A high school team designed and built a space probe named Project Daedalus, launched via high-altitude balloon. The probe, constructed using off-the-shelf components and custom PCBs, collected data on temperature, pressure, radiation, magnetic fields, and air quality during its flight. It also captured images and video throughout the ascent and descent. Successful data retrieval was achieved after landing, showcasing the team's ability to create a functional space probe on a limited budget.
Sovereign Lumber advocates for a shift in the lumber industry towards localized, small-scale sawmills using sustainably harvested wood. The author argues that current lumber practices, reliant on large-scale operations and often unsustainable forestry, create economic fragility and environmental damage. By promoting smaller mills closer to the source of timber, communities can regain control over their lumber supply, create local jobs, and ensure more responsible forest management. This decentralized approach offers a path to greater resilience and economic independence, while fostering healthier forests and reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions.
Hacker News commenters generally expressed appreciation for the Sovereign Lumber project and its ethos. Several praised the detailed documentation and transparency, finding it refreshing and inspiring. Some questioned the long-term viability and scalability, particularly around sourcing enough appropriate logs and the potential environmental impact. Others discussed the potential for automation and the trade-offs between traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing techniques. The high price point was also a topic of discussion, with some arguing that it reflects the true cost of sustainable, locally sourced lumber, while others felt it limited accessibility. A few commenters shared personal anecdotes about woodworking and the challenges of finding high-quality lumber.
Paxo is a DIY mobile phone kit designed for easy assembly and customization. It features a modular design based on open-source hardware and software, promoting repairability and longevity. The phone focuses on essential functionalities like calling, texting, and basic apps, while prioritizing privacy and security through minimized data collection. Its e-ink screen contributes to extended battery life and readability in sunlight. Paxo aims to provide a sustainable and transparent alternative to mainstream smartphones, empowering users to control their technology.
HN users generally expressed interest in the Paxo DIY phone, praising its open-source nature and potential for customization. Several commenters, however, questioned the practicality of building one, citing the complexity and cost involved compared to readily available, affordable phones. Some discussed the niche appeal, suggesting it would primarily attract hobbyists and security-conscious users. The repairability and potential for longevity were highlighted as positives, while the lack of cellular connectivity in the initial version was noted. A few comments touched upon the regulatory hurdles for broader adoption and the challenges of achieving competitive performance with DIY hardware. The overall sentiment leans towards cautious optimism, acknowledging the project's ambition while recognizing the significant challenges it faces.
Summary of Comments ( 15 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43377690
The Hacker News comments express admiration for the high school team's ambitious space probe project, with several commenters praising the students' ingenuity and technical skills. Some discuss the challenges of high-altitude ballooning, offering advice on potential improvements like using a GPS tracker with an external antenna and considering the impact of the balloon bursting on the probe's descent. Others inquire about specific aspects of the project, such as the choice of microcontroller and the method of image transmission. The overall sentiment is one of encouragement and interest in the team's future endeavors.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: My high school team's space probe" sparked a number of comments, mostly positive and encouraging. Several commenters praised the students' initiative, technical skills, and dedication to the project.
One commenter expressed admiration for the team's accomplishment, particularly highlighting the complexity of coordinating such a project at a high school level and offering encouragement for their future endeavors. Another echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the impressiveness of designing and building a functional space probe, regardless of its ultimate fate or data collected.
Several comments focused on the technical aspects of the project. One commenter inquired about the specific components used, particularly the microcontroller and communication systems. Another discussion thread developed around the challenges of high-altitude ballooning, including the regulations and licensing requirements, as well as the difficulties of predicting flight paths and ensuring recovery of the payload. Someone offered practical advice on potential improvements for future launches, suggesting stronger, lighter materials for the structure and more robust tracking mechanisms.
One commenter questioned the usage of the term "space probe," arguing that the altitude reached likely fell within the Earth's atmosphere and did not technically qualify as "space." This sparked a brief, civil discussion about the definition of "space" and the different layers of the atmosphere.
There was also some discussion regarding the educational value of the project. One commenter praised the hands-on learning experience provided by such a project, suggesting it was more valuable than traditional classroom learning. Another user mentioned the importance of fostering interest in STEM fields among young students and lauded the project for contributing to that goal.
Overall, the comments section reflected a generally positive and supportive response to the high school team's project, with commenters commending their initiative, technical skills, and dedication, while also offering constructive feedback and engaging in thoughtful discussions about the technical and educational aspects of high-altitude ballooning.