Looking Ahead

As I get closer to being able to build the Sterilizer, I am also researching possible laws that may govern the conduct of research here. According to this website, I may need to apply to the Ministry of Environment (Ministerio de Ambiente) in Ecuador for appropriate permits before proceeding with sample collection: http://www.butterfliesofecuador.com/contribute.html

Unfortunately, that website notes that applications need to be made 6 months in advance. I'll have to see what can be done there, and also look into a collaboration opportunity with a local University concerning the project.

I am still awaiting the additional parts needed to make the sterilizer, and once I have them I should be able to determine if I'll need 5 watt electronic ballast to start the bulb.

One Possibly Useful Piece of Hardware

Tester Finds Problem

My QA tester discovered a problem with the touchpads. I'll recheck them later to see if they're okay.

They have arrived.

Received

The XO's have been received. Both turned on, and appear to be mostly operable. There has been a small problem with the touchpads and the cursor not responding correctly, but hopefully that will clear up. I hope to be adding some pictures soon. It turns out I may need ballast for my bulb to start properly. If so, I'll have to locate some ballast, which should be easier to find than the bulb.

"All lamps are powered by ballasts that provide the starting electrical voltage to ionize the gas in the UV lamp and then limiting the current to the nominal level. Lamp ballasts can be either magnetic or electronic. The LED UV lamps do not require ballasts for their operation." from here.

More waiting...

The XOs are supposed to arrive soon. I should also have other parts to build the sterilizer soon. Although, I may have to do more research on the bulb first.

Holidays delay arrival of XO's

Due to a holiday this Monday, I will probably not be able to receive the XO's until next Monday. Any boxed package has to be received on Mondays, here.

I've added a link to SODIS in the list of links to the right. It is a good and effective water treatment solution for longer term sustainable water sterilization in larger quantities. Use of the UVC device could be seen, then, as the immediate solution to drinkable water in a disaster situation.

Possibly, 2 or more liter bottles could be wrapped with thermal blankets (the cellophane/aluminum type) to increase the effectiveness of the UVC exposure by reflection while preventing exposure to human eyes and hands.

Sourcing of a 5 watt UVC bulb is proving to be difficult. If I have to order them from the US, it could take up to a month or two to receive them.

I've requested financing support, but have not received any interest in the project with regards to financing at this time.

USB Cabling

Information on USB cables here:

http://pinouts.ru/Slots/USB_pinout.shtml

http://pinouts.ru/SerialPortsCables/usb_cable_pinout.shtml