View allAll Photos Tagged array!!!
These are the LED arrays we put together this weekend...designed on Tuesday, got parts and PCBs on Thursday, assembled them Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
A huge wide light array above the bullbar of a 4WD parked on Gouger Street, Adelaide. The bullbar also sported two large round lights mounted in the middle. These people are not going to be left in the dark wherever they are going, at least not until they run out of petrol.
Taken with iPhone 4S.
The Solar array will be used to trickle charge the lithium battery bank in the Kimberly Kamper trailer while in storage. www.kimberleykampers.com/
A future project will be to add a battery and separate MPPT charger to power a 12 v garden fountain pump and outdoor LED lighting.
Components
2 x Uni-Solar Amorphous 62 W ES-62T $420 (sourced on ebay $210 each)
1 x Heavy Duty Universal Solar Panel Pole Mount kit from affordablesolarmounts.com/ $150
2.7 m (0.7 m in the ground) galvanised pole (MGPE 32NB) (42.4 MM) from EDCON Steel www.edconsteel.com.au/ $30
2 x MC3 Solar Panel Cable Branch Connectors sourced on ebay $19
2 x MC3 Solar Panel 6' Cable 1 End Male/Stripped 12 AWG sourced on ebay $40
10m 15A auto cable and Anderson plug from Jaycar $40
3 x 20 Kg ready mix cement from Bunnings $19.5
Total $719
See an overview video @
Antennas of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), on the Chajnantor Plateau in the Chilean Andes. The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, two companion galaxies to our own Milky Way galaxy, can be seen as bright smudges in the night sky, in the centre of the photograph.
The Toraja are an ethnic group indigenous to a mountainous region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Their population is approximately 1,100,000, of whom 450,000 live in the regency of Tana Toraja ("Land of Toraja"). Most of the population is Christian, and others are Muslim or have local animist beliefs known as aluk ("the way"). The Indonesian government has recognized this animist belief as Aluk To Dolo ("Way of the Ancestors").
The word toraja comes from the Bugis Buginese language term to riaja, meaning "people of the uplands". The Dutch colonial government named the people Toraja in 1909. Torajans are renowned for their elaborate funeral rites, burial sites carved into rocky cliffs, massive peaked-roof traditional houses known as tongkonan, and colorful wood carvings. Toraja funeral rites are important social events, usually attended by hundreds of people and lasting for several days.
Before the 20th century, Torajans lived in autonomous villages, where they practised animism and were relatively untouched by the outside world. In the early 1900s, Dutch missionaries first worked to convert Torajan highlanders to Christianity. When the Tana Toraja regency was further opened to the outside world in the 1970s, it became an icon of tourism in Indonesia: it was exploited by tourism developers and studied by anthropologists. By the 1990s, when tourism peaked, Toraja society had changed significantly, from an agrarian model - in which social life and customs were outgrowths of the Aluk To Dolo - to a largely Christian society. Today, tourism and remittances from migrant Torajans have made for major changes in the Toraja highland, giving the Toraja a celebrity status within Indonesia and enhancing Toraja ethnic group pride.
ETHNIC IDENTITY
The Torajan people had little notion of themselves as a distinct ethnic group before the 20th century. Before Dutch colonization and Christianization, Torajans, who lived in highland areas, identified with their villages and did not share a broad sense of identity. Although complexes of rituals created linkages between highland villages, there were variations in dialects, differences in social hierarchies, and an array of ritual practices in the Sulawesi highland region. "Toraja" (from the coastal languages' to, meaning people; and riaja, uplands) was first used as a lowlander expression for highlanders. As a result, "Toraja" initially had more currency with outsiders - such as the Bugis and Makassarese, who constitute a majority of the lowland of Sulawesi - than with insiders. The Dutch missionaries' presence in the highlands gave rise to the Toraja ethnic consciousness in the Sa'dan Toraja region, and this shared identity grew with the rise of tourism in the Tana Toraja Regency. Since then, South Sulawesi has four main ethnic groups - the Bugis (the majority, including shipbuilders and seafarers), the Makassarese (lowland traders and seafarers), the Mandarese (traders and fishermen), and the Toraja (highland rice cultivators).
HISTORY
From the 17th century, the Dutch established trade and political control on Sulawesi through the Dutch East Indies Company. Over two centuries, they ignored the mountainous area in the central Sulawesi, where Torajans lived, because access was difficult and it had little productive agricultural land. In the late 19th century, the Dutch became increasingly concerned about the spread of Islam in the south of Sulawesi, especially among the Makassarese and Bugis peoples. The Dutch saw the animist highlanders as potential Christians. In the 1920s, the Reformed Missionary Alliance of the Dutch Reformed Church began missionary work aided by the Dutch colonial government. In addition to introducing Christianity, the Dutch abolished slavery and imposed local taxes. A line was drawn around the Sa'dan area and called Tana Toraja ("the land of Toraja"). Tana Toraja was first a subdivision of the Luwu kingdom that had claimed the area. In 1946, the Dutch granted Tana Toraja a regentschap, and it was recognized in 1957 as one of the regencies of Indonesia.
Early Dutch missionaries faced strong opposition among Torajans, especially among the elite, because the abolition of their profitable slave trade had angered them. Some Torajans were forcibly relocated to the lowlands by the Dutch, where they could be more easily controlled. Taxes were kept high, undermining the wealth of the elites. Ultimately, the Dutch influence did not subdue Torajan culture, and only a few Torajans were converted. In 1950, only 10% of the population had converted to Christianity.
In the 1930s, Muslim lowlanders attacked the Torajans, resulting in widespread Christian conversion among those who sought to align themselves with the Dutch for political protection and to form a movement against the Bugis and Makassarese Muslims. Between 1951 and 1965 (following Indonesian independence), southern Sulawesi faced a turbulent period as the Darul Islam separatist movement fought for an Islamic state in Sulawesi. The 15 years of guerrilla warfare led to massive conversions to
CHRISTIANITY
Alignment with the Indonesian government, however, did not guarantee safety for the Torajans. In 1965, a presidential decree required every Indonesian citizen to belong to one of five officially recognized religions: Islam, Christianity (Protestantism and Catholicism), Hinduism, or Buddhism. The Torajan religious belief (aluk) was not legally recognized, and the Torajans raised their voices against the law. To make aluk accord with the law, it had to be accepted as part of one of the official religions. In 1969, Aluk To Dolo ("the way of ancestors") was legalized as a sect of Agama Hindu Dharma, the official name of Hinduism in Indonesia.
SOCIETY
There are three main types of affiliation in Toraja society: family, class and religion.
FAMILY AFFILIATION
Family is the primary social and political grouping in Torajan society. Each village is one extended family, the seat of which is the tongkonan, a traditional Torajan house. Each tongkonan has a name, which becomes the name of the village. The familial dons maintain village unity. Marriage between distant cousins (fourth cousins and beyond) is a common practice that strengthens kinship. Toraja society prohibits marriage between close cousins (up to and including the third cousin) - except for nobles, to prevent the dispersal of property. Kinship is actively reciprocal, meaning that the extended family helps each other farm, share buffalo rituals, and pay off debts.
Each person belongs to both the mother's and the father's families, the only bilateral family line in Indonesia. Children, therefore, inherit household affiliation from both mother and father, including land and even family debts. Children's names are given on the basis of kinship, and are usually chosen after dead relatives. Names of aunts, uncles and cousins are commonly referred to in the names of mothers, fathers and siblings.
Before the start of the formal administration of Toraja villages by the Tana Toraja Regency, each Toraja village was autonomous. In a more complex situation, in which one Toraja family could not handle their problems alone, several villages formed a group; sometimes, villages would unite against other villages. Relationship between families was expressed through blood, marriage, and shared ancestral houses (tongkonan), practically signed by the exchange of water buffalo and pigs on ritual occasions. Such exchanges not only built political and cultural ties between families but defined each person's place in a social hierarchy: who poured palm wine, who wrapped a corpse and prepared offerings, where each person could or could not sit, what dishes should be used or avoided, and even what piece of meat constituted one's share.
CLASS AFFILIATION
In early Toraja society, family relationships were tied closely to social class. There were three strata: nobles, commoners, and slaves (slavery was abolished in 1909 by the Dutch East Indies government). Class was inherited through the mother. It was taboo, therefore, to marry "down" with a woman of lower class. On the other hand, marrying a woman of higher class could improve the status of the next generation. The nobility's condescending attitude toward the commoners is still maintained today for reasons of family prestige.
Nobles, who were believed to be direct descendants of the descended person from heaven, lived in tongkonans, while commoners lived in less lavish houses (bamboo shacks called banua). Slaves lived in small huts, which had to be built around their owner's tongkonan. Commoners might marry anyone, but nobles preferred to marry in-family to maintain their status. Sometimes nobles married Bugis or Makassarese nobles. Commoners and slaves were prohibited from having death feasts. Despite close kinship and status inheritance, there was some social mobility, as marriage or change in wealth could affect an individuals status. Wealth was counted by the ownership of water buffaloes.
Slaves in Toraja society were family property. Sometimes Torajans decided to become slaves when they incurred a debt, pledging to work as payment. Slaves could be taken during wars, and slave trading was common. Slaves could buy their freedom, but their children still inherited slave status. Slaves were prohibited from wearing bronze or gold, carving their houses, eating from the same dishes as their owners, or having sex with free women - a crime punishable by death.
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
Toraja's indigenous belief system is polytheistic animism, called aluk, or "the way" (sometimes translated as "the law"). In the Toraja myth, the ancestors of Torajan people came down from heaven using stairs, which were then used by the Torajans as a communication medium with Puang Matua, the Creator. The cosmos, according to aluk, is divided into the upper world (heaven), the world of man (earth), and the underworld. At first, heaven and earth were married, then there was a darkness, a separation, and finally the light. Animals live in the underworld, which is represented by rectangular space enclosed by pillars, the earth is for mankind, and the heaven world is located above, covered with a saddle-shaped roof. Other Toraja gods include Pong Banggai di Rante (god of Earth), Indo' Ongon-Ongon (a goddess who can cause earthquakes), Pong Lalondong (god of death), and Indo' Belo Tumbang (goddess of medicine); there are many more.
The earthly authority, whose words and actions should be cleaved to both in life (agriculture) and death (funerals), is called to minaa (an aluk priest). Aluk is not just a belief system; it is a combination of law, religion, and habit. Aluk governs social life, agricultural practices, and ancestral rituals. The details of aluk may vary from one village to another. One common law is the requirement that death and life rituals be separated. Torajans believe that performing death rituals might ruin their corpses if combined with life rituals. The two rituals are equally important. During the time of the Dutch missionaries, Christian Torajans were prohibited from attending or performing life rituals, but were allowed to perform death rituals. Consequently, Toraja's death rituals are still practised today, while life rituals have diminished.
CULTURE
TONGKONAN
Tongkonan are the traditional Torajan ancestral houses. They stand high on wooden piles, topped with a layered split-bamboo roof shaped in a sweeping curved arc, and they are incised with red, black, and yellow detailed wood carvings on the exterior walls. The word "tongkonan" comes from the Torajan tongkon ("to sit").
Tongkonan are the center of Torajan social life. The rituals associated with the tongkonan are important expressions of Torajan spiritual life, and therefore all family members are impelled to participate, because symbolically the tongkonan represents links to their ancestors and to living and future kin. According to Torajan myth, the first tongkonan was built in heaven on four poles, with a roof made of Indian cloth. When the first Torajan ancestor descended to earth, he imitated the house and held a large ceremony.
The construction of a tongkonan is laborious work and is usually done with the help of the extended family. There are three types of tongkonan. The tongkonan layuk is the house of the highest authority, used as the "center of government". The tongkonan pekamberan belongs to the family members who have some authority in local traditions. Ordinary family members reside in the tongkonan batu. The exclusivity to the nobility of the tongkonan is diminishing as many Torajan commoners find lucrative employment in other parts of Indonesia. As they send back money to their families, they enable the construction of larger tongkonan.
WOOD CARVINGS
To express social and religious concepts, Torajans carve wood, calling it Pa'ssura (or "the writing"). Wood carvings are therefore Toraja's cultural manifestation.
Each carving receives a special name, and common motifs are animals and plants that symbolize some virtue. For example, water plants and animals, such as crabs, tadpoles and water weeds, are commonly found to symbolize fertility. In some areas noble elders claim these symbols refer to strength of noble family, but not everyone agrees. The overall meaning of groups of carved motifs on houses remains debated and tourism has further complicated these debates because some feel a uniform explanation must be presented to tourists. The image to the left shows an example of Torajan wood carving, consisting of 15 square panels. The center bottom panel represents buffalo or wealth, a wish for many buffaloes for the family. The center panel represents a knot and a box, a hope that all of the family's offspring will be happy and live in harmony, like goods kept safe in a box. The top left and top right squares represent an aquatic animal, indicating the need for fast and hard work, just like moving on the surface of water. It also represents the need for a certain skill to produce good results.
Regularity and order are common features in Toraja wood carving (see table below), as well as abstracts and geometrical designs. Nature is frequently used as the basis of Toraja's ornaments, because nature is full of abstractions and geometries with regularities and ordering. Toraja's ornaments have been studied in ethnomathematics to reveal their mathematical structure, but Torajans base this art only on approximations. To create an ornament, bamboo sticks are used as a geometrical tool.
FUNERAL RITES
In Toraja society, the funeral ritual is the most elaborate and expensive event. The richer and more powerful the individual, the more expensive is the funeral. In the aluk religion, only nobles have the right to have an extensive death feast. The death feast of a nobleman is usually attended by thousands and lasts for several days. A ceremonial site, called rante, is usually prepared in a large, grassy field where shelters for audiences, rice barns, and other ceremonial funeral structures are specially made by the deceased family. Flute music, funeral chants, songs and poems, and crying and wailing are traditional Toraja expressions of grief with the exceptions of funerals for young children, and poor, low-status adults.
The ceremony is often held weeks, months, or years after the death so that the deceased's family can raise the significant funds needed to cover funeral expenses. Torajans traditionally believe that death is not a sudden, abrupt event, but a gradual process toward Puya (the land of souls, or afterlife). During the waiting period, the body of the deceased is wrapped in several layers of cloth and kept under the tongkonan. The soul of the deceased is thought to linger around the village until the funeral ceremony is completed, after which it begins its journey to Puya.
Another component of the ritual is the slaughter of water buffalo. The more powerful the person who died, the more buffalo are slaughtered at the death feast. Buffalo carcasses, including their heads, are usually lined up on a field waiting for their owner, who is in the "sleeping stage". Torajans believe that the deceased will need the buffalo to make the journey and that they will be quicker to arrive at Puya if they have many buffalo. Slaughtering tens of water buffalo and hundreds of pigs using a machete is the climax of the elaborate death feast, with dancing and music and young boys who catch spurting blood in long bamboo tubes. Some of the slaughtered animals are given by guests as "gifts", which are carefully noted because they will be considered debts of the deceased's family. However, a cockfight, known as bulangan londong, is an integral part of the ceremony. As with the sacrifice of the buffalo and the pigs, the cockfight is considered sacred because it involves the spilling of blood on the earth. In particular, the tradition requires the sacrifice of at least three chickens. However, it is common for at least 25 pairs of chickens to be set against each other in the context of the ceremony.
There are three methods of burial: the coffin may be laid in a cave or in a carved stone grave, or hung on a cliff. It contains any possessions that the deceased will need in the afterlife. The wealthy are often buried in a stone grave carved out of a rocky cliff. The grave is usually expensive and takes a few months to complete. In some areas, a stone cave may be found that is large enough to accommodate a whole family. A wood-carved effigy, called Tau tau, is usually placed in the cave looking out over the land. The coffin of a baby or child may be hung from ropes on a cliff face or from a tree. This hanging grave usually lasts for years, until the ropes rot and the coffin falls to the ground.
In the ritual called Ma'Nene, that takes place each year in August, the bodies of the deceased are exhumed to be washed, groomed and dressed in new clothes. The mummies are then walked around the village.
DANCE AND MUSIC
Torajans perform dances on several occasions, most often during their elaborate funeral ceremonies. They dance to express their grief, and to honour and even cheer the deceased person because he is going to have a long journey in the afterlife. First, a group of men form a circle and sing a monotonous chant throughout the night to honour the deceased (a ritual called Ma'badong). This is considered by many Torajans to be the most important component of the funeral ceremony. On the second funeral day, the Ma'randing warrior dance is performed to praise the courage of the deceased during life. Several men perform the dance with a sword, a large shield made from buffalo skin, a helmet with a buffalo horn, and other ornamentation. The Ma'randing dance precedes a procession in which the deceased is carried from a rice barn to the rante, the site of the funeral ceremony. During the funeral, elder women perform the Ma'katia dance while singing a poetic song and wearing a long feathered costume. The Ma'akatia dance is performed to remind the audience of the generosity and loyalty of the deceased person. After the bloody ceremony of buffalo and pig slaughter, a group of boys and girls clap their hands while performing a cheerful dance called Ma'dondan.
As in other agricultural societies, Torajans dance and sing during harvest time. The Ma'bugi dance celebrates the thanksgiving event, and the Ma'gandangi dance is performed while Torajans are pounding rice. There are several war dances, such as the Manimbong dance performed by men, followed by the Ma'dandan dance performed by women. The aluk religion governs when and how Torajans dance. A dance called Ma'bua can be performed only once every 12 years. Ma'bua is a major Toraja ceremony in which priests wear a buffalo head and dance around a sacred tree.
A traditional musical instrument of the Toraja is a bamboo flute called a Pa'suling (suling is an Indonesian word for flute). This six-holed flute (not unique to the Toraja) is played at many dances, such as the thanksgiving dance Ma'bondensan, where the flute accompanies a group of shirtless, dancing men with long fingernails. The Toraja have indigenous musical instruments, such as the Pa'pelle (made from palm leaves) and the Pa'karombi (the Torajan version of a jaw harp). The Pa'pelle is played during harvest time and at house inauguration ceremonies.
LANGUAGE
The ethnic Toraja language is dominant in Tana Toraja with the main language as the Sa'dan Toraja. Although the national Indonesian language is the official language and is spoken in the community, all elementary schools in Tana Toraja teach Toraja language.Language varieties of Toraja, including Kalumpang, Mamasa, Tae' , Talondo' , Toala' , and Toraja-Sa'dan, belong to the Malayo-Polynesian language from the Austronesian family. At the outset, the isolated geographical nature of Tana Toraja formed many dialects between the Toraja languages themselves. After the formal administration of Tana Toraja, some Toraja dialects have been influenced by other languages through the transmigration program, introduced since the colonialism period, and it has been a major factor in the linguistic variety of Toraja languages. A prominent attribute of Toraja language is the notion of grief. The importance of death ceremony in Toraja culture has characterized their languages to express intricate degrees of grief and mourning. The Toraja language contains many terms referring to sadness, longing, depression, and mental pain. Giving a clear expression of the psychological and physical effect of loss is a catharsis and sometimes lessens the pain of grief itself.
ECONOMY
Prior to Suharto's "New Order" administration, the Torajan economy was based on agriculture, with cultivated wet rice in terraced fields on mountain slopes, and supplemental cassava and maize crops. Much time and energy were devoted to raising water buffalo, pigs, and chickens, primarily for ceremonial sacrifices and consumption. Coffee was the first significant cash crop produced in Toraja, and was introduced in the mid 19th century, changing the local economy towards commodity production for external markets and gaining an excellent reputation for quality in the international market .
With the commencement of the New Order in 1965, Indonesia's economy developed and opened to foreign investment. In Toraja, a coffee plantation and factory was established by Key Coffee of Japan, and Torajan coffee regained a reputation for quality within the growing international specialty coffee sector Multinational oil and mining companies opened new operations in Indonesia during the 1970s and 1980s. Torajans, particularly younger ones, relocated to work for the foreign companies - to Kalimantan for timber and oil, to Papua for mining, to the cities of Sulawesi and Java, and many went to Malaysia. The out-migration of Torajans was steady until 1985. and has continued since, with remittances sent back by emigre Torajans performing an important role within the contemporary economy.
Tourism commenced in Toraja in the 1970s, and accelerated in the 1980s and 1990s. Between 1984 and 1997, a significant number of Torajans obtained their incomes from tourism, working in and owning hotels, as tour guides, drivers, or selling souvenirs. With the rise of political and economic instability in Indonesia in the late 1990s - including religious conflicts elsewhere on Sulawesi - tourism in Tana Toraja has declined dramatically. Toraja continues to be a well known origin for Indonesian coffee, grown by both smallholders and plantation estates, although migration, remittances and off-farm income is considered far more important to most households, even those in rural areas.
TOURISM AND CULTURAL CHANGE
Before the 1970s, Toraja was almost unknown to Western tourism. In 1971, about 50 Europeans visited Tana Toraja. In 1972, at least 400 visitors attended the funeral ritual of Puang of Sangalla, the highest-ranking nobleman in Tana Toraja and the so-called "last pure-blooded Toraja noble." The event was documented by National Geographic and broadcast in several European countries. In 1976, about 12,000 tourists visited the regency and in 1981, Torajan sculpture was exhibited in major North American museums. "The land of the heavenly kings of Tana Toraja", as written in the exhibition brochure, embraced the outside world.
In 1984, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism declared Tana Toraja Regency the prima donna of South Sulawesi. Tana Toraja was heralded as "the second stop after Bali". Tourism was increasing dramatically: by 1985, a total number of 150,000 foreigners had visited the Regency (in addition to 80,000 domestic tourists), and the annual number of foreign visitors was recorded at 40,000 in 1989. Souvenir stands appeared in Rantepao, the cultural center of Toraja, roads were sealed at the most-visited tourist sites, new hotels and tourist-oriented restaurants were opened, and an airstrip was opened in the Regency in 1981.
Tourism developers have marketed Tana Toraja as an exotic adventure - an area rich in culture and off the beaten track. Western tourists expected to see stone-age villages and pagan funerals. Toraja is for tourists who have gone as far as Bali and are willing to see more of the wild, "untouched" islands. However, they were more likely to see a Torajan wearing a hat and denim, living in a Christian society. Tourists felt that the tongkonan and other Torajan rituals had been preconceived to make profits, and complained that the destination was too commercialized. This has resulted in several clashes between Torajans and tourism developers, whom Torajans see as outsiders.
A clash between local Torajan leaders and the South Sulawesi provincial government (as a tourist developer) broke out in 1985. The government designated 18 Toraja villages and burial sites as traditional tourist attractions. Consequently, zoning restrictions were applied to these areas, such that Torajans themselves were barred from changing their tongkonans and burial sites. The plan was opposed by some Torajan leaders, as they felt that their rituals and traditions were being determined by outsiders. As a result, in 1987, the Torajan village of Kété Kesú and several other designated tourist attractions closed their doors to tourists. This closure lasted only a few days, as the villagers found it too difficult to survive without the income from selling souvenirs.
Tourism has also transformed Toraja society. Originally, there was a ritual which allowed commoners to marry nobles (puang) and thereby gain nobility for their children. However, the image of Torajan society created for the tourists, often by "lower-ranking" guides, has eroded its traditional strict hierarchy. High status is not as esteemed in Tana Toraja as it once was. Many low-ranking men can declare themselves and their children nobles by gaining enough wealth through work outside the region and then marrying a noble woman.
WIKIPEDIA
The Solar array will be used to trickle charge the lithium battery bank in the Kimberly Kamper trailer while in storage. www.kimberleykampers.com/
A future project will be to add a battery and separate MPPT charger to power a 12 v garden fountain pump and outdoor LED lighting.
Components
2 x Uni-Solar Amorphous 62 W ES-62T $420 (sourced on ebay $210 each)
1 x Heavy Duty Universal Solar Panel Pole Mount kit from affordablesolarmounts.com/ $150
2.7 m (0.7 m in the ground) galvanised pole (MGPE 32NB) (42.4 MM) from EDCON Steel www.edconsteel.com.au/ $30
2 x MC3 Solar Panel Cable Branch Connectors sourced on ebay $19
2 x MC3 Solar Panel 6' Cable 1 End Male/Stripped 12 AWG sourced on ebay $40
10m 15A auto cable and Anderson plug from Jaycar $40
3 x 20 Kg ready mix cement from Bunnings $19.5
Total $719
See an overview video @
A Taste of Monterey on Cannery Row is a superb venue to taste from an array of Monterey County wines, sample local flavors and take in magnificent ocean views.
For more info visit: www.atasteofmonterey.com/
one of the rewards offered for Kickstarter donations: www.kickstarter.com/projects/629714601/a-ray-array
Photos courtesy of Missouri City
A new LED message sign, monument wall and landscaping now grace the entrance of City Hall.
Missouri Cityâs Successes Shine Bright in 2012
Missouri City continued its march of excellence in 2012 with an array of successful fiscal, civic, business and public safety accomplishments that kept the âShow Me Cityâ on the list of the stateâs and the nationâs premier municipalities.
Safe streets, best budgets, thriving companies, dynamic diversity, pristine parks and A-plus amenities remain hallmarks of the City, and have an impact on its infrastructure projects and retail and commercial sectors.
Showcasing the richness of our cultural, educational and economic strengths, a groundbreaking Rice University study this year found Missouri City has surpassed Houston in diversity.
âOur diversity brings different ideas and traditions to the table, and we are united in the direction of our communityâs future,â said City Manager Edward Broussard. âWith 20 parks, two championship golf courses, first-class amenities and rich historical traditions, we encourage everyone to discover Missouri City.â
City Council continued to provide strong leadership for citizens and staff in 2012. From left are Councilmember Don Smith, District B, Councilmember Bobby Marshall, District A, Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Wyatt, At Large Position 1, Mayor Allen Owen, Councilmember Danny Nguyen, At Large Position 2, Councilmember Floyd Emery, District D, and Councilmember Robin Elackatt, District C.
Additionally, MONEY Magazine and CNNMoney named Missouri City one of 2012âs Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in the nation for homebuyers and âwe are steadfast in our commitment to remain a premier location with scenic neighborhoods, low crime, top-rated schools and expanded quality recreational opportunities,â Broussard said.
And, when it comes to living healthy lifestyles; citizens are up to the challenge. Residents and staff formed a winning partnership this year to earn a second place honor in the Healthy at H-E-B Challenge, a statewide initiative aimed at getting Texans to become active and stay fit.
Another recreational accolade was earned by the award-winning Quail Valley Golf Course, which has hosted record rounds again this year. Avid Golfer ranked the El Dorado fairway as the No. 1 âBest Value Under $50â, and No. 2 among courses in the category of âTop-5 Intermediate-Priced ⢠$36-$50â. And, the magazine ranked the La Quinta greens No. 2 among courses in the category of âTop-5 Value-Priced ⢠$36-$50â.
QVGC is also now the third location for the First Tee of Greater Houston, a youth development program that teaches life lessons such as the importance of honesty, sportsmanship, perseverance, responsibility and judgment.
âWe all know that Missouri City is a special place and these honors reinforce what those of us who live here know,â said Mayor Allen Owen. âAs we move forward, our synergistic relationship with our families and business partners will continue to make Missouri City one of the best cities in America.â
Fiscal Fitness
Strong fiscal management earned the city a Double A rating for its general obligation bonds and certificates of obligation, a high rank based on sound budget policies and procedures that give the City a bright financial outlook for the future.
For more than 25 years, the City Budget and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report have been recognized annually by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for their detail on City services and programs and the Cityâs financial condition. And, for the second year in a row Missouri City has earned a âGold Starâ award for financial transparency and online reporting from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Maintaining fiscal excellence is a top priority for the City, with all departments focused on the effective and efficient management of financial resources.
A police officer, left, shares safety information with a resident. Firefighters, at right, perform a vehicle extrication demonstration.
Protecting the Public
Proactive public safety programs protect, educate and engage citizens, often providing a glimpse into the work of our first responders who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.
In 2012, the Missouri City Police Department hosted a series of safety seminars, including a citywide crime prevention meeting, ensuring citizens are prepared to safeguard their families and property.
And, this year brought a significant first for the Fire & Rescue Services as they hosted their inaugural annual open house. Hundreds visited Fire Station 1 and experienced how to handle a fire hose, learned about life-saving equipment, watched a vehicle extrication demonstration, toured the firehouse and practiced fire exit drills.
Another highlight was the graduation of the 26th Annual Missouri City Police and Fire Academy. This yearâs class of 27 is now qualified to join the Police and Fire Auxiliary and Citizenâs Response Team after completing a free six-week training program that took them âbehind-the-scenesâ. The residents learned about traffic and criminal law, CPR, firearms, and the dangers associated with fighting fires and solving crimes.
The importance of Missouri Cityâs public safety investment in commercial areas also is demonstrated via the new Police Mini-Station on Texas Parkway. The station serves as a daily reminder to citizens that the City is dedicated to keeping them and their businesses safe.
Business is Booming
Continuing to build a sustainable business base is critical to future growth and development.
This year, Missouri Cityâs commitment to private-public partnerships was recognized with the prestigious 2012 Community Economic Development Award from the Texas Economic Development Council. The âShow Me Cityâ won the distinction for its successful bid to attract Niagara Bottling Company, the second largest water bottling firm in the United States.
In making its decision, TEDC cited Missouri Cityâs âteam effortâ in partnering with the Greater Houston Partnership, the Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Fort Bend County, CenterPoint Energy Economic Development Group and Water Control and Improvement District No. 2 to interest Niagara in opening its doors in Lakeview Business Park, located near Fondren Road and Sam Houston Parkway.
The plant is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2013. When complete, it will encompass more than 356,000 square feet, with water processing, bottle manufacturing, warehousing and a distribution facility.
A few miles away in the Beltway Crossing Complex on South Gessner Road, another major company is preparing to open its doors. Ben E. Keith Foods will complete the first phase of its 500,000-square-foot facility in the first quarter of 2013. When complete, the company, which was honored in 2012 by having Beltway Road renamed Ben E. Keith Way, will be the Cityâs largest employer.
Other new companies choosing to locate here during the past 12 months include Twin Star Bakery, Southwest Electronic Energy Corp., Fort Bend Brewing Company, Warren Alloy/Allied Fittings, Stream Realty and Bimbo Bakeries USA.
And, to create an ongoing dialogue with the business community, the City has launched Business Briefing Breakfasts. These monthly meetings focus on economic growth and development and are hosted in the City Centre at Quail Valley. For more information on the breakfasts, call 281.403.8530.
Infrastructure Improvements
Infrastructure improvements were a priority citywide. A major accomplishment was the official opening of the Cityâs new $50 million Regional Water Treatment Plant, the largest capital improvement project ever undertaken by the âShow Me Cityâ. The project was the result of an unprecedented level of cooperation among 40 government and private sector groups.
The facility, which has the capacity to store 100 million gallons of water, was built to meet regulations set by the Fort Bend Subsidence District, which mandates that groundwater withdrawals must be no more than 70 percent of total water demand by Jan. 1, 2014. By January of 2025, withdrawals must be reduced to no more than 40 percent of water demand.
During a grand opening ceremony for the plant in August, partners raised their glassesâfilled with water processed at the facility. Plant engineers say the quality of the refined water should exceed that of the groundwater residents currently drink with 33 types of tests conducted each day to ensure the water is safe to use. And, in recognition of its excellence, the RWTP won the Texas Public Works Associationâs Project of the Year Award for âEnvironmental Projects at least $25 million but less than $75 millionâ.
Other infrastructure upgrades completed citywide include:
*Raised medians constructions on Highway 6 and Texas Parkway. The Texas Department of Transportation managed these mobility projects that improved safety for motorists and pedestrians. The projects included the installation of new traffic signals and six Dynamic Messages Signs along Highway 6, and the installation of new turn lanes along both roadways.
*Implementation of the $2.8 million Intelligent Transportation System to help synchronize traffic signals and manage traffic flow citywide.
*A showcase Missouri City monument wall was added to the entrance of the City Hall Complex, which has been revitalized with the addition of a new LED sign and landscaping. The monument wall is the latest of several new ones that now grace major thoroughfares helping to brand and beautify the area.
*Next year, Lexington Boulevard will be extended. Plans call for a decorative traffic signal at Texas Parkway, a four-lane boulevard roadway with sidewalks from Texas Parkway to Scanlin Road, as well as drainage structures. Fort Bend County has agreed to pay all costs of the $3.3 million project through the Fort Bend Mobility Bond program.
Other key infrastructure improvements include the reconstruction of El Dorado Bridge, the installment of flashing yellow arrows along major roadways and the construction of Fire Station #5, which is being fully funded by the Sienna Plantation Municipal Utility District. The station is expected to open in late 2013.
Another mobility milestone involves the METRO Park & Ride stop located in the Fort Bend Town Center at Fort Bend Parkway and Highway 6. Ridership on the service is steadily increasing, providing convenient, stress-free commutes to and from the Texas Medical Center and Houstonâs central business district for hundreds of residents.
Pristine Parks
City Council followed through on its commitment to citizens that construction of the City Centre at Quail Valley and the Recreation and Tennis Center would be completed this year.
Since Missouri Cityâs new first-class amenities opened their doors, they have received rave reviews.
Missouri Cityâs premier City Centre at Quail Valley can host all of your special events.
As Fort Bend Countyâs premier events venue, the City Centre at Quail Valley, located at 2880 La Quinta Dr., has hosted dozens of festive occasions including weddings, business meetings, birthday parties, tournaments like the 2012 Fort Bend Chamber Challenge and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
To plan and schedule a function, individuals and businesses can call 281-403-8517.
Missouri Cityâs first-class Recreation and Tennis Center can help you stay fit with lots of fun activities.
The state-of-the-art Recreation and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., continues to draw new members and has hosted tennis tournaments for local and regional organizations.
The Center, which was featured in the August edition of Athletic Business, has a Kid Zone, a full-size gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, tennis courts, batting cages, the latest cardio and weight equipment, an outdoor walking trail and tennis clinics. To join, visit the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov or call 281-403-8637.
Many distinctions set Missouri City apart from other municipalities, and the Cityâs pristine parks are among the areaâs best.
The Edible Arbor Trail, which features groves of trees and shrubs that produce edible fruits and nuts, remains a favorite. It was recognized as an innovative project this year by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society and received an Honorable Mention for âOn-the-Ground Projectsâ from the Houston-Galveston Area Council. The trail was also featured on Ch. 13âs Hometown Live Report.
Another parks project that has been popular is the expansion of Oyster Creek Trail. The 2.31 mile pathway, an outdoor haven for residents who enjoy a scenic hike, bike, walk or jog, underwent a revitalization that added a paved bike and pedestrian trail along Oyster Creek Bayou between Dulles Avenue and Cartwright Road.
Improvements made to the Cartwright Road Bridge extended Oyster Creek Trail under the bridge and connected it to the existing trail south of Cartwright Road.
Scenes from the Snowfest Festival, left, and from National Night Out, right. Below, MCJCF founding board members kickoff the groupâs golden anniversary at a VIP Reception. Pictured from left, are Michael Mouton, Councilman Don Smith, who is Founder and Chairman, Sonja Thornton, Pamela Poole, Charles Swindell and Derrick Woods.
Treasured Traditions
Annual traditions build lasting bonds citywide and this year, these successful events helped form a strong sense of civic pride:
* The 29th Annual Snowfest Festival drew more than 5,000 to the City Hall Complex and featured a tree-lighting ceremony, colorful fireworks, bicycle raffles, the worldâs tallest snowman bounce house, a snow hill, a toy drive and Santa! And, the Snowfest Parade drew hundreds and featured colorful floats, local bands, community groups and trailers decorated in holiday themes.
*The July 4th Festival was a fantastic celebration in Buffalo Run Park full of fun and fireworks. Thousands of families gathered to see the sky light up with color at dusk. Children also enjoyed a moonwalk, a rock wall, and a mechanical bull.
*The Fourth Annual âOperation ThanksgivingâStuff the Squad Car!â put the unity in community as âShow Me Cityâ citizens, businesses and staff partnered to fill 15 police patrol cars with canned and nonperishable food items to assist area families in need. The Second Mile Mission Center, Bethel Ministry and the Powerhouse of Love Food Bank benefitted from this benevolent event.
*The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation commemorated its 10th Anniversary with a focus on families and their core contributions to our communities. At the Community Service Awards Gala tribute, retired NBA star Charlie Ward was the guest speaker. Other special celebrations were the Scholarship Golf Tournament, Family Fun Day in the Park and Night Out, Festival Under the Stars and the One Mile of Smiles Parade.
*And, neighborhoods across Missouri City held National Night Out block parties featuring good food, fellowship and fun on the 29th annual observance of the crime prevention initiative. NNO helps neighbors get to know each other and to partner with police officers, firefighters, City Council and staff to discuss and implement measures that help combat crime.
A Bright Future
In 2012, professionals in all departments honorably represented the City with pride and were recognized by their peers in the region, in the state and across the nation. They include:
*Police Officer of the Year Jessica Berry
*Firefighter of the Year Michael Jaster
*Recreation Superintendent Shane Mize, who won the 2012 National Recreation and Park Association Rising Professional Award
*Director of Municipal Court Services Cathy Haney, who is the Texas Court Clerks Associationâs 2012 Gulf Coast Chapter Clerk of the Year
*Street Technician II Lyford âNickeyâ Hayes, who was recognized as Operator of the YearâHeavy Equipment by the American Public Works Association
*City Secretary Maria Gonzalez, who became President of the Salt Grass Chapter of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Inc.
*The Communications Team won the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officersâ Silver Star for Electronic Report, the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisorsâ second place award for Best Use of Web, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisorsâ third place award for the video âBob on BizâLEED Certified Buildingâ, and the groupâs honorable mention award for the âShow Me Missouri City TV Websiteâ.
*The Information Technology Team managed the installation of the Tyler Technologies Enterprise Resource Planning suite of software. It includes efficiency programs for accounting, payroll, human resources, document management, mapping, permits, licenses and code enforcement.
In 2013, Missouri City will continue to provide citizens with excellent programs and services. A committed City Council and award-winning staff will progressively move forward into the future, ensuring the âShow Me Cityâsâ ongoing success.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the Cityâs websites: www.missouricitytx.gov and www.missouricityready.com, the âShow Me Missouri Cityâ citizen newsletter, regular and annual homeowner association meetings, Missouri City television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) and 1690 AM.
Families and visitors are invited to have breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner at the City Centre and to maintain a focus on fitness at the Recreation and Tennis Center. And, to make those memorable moments in life even more special, citizens should plan to host their celebrations in one of the City Centreâs elegant roomsâthe magnificent Magnolia Ballroom, the amazing Azalea Room or the beautiful Bluebonnet Grille.
Schedule your next tee time at the championship Quail Valley Golf Course.
And, golfers can always enjoy a great game at the renowned Quail Valley Golf Course. For greens fees, visit www.golfquailvalley.com or call 281.403.5910.
As the City partners with the community to start a New Year together; high-standards will continue to be set and met in the âShow Me Cityâ.
2 AC G3i-130 Ribbon tweeters in a small line array configuration. Resolution is fantastic. The array covers 1200-40,000 KHz. I wonder how 9 ribbons stacked in a row would sound?
These sailors must get ALL the channels!
In reality these are the radar illuminators used for terminal homing of many of the ship's surface to air missiles.
The Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy (CARMA) was an astronomical instrument comprising 23 radio telescopes. These telescopes formed an astronomical interferometer where all the signals are combined in a purpose-built computer (a correlator) to produce high-resolution astronomical images. The telescopes ceased operation in April 2015 and were relocated to the Owens Valley Radio Observatory for storage.
The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) is a radio astronomy observatory located about 50 miles (64 km) west of Socorro, New Mexico. The VLA consists of twenty-seven 25-meter (82 feet) diameter radio telescopes deployed in a Y-shaped array, together with all the equipment needed to process the collected data and function as an interferometer. Each of the radio telescopes is mounted along double parallel railroad tracks, which allows changing the configuration of the system. Placing the radio telescopes closer together increases surface brightness sensitivity. Spreading them out increases angular resolution. The system was built from 1973 to 1980 and is being modernized, starting in 2011.
The Solar array will be used to trickle charge the lithium battery bank in the Kimberly Kamper trailer while in storage. www.kimberleykampers.com/
A future project will be to add a battery and separate MPPT charger to power a 12 v garden fountain pump and outdoor LED lighting.
Components
2 x Uni-Solar Amorphous 62 W ES-62T $420 (sourced on ebay $210 each)
1 x Heavy Duty Universal Solar Panel Pole Mount kit from affordablesolarmounts.com/ $150
2.7 m (0.7 m in the ground) galvanised pole (MGPE 32NB) (42.4 MM) from EDCON Steel www.edconsteel.com.au/ $30
2 x MC3 Solar Panel Cable Branch Connectors sourced on ebay $19
2 x MC3 Solar Panel 6' Cable 1 End Male/Stripped 12 AWG sourced on ebay $40
10m 15A auto cable and Anderson plug from Jaycar $40
3 x 20 Kg ready mix cement from Bunnings $19.5
Total $719
See an overview video @
The Solar array will be used to trickle charge the lithium battery bank in the Kimberly Kamper trailer while in storage. www.kimberleykampers.com/
A future project will be to add a battery and separate MPPT charger to power a 12 v garden fountain pump and outdoor LED lighting.
Components
2 x Uni-Solar Amorphous 62 W ES-62T $420 (sourced on ebay $210 each)
1 x Heavy Duty Universal Solar Panel Pole Mount kit from affordablesolarmounts.com/ $150
2.7 m (0.7 m in the ground) galvanised pole (MGPE 32NB) (42.4 MM) from EDCON Steel www.edconsteel.com.au/ $30
2 x MC3 Solar Panel Cable Branch Connectors sourced on ebay $19
2 x MC3 Solar Panel 6' Cable 1 End Male/Stripped 12 AWG sourced on ebay $40
10m 15A auto cable and Anderson plug from Jaycar $40
3 x 20 Kg ready mix cement from Bunnings $19.5
Total $719
See an overview video @
View this virtual tour of 152 images as a Slideshow
Glittering mirror ball array and supporting timber frame casting shadows on the ceiling, and reflecting white and blue stars. A lattice frame speaker array (with silver capped driver domes) is suspended in front of the fireplace. An HDR (High Dynamic Range) photograph.
See also the related "Brian Eno 77 Million Paintings" set, - an exhibition that ran concurrently at Fabrica Gallery during the festival.
This image is part of a set of photos of the Brian Eno Speaker Flowers Sound Installation at Marlborough House (and also of the house itself) on the Old Steine, Brighton, East sussex, UK. The exhibition was presented by Fabrica Art Gallery, as part of the Brighton Festival, May 2010. The installation includes the poems and words of Rick Holland.
The Grade I listed house was built circa 1765 , purchased at one time by the Duke of Marlborough, and substantially remodelled by the Scottish architect Robert Adam.
More links:
Arena TV series theme tune video by Brian Eno.
Microsoft Windows Start-Up Sounds collection video (Including Windows 95 music by Brian Eno).
Marlborough House (My Brighton and Hove)
The Architecture of Robert Adam (1728-1792) from RCAHMS (the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland)
Humberts Leisure Brochure on property [.pdf download]
Some of the photos in this set are presented in multiple versions made possible using HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography - these variations are displayed with more than one exposure, gamma, "local adaptation" compression or "unsharp mask" process.
Many rooms had their windows screened using coloured Crêpe paper / tissue paper. This gave their illumination a colour cast - which has been exaggerated (or neutralised) on an image by image basis. The actual experience of the coloured light was one of only a slight and soft hue.
In some instances the photos have modified to give an architectural, classical, "two-point" perspective - with forced, parallel verticals.
Ziegelstein is German for building blocks or bricks. I use the nickname Brick Stone in many of my multiplayer online gaming titles that I enjoy.... With that, I am essentially calling myself Ziegelstein. This has proven to be the perfect name for my new array of Hi Fidelity Audiophile PC speakers.
What's the deal here?
The design goals of this system was to allow for extremely clear, yet warm and robust, 3D positional audio in either 5.1 or 7.1 titles in a near field delivery scheme, as well as serve as a part of our multimedia experience in the family/game room area of our home. I use this worksation for video and audio editing and creation, 2D and 3D graphics development for web and video games, media and entertainment such as movies, and TV via Slingbox, Netflix, Hulu and many other sources. And, yes, I also use it for state-of-the-art hardcore video gaming as this PC currently features hardware that is at the "top-of-the-line" enthusiast level for all of the installed components. This system is custom-built by myself and is designed for maximum performance on the bleeding edge of tomorrow's tech.
Delivering the Goods...
As for audio sources, The Ziegelstein-Array is powered currently by a single Harmon Kardon AVR1600 Receiver which has, at its heart, a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Champion Series 24 Bit Soundcard. This device has modes of operation that accomodate specific areas of use such as Entertainment Mode, Audio Creation Mode, and the highly controversial Gaming Mode. While there are sound cards specifically designed for audio playback of 5.1 source media in a home theater environment, this X-fi has been crafted around a set of core components and features designed to augment the experience for the hardcore PC gamer.
Realistic EAX® 5.0 sound effects Hear crackling gunfire and earth-shattering explosions. EAX® 5.0 delivers realistic sound effects that will engage you in long hours of gameplay
EAX® and 3D audio restoration for Windows Vista® Using Windows Vista®? Creative ALchemy restores the surround sound effect for the same great gaming experience.
Accurate 3D positional audio Listen to 3D positional audio so accurate, you can locate your enemies through mere sound alone! Plus, the X-Fi CMSS®-3D gives you amazing surround sound even with normal stereo headphones.
Hardware accelerated performance
Get unbeatable performance with hardware accelerated audio that blows motherboard audio away.
Boost your performance even further in games like Quake 4, Battlefield 2, Prey, Unreal Tournament 3 and others that take advantage of X-RAM.
Clearer voice chats
Plug in your headset or microphone and hear the difference immediately. With high-quality input and hardware audio processing, your teammates will definitely hear you loud and clear.
We also take advantage of a host of features that cross the genre and benefit not just the PC gamer but the music and movie enthusiast as well.
24 Bit Crystalizer Restore the details and vibrance your music and movies lost during compression. X-Fi technology intelligently enhances the highs and lows so you'll hear it all-crisp cymbal crashes, wailing guitar solos, screeching tires and booming explosions.
CMSS-3D - Surround sound from your stereo music and movies? Yes! Expand your stereo music and movies into surround sound. Voices are centered in front of you. Ambient sound appears all around you... just like a live performance. Listen on a pair of desktop speakers or a full 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system.
Experience cinematic surround sound from Blu-Ray & DVD movies Watch your Media in cinematic surround sound with PowerDVD software featuring DTS⢠and Dolby Digital® -EX decoding.
X-Fi Powers The Ziegelstein-Array!
Utilizing the AVR1600's 8-channel direct in and its digital inputs in its current state, The Ziegelstein-Array is able to shine as a true hi-fidelity "Studio Monitor" set of speakers capable of 4000 watts output in any traditional home theater/game room layout chosen - a system capable of handling anything thrown at it and able to deliver it cleanly in any setting, meeting any demand.
The Ziegelstein-Array is made from 70% Recycled Materials!
Aside from using recycled wire from dismantled electronics, recycled pressboard for crossover mounting, recycled sofa polyester filling and recycled self adhesive sound dampening materials, we are also using vintage gear at the heart of every unit built. Utilizing the principle of the 5 R's (which we'll cover later in this segment), we can effectively recycle vintage audio gear from the 1970's and 80's for use in our current lineup. This prototype Z-Array is featuring recycled Optimus Pro LX5 Bookshelf speakers with original refurbished Linaeum DiPole Tweeters, Peerless SDS shielded drivers, specialized 2-way crossovers and original cast aluminum cabinets. We are also using recycled Minimus 7 bookself speakers with original cast aluminum cabinets, original cloth dome tweeters, custom aluminum cone drivers and specialized 2-way crossovers.
The Ziegelstein-Array featured here builds a 5.1/7.1 system with 24 speakers across the 6 side channels. A Center Channel (currently 1 Unit with upgradeability to 4) and Subwoofer array (1 or 2 Units).
The channel array utilizes wiring in a series/parallel hybrid configuration to allow four 8 Ohm speakers to be wired together to maintain an 8 Ohm load on the Harmon Kardon.
Alterative methods. We are experimenting with using solid state chip amps on each channel and driving them separately.
The Ziegelstein-Array featured in this article is a prototype array used for additional testing of design concepts that will lead to the future development of a retail offering that will feature custom cabinets and crossover designs that will position us within reach of the proverbial Golden Ring!
The Ziegelstein-Array prototype will pave the way for our future products and will position us to firmly grasp a reasonable market share of the High End Audio Component niche. "High End Audio without the High Cost" - the Credo that will propel us into the 22nd Century and beyond!
Interrogative
I've spent 30 years building and testing speakers. Over that very same set of years, I have slowly built this array with components and parts that I've acquired when others have tossed them away. Really fantastic finds in my opinion for someone that can actually utilize all their hidden abilities, secrets and cost effectiveness. This is not everyone's cup of tea though. DIY Audio is a serious hobby not for the fainthearted or impatient and, though The Ziegelstein-Array protoype is a cost effective alternative to systems costing tens of thousands of dollars, it takes some time to get everything together and then you have to learn how to do it right. That can take considerable time for some. Time that, in most cases, many of us working class folk do not even posess enough of to simply sit and enjoy a meal with each other or pray together much less take on an extremely self-engrossing hobby such as DIY Audio. This oftentimes unfair trade-off is time spent initiating one particular ritual. One that I refer to as the 5 R's. This is comprised of the time and energy it takes to Recon, Recycle, Refurb, Retrofit and Refinish the units. This is where the patience and determination play a major role in the outcome of the final product. Trust me when I say that it will all pay off in the end. Recycling these discarded ebay treasures and utilizing some science, I was easily able to create a personalized system that can be manipulated in scope and size to fit any budget or space limitations. The 24-unit array featured in our shown system, excluding the front channel and subs has a DIY build cost average of approximately $75 per bookshelf unit. With the additional DIY build cost averaging to $150 for each MTM TL 3 foot tower.
Unrivaled Versatility
Another unique feature set of The Z-Array, with its multiple amplifiers driving each channel, is the ability to break up these channels sets into completely separate bookshelf systems for nearly every room in my home. By separating the channels into smaller complete bookshelf units, 6 such individual units in fact then become available for usage in a complete multi-zone audio distribution scenario. The Ziegelstein-Array becomes a complete audio experience for the entire home by allowing every room to have sublime audio in a smaller form factor with no additional cost to the owner and without sacrificing the original clarity and power of the main unit.
Ziegelstein FTW!
The most exciting news is that, our recycled Z-Array is easily showing a professional-grade "Studio Quality" output from each unit that is easily toppling the performance levels of some well-known high-end audiophile systems with units that have an ownership cost usually in the $250 to $800 range for each bookshelf unit and $1000 to multiples of that can amount into unheard-of figures for larger more exotic tower units.
It gets worse. The market is driven by snobs! - What's a poor boy to do?
Believe it or not.... Some " Extreme" audiophiles would even snub a $50K system, let alone even look at a $15K system. Labeling even the big name entry-level Home Theater offerings as cheap knockoffs or downright worthless.
Keeping it Real...
Fortunately for anyone who can appreciate the recent global financial debacles and subsequent ripples that are affecting everyone, we all can surely appreciate the cost savings delivered when one considers tackling a DIY Audio project. When you are then fortunate enough to add recycling to the mix, your cost savings can increase to 300% more overall and those old under-appreciated speaker cabinets are also not ending up in land-fills.
My overall total cost for all of the units in The Z-Array was in the sensible range of $800 to $1000 total for the entire set of 30 speakers. This set was also accumulated over a 6-year time frame. One must know: I did not drop $1000 all at once. It is interesting to note, though, that if I were to have bought comparable units for this array from a "High End", high cost well-known provisioner of "Professional" studio-grade speakers...
I would have easily had a unit cost of approximately $400 each for a small bookshelf units and $750 each for the medium sized satellite units. The cost comes to an approximate $15,000 Just for speakers! and I haven't included MY 2 $150 towers which would have cost about $900 each if I had purchased them from the same provisioner.
In Closing...
I'm very proud of my $1700 (Custom speaker array, Sony sub and HK AVR1600 AV Receiver) 7.1 PC Audiophile System. It takes any home theater system that could have easily cost me $16,000 to the cleaners for a fraction of the cost. The Z-Array wins - hands down! I am so very glad I decided to go forward with my DIY aspirations. I have learned so much while traveling this path and have made some great new friends. I am thankful that I have had the patience, determination and the know-how to build The Ziegelstein-Array!
Thanks for reading!
Zeigelsteine is German for building blocks or bricks. I use the nickname Brick Stone in many of my multiplayer online gaming titles that I enjoy.... With that, I am essentially calling myself Zeigelsteine. This has proven to be the perfect name for my new array of Hi Fidelity Audiophile PC speakers.
What's the deal here?
The design goals of this system was to allow for extremely clear, yet warm and robust, 3D positional audio in either 5.1 or 7.1 titles in a near field delivery scheme, as well as serve as a part of our multimedia experience in the family/game room area of our home. I use this worksation for video and audio editing and creation, 2D and 3D graphics development for web and video games, media and entertainment such as movies, and TV via Slingbox, Netflix, Hulu and many other sources. And, yes, I also use it for state-of-the-art hardcore video gaming as this PC currently features hardware that is at the "top-of-the-line" enthusiast level for all of the installed components. This system is custom-built by myself and is designed for maximum performance on the bleeding edge of tomorrow's tech.
Delivering the Goods...
As for audio sources, The Zeigelsteine-Array is powered currently by a single Harmon Kardon AVR1600 Receiver which has, at its heart, a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Champion Series 24 Bit Soundcard. This device has modes of operation that accomodate specific areas of use such as Entertainment Mode, Audio Creation Mode, and the highly controversial Gaming Mode. While there are sound cards specifically designed for audio playback of 5.1 source media in a home theater environment, this X-fi has been crafted around a set of core components and features designed to augment the experience for the hardcore PC gamer.
Realistic EAX® 5.0 sound effects Hear crackling gunfire and earth-shattering explosions. EAX® 5.0 delivers realistic sound effects that will engage you in long hours of gameplay
EAX® and 3D audio restoration for Windows Vista® Using Windows Vista®? Creative ALchemy restores the surround sound effect for the same great gaming experience.
Accurate 3D positional audio Listen to 3D positional audio so accurate, you can locate your enemies through mere sound alone! Plus, the X-Fi CMSS®-3D gives you amazing surround sound even with normal stereo headphones.
Hardware accelerated performance
Get unbeatable performance with hardware accelerated audio that blows motherboard audio away.
Boost your performance even further in games like Quake 4, Battlefield 2, Prey, Unreal Tournament 3 and others that take advantage of X-RAM.
Clearer voice chats
Plug in your headset or microphone and hear the difference immediately. With high-quality input and hardware audio processing, your teammates will definitely hear you loud and clear.
We also take advantage of a host of features that cross the genre and benefit not just the PC gamer but the music and movie enthusiast as well.
24 Bit Crystalizer Restore the details and vibrance your music and movies lost during compression. X-Fi technology intelligently enhances the highs and lows so you'll hear it all-crisp cymbal crashes, wailing guitar solos, screeching tires and booming explosions.
CMSS-3D - Surround sound from your stereo music and movies? Yes! Expand your stereo music and movies into surround sound. Voices are centered in front of you. Ambient sound appears all around you... just like a live performance. Listen on a pair of desktop speakers or a full 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system.
Experience cinematic surround sound from Blu-Ray & DVD movies Watch your Media in cinematic surround sound with PowerDVD software featuring DTS⢠and Dolby Digital® -EX decoding.
X-Fi Powers The Zeigelsteine-Array!
Utilizing the AVR1600's 8-channel direct in and its digital inputs in its current state, The Zeigelsteine-Array is able to shine as a true hi-fidelity "Studio Monitor" set of speakers capable of 4000 watts output in any traditional home theater/game room layout chosen - a system capable of handling anything thrown at it and able to deliver it cleanly in any setting, meeting any demand.
The Zeigelsteine-Array is made from 70% Recycled Materials!
Aside from using recycled wire from dismantled electronics, recycled pressboard for crossover mounting, recycled sofa polyester filling and recycled self adhesive sound dampening materials, we are also using vintage gear at the heart of every unit built. Utilizing the principle of the 5 R's (which we'll cover later in this segment), we can effectively recycle vintage audio gear from the 1970's and 80's for use in our current lineup. This prototype Z-Array is featuring recycled Optimus Pro LX5 Bookshelf speakers with original refurbished Linaeum DiPole Tweeters, Peerless SDS shielded drivers, specialized 2-way crossovers and original cast aluminum cabinets. We are also using recycled Minimus 7 bookself speakers with original cast aluminum cabinets, original cloth dome tweeters, custom aluminum cone drivers and specialized 2-way crossovers.
The Zeigelsteine-Array featured here builds a 5.1/7.1 system with 24 speakers across the 6 side channels. A Center Channel (currently 1 Unit with upgradeability to 4) and Subwoofer array (1 or 2 Units).
The channel array utilizes wiring in a series/parallel hybrid configuration to allow four 8 Ohm speakers to be wired together to maintain an 8 Ohm load on the Harmon Kardon.
Alterative methods. We are experimenting with using solid state chip amps on each channel and driving them separately.
The Zeigelsteine-Array featured in this article is a prototype array used for additional testing of design concepts that will lead to the future development of a retail offering that will feature custom cabinets and crossover designs that will position us within reach of the proverbial Golden Ring!
The Zeigelsteine-Array prototype will pave the way for our future products and will position us to firmly grasp a reasonable market share of the High End Audio Component niche. "High End Audio without the High Cost" - the Credo that will propel us into the 22nd Century and beyond!
Interrogative
I've spent 30 years building and testing speakers. Over that very same set of years, I have slowly built this array with components and parts that I've acquired when others have tossed them away. Really fantastic finds in my opinion for someone that can actually utilize all their hidden abilities, secrets and cost effectiveness. This is not everyone's cup of tea though. DIY Audio is a serious hobby not for the fainthearted or impatient and, though The Zeigelsteine-Array protoype is a cost effective alternative to systems costing tens of thousands of dollars, it takes some time to get everything together and then you have to learn how to do it right. That can take considerable time for some. Time that, in most cases, many of us working class folk do not even posess enough of to simply sit and enjoy a meal with each other or pray together much less take on an extremely self-engrossing hobby such as DIY Audio. This oftentimes unfair trade-off is time spent initiating one particular ritual. One that I refer to as the 5 R's. This is comprised of the time and energy it takes to Recon, Recycle, Refurb, Retrofit and Refinish the units. This is where the patience and determination play a major role in the outcome of the final product. Trust me when I say that it will all pay off in the end. Recycling these discarded ebay treasures and utilizing some science, I was easily able to create a personalized system that can be manipulated in scope and size to fit any budget or space limitations. The 24-unit array featured in our shown system, excluding the front channel and subs has a DIY build cost average of approximately $75 per bookshelf unit. With the additional DIY build cost averaging to $150 for each MTM TL 3 foot tower.
Unrivaled Versatility
Another unique feature set of The Z-Array, with its multiple amplifiers driving each channel, is the ability to break up these channels sets into completely separate bookshelf systems for nearly every room in my home. By separating the channels into smaller complete bookshelf units, 6 such individual units in fact then become available for usage in a complete multi-zone audio distribution scenario. The Zeigelsteine-Array becomes a complete audio experience for the entire home by allowing every room to have sublime audio in a smaller form factor with no additional cost to the owner and without sacrificing the original clarity and power of the main unit.
Zeigelsteine FTW!
The most exciting news is that, our recycled Z-Array is easily showing a professional-grade "Studio Quality" output from each unit that is easily toppling the performance levels of some well-known high-end audiophile systems with units that have an ownership cost usually in the $250 to $800 range for each bookshelf unit and $1000 to multiples of that can amount into unheard-of figures for larger more exotic tower units.
It gets worse. The market is driven by snobs! - What's a poor boy to do?
Believe it or not.... Some " Extreme" audiophiles would even snub a $50K system, let alone even look at a $15K system. Labeling even the big name entry-level Home Theater offerings as cheap knockoffs or downright worthless.
Keeping it Real...
Fortunately for anyone who can appreciate the recent global financial debacles and subsequent ripples that are affecting everyone, we all can surely appreciate the cost savings delivered when one considers tackling a DIY Audio project. When you are then fortunate enough to add recycling to the mix, your cost savings can increase to 300% more overall and those old under-appreciated speaker cabinets are also not ending up in land-fills.
My overall total cost for all of the units in The Z-Array was in the sensible range of $800 to $1000 total for the entire set of 30 speakers. This set was also accumulated over a 6-year time frame. One must know: I did not drop $1000 all at once. It is interesting to note, though, that if I were to have bought comparable units for this array from a "High End", high cost well-known provisioner of "Professional" studio-grade speakers...
I would have easily had a unit cost of approximately $400 each for a small bookshelf units and $750 each for the medium sized satellite units. The cost comes to an approximate $15,000 Just for speakers! and I haven't included MY 2 $150 towers which would have cost about $900 each if I had purchased them from the same provisioner.
In Closing...
I'm very proud of my $1700 (Custom speaker array, Sony sub and HK AVR1600 AV Receiver) 7.1 PC Audiophile System. It takes any home theater system that could have easily cost me $16,000 to the cleaners for a fraction of the cost. The Z-Array wins - hands down! I am so very glad I decided to go forward with my DIY aspirations. I have learned so much while traveling this path and have made some great new friends. I am thankful that I have had the patience, determination and the know-how to build The Zeigelsteine-Array!
Thanks for reading!
FDD Stories
Mesh fashion, gorean, medieval, urban.
Original meshes. Gacha machines. Mesh and partial mesh houses and furniture.
AS we move into autumn, a bright and colourful scene like this one from the late spring makes the thoughts drift back through the year and the preceding seasons that seem to have passed by so quicklyâŠ..
This effervescent array of colour was captured in the grounds of Bushbury Crematorium in my hometown of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands during a few days back there towards the end of May and really goes to show how, even amongst the obvious sadness associated with a place such as this, the inspirational wonders of Mother Natureâs beauty can still stand out to lift the heart and sooth the soulâŠ..
Intuitive Machines' top deck solar array will capture the sun's energy to power its spacecraft, Nova-C, during the company's IM-1 mission to the Moon.
video still // in processing, minim + FFT + certain thresholds from the audio signal.
video > vimeo.com/100279376
video accompanies musical portrait of The Fool from the Tarot Trumps, as solo piano. visual built to harmonize with audio abstraction of meaning via color and shape.
The Long Wavelength Array, located on site, consists of numerous fixed antennae working together to explore low-frequency radio signals. We see the array here.
The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) is a radio astronomy observatory located about 50 miles (64 km) west of Socorro, New Mexico. The VLA consists of twenty-seven 25-meter (82 feet) diameter radio telescopes deployed in a Y-shaped array, together with all the equipment needed to process the collected data and function as an interferometer. Each of the radio telescopes is mounted along double parallel railroad tracks, which allows changing the configuration of the system. Placing the radio telescopes closer together increases surface brightness sensitivity. Spreading them out increases angular resolution. The system was built from 1973 to 1980 and is being modernized, starting in 2011.
The Solar array will be used to trickle charge the lithium battery bank in the Kimberly Kamper trailer while in storage. www.kimberleykampers.com/
A future project will be to add a battery and separate MPPT charger to power a 12 v garden fountain pump and outdoor LED lighting.
Components
2 x Uni-Solar Amorphous 62 W ES-62T $420 (sourced on ebay $210 each)
1 x Heavy Duty Universal Solar Panel Pole Mount kit from affordablesolarmounts.com/ $150
2.7 m (0.7 m in the ground) galvanised pole (MGPE 32NB) (42.4 MM) from EDCON Steel www.edconsteel.com.au/ $30
2 x MC3 Solar Panel Cable Branch Connectors sourced on ebay $19
2 x MC3 Solar Panel 6' Cable 1 End Male/Stripped 12 AWG sourced on ebay $40
10m 15A auto cable and Anderson plug from Jaycar $40
3 x 20 Kg ready mix cement from Bunnings $19.5
Total $719
See an overview video @
Santiago's Shop #1 & #2 is a distinguished family owned business that was established in 1992 by Santiago Cruz and Roberta Garcia. We're happy to announce that we've finally decided to go with the technological times. Therefore, we've created this website for our customers to gain an insight of the large array of unique items that we carry in our stores. We offer an eclectic range of merchandise from industrial to architectural salvage, to modern and a lot of weird and unusual things. We provide our clients with superior value and service that lead them to acquiring anything but ordinary items. Our business is built upon our constant hard work, honesty, and the desire for our customers to experience excellency at its finest. We gain access to our merchandise through the connections that we hold in the LA area (Bel Air, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Encino, Pasadena, Westlake, Thousand Oaks, etc.) Our items come from the best homes and some even come from celebrities' homes. We work with the best dealers on La Brea, La Cienega, Melrose, etc. Our store has been featured on several shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians on E! and Antonio's Treatment on HGTV. We've also had a lot of celebrities visit our stores. This is only the beginning for us and our goal is to fulfill the customers' needs and to evolve into a bigger and better business. We invite you to visit us and experience exceptional service! There are new arrivals to the store everyday. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or comments.
We have an eclectic range of items! From antiques, architectual salvage, to modern furniture and.... weird stuff!!!
You will never come across an antique store quite like ours!
Santiago Mid Century Antiques
5641 & 5645 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood CA
Santiago Cruz (818) 445-8410
Roberta Garcia (818) 445-8409
santiagomidcenturyantiques@gmail.com
santiagomidcenturyantiques.com
George Nelson
Herman Miller
Frank Lloyd Wright
Barovier e Toso
Dyrlund
Paul McCobb
Paul Evans
Paul Frankl
Edmund Spence
George Nakashima
Milo Baughman
Harry Bertoia
Charles Eames
Charles and Ray Eames
Charles & Ray Eames
Jere
Kravet Furniture
Van Dyke
Hugo Troeds
Edward Wormley
Bjarnum
Bra Bohag
Credenza
Industrial
Architectural
Architectural Salvage
Architectural Pottery
modern
Danish
Antique
Mid Century Modern
Mid Century Antique
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
Fifties
Sixties
Seventies
Eighties
Nineties
Architecture
Furniture
high end
art
history
homes
vintage
wall sconces
chandelier
Murano Glass
lighting
Neblina
Lucite
20th Century
21st Century
Twentieth Century
Twenty-first Century
Holmby Hills
bookcase
candlestick
sculpture
desk
chair
dresser
Coffee Table
Teak
marble
Rosewood
marble mantle
Estate Sale
Speaker
Leather Chair
Leather Sofa
Modernism
retro
Italian
French
Spanish
Patio Furniture
bronze
bronze sculpture
memorabilia
movie poster
French furniture
Italian furniture
Spanish furniture
Art & Craft
Art and Craft
Spanish California
Panel
Panel screen
room divider
abstract
abstract art
sofa
couch
sectional sofa
Persian rug
runner
table lamp
table light
hanging lamp
hanging light
fixture
light fixture
bar stool
stool
Mahogany
Walnut
Brass
Wrought Iron
Art Deco
French Art Deco
Art Nouveau
Victorian
French Louis XV
Louis XV
French Louis the Fifteenth
Louis the Fifteenth
English Furniture
Gothic
Revival Antique
Revival Gothic
Outdoor Furniture
HGTV
E!
Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Antonio's Treatment
rocking chair
Armoire
Curio Cabinet
Rustic
Camera
Vintage Camera
armchair
dining table
dining room table
console table
end tables
hardware
sink
vanity
vanity sink
forged iron
office chair
Le Corbusier chair
Barcelona
Miles van de Rohe
Mid Century American
Neoclassic
Neo classic
Neoclassical
Lounge Chair
Ottoman
Lounge chair and ottoman
Rococo
Rococo Revival
Queen Anne
Chippendale Chair
Federal furniture
Mission Style Furniture
Empire Style
Mosaic glass
Handcarved
hand-carved
Moroccan
Moroccan Marquetry
Root
root table
Stone
stone sculpture
limestone limestone sculpture
end irons
irons
forged
Walnut Chair
Maria Theresa Style
Maria Theresa Style Chandelier
High style
Chesterfield
Tapestry
Rose Bowl Flea Market
PCC Flea Market
Pacific City College Flea Market
Long Beach Flea Market
candleholders
candelabra
drawer
chest
Old Medical supplies
Dentist Cabinet
Chinese
ebay pic, This colour sold so well in America they sent a load back . Don't know why they didn't just repaint them.
The Solar array will be used to trickle charge the lithium battery bank in the Kimberly Kamper trailer while in storage. www.kimberleykampers.com/
A future project will be to add a battery and separate MPPT charger to power a 12 v garden fountain pump and outdoor LED lighting.
Components
2 x Uni-Solar Amorphous 62 W ES-62T $420 (sourced on ebay $210 each)
1 x Heavy Duty Universal Solar Panel Pole Mount kit from affordablesolarmounts.com/ $150
2.7 m (0.7 m in the ground) galvanised pole (MGPE 32NB) (42.4 MM) from EDCON Steel www.edconsteel.com.au/ $30
2 x MC3 Solar Panel Cable Branch Connectors sourced on ebay $19
2 x MC3 Solar Panel 6' Cable 1 End Male/Stripped 12 AWG sourced on ebay $40
10m 15A auto cable and Anderson plug from Jaycar $40
3 x 20 Kg ready mix cement from Bunnings $19.5
Total $719
See an overview video @
Receiving the first science Raft Tower Modules (RTM) from Brookhaven National Lab (BNL). Each science RTM consists of a 3x3 array of imaging sensors and supporting electronics. (Dawn Harmer/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)
PictionID:46537279 - Catalog:Array - Title:Array - Filename:AL-248C_003 Travel Air 3000 cn 753 NC6417 16Aug31.tif - Image from the Robert Reedy Collection, who was a native of Amarillo Texas. He attended college in Wichita Kansas, studying aeronautical engineering. On graduation he was quickly snapped up by Stearman Aircraft. During his subsequent career he made stops at Lockheed, Thorp and back to Lockheed where he retired as a vice president of sales. Reedy was involved in the design of several Stearman, Vega and Thorp types, the Lockheed P2V, Little Dipper, Big Dipper, and L-1011.--Please Tag these images so that the information can be permanently stored with the digital file.---Repository: San Diego Air and Space Museum
This Solar array sits on Solar Hill in Brattleboro, Vermont. The hill, also called Harris Hill, is capped by the Solar Hill mansion. The property was reportedly the site of a Pleistocene mammoth tusk discovery in September 1865 on what was then known as "Blake's pasture". The hill is underlain by white quartz intrusions in a blue limestone. The solar panels sit on the north of side of Western Avenue.