Mixer Mitosis redux et seq.

After a week or so, the mechanised mixer (see below) was modified by suspending it and getting rid of the bracket it was previously taped to. This was, we believe, an improvement both aesthetically and mechanically, and it was gratifying to find that the whole system was remarkably stable with just an engaging skerrick of wobble as the crank re-engaged with the handle on each revolution. Which just goes to show that our previous mental analysis of the forces had not been so great.

But now the mixer is offstage again. In its place is a reworking of the astable capacitor/relay system with strobe effects in the fan. And a counter. That doesn't really describe it too well; guess you need to see it.

Another discarded microwave oven has been collected. We have plans but don't expect to see it in the window box any time soon: it's too big. And we have taken delivery of some new (not recycled) microwave motors and other components. This does not represent a policy shift, it's just that have no need to be precious about reuse and recycle.

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Mixer mitosis

The electric semaphore mixer has been replaced by manual mixer with auxiliary power attachment. Early critical reviews have been favourable.

Further developments

The Museum was visited today by Bion Balding, director of the Latrobe Street Gallery. The proposed exhibition has now been rescheduled for early 2008, probably February-March.

Work has been progressing well in the Museum's technical research department, particularly in the developing the application of intermittent timers.

It must be admitted however that any progress in the laboratories has been partly at the expense of the public display area where not a lot has happened recently. The Electric Semaphore Mixer remains as a static display most of the time, with occasional test flights of intermittent power. The tests have been limited because they use mains voltage (230V AC) with exposed connections that would not receive the blessing of any safety audit or public liability insurer. But after all the research department is not a public place and visitors are warned not to touch.

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