This is eventually going to be the biggest list of all, since it covers the broad set of projects that are the driving motivation behind all this. Once the Nomadness substrate is done and a significant mini-expedition is behind us, attention will turn completely to the lab, ship network, and all that other übergeekery that will make this the sailing equivalent to the Starship Enterprise.
Even though I have some more immediate issues to deal with, I can still lay some of the groundwork for the fun stuff. Lots of goodies are on-hand, a fair bit of the design is done, and the dedicated lab/studio space is already taking shape. During this transitional time, there is still activity here… and the list categories below, while not comprehensive, represent work-in-progress.
Physical Substrate
Lab Desk
This is more than just a desktop on which the consoles will rest; it’s a structure that holds them and allows two pull-out worksurfaces: a tabletop and the piano. Given the need for workspace aboard through all the intermediate project phases, getting this to at least a basic level of functionality is important.
- Before Vancouver expedition, either complete the basic desk structure or restore original salon table.
- Determine from console mockup experiment the dimensions of fixed and movable parts of desk
- Fabricate fixed mounting platform for consoles, matching the 45° relationship between the five rackspaces. Tilt hinges mount to the forward edge of this.
- Support pull-out desktop on drawer slides with tightest possible tolerance
- Accommodate later addition of piano drawer just below desktop
Consoles
The core packaging system for all the equipment is a set of five rackspaces, likely 13U each. There are interesting challenges here related to serviceability, waterproofing, beauty, cost, and so on; at the moment (Jan 3, 2012) I’m looking at off-the-shelf Hammond, possible 80/20 hackage, or rolling my own with MIG-welded square tubing.
- Build first frame model with fir 1×2 and pocket-hole joinery, with Coroplast skins and duct-tape hinges
- Set model on existing temporary desktop and experiment with access. If dimensions acceptable…
- Build 4 more and fit them into the mockup
- Design panel layout in OmniGraffle, with one “custom panel” in each console for all my own random hardware (Front Panel Express)
- Design desktop attachment for hinging, front raised frame for sealing door, rear remote hold-down latch, and side panels for additional mounting surface (this will turn into more fine-grained list items when I get there).
