Menu:



Progress Pictures

Below are pictures and descriptions of the Andromeda Connection climber so far. More pictures are available if you have security clearance. To see more pictures, click on the "Login" link on the left.

Our Climber

At long last. A picture of our climber. I'll be posting how it works here after I get back from Salt Lake City. If you want to know how it works before that, you'll have to come and meet me ther. I'll be displaying how it works at the Space Elevator Games.
Introducing Sky Hopper
Oct 15th, 2007

The first public view of our climber - Sky Hopper

Climber Frame

The main frame is constructed of welded aluminum. Additional support will be provided by the sheeting that supports the solar cells.
Beginning climber construction
Jun 12th, 2007

Beginning construction of the main climber frame		 Main Frame Complete
Jun 12th, 2007

The full main frame complete		 Main Frame
Jun 12th, 2007

The frame upright and partly open		 Main Frame
Jun 12th, 2007

Open a little more

Light Platform

The light platform is constructed of 2X6 fir and plywood. It will contain 6 2500W long throw spot lights all arranged in a circle and pointing towards a set of 45° mirrors to direct the light upward.
Let there be light
Jun 12th, 2007

Bringing the lights home		 Let there be light
Jun 12th, 2007

Some of the lights set up		 Beginning platform construction
Jun 12th, 2007

The beginnings of the platform

MOLPSoL

The spot lights are being replaced by a MOLPSoL solar laser. It will give substantially more energy to the climber. Until patent pending status is established, you will need a login ID and password to view this area.
Building a MOLPSoL
Aug 22nd, 2007

The cutting and welding area with parabolic jigs		 Almost done
Aug 22nd, 2007

The first MOLPSoL module almost done

Test Track

The Test Track is constructed of 2X6 & 2X4 fir arranged in a "T" configuration for strength. It is 24' long and suspended between 2 trees, 40' in the air. 4 pulleys on the bottom of the track are used to hoist the ribbon and belay line.
Flying High
Jun 23rd, 2007

The test track beam is suspended 40' in the air.		 Hoist Detail
Jun 23rd, 2007

A detail of the beam and pulleys		 Sail Winches
Jun 23rd, 2007

The winches used to hoist the test track beam.

Power Train

The power train is attached to the top of the main frame and consists of 2 Dewalt cordless drill motors, 8 soft rubber 3” wheels (in pairs) and the gearing needed in between. All this is assembled on an aluminum frame designed to open in the middle and provide adjustable pressure on the ribbon.
Cutting gears
Jun 12th, 2007

Cutting custom gears with home made tools		 Too many tools!
Jun 12th, 2007

Many tools, small shop		 Gears
Jun 12th, 2007

Testing, problems and solutions		 Drive System
Jun 19th, 2007

1/2 of the drive system
Drive System Test
Jun 19th, 2007

A video of the drive system in action		 Outdoor Drive Test
Jun 24th, 2007

An outdoor (video) test of the drive system.		 Drive System Halves
Aug 08th, 2007

The two main halves of the drive system.		 Two Halves Together
Aug 08th, 2007

How they will fit together
Brake Mechanism
Aug 08th, 2007

A close up view of the brake		 Gear Close Up
Aug 08th, 2007

A close up of the main gears.		 Drive Mounted
Aug 08th, 2007

The 2 drive halves mounted on the main frame

Experiments

Some experiments with fiber optics and a liquid lens. The fiber optics proved to not pass sufficient light so the concept was abandoned. The liquid lens preformed as planned and the real ones will be used to focus the light from the spot lights.
Fiber optic assy test
Jun 12th, 2007

Light distribution		 Fiber optic test
Jun 12th, 2007

An experiment for measuring light throughput.		 Liquid lens prototype
Jun 12th, 2007

Experimental liquid lens