its performance under even the most severe climatic conditions, the KTA38-Series is widely acknowledged as the most robust and cost-effective diesel engine in its power range for the generator set market.

Starlight Power factory set up in 1974, have focused on high quality generator for more than 43 years and have more than 60 sales service centers in China. Starlight generator set has been sold all over the world and got good feedback from customers. Starlight Cummins diesel generator power range is from 25kva to 2000kva( oepn type, soundproof type, container type, trailer type for your choice), welcome to contact us by email [email protected] or call us +8613481024441 ( same as WeChat number).

#power generator #diesel generators #electric generator

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glenmenlow · 4 years

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Coca-Cola announces partnership with the Social Windows project

The Social Windows initiative is part of the Coca-Cola #OpenLikeNeverBefore creative platform to support hard-hit hotels, cafes and restaurants reopening after a long hiatus

Coca-Cola Switzerland has partnered with the Social Windows project – a collective of communications and event planning who came together at the onset of the pandemic to build protective panels for local businesses – to help the struggling foodservice sector get back on its feet.

When restaurants across Switzerland reopened in May after an eight-week shutdown triggered by the coronavirus outbreak, operators faced a potentially business-crippling challenge. Federal safety regulations required tables to be 1.5 meters apart, which meant most eateries were looking at a 60% reduction in seating capacity unless they installed partitions between tables (which would bypass the spacing requirement).

Social Windows builds transparent, lightweight panels with plexiglass, wood and metal – elevated and stabilised by attached stands – to be positioned between tables, chairs or benches. The “social windows” are non-intrusive, easy to clean, and designed to fit seamlessly in restaurant environments. In addition to keeping guests and staff safe, they also help reduce dining room noise.

“We are able to offer an easy-to-use solution for the severely hit gastronomy sector in Switzerland,” said Vincent Rameau, country GM, Coca-Cola Switzerland. Based on the feedback we’re receiving, we know that we were able to help Swiss gastronomers in the recovery phase of their businesses. This makes us happy and proud.”

Coca-Cola Switzerland secured fair price and procurement of 2,500 panels in Switzerland through a joint venture with Social Windows, potentially freeing up more than 5,000 seats in 500-plus restaurants across the country. The company also provided an additional 50% discount to its top 100 customers.

“This way I was able to gain back at least 20 per cent of my tables,” said Florian Schenk, owner of Kafi Complet in Zweisimmen. “And the panels were delivered within two days of ordering, which was great.”

The Social Windows initiative is part of the Coca-Cola #OpenLikeNeverBefore creative platform to support hard-hit hotels, cafes and restaurants reopening after a long hiatus. Small businesses can develop social media and outdoor advertising to spread the word of their reopening plans, via the digital Coca-Cola AdCreator, and amplified by media space donated by Coca-Cola.

“Open Like Never Before” is anchored by an inspirational film featuring the lines of London-born spoken word artist George “The Poet” Mpanga. The spot – and supporting outdoor and social media creative – invites the world to embrace change, to see possibility, and to better appreciate things they perhaps took for granted before the pandemic.

“The power of the Coca-Cola brand, at its best, is the ability to go both really big and really small,” said Walter Susini, VP of marketing, Coca-Cola Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “‘Open Like Never Before’ includes the universally optimistic message of the manifesto film, as well as a call to action for local communities to support their local businesses – door by door, restaurant by restaurant, bar by bar.”

He added, “This not a campaign. It’s an extension of our company’s purpose to refresh the world and make a difference. Together, we believe we make the most of this moment by emerging stronger and creating a better-shared future.”

The launch of “Open Like Never Before” marked Coke’s return to the commercial airwaves in EMEA following a seven-month global advertising pause. During this time, the company redirected resources to support COVID-19 relief efforts around the world and donated media space to charity partners. Together with bottling partners and The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company has donated more than US$100M/£75.7K globally.

Coca-Cola is a multi-time winner of the World Branding Awards.

The article Coca-Cola announces partnership with the Social Windows project appeared first on World Branding Forum.

from WordPress https://glenmenlow.wordpress.com/2020/08/27/coca-cola-announces-partnership-with-the-social-windows-project/ via IFTTT

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courtneytincher · 5 years

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EU Pipeline Ruling Helps Ukraine Thwart Russia

(Bloomberg Opinion) -- A European Union court has undermined Russia’s strategic plan to eliminate its dependence on Ukraine for the transit of its natural gas exports to Europe. That’s another stroke of luck for Ukraine’s new president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy: Now he has a much stronger position in trilateral gas talks with Russia and the EU, due to take place later this month. And no long-threatened U.S. sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 project expanding the capacity of pipelines beneath the Baltic Sea were required to achieve this important result.The EU General Court in Luxembourg on Tuesday overruled a 2016 European Commission decision allowing the Russian natural gas exporter Gazprom PJSC to use more than 50% of the capacity of the OPAL pipeline, which runs from Lubmin in North Germany to Olbernhau near the German-Czech border. OPAL is an onshore extension of Nord Stream 1, the Russian pipeline laid across the bottom of the Baltic Sea, finished in 2012. Last year, Nord Stream 1 delivered 58.8 billion cubic meters of gas to Germany, more than its nominal capacity of 55 billion cubic meters and about 29% of Russia’s gas exports to Europe. Without the 2016 EU decision, these record deliveries wouldn’t have been possible. The gas needs to travel further from the north German landing point to reach consumers. But initially, in 2009, the EU only allowed OPAL to be built on the condition that Gazprom would be able to use just 50% of its 35-billion-cubic-meter capacity: The bloc’s energy rules require competitive access to pipelines. (Also because of these rules, which limit suppliers’ right to own the delivery infrastructure, Gazprom owns less than 50% of OPAL shares; the rest belong to Germany’s Wintershall Holding GmbH.) In this particular case, the rules make little practical sense. No one else delivers gas to the same point near the German city of Greifswald; supplies only become competitive along the way, more and more so by the pipeline’s endpoint. But because of the capacity cap, Gazprom had to maintain higher prices for Nord Stream 1 gas, giving competing traders no incentive to lower their prices. Instead of benefiting from the EU competition regulations, customers ended up paying more for gas.The European Commission realized that and allowed Gazprom to bid for more OPAL capacity. According to the Polish state oil and gas company, PGNiG, it allowed Gazprom to pump an additional 12.4 billion cubic meters of gas through Nord Stream 1. This, along with increasing competition from liquefied natural gas imported from the Middle East, the U.S. and, more recently, Russia, helped drive down European gas prices to a 10-year low this fall. The available onshore capacity has allowed Russia to go ahead with building a new pipeline, Nord Stream 2, parallel to Nord Stream 1. That project is opposed by the U.S. It argues that Nord Stream 2 would make Germany too dependent on Russia for energy supplies and would allow Gazprom’s exports to Europe to bypass Ukraine’s Soviet-era pipeline system, depriving that country of about $3 billion in transit fees just as Ukraine receives major Western financial assistance. Germany has ignored the criticism: It needs all the gas it can get to enable its simultaneous transitions from coal and nuclear power generation.But if the onshore pipeline network cannot carry more Russian gas, the costly offshore expansion makes little sense. And that’s the weak point at which PGNiG decided to strike.The Polish state company’s goals are twofold. Politically, the strongly anti-Russia Polish government is aligned with the U.S. It’s trying to drive Poland’s imports of Russian gas down to zero. But PGNiG is also vying for higher transit fees from Gazprom than the paltry $5.3 million a year it currently is receiving. It is, therefore, strategically interested in preserving the Ukrainian transit option. That’s why PGNiG challenged the 2016 commission decision in the General Court.“As Gazprom can no longer enjoy its monopolistic position on the OPAL pipeline, it will not be able to terminate transit of gas to Europe via Ukraine, at least in the coming months,” the Polish company’s vice president, Maciej Wozniak, said after the court ruling. Ukraine moved 86.8 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to Europe last year, and there’s no guarantee that volume won’t drop once Nord Stream 2 is finished. But any hurdles on the alternative route do force Gazprom — and its controlling owner, the Russian government — to maintain the Ukrainian transit option. That’s something Russia wanted to avoid starting next year, once Nord Stream 2 is operational and the current 10-year transit contract with Ukraine has run out.The European Commission has two months to appeal the court ruling, but even if it decides to do it (its first reaction was noncommittal), it probably won’t file an appeal before it engages with Russia and Ukraine on the future of Ukrainian transit after the transit deal expires at the end of this year. The talks will take place in Brussels on Sept. 19, and before the OPAL decision, Russia wanted a short placeholder contract with low guaranteed deliveries, while Ukraine insists on a new 10-year deal with supplies of 60 billion cubic meters guaranteed.The court ruling makes a sizable dent in Russia’s armor. Even if the reimposed OPAL cap doesn’t hold, Gazprom can’t be sure it won’t be hit with further restrictions: The EU’s competition rules are extremely unfavorable to it. These obstacles make it harder for the Russian supplier to compete with exporters of liquefied natural gas. Gazprom needs Ukraine to keep deliveries stable and retain market share. It may well have to opt for a sensible business strategy, even if it doesn’t quite fit President Vladimir Putin’s preference for using Russia’s power in the energy sector to put economic pressure on Ukraine’s pro-Western government.If Russia compromises and reaches a more generous deal with Kyiv and the EU than it has planned, Zelenskiy will be able to log a major success for his fledgling administration pretty much without lifting a finger: By winning in court, Poland, backed by Lithuania and Latvia, has done all the work.To contact the author of this story: Leonid Bershidsky at [email protected] contact the editor responsible for this story: Jonathan Landman at [email protected] column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.Leonid Bershidsky is Bloomberg Opinion's Europe columnist. He was the founding editor of the Russian business daily Vedomosti and founded the opinion website Slon.ru.For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion©2019 Bloomberg L.P.

from Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines

September 11, 2019 at 03:09PM via IFTTT

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itsworn · 6 years

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1988 Bronco Rescue: Gauges, Dash, Front Drives, and Dyno-Test

Tuning the MegaSquirt port EFI system on Westech Performance’s chassis dyno: The toughest part was perfecting morning cold-start performance. It could only be tweaked once a day, after the vehicle sat overnight. Preventing morning in-gear stalls required adding more air via the IAC motor plus pulling some fuel out of the ECU’s cold-start enrichment table.

The Rescue So Far

Tevete (“T”) Usumalii and his 1998 Ford Bronco have really been put through the wringer. It all started when a missing 25¢ oil-galley plug cost him his 349ci stroker small-block Ford engine. L&R Engines fixed the short-block (June 2018 print edition). In the July 2018 print edition, Mark Sanchez at Advanced Engineering West (AEW) assembled the engine top-end only to discover valvetrain geometry and lifter problems, a wrong distributor gear, and serious issues with the fuel-supply system. Finally home-free? Not on your life! The engine front accessory drives, fuel tank gauge, and custom instrument panel implementation were still screwed up. We’ll fix them this month, then put the Bronco on Westech Performance’s chassis dyno for a quick tune and test.

T wanted a powerful, off-road fun truck. We ended up fixing the engine, the fuel system, the instrument panel, and the front drives.

The Beltdrive Fix

The original builder had butchered the front serpentine drive system. “There wasn’t enough belt-wrap around the water pump and crank pulleys,” Sanchez explains. “I hold to the factory spec: The belt needs to contact ¾ of the pulley grooves’ surface area. I was able to round up the missing parts from the local Pick-A-Part yard, eBay, and AutoZone. The air-conditioning system had been removed, so we also added a Dorman A/C compressor bypass kit to perfect the setup.”

The “street racer” installer never bothered to make the serpentine-drive system work efficiently without an A/C compressor (top). Insufficient “wrap” around the water-pump pulley caused belt slip. Sanchez scored a complete 1988 Bronco front-drive setup from the local Pick-A-Part, but without the A/C compressor, a Dorman compressor bypass kit was also needed (bottom, arrow). AutoZone supplied a new belt and water pump, while the 1987–1992 Bronco tensioner is new from Jeff’s Bronco Graveyard. “Never reuse a high-mileage tensioner,” Sanchez insists.

An inadequately sized electric fan had been installed in place of the Bronco’s original mechanical fan setup. Sanchez found and installed a kick-ass 1994 F-150/F-250 pickup truck 302/351W seven-blade mechanical fan, clutch, and shroud. Also needed was a heater hose fitting to accept the engine coolant temp sensor. Lastly, Sanchez replaced the water pump: “It was full of silicone. At this point I didn’t trust anything on or near this truck.”

In place of the Bronco’s inadequate electric fan, Sanchez put in a 1994 F-250 Super Duty diesel seven-blade mechanical fan, fan-clutch, and shroud. “It’s the most efficient cooling package Ford ever offered, with the heaviest and tightest clutch.” The fan and shroud were wrecking yard parts, but the clutch is new. Used clutches are sketchy, in Sanchez’s opinion.

The Dash Fix

The gauges in the existing custom dash panel didn’t work, plus they weren’t fully visible. The instrument panel wiring was totally borked.

The original builder tried to fab a custom dash with individual AutoMeter gauges. But they were partially blocked by the steering wheel. Worse, they weren’t working and the original instrument panel warning lights and turn-signal indicators had gone MIA.

The Bronco’s OE dash had been replaced by a custom setup with individual AutoMeter gauges. But they didn’t work and weren’t fully visible when installed (top, A). Accessing the speedometer adjustment knob on the new unit was blocked (top, B), while the original factory access hole still uselessly remained over the oil pressure gauge (top, C). Sanchez solved the visibility issues with AutoMeter combo gauges—a dual speedo/tach setup and a quad coolant temp/oil pressure/voltmeter/fuel level unit—that mount in a new panel built with 0.118-inch-thick ABS plastic sheet (bottom).

Unbolting the dash panel revealed the major wiring issue. On a stock Bronco dash, the wiring plugs into a common circuit board that distributes power to the various gauges and warning lights. But aftermarket AutoMeter gauges must be hard-wired—which the original builder lamely tried to do with so-called self-stripping T-taps that invariably cause voltage drops.

The sloppy builder used quick and dirty push-together splice clips that clip over and through existing wires (top). They’re death on 12-volt circuits, causing resistance resulting in a voltage drop. The budget solution: Wire-in the existing individual AutoMeter gauges using its PN 2198 wire harness (center) that support an individual speedo, a tach, and up to four more full-sweep electrical or LED gauges. The high-end method: Sanchez’s custom wiring harness with “plug-and-play” AutoMeter Molex and Ford multipin Wedgelock connectors (bottom). AutoMeter bulbs and sockets (arrows) restored the factory warning lights and turn signal functionality.

The budget approach would be cleaning up the existing wiring, leaving the previous builder’s individual AutoMeter gauges and their layout as-is. AutoMeter offers a wire and connector harness for wiring up most of its individual gauges that makes for a clean, idiot-proof installation that eliminates any possibility of cross-connection. As for the warning, message, and turn-signal lights, AutoMeter’s standard bulb and socket-with-pigtail package just happens to screw right into the original factory dash holes.

But this approach still doesn’t solve the visibility problem. The premium fix as implemented by Sanchez on the Bronco was to build a new custom instrument panel using AutoMeter’s trick combo gauges: one dual speedo/tach gauge plus one quad combo that displays coolant temperature, oil pressure, voltmeter, and fuel level. These two gauges centrally mount in a new Sanchez-fabbed dash panel, right in the driver’s line of vision. The panel itself was cut and shaped from ABS plastic sheet. ABS sheet is sold through art and hobby-shop retailers, custom stereo shops, plastic distributors, and even Amazon.com. Cut it to size with a scribe tool and hole cutters.

Next, Sanchez built a quick-connect custom harness for the two combo gauge units. At the gauge end, he used AutoMeter’s available eight-cavity, Molex-style gauge connectors and terminals instead of error-prone individual blade-and-spade hookups. At the other end, four- and eight-pin Ford OE Wedgelock connectors hookup to the pre-existing main factory harness. You can find the four-pin mating connector bodies used on many Ford O₂ sensors, but scoring both halves of the eight-pin variants is dicey (Sanchez has used ones for sale). Sanchez’s custom harness also uses correct Ford factory wire colors and striping, allowing any Ford tech to troubleshoot the wiring, and (if the original wiring wasn’t butchered) even bolt the original stock panel and its circuit board back into place.

Correct Ford color-coded and striped wires (top) connect to the gauges. Del Mar Wire will stripe 100 feet of any single color it sells for a nominal extra fee; most other wire outfits require 1,000 feet per color and stripe. Ford connector bodies are hard to find, but its 0.062-inch diameter pin-and-socket Wedgelock terminals are widely available (center) and you can install them on the wires using generic crimpers for typical factory-style open-barrel terminals (bottom).

The Fuel Level Fix

After the new wire-up, the fuel level gauge worked but was inaccurate. Like many aftermarket units, AutoMeter’s fuel gauge is designed to work with a sender having a 240- to 33-ohm full-to-empty resistance range. A 1987-and-later Ford in-tank sending unit like the Bronco’s operates in “reverse,” with a 16- to 158-ohm full-to-empty resistance range. AutoMeter offers its own sending units, but they won’t work with late-model in-tank fuel-pump configurations like T’s 1988 Bronco. The fix: a Classic Instruments SN34 Fuel Link interface electronic module designed to correct gauge/sending unit ohm mismatches or fuel-level discrepancies. Problem solved.

Classic Instruments’ USA-made SN34 Fuel Link calibrator corrected the fuel gauge-level error caused by differing resistance ranges between the tank sending unit and AutoMeter’s gauge. The SN34 has eight presets that cover the most common mismatch combos, or set a custom calibration for any oddball resistance-range between 0 and 350 ohms.

The Tune-Up

AEW’s Mark Sanchez fixed the gauges, wiring, and front drives. Westech’s Ismael Candia (shown) and Eric Rhee tuned MegaSquirt’s EFI.

The final “fix” was taking the Bronco over to nearby Westech Performance to dial-in its aftermarket MegaSquirt port fuel-injection system installed by the original builder. “The provided MegaSquirt box is a direct plug-and-play for the Fox-body (Mustang) Ford computer,” reports Westech chassis-dyno manager Eric Rhee, adding, “One thing you have to watch out for is, unlike a stock Ford ECU, you never unplug the spout connector jumper near the distributor to lock the timing. On the MegaSquirt you do that through the computer.”

Installed by the original builder, MegaSquirt’s computer (left) is a “plug-and-play” replacement for 1984–1993 Mustang 5.0L V8 sequential-fire EFI ECUs (right). It uses the same 60-pin mating connector, and even supports Mass-Air metering, but unlike the Ford, it’s end-user programmable. 1988 Broncos originally had batch-fire injection, so some added harness wiring would have been needed if starting from scratch on this conversion.

Rhee adds, “Between the huge 220cc intake runner Air Flow Research heads, the mild hydraulic roller cam, the truck’s 6,000-pound weight, its huge 35-inch tires, 4.56:1 rear gears, and mild converter, under normal operation after warm-up we needed slightly more fuel on the bottom, but less on top.” Some additional cold-start fine-tuning was also needed.

MegaSquirt includes a baseline calibration to get the vehicle up and running, then it was up to Westech’s experts to really fine-tune the system. Eric Rhee says, “We calibrate conservative, so there’s no problems in daily driveability. Full-throttle air/fuel ratio is around 12.5:1, and on 91-octane gas it likes about 35–36 degrees timing between 3,000 and 6,000 rpm.”

The Final Results

Tuned up on Westech Performance’s SuperFlow chassis dyno, the Bronco’s 9.3:1 349ci motor developed a peak 338 lb-ft of torque and 269 hp at the rear wheels. Average numbers between the 3,907 rpm torque and 4,692 rpm hp peak points were 323 lb-ft and 264 hp. It was all done by just 5,000 rpm, likely do to the camshaft running out of steam just when the huge heads really come into their own.

Despite the combo mismatch, on Westech’s chassis dyno the Bronco delivered 338.4 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm, with 269.3 hp on tap at 4,692 rpm. To muscle-car guys, these numbers may seem low, but Rhee insists, “We usually see on 4×4 trucks with huge wheels and tires, the rear-wheel numbers are much lower than the flywheel numbers if the same motor was tested on an engine dyno—mainly due to rolling resistance and tire weight, not necessarily vehicle weight. So, in my experience, you’re really looking at 444 flywheel hp here.”

Finished and installed, Sanchez’s custom ABS dash panel holding AutoMeter’s trick combo gauges is easily visible from the driver seat.

In any event, the no-longer-bucking Bronco now drives smoothly and everything works, including the fuel supply system, the beldrives, and the instrument panel gauges. The engine combo could use a larger cam to match the heads. The truck already has steep gears, but there’s still room for growth with a higher-stall torque converter. For Mr. T, the Bronco is everything he wanted and more: “I’m so grateful! I’m overjoyed to see it running.”

No more bucking Bronco; fixed at last, it now gallops happily down the road. Says T, “I can’t wait to take it home and show it to my family!”

Slipshod mechanics had nearly turned “T” Usumalii’s 1988 Ford Bronco into a dead horse. But after the latest fixes, he’s overjoyed!

Lessons Learned

Any hack can hack a car. Plan ahead with the end goal clearly in mind. “I’ve learned that time is not important,” T says. “Take the time to do it right. Do your research when you’re going to have major work done on your baby! Ask around—check the internet, check the mechanic, check the shop’s track record. It’s a big risk if you go with a guy you don’t know about.”

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joannemaly · 6 years

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Olympus announces PEN E-PL9 equipped with 4K and Bluetooth

Olympus has announced the PEN E-PL9, which improves upon its predecessor in terms of design and features. The camera has a more pronounced grip and larger mode dial, and its faux leather wraps around the body. The E-PL9 finally has a built-in flash, so you no longer need to tote around the small external flash that came with earlier models.

The E-PL9 uses a 16MP Live MOS sensor as well as the same TruePic VIII processor found on the E-M10 Mark III. While the E-M10 III has in-body 5-axis image stabilization, the E-PL9 is limited to three axes. The two cameras share the same 121-point contrast-detect AF system with face and eye detection.

The most significant new features are 4K video capture (at 30p) and Bluetooth. The latter allows for quick pairing and the ability to have tagged photos transferred while the camera is turned off. Olympus has also added a 'Sweep Panorama' feature (nine years after Sony pioneered it,) a new Instant Film art filter and improved automatic scene selection.

The E-PL9 will be kitted with the 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 'EZ' power zoom lens. Available colors include black, brown and white. The camera will be available outside of North America in mid-March for €699/£649 with the kit lens or €549/£579 for the body only. Pricing and availability in North America will be announced in the weeks to come.

Press Release

The new Olympus PEN E-PL9: The camera to put you in touch with your creative side

Hamburg, 07. February 2018 – While increasing numbers of people discover the joys of photography through their phones, the progression to a camera may be more than a little daunting. Boasting an envy inducing look and distinguished build quality, the new Olympus PEN E-PL9 delivers the jump in quality and creative control usually seen in much larger offerings. It also makes the transition a lot less painful through touch screen access to its new Advanced Photo mode.

Petite dimensions hide a versatile range of photographic expressions boosted further by compatibility with Olympus’ much lauded line up of more than 20 M.Zuiko lenses, such as the superb M.Zuiko Digital 45mm F1.8 for portraits that combine a flattering perspective with beautiful natural bokeh.

Film fans can now take advantage of in-body stabilized blur-free 4K movies while the new built-in flash ensures E-PL9 users are always ready for adding a splash of extra light. Anyone who can’t wait to share their new masterpieces online can take advantage of the new combined Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to smartphones.

Due for delivery in mid-March, the Olympus PEN E-PL9 will be available in white, black or brown as body only or in a kit with lens (see below for choices and pricing).

It’s all about expression

The increase in creative options a camera brings too often comes with a scary menu system to match. Seeking to break down those barriers, the Olympus PEN E-PL9 lets you start your journey of photographic experimentation gradually via touch screen selection of creative programmes before moving on to more traditional settings. Select AUTO mode to let the camera identify many photographic situations from faces to groups and even movement and choose the best setting for you in the blink of an eye. Feel the need to adjust – fear not, a touch screen control with sliders allows you to adjust brightness, colour and contrast amongst other common settings. Tilt the screen down for a superior quality selfie and you can even touch select e-Portrait to smooth skin tones in camera. All of that comes in a very small and lightweight camera body that gives away both a traditional and modern feel.

Art not just for art’s sake

Olympus pioneered Art Filters way back and touching the screen brings them to life in a new way, making comparing the effects live on screen easier than ever. Besides Bleach Bypass, Instant Film is also new to the list of now 16 Art Filters – a nostalgic nod to the exaggerated colours of the early instant cameras. Use in daylight and the effects are subtle. Use at night on people with flash and a potentially dull shot is transformed: darker areas becomes green and skin is given a warm glow, an image is created that has a modern touch with a nostalgic feel.

Building on this, Olympus has made access to scene modes available through the touch screen too. Simply double tap the image that most closely matches what you see in your mind’s eye and the camera chooses the appropriate settings. The innovative access to simpler creative control is the new Advanced Photo (AP) mode. Olympus pioneered techniques like Live Composite used to be buried deep in the camera menus, often lying undiscovered. Want to take a photo of your friend creating a light painting in front of a lit up building at night? Used to be almost impossible, now tap the icon in AP mode, put the E-PL9 on a solid surface and off you go. Explore the delights of multiple exposure, HDR, sweep panorama, even focus bracketing – a technique that is a boon for close ups.

A learning process

A new set of easy access video “How To” guides hosted on the free OI.Share app, that handles the wireless transfer of images from camera to phone, provide useful tips for operating the E-PL9. Speaking of image transfer: the E-PL9 combines Bluetooth LE with Wi-Fi to ensure that the camera is always connected with your smartphone even when “asleep”. Want to see and import some images you just shot but the camera is back in your bag? No problem. Open the app and wake up the camera without needing to get it out and switch it on.

Quality through technology

What else does the E-PL9 have up its sleeve to help your photographs stand out from the crowd? Another Olympus pioneered innovation is in-body Image Stabilization (IS). Reducing blurry shots in low light, this system is married to the fast TruePic VIII image processor from the acclaimed Olympus camera flagship OM-D E-M1 Mark II which allows the camera to choose higher shutter speeds* further improving the chances of sharp results in challenging conditions.

Learning to love lenses

A system camera lives and dies by the lenses available to suit an ever expanding range of subjects. Many current Olympus PEN users head straight for the M.Zuiko Digital 45mm F1.8 portrait lens. Why? If you come from taking portraits on phones or compact camera, the lenses are often a wider angle to be more flexible. Sadly for the human face, wide angles tend to distort features. A classic portrait lens like the 45mm F1.8, slightly flattens the perspective which is more flattering. The wider aperture also delivers a natural looking blurred background (bokeh). While phones increasingly mimic this effect, the right lens sets an image apart. One area where a system camera really excels is getting in close: macro photography. Try our “all-day” go-to macro lens M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm F3.5 Macro with the E-PL9. For capturing details in jewellery, food, material or flowers it opens a whole new world.

On top of the currently more than 20 Olympus M.Zuiko lenses it is possible to use hundreds of legacy lenses via various adapters.

Kit choices, pricing & availability

> Olympus PEN E-PL9 body only at EUR 549 RRP*** incl. VAT from mid-March 2018

> Olympus PEN E-PL9 with M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Pancake lens at EUR 699 RRP*** from mid-March 2018

Olympus PEN E-PL9 specifications

PriceMSRP£579/€549 (body only), £679/€699 (with 14-42mm EZ lens)Body typeBody typeRangefinder-style mirrorlessBody materialCompositeSensorMax resolution4608 x 3456Image ratio w:h1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9Effective pixels16 megapixelsSensor photo detectors17 megapixelsSensor sizeFour Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)Sensor typeCMOSProcessorTruePic VIIIColor spacesRGBColor filter arrayPrimary color filterImageISOAuto, 200-6400 (expandable to 100-25600)Boosted ISO (minimum)100Boosted ISO (maximum)25600White balance presets6Custom white balanceYes (4 slots)Image stabilizationSensor-shiftImage stabilization notes3-axisCIPA image stabilization rating3.5 stop(s)Uncompressed formatRAWJPEG quality levelsSuper fine, fine, normalFile format

JPEG (Exif v2.3)

Raw (Olympus 12-bit ORF)

Optics & FocusAutofocus

Contrast Detect (sensor)

Multi-area

Center

Selective single-point

Tracking

Single

Continuous

Touch

Face Detection

Live View

Autofocus assist lampYesManual focusYesNumber of focus points121Lens mountMicro Four ThirdsFocal length multiplier2×Screen / viewfinderArticulated LCDTiltingScreen size3″Screen dots1,040,000Touch screenYesScreen typeTFT LCDLive viewYesViewfinder typeNonePhotography featuresMinimum shutter speed60 secMaximum shutter speed1/4000 secMaximum shutter speed (electronic)1/16000 secExposure modes

Auto

Program

Aperture priority

Shutter priority

Manual

Scene modes

Portrait

e-Portrait

Landscape with Portrait

Night Scene with portrait

Children

Hand-held Starlight

Night Scene

Fireworks

Light trails

Sports

Panning

Landscape

Sunset

Beach and Snow

Backlight HDR

Panorama

Candle

Silent mode

Macro

Nature Macro

Documents

Multi Focus

Built-in flashYesFlash range7.60 m (at ISO 200)External flashYesFlash modesAuto, manual, redeye reduction, slow sync w/redeye reduction, slow sync , slow sync 2nd-curtain, fill-in, offFlash X sync speed1/250 secDrive modes

Single

Sequential

Self-timer

Bracketing

Continuous drive8.6 fpsSelf-timerYes (2 or 12 secs, custom)Metering modes

Multi

Center-weighted

Highlight-weighted

Spot

Exposure compensation±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)AE Bracketing±5 (3, 5 frames at 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)WB BracketingNoVideography featuresFormatMPEG-4, H.264Modes

3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM

3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM

3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM

1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM

1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM

1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM

1280 x 720 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM

MicrophoneStereoSpeakerMonoStorageStorage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I supported)ConnectivityUSBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)HDMIYes (micro HDMI)Microphone portNoHeadphone portNoWirelessBuilt-InWireless notes802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.0 LERemote controlYes (via smartphone)PhysicalEnvironmentally sealedNoBatteryBuilt-inBattery descriptionBLS-50 lithium-ion battery & chargerBattery Life (CIPA)350Weight (inc. batteries)380 g (0.84 lb / 13.40 oz)Dimensions117 x 68 x 39 mm (4.61 x 2.68 x 1.54″)Other featuresOrientation sensorYesTimelapse recordingYes (Video up to 4K)GPSNone

[Read More ...] Olympus announces PEN E-PL9 equipped with 4K and Bluetooth was originally posted by proton T2a

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mbhroslyn02570-blog · 6 years

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YOU SHOULDN'T BE Fool While SeIecting Best LED Lamps In China.

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However, development and analysis continues to boost LED lighting up to 100 >Generally, lighting with a CRI of 85 to 90 is considered to be very good" while a CRI of 90 or greater are excellent" which you can use for tasks requiring very accurate color discrimination. You need light with high CRI for places like art galleries, museums, or jewelry stores where items are on screen. And for home lighting, there is no need of lights with an extremely high CRI, in locations like the living room or your kitchen especially. Lighting with a CRI below 70 make colours look washed out, and may even change the colour of objects. For example, the lamps you find in highway fixtures is an extremely yellow light having a very low CRI that makes colors harder to differentiate >Comparison of result CRI result in CFL, Metal Halide, and LE >4. Color temperatur >LEDs can be found in wide colour temperature range from 2800K to 6500K as mentioned below >Warm white: 2700K-3500K (dusk time yellow light >Neutral white: 4000K-4500K (bright sun light little yellow >Cool white: 5000K-6500K (pure white, cool day light >In LED coIor temperature of aróund 2700K to 3300K gives same color tone (yellowish light) as standard incandescent or halogen lamps >Some local companies do not describe color temperature specifications in Kelvin, however they simply label thém with Natural Whité" or Office Whité". Branded Companies generally mention actual specifications so be sure that which colour temperature you are selecting >Image courtesy: >Let's check real exemplory case of same picture takén under all avaiIable LED Light color temperature. Generally buyer choose Cool White colored for home and workplace use. Warm white can be used in hotels and restaurant >Source: >The color temperature surely affects the colours of things you are seeing than actual. So be cautious while selecting colour temperatures of LED light relating to your application and need >5. Heat sin >Don't forget that for LEDs to last a long time, they need a heat sink. That's why LED bulbs have metal fins that decrease the medial side, making them look different than the classic Edison-style light bulb. Heat sink dissolves any extra high temperature and maintains the LEDs at best operating temperature aswell gives boost when it comes to life to main LED chip >6. Lifestyle of LED Chi >At this point, LEDs really rating high as its lifestyle typically ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 hours. Therefore, LEDs are idyllic for use in areas where maintenance is definitely difficult or longevity is essential.

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technewss15-blog · 7 years

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NBA 2K18 Review – Making Another Run

Driven by fearless ambition and a willingness to push the boundaries of sports video games, Visual Concepts’ NBA 2K series has arguably been the most impressive sports franchise of the last two console generations. Its commitment to world-class visuals, sophisticated gameplay, and a breadth of compelling modes makes it a sales goliath year in and year out. NBA 2K18 follows in that grand tradition by further innovating on several fronts.

At first glance, not much has changed in the minute-to-minute basketball experience outside of another layer of sheen on the already gorgeous graphics, but the more time you spend chucking up threes and pounding the paint, the more the subtle gameplay changes rise to the surface. Chief among them is a reworked motion system that makes it easier to blow by defenders when you’re controlling an elite guard. Dribble moves still help open windows for drives to the basket, but speedy guards like Russell Westbrook can also take lesser defensemen right from the first dribble. Big men feel more powerful as well, easily backing down smaller defenders when screen switches create exploitable mismatches.

The new shot meter feedback system, which communicates how well you timed your release and how contested your shot was, is another welcome inclusion. I just wish it extended to lay-ups as well, because my slashing guard had an inexplicable amount of easy baskets clank off the rim. My timing must be off, but with no feedback system I have no way of correcting my release.

Other small tweaks improve play, like livelier loose balls and a new passing mechanism that lets you hold down the button to bypass a nearby teammate and target a shooter in the far corner. This five-star gameplay only has a few weaknesses. It’s still too easy to overcommit when guarding human players, and far too many clipping animations appear all over the court, from one-on-one situations above the key to slashing through defenders in the paint.

Over the last several years, 2K has expanded off-court activities in its popular MyCareer mode to include hangouts with NBA stars, fictitious characters, gym workouts, and the like. This year, Visual Concepts takes this progression to its inevitable conclusion with the introduction of The Neighborhood. This GTA-style urban social hub serves as the centerpiece for the entire mode. From this small city block, you can head to your NBA training facility for practice, visit the fitness center to improve your stamina, enter an arena for a Pro-Am game, or get next on the street courts of The Playground. On your way to these various activities, you can stop to shop at a various apparel stores, get inked at the tattoo parlor, or even get your hair cut and shoot the breeze at the barbershop – all of which cost VC, the in-game currency you earn through performances on the court.

This hub is a strong concept, but its execution leaves much to be desired. With only a handful of NPCs on site, the people-watching is limited to other MyPlayers, most of who are standing around like zombies on their phones. The inactivity gives The Neighborhood an unintended 28 Days Later feel; if the streets aren’t disquietingly barren, they are mildly populated with people standing around. The mode could use an injection of interesting NPCs to liven up the streets and more shortcuts for users to load into specific locations, which could help trim the dead time between activities.

Most years, the MyCareer mode is driven by the NBA experience and accompanying story mode. This year, 2K loosens up the format to let you optimize your experience. The game still tells a coming-of-age story about an NBA longshot, complete with 2K’s now-trademark annoying secondary characters, social interactions with pro players, and endorsement deals. But if you prefer the spirit of competition in the 5v5 Pro-Am or street games, you can skip the NBA life altogether. The new player progression system allows you to grind for attribute gains and skill badges no matter where you hoop, wisely freeing players to concentrate on the modes they like best.

Player progression benefits greatly from the new archetype system, which allows you to choose two primary attributes that define your playing style. This affords much more customization than last year’s rigid system. More importantly, the subsequent leveling system returns to allowing users to upgrade the skills they want; no more pouring VC into predetermined skill buckets like the past few 2K games. You still earn the bonus-oriented badges by performing specific feats on the court, but Visual Concepts finally acquiesced and allowed users to track their progression to unlocking these valuable traits. Better yet, you can specify which badge you want to improve during practice and focus on drills that best benefit that goal.

Unfortunately, developing a decent player still takes a considerable amount of time given your 60-overall starting rating. The progression feels natural during the NBA experience since you are an undrafted free agent, but given the amount of people who spend money for VC to upgrade their characters in online play, you are at a significant disadvantage in competitive situations for some time. This arbitrarily low rating also discourages experimentation in creating multiple characters. I would love to have a big man alternate to pair with my slashing wingman, but developing another low-rated player to respectability is too time consuming. I wish 2K had a respec system that allowed you to pour the attributes points you already purchased for one player class into another, unlocking overlapping badges you have already earned for your new character as well. This would go a long way to making the natural progression feel more valuable.

The MyCareer story doesn’t deliver, but Visual Concepts integrated a narrative into the sim-focused MyGM mode for the first time ever. Dubbed “The Next Chapter,” the story puts you into the penny loafers of a former NBA star who blew out his knee and subsequently transitioned into management. As the new general manager of a team of your choice, you face Machiavellian behind-the-scenes scenarios that test your loyalties and force you to protect your turf as the primary shot-caller when it comes to roster creation. The story only lasts one season, and the crude cutscenes are tough to watch (not even politicians wave their hands that much during conversation), but I found the rollercoaster ride a compelling addition that puts you into the kind of sports drama you only hear about in rumor mills or on 30 for 30 episodes.

The rest of MyGM/MyLeague is still the most compelling franchise mode in sports, but it could use stronger team-building A.I. for the computer-controlled franchises. Imbalanced rosters, curious draft pick hoarding with no clear end game, and boneheaded A.I. trades were the order of the day for most of my seasons. The new CBA rules related to cap holds also appear to be broken at the moment, so I hope 2K addresses this in an upcoming patch.

Fans of collectible card modes have a lot of new elements to explore this year with MyTeam. The new coach proficiency system governs the type of players who best fit your scheme, which is another critical element to consider when building your fantasy lineup. The new Super Max challenge, which uses salary cap restrictions for roster creation, creates an interesting new playing field for those sick of going up against all-world lineups. My biggest MyTeam gripe pertains to the ridiculously short contracts; with only three- and four-game contracts available to me, I constantly felt the need to invest in contracts rather than spending money on attaining new players. Compared to Ultimate Team modes in EA Sports games, the balance feels off. The mode could also use more diversity in the types of packs available for purchase.

Sick of playing against super teams like the Golden State Warriors in online games? NBA 2K18 adds All-Time franchise teams to the mix, dramatically increasing the number of teams available for those who want to compete with the best rosters. Some legends like Moses Malone and Reggie Miller are noticeably absent, but the teams are still a blast to play with.

Servers have never been 2K’s strong suit, and stability problems once again try to box out NBA 2K18. Most every Playground game I played was marred by lag, which compromises the fidelity of control the play demands. I heard bouncing basketballs in the streets and shots clanging off the hoops at the 2K Zone even though no one is visible, leading me to believe either the Neighborhood is haunted by the ghosts of hoopers past or the servers are awry. Other users have reported losing their MyPlayer characters and all the VC they purchased as well. I didn’t experience these server hiccups when playing Pro-Am, MyTeam, and Play Now games.

Not all the shots NBA 2K18 takes are swishes, but its shooting percentage is high enough to once again recommend you step on the hardcourt. The deep MyGM, MyCareer, and MyTeam modes offer hundreds of hours of compelling play, and the on-court action is once again stellar. Once the servers stabilize and Visual Concepts patches in some easily correctible fixes, NBA 2K18 should once again be in pole position for sports game of the year.

NBA 2K18 Review – Making Another Run was originally published on Tech News Center Generation

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kohinoortinselcountyhinjewa-blog · 7 years

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Best Kohinoor Tinsel County Hinjewadi Phase 3 Android Apps

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Fondly often called Bebo, the actress writes about her journey from a chubby teenager who accompanied actress and elder sister Karisma on shoots into one of many hottest main women in tinsel city, based on publishers Penguin Books India Kohinoor Tinsel County Amenity. We stayed at the County resort for five days , we travelled as part of a coach occasion with Hemmings coaches and had a smashing time, Ross and his employees are actually lovely, they cannot do sufficient for you, We had a lovely room with a very snug mattress. Whether you are researching how a lot your property may sell for, investigating the properties sold by a specific agent, or one thing else, ® has what it's essential to make your offered property search a hit, together with information about 60 Tinsel Rd, Levittown, PA 19056. Kasturi Housing Eon Homes, by Kasturi Housing, presents an array of 2 bhk and three bhk below building flats at Hinjewadi , Pune.

Offering a superb collection of two bhk and three bhk under development flats in Hinjewadi , Pune, and the challenge is outcome of brilliance and greatest architects. There is a proposed bypass that will supply easy accessibility to the Software program Know-how (STP) at Hinjewadi. On this 50 meter heated pool at West Valley HIgh, individuals will swim one hundred fifty meters (up & again 3 occasions). She was arraigned in Saugerties City Court docket and is at the moment being held on USD 1,000 at Ulster County Jail, ahead of a court docket listening to on Tuesday Kohinoor Tinsel County Possession Date. At present, the rental values within the territory change from Rs 12000 to 16000 each month for a 2 BHK whereas a three BHK is accessible at Rs 13000 to 20000 each month.

The life-style and facilities at Tinsel County have been conceived with wide open views to present you a peaceable residing atmosphere with the right combination of work and play amenities. More than one hundred IT and ITeS corporations are presently operating in Hinjewadi with total revenues crossing INR 30, 000 crores in terms of exports Kohinoor Tinsel County Brochure. Most Turkey & Tinsel taking part businesses might be open from 10am to 7pm and can be providing door prizes and refreshments. Close by properties just like 7509 Tinsel Ave have recently sold between $80K to $165K at a median of $95 per sq. foot. Charles County, St Marys County and Prospects south of 231 in Calvert County can be collected on Thursday 2-18-16. Hong Kong lowered the storm signal to No three early on Tuesday and it was anticipated to stay in pressure for most of the morning.

Boone argued that SBI evidence will explain more about the tinsel and permit jurors to attract more informed conclusions later in the trial. Within this space it's possible you'll discover properties in Hinjawadi Pune within Hinjawadi Section I and Hinjawadi. County residents also can recycle their Christmas bushes by dropping them off at the Swansboro Trash and Recycle Comfort Middle on Swansboro Loop Street or the Folkstone Convenience Center on Old Folkstone Highway, at a price of $1 per tree. Within this area you could discover properties in Hinjawadi Pune within Hinjawadi Section I and Kiwale Kohinoor Tinsel County Floor Plan. Demand for property in Hinjewadi has gone up by leaps and bounds as a result of IT Park, proximity to Pune metropolis and main highways and roads. The institution of Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi additionally boosted the locality's development, which was originally a small village.

#Kohinoor Tinsel CountyKohinoor Tinsel County HinjewadiKohinoor Tinsel County Hinjewadi Phase 3

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energysolutions · 7 years

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State Expertise Agency approves residential project for Amur GPP staff has been published on Energy Solutions News

New Post has been published on http://www.energybrokers.co.uk/news/gazprom/state-expertise-agency-approves-residential-project-for-amur-gpp-staff

State Expertise Agency approves residential project for Amur GPP staff

Gazprom Pererabotka Blagoveshchensk received an authorization from the Amur State Expertise Agency (Amurgosexpertiza) on the design documentation for a residential district to be built for the staff of the Amur GPP in Svobodny, Amur Region.

The new district for 5,000 residents will be constructed in the north of Svobodny, where a military town used to be. The existing houses and boarding school will also be part of the expanding neighborhood and will be connected to new utilities.

The construction area will occupy 92.5 hectares. It is planned to build 42 five-floor houses, 36 townhouses, a kindergarten, a school, a��medical center, a culture and leisure center, a multi-purpose sports complex, a number of shops, etc. The autonomous utility infrastructure will include power lines, heating, water supply and sewage systems, water treatment facilities, and a boiler house.

The land development process is slated to start in the second half of 2017, with the construction area to be accessed by building and loading machinery through a bypass road. The infrastructure is to be erected by the end of 2019, while housing will be completed by 2022.

The residential project will reinvigorate social and infrastructure development, facilitating economic growth in Svobodny and the Svobodnensky District.

Background

The Amur GPP with a design capacity of 42 billion cubic meters of gas per year will be the largest gas processing plant in Russia and one of the biggest in the world. The GPP will include the world's largest helium production facility (up to 60 million cubic meters per year).

The Amur GPP is a critical link in the value chain of gas supplies to China via the eastern route. The plant will be supplied via the Power of Siberia gas pipeline with multi-component gas from the Yakutia and Irkutsk gas production centers being set up by Gazprom as part of the Eastern Gas Program.

Gazprom Pererabotka Blagoveshchensk (part of the Gazprom Group) acts as the investor and customer for the Amur GPP construction project.

NIPIGAZ (part of the SIBUR Group), a leading Russian center for design, supply, logistics and construction management, acts as the construction manager.

#Gazprom

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itsworn · 7 years

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HOT ROD Rescue: The Rat Rod, Fixed at Last (Yes, it Does Burnouts!)

August, 2017’s North American full solar eclipse came early for J.B. Bracken, as his finally perfected 1935 Ford rat rod truck totally blocks out the Sun. (Photo: James Gustin/figMEDIA)

Smoke you want, smoke you got! I think we blocked out the Sun!” — J.B. Bracken

The Rescue So Far

The rat rod is based on a 1935 Ford truck cab set on a custom frame. Motive force is now via an 8-71-huffed, 401ci, small-block Chevy.

When Norm Brandes at Westech Automotive received J.B Bracken’s 1935 Ford Rat Rod truck (HRM, July 2017), it couldn’t do a burnout and had poor driveability—despite an 8-71-blown 383 small-block Chevy engine. The 4,000-pound truck’s huge Dana 70 dualie rearend didn’t have enough low-end inertia to spin the tires. Initial fixes included a cam change, overdriving the blower, and proper tuning—only to suffer a broken piston and Brand-X head stud failure. Gluttons for punishment, we came back in the Aug. 2017 issue with a 4.125-inch bore Dart block, turning the 383 into a 401. Brandes stuffed it with stout 2618 aluminum-alloy JE blower pistons, bolted its aluminum heads on with real ARP head studs, and did some additional tuning to seemingly bulletproof the combo. But after Bracken drove the truck for 1,500 flawless miles with no issues, he blew a head gasket while performing a massive burnout in preparation for a HOT ROD photoshoot scheduled for the following day.

The latest issue: A head gasket blew at the rear of the No. 8 cylinder across to the water jacket (circle). The primary cause would turn out to be a lazy thermostat.

The Diagnosis

The blowout occurred at the rear of the No. 8 cylinder across to the water jacket. After eliminating several other possibilities—including “soft” cylinder heads and possible gasket “crush” issues—the main “perp” turned out to be a lazy thermostat.

Was there an issue with Bracken’s “off-shore” aluminum heads? In consultation with retired Fel-Pro Performance gasket engineer Greg West, the aluminum heads were sent out to Letsch Manufacturing for Rockwell hardness (shown here), as well as surface flatness and profile checks. All were in spec.

Gasket crush height using BB-shot (pointer) was per blueprint for Fel-Pro’s MLS head gasket, using both ARP’s specified installation torque as well as with an alternative retorque method.

The alternative method involves first tightening the cylinder heads to spec per the normal pattern. The engine is then permitted to sit overnight. The next morning, each head stud nut is individually loosened and immediately retorqued. The white paint shows the added nut rotation after the second retorque, indicating there was some relaxation of tension.

In spring 2017, Bracken had brought the truck out of winter hibernation and changed the thermostat and coolant. Sudden thermal shock load and temperature spike during the burnout from the not yet thoroughly warmed-up motor and it was “goodbye, head gasket.”

The third time around, we weren’t taking any chances, delivering the engine to Dan Timm’s Advanced Engine Concepts (AEC) to evaluate coolant circulation, plus some engine-dyno torture. To the extent possible, the engine was set up on the dyno just as it would be in the rat rod.

Advance Engine Concepts’ Dan Timm evaluated the engine’s cooling system, fuel curve, and ignition timing and efficiency on his dyno.

The Fix: Thermostat

The bad thermostat was a cheapie, generic, pellet-style, 180-degree F part. On the dyno, a thermal heat gun confirmed it didn’t open until 200 to 210 degrees—way too slow for a suddenly stressed cool engine. (It didn’t help Dart’s race block lacks an internal coolant bypass passage.) The solution: a balanced-flow, Robertshaw-type, high-flow thermostat that’s less restrictive compared to pellet-type designs. Stewart Components’ iteration goes one step further, adding three ³⁄₁₆-inch holes in the unit’s body for a quick, functional, bypass that equalizes temperatures on both sides of the thermo, minimizing thermal shock, as well as steam pocket formation during initial coolant fill. On the dyno, Stewart’s 180-degree thermostat opened consistently at 182 degrees. Coolant temperatures and pressures were more uniform throughout the motor as a whole—critical, as the head’s rear corner where the gasket blew is the farthest area in the coolant-circulation chain.

A Stewart-modded Robertshaw-type 180-degree thermostat replaced the cheapie unit. Brandes and Timm found the Stewart thermo opened consistently at 182 degrees—a real lifesaver for Bracken’s highly stressed blown motor.

The Fix: Tune-up

Premium MSD ignition parts resolved the ignition issues. Clockwise, from upper left: 6AL-2 programmable controller, Blaster HVC II coil, Pro-Billet small-diameter distributor with adjustable slip-collar, small-diameter cap, two-piece adjustable rotor, 3-Bar MAP sensor for enabling boost retard, and (not shown) a universal set of 8.5mm Super Conductor, spiral-core, spark-plug wires.

The engine experienced ignition break-up on the dyno. To maintain an outwardly old-school appearance, Bracken had been running a standalone (no separate ignition box) MSD medium-cap (“points-style”) distributor with a generic round coil. It wasn’t up to the job under high boost, plus the large distributor couldn’t be rotated more than 10 to 15 degrees when adjusting the timing without hitting the blower’s rear cover. Pulling the distributor entirely required removing the supercharger rear cover to obtain sufficient clearance.

At ⅜-inch narrower and almost 1-inch shorter than a standard Chevy points-style distributor, MSD’s Pro-Billet Small Diameter design (PN 8570) solves clearance issues caused by firewall interference, tunnel-rams, or (as on the rat rod) a big blower. An adjustable slip collar (arrow) permits compensating for a machined block, heads, or intake.

Brandes replaced the standalone unit with a posse of new MSD parts, including a small-diameter Pro-Billet distributor, a programmable MSD 6AL-2 digital ignition, a high-output HVC II Blaster coil, and 8.5mm Super Conductor spark-plug wires. He also tightened up the plug gap from 0.040 inch to 0.020 to make it easier to ionize the rich, high-boost air/fuel mixture.

The Programmable 6AL-2 ignition (PN 6530) incorporates a two-step rev limiter, and puts out 535 primary volts and 135 mJ of spark energy. It’s mounted in the driver compartment to preserve the rod’s old-school engine-bay ambience. Use a PC to program custom advance curves. Boost-retard, timing delays, or other switched functions can easily be incorporated.

When used with the programmable 6AL-2, lock-out the distributor’s centrifugal advance. Verify real-time phasing under boost-retard by drilling a hole in the distributor cap in line with the No. 1 terminal and checking with a timing light.

Use the adjustable two-piece rotor (PN 84211) to optimize rotor phasing; also be sure to check rotor tang-height with MSD’s supplied gauge.

With the ignition sorted, under boost the engine was relatively insensitive to timing changes, producing nearly the same power with 25 to 28 degrees of lead as it did with 34. The timing was “locked” on the dyno between those numbers, with the higher number tested with 110-octane Rockett leaded racing gas; the lower number was with 91-octane pump gas. Later, in the truck, Brandes found the engine was happy at 37 degrees total advance (unboosted), retarding 8-degrees whenever blower-boost hit 16 psi.

The 6AL-2 was programmed for 37 degrees total advance (at the crank), retarding 8 degrees at 16 psi of boost (rpm-independent, but around 3,300 rpm at full throttle). This delivers more part-throttle cruise response, but provides a safety margin for high-boost banzai runs. The 6AL-2 sees boost via the same MAP sensor Auto Meter supplies with its boost/vacuum gauge.

Charge-air temp is a problem on 8-71 blowers running on gas; with an otherwise decent tune-up, it becomes a major detonation-sensitivity wild card. To help Bracken keep a lid on the motor, Brandes installed Auto Meter vacuum/pressure and charge-air temperature gauges. The pressure gauge gets its readings from a manifold air pressure (MAP) sensor boxed with the gauge. It’s identical to MSD’s MAP needed to enable boost retard on the 6AL-2, but you’d have to buy the MSD part separately. In this case, Auto Meter’s MAP just does double duty.

No more “oops!” Bright, high contrast, Auto Meter 2 ⅟₁₆-inch Phantom gauges help Bracken monitor critical under-blower charge-air temperatures (PN 5758, left) and (through a packaged 3-Bar MAP sensor) vacuum or boost levels (PN 5777, right).

The air-temp gauge sensors install in the lower blower manifold and can be optionally wired through a relay to the programmable 6AL-2 so it can retard timing if air temps get too high. At present, that function isn’t enabled—but it’s nice to know it’s available if ever needed.

Brandes’ existing tune-up proved pretty close, with the twin Quick Fuel carbs needing only slightly richer secondary jets on the dyno. Later, back in the truck, Brandes ended up leaning the primary jets three numbers, which slightly lowered the under-blower charge-air temperature and improved part-throttle cruise response. “When we leaned out the engine at part-throttle cruise, 60-mph charge-air temps at cruise dropped from 230 to 240 degrees to 215 to 200 degrees.”

The Dyno Results

The engine was set up on the dyno with Bracken’s restrictive headers. The exhaust pipes and mufflers closely emulated the on-truck setup’s restrictive right-angle turns.

The rat rod’s 401ci small-block was set up on the dyno to emulate as closely as possible its in-truck configuration. The rat rod’s old-time headers with their restrictive right-angle turns into the exhaust pipes and mufflers cost power, but may have helped low-end torque.

AEC’s pet set of stepped short oval-track headers, still hooked to the restrictive exhaust, yielded about a 5-percent power and torque-number improvement—around 525 hp and 540 lb-ft, according to Timm.

On 91-octane unleaded pump gas with around 21.5-psi peak boost, the dyno recorded 475 hp at 5,500 rpm, with (critical for tire-spinnin’ Bracken) 499.5 lb-ft of torque at 3,200. Average numbers over the full curve were 477 lb-ft and 384.5 hp. AEC also tested with Rockett 100-octane unleaded and 110-octane leaded race gas. 100-octane made the most peak power (498 hp); 110 made the most peak torque (519 lb-ft). Overall, 110 octane produced the fattest curve, with an average 23.3 hp and 29 lb-ft gain over 91 octane.

At 21.5-psi of peak boost on 91-octane pump gas, the 8-71-blown, 401 made 499.5 lb-ft of torque and 475.2 hp. The numbers improved slightly with Rockett 100-octane unleaded: 511.3 lb-ft and 498 hp. On Rockett 110-octane leaded race gas, the engine made 519.2 lb-ft of torque and 491.6 hp. However, running on 110-octane offers the most area under the curve. Dyno-locked timing varied from 25 to 28 degrees on these tests.

Rockett Brand Racing Fuel supplied the 100-octane unleaded and 110-octane leaded racing fuel. The 91-octane unleaded fuel was from a local gas station. On the street, Bracken runs a 50/50 mix of 91-octane and leaded racing gas.

Bracken is totally satisfied with the results. He wanted the engine to make massive, low-end torque and that’s just what it does.

The PCV valve grommet smoked slightly. Bracken had already installed a baffle inside the vintage Mickey Thompson covers. Brandes reworked the baffle and grommet hole to accept a larger, taller NAPA baffle that raised the existing right-angle valve higher (arrow). Also note MSD’s blue Blaster HVC II (PN 8253), the most powerful coil designed for sustained use with a 6AL-2 ignition. The fully-potted unit features a U-Core design and 85:1 windings ratio for high output, quick rise time, and longer spark duration. Originally mounted in the driver compartment, its 44,000-volt output generated so much EMI it interfered with programming the 6AL-2—hence this final firewall mounting position.

Inside the rocker-cover PCV valve baffle plate, Brandes stuffed PowerHouse household copper-mesh dish-scrubber to serve as a filter.

Claying Comp Cams Pro Magnum rockers shows there’s nearly ⁷⁄₁₆-inch clearance to the bottom of the baffle—more than sufficient.

Lessons Learned

As hot rodders, we would’ve liked better top-end numbers. At the macro level, cam size matters. There’s probably 50+ hp in there if Bracken went to real tuned-length headers and a hotter (but still blower-centric) cam in the high-230s/low-240s with about a 114-degree LSA. Timm says a water/alcohol injection system’s cooling effects would permit more ignition advance under boost. “I’ve seen 50 hp from alcohol injection on an engine like this one.”

At the micro level, thermostats matter. “I’ve never seen a thermostat as accurate as the Stewart-modified Robertshaw high-flow,” Brandes contends. “Spending a little more on this premium unit can save your engine!

“A blown engine really does like more timing if you want to maximize low-end torque, but be sure to add a boost retard to avoid top-end detonation. If you can afford it, race gas is good insurance. Besides, it smells good, too!”

J.B. Bracken lives life in the fast lane: burnouts by night in his rat rod; LSR racing by day in his 140 mph, 2015 Production Class, Indian Scout motorcycle.

When not burning rubber, Bracken’s rat rod serves as a return tow truck for his LSR bikes, including a Harley V-Rod that runs 191 mph with a turbo on nitrous oxide (Photo: James Gustin)

Mission accomplished!

Need Junk Fixed? If your car has a gremlin that just won’t quit, you could be chosen for Hot Rod to the Rescue. Email us at [email protected] and put “Rescue” in the subject line. Include a description of your problem, a photo, your location, and a daytime phone number.

Contacts

Advanced Engine Concepts (AEC); Green Lake, WI; 920.294.0474

Amazon.com Inc.; Seattle, WA; 866.216.1072; Amazon.com

Auto Meter Products; Sycamore, IL; 866.248.6357 (tech support), 866.248.6356 (customer service), or 815.895.8141 (international); Autometer.com

Letsch Manufacturing; Racine WI; 262.554.6900

MSD Performance (A Holley Brand); El Paso, TX; 888.258.3835 (toll-free), 915.857.5200 (general); or 915.855.7123 (tech); MSDperformance.com

NAPA/Antioch Auto Parts; Antioch, IL; 847.395.3660; NAPAonline.com/en/IL/Antioch/store/26721

National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA); Atlanta, GA; 800.LET.NAPA; NAPAonline.com

Personal Care Products Inc.; Troy, MI; 248.971.7600; PersonalCareProducts.org

Quick Fuel Technology; Bowling Green, KY; 270.793.0900; QuickFuelTechnology.com

Rockett Brand Racing Fuel; Mt. Prospect, IL; 800.345.0076 (tech) or 847.795.8400 (sales); Rockettbrand.com

Stewart Components; Escanaba, MI; 906.789.2816; StewartComponents.com

Summit Racing Equipment; Akron, OH; 800.230.3030 (orders) or 330.630.0240 (tech); SummitRacing.com

Westech Automotive; Silver Lake, WI; 262.889.4346; WestechAuto.com

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