I’ve finally got the Autonomous WVO steam engine to the point where I can run it well enough to do some worthwhile testing. A jillion thanks to the MMS members without whose help I never could have come this far. Plenty of interesting challenges to come.
See it in action here
Author Archives: Drayna, Jonathan
Yay! ‘Space improvement day!
Thanks to all for ‘space improvement day efforts! (Sorry no pics from Lenox but good work there, too!!)
Love-O-Meter at Maker Faire 2022
Jon Drayna’s Love-O-Meter used biometric sensors linked to an Arduino to measure “how much love is in your heart” at the Milwaukee Maker Faire.
The Love-O-Meter was one of many displays offered by Makerspace members at the 2022 Maker Faire, at Discovery World Oct. 19 and 20. The gizmo, created by Jon Drayna, measured galvanic skin resistance, skin temperature and squeeze pressure, all fed into an Arduino to come up with a score to supposedly showing “how much love is in your heart.” Junk science, of course, but a great way to introduce people to the amazing Arduino. Hats off to all the creative MMS members showing off their inventions, creations and art at the Maker Faire.
Makers help with Ukraine surgical supplies
Responding to an urgent call for help in Ukraine, MMS member Steve Birkholz is making parts for much-needed surgical supplies. Steve, a retired orthopedic surgeon, is in touch with Polish surgeons who are in Ukraine helping to treat people injured by Russian attacks. The Polish doctors have asked for supplies to stabilize badly broken leg bones. The materials will be shipped over ASAP. Members Glyn Livermore (at right) and Jon Drayna (not pictured) are helping, as Steve tries to set up a mini-assembly line to make around 100 pieces.
Steam engine progress update
If anybody’s curious, here’s a video update on my steam engine project. I upgraded the oil burner
, although I’m having trouble getting it dialed in. I also decided the heat needs to transfer through the wall of the boiler better, so I welded numerous little tabs on it to create a sort of reverse heat sink. It does run, as you can see in the video (which for some reason I can’t post directly here). This link takes to you Youtube for a 1:10 expo.
We’re having some fun now!