Suvivalist vs. throw away

    I like think of myself as an amateur survivalist not to the level of building a bunker and stocking it. But to the level that if a natural disaster hit I would know about it first and react, calmly cool and collective to deal with a scarcity of resources. We are not talking about an outbreak of catastrophic porportions. I am gtalking about the situations where your immediate family could use durability and flexibility instead of the throw away culture that won't get you anywhere. The desert island approach when all you can bring is three things, my crovel II multitool, my knax 2.0 multiblade and a 3d printer. With these I think I could defend build shelter and gather water and food. The 3d printer I would use for a rain catcher leak sealers, from shelter and containers to store my bounty.What would you bring?

Weaving a network

  Never miss out on a networking opportunity. I learned this lesson yesterday striking up conversations with those that are not only interested and enthused can definitely spark interest in others nearby. I was invited to an open house at Tiny Circuits. It was never stated that it would be a networking opportunity and parties with like minded individuals. I sometimes get called a nerd or human google in certain circles because I like to see what others interests are verbally. So I shoot out subjects like a food processor and then see what sticks and see how I can relate. The basis of human interaction tends to lead to these discussions but some like to discuss the abstract and build upon ideas capabilities and others are definitely from the show me  state where it doesn't exist unless you can see it. Subjects that were touched on arduino computers used for drones and their capabilities versus cost benefit analysis.

Catered engineering

     Making sure that 3d printing is the solution not a round about way to address an existing problem. It is a theoretical and typical to grab our new tools and make sure they fit. Ignoring hammer, duct tape and PVC pipe that could work just as well. In the information age we can build so much in our heads that is knowledge based that we produce nothing. To the outside world it looks like we are scared and hesitant but we want what we produce to be representative of our taste That is a design engineer dilemma. It can't be so cookie cutter to be easily replicated but cannot be so complicated that is use cannot be built upon or considered exotic.

   I strongly believe in the iterative process of design if you haven't noticed. Most engineering feats are battle born scientists are paid for the precise laws we as engineer's obey them. We solve problems by discussion hopefully with those that have expertise in the systems we are attacking and we are only isolating for calculations. Community within a working system is how we thrive ultimately so when improving processes, machines and structures I believe this how we should exist.

Determination

  What do you when you can't reach out mentors? Academic mainstays in the field aren't responsive and so called experts say you're dragging your feet?

  Keep blogging! Why because it still moves the narrative forward and paces your responses to the myriad of questions that will be asked about your subject. Do not forget that many companies do have blogs and they need someone with technical expertise

  You blog will help you to strategize to help you get ready to pull the trigger when the correct time arises. If you can't ask yourself the tough questions and look for answers don't ask others to do it for you. But don't dig to deep down the rabbits whole and I hope this forum keeps the tech from my perspective affordable relatable and achievable.