Diary of a farang in Isaan

[HighPriority]

6 hours ago, GarryP said:

I have seen Owl's trials and tribulations with avocados so thought I'd share how my wife handled it. She ate the avocado, removed the outer shell (thick skin) from the stone, couldn't be arsed sticking toothpicks in the stone as professionals (Owl) recommend, so threw the stone in the garden. Lo and behold it took off.  

 

Thai methodology, my wife plants everything in a similar fashion.

[owl sees all]

Good news about or energy-free water contraption. We got it to work for short while this evening.

 

Have to increase the weight of the water in the outflow below the holder. Also a beefier main holder. The one in use caved in a bit. Pics and an full update next Owl Log.

 

Tomorrow is another day of learning.

Edited October 15, 2021 by owl sees all

[sotonowl]

15 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Good news about or energy-free water contraption. We got it to work for short while this evening.

 

Have to increase the weight of the water in the outflow below the holder. Also a beefier main holder. The one in use caved in a bit. Pics and an full update next Owl Log.

 

Tomorrow is another day of learning.

You do realise you're re-writing all we know about physics don't you Owl and that the weight of the water is governed by your 1/2" dip pipe. If you were to lower the larger pipe below the water tank it would then become a simple syphon mechanism, I expect you know this though anyway.????

So, you will be able to move the water with your design, but you'll only be able to move it to a position lower than what it already is.

I don't suppose you have a small compressor at the farm or electric?

[HighPriority]

9 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

You do realise you're re-writing all we know about physics don't you Owl and that the weight of the water is governed by your 1/2" dip pipe. If you were to lower the larger pipe below the water tank it would then become a simple syphon mechanism, I expect you know this though anyway.????

So, you will be able to move the water with your design, but you'll only be able to move it to a position lower than what it already is.

I don't suppose you have a small compressor at the farm or electric?

I too am sceptical, but as Dr Karl says, “Well done for doing the experiment”

Hopefully Mildred learns the scientific process of trial, error and documentation and not that dads a loony… ????

[owl sees all]

43 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

You do realise you're re-writing all we know about physics don't you Owl and that the weight of the water is governed by your 1/2" dip pipe. If you were to lower the larger pipe below the water tank it would then become a simple syphon mechanism, I expect you know this though anyway.????

So, you will be able to move the water with your design, but you'll only be able to move it to a position lower than what it already is.

 

30 minutes ago, HighPriority said:

I too am sceptical, but as Dr Karl says, “Well done for doing the experiment”

Oh ye of so little faith.

 

I'll have it fully operational by next Owl Log. With a video too.

 

Just have to work out the pulling power of the vacuum.

 

Watch this space guys!!!!!!

[HighPriority]

30 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

 

Oh ye of so little faith.

 

I'll have it fully operational by next Owl Log. With a video too.

 

Just have to work out the pulling power of the vacuum.

 

Watch this space guys!!!!!!

That’s the spirit Owl, good luck and don’t forget the royalty stream if/when you succeed ????????
????

[sotonowl]

23 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

 

Oh ye of so little faith.

 

I'll have it fully operational by next Owl Log. With a video too.

 

Just have to work out the pulling power of the vacuum.

 

Watch this space guys!!!!!!

The weight of the water is measured in pounds per square inch. The maximum pressure you can apply to the dip pipe is the cross sectional area of the dip pipe. The only way to increase the pressure so that the bigger pipe has a higher pressure than the dip pipe is to lower it below the dip pipe, and create a syphon. Just because the water in the bigger pipe weighs more don't mean that the pressure increases, the pressure will remain the same what ever size pipe you use.

Think of it another way. If you had a vertical pipe, 24" in diameter, 7 meters high and filled with water that would create a certain pressure at the base of the pipe, measured in pounds per square inch. Let's say it would be 10 psi. If the 24" pipe had a reducer fitted at the bottom of it to a 1/2" diameter pipe the pressure would remain the same, 10psi.

What about power up at the farm Owl?

[owl sees all]

32 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

The weight of the water is measured in pounds per square inch. The maximum pressure you can apply to the dip pipe is the cross sectional area of the dip pipe. The only way to increase the pressure so that the bigger pipe has a higher pressure than the dip pipe is to lower it below the dip pipe, and create a syphon. Just because the water in the bigger pipe weighs more don't mean that the pressure increases, the pressure will remain the same what ever size pipe you use.

Think of it another way. If you had a vertical pipe, 24" in diameter, 7 meters high and filled with water that would create a certain pressure at the base of the pipe, measured in pounds per square inch. Let's say it would be 10 psi. If the 24" pipe had a reducer fitted at the bottom of it to a 1/2" diameter pipe the pressure would remain the same, 10psi.

What about power up at the farm Owl?

I did cover all this Bernoulli and pressure-in-pipes stuff at Uni. Fortunately I have forgotten what I once taught.

 

Remember the Wright Bros? They didn't get it spot on first try. Or the gun. Plenty of problems with that until John Wayne came along.

 

I did an experiment a few years back, where I capitulated an expensive water tank. Similar sort of thing; but then I relied on science. What I need to do is work out how much pulling power the vacuum has, and I can then work everything out.

 

Or, forget the physics and maths and just suck it and see. Trial and error!

 

We did get it going for a while today; honest!!!! Being an Irons - and Orient - supporter I'm the eternal optimist.

 

No leccy at the farm yet. Perhaps next year.

 

Edited October 15, 2021 by owl sees all
added 'No leccy at the farm yet. Perhaps next year.'

[sotonowl]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

I did cover all this Bernoulli and pressure-in-pipes stuff at Uni. Fortunately I have forgotten what I once taught.

 

Remember the Wright Bros? They didn't get it spot on first try. Or the gun. Plenty of problems with that until John Wayne came along.

 

I did an experiment a few years back, where I capitulated an expensive water tank. Similar sort of thing; but then I relied on science. What I need to do is work out how much pulling power the vacuum has, and I can then work everything out.

 

Or, forget the physics and maths and just suck it and see. Trial and error!

 

We did get it going for a while today; honest!!!! Being an Irons - and Orient - supporter I'm the eternal optimist.

 

No leccy at the farm yet. Perhaps next year.

 

Actually, it just might work thinking about it. Along with most other things, what works or doesn't work in the rest of the world usually does the exact opposite in Thailand.

Have a read of this Owl, a barrel pump may be the way to go. Air driven, you'll may need to buy a compressor but they're cheap enough to pick up. Might even know someone with a diesel driven air compressor do you?

https://www.michael-smith-engineers.co.uk/resources/useful-info/useful-info-barrel-pumps

[sotonowl]

Some good info here Owl

 

Barrel pumps are the way to go. Pricey though I'd expect.

 

https://www.finishthompson.com

[The Hammer2021]

On 11/18/2019 at 11:15 AM, sunnyboy2018 said:

Diary of a Foreigner.

Thank you.

[chickenslegs]

Just googling around, I came across this site - water engines. http://www.douglas-self.com/MUSEUM/POWER/waterengine/waterengine.htm

 

I know that you (Owl) like reading. I think you will be particularly interested in the section about "The Fludd Pump".

http://www.douglas-self.com/MUSEUM/POWER/waterengine/fludd.gif

 

I have to be honest, I don't think your system will work (sorry), but I do hope that you and Mildred have a great time learning and discovering.  

[sotonowl]

28 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

I have to be honest, I don't think your system will work (sorry), but I do hope that you and Mildred have a great time learning and discovering.  

And that is an important point CL, especially for Mildred. If it wasn't for trying something and it not working we'd never learn how to analyse and deduce. And we'd never know the thrill of finally getting something to work after trying and failing on so many previous occasions.

[farmerjo]

Enjoy reading this thread.

Keep up the good work.

Found this that might help you.

 

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, farmerjo said:

Enjoy reading this thread.

Keep up the good work.

Found this that might help you.

 

Thanks for that FJ.

 

I've watched a few of these. I'm concentrating on my little one as the first part of a learning curve.

 

This afternoon we had it running for quarter of an hour. Not too much flow; about 7 seconds to discharge a litre. But things were not going to plan! Took off the stop valve and tested it. It was leaking. Decided to discard it. Put an extra length of 1/2 inch pipe on. Filled the tank up once again while Mildred held her hand over the inflow pipe.

 

Turned on the outflow valve half way, Mildred took her hand away, and it was running. But a leak developed where the top pipe went into the tank. That was small but significant. We were gradually losing vacuum pull. After a while, I turned the bottom valve on full to see what would happen; and the tank started to buckle.

 

There are certain criteria that have to be met for these projects. I'm taking note and I'm quite confident that I will have success.

 

As for dragging water up vertically from 6 metres down; well that's for the future. I might have to do a double tank for that.

 

Watch this space!

 

Thanks to everyone for your interest.

Edited October 16, 2021 by owl sees all

[chickenslegs]

How is the rain situation up there Owl?

My wife's village is near the Huay Saneng reservoir, near Surin. Last week she was sent some photos of the reservoir overflowing its banks. Apparently there were hundreds of vehicles arriving from miles around to see it, causing traffic chaos.

This is a photo from a local farang website ...

 

The road there is one of the places my daughter and I like to go cycling when we are up there.

[DJ54]

On 10/15/2021 at 12:34 PM, GarryP said:

I have seen Owl's trials and tribulations

Hello Owl and Friends

 

its growing well... soon will put in planting bag... Suggest only planting soil , mix ... Or? 

Put a couple seeds in the flower pot and their starting to sprout... 

 

Thanks for all y’alls help...

[owl sees all]

Owl log - 24-10-2021 - Sunday afternoon

 

A long wait for the big rain. 22nd of October was the day. Better late than never.

 

The water was not draining from the yard when I got up, so I thought it could be a good one.

 

 

Some pics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I spent the afternoon of the 22nd working with our handy-man on water related stuff.

 

First thing was to put the caps on the overflow pipes. Didn't want the water running out. Waited so long to see them filled.

 

 

 

That done it was putting into place the water equalling pipes. Put both into pond two and tree.

 

 

 

 

That took a bit longer than expected. But we got there in the end. Be interesting to see if the two ponds are level this afternoon. Be going in about 30 minutes. Straight after finishing the Owl Log.

 

As soon as that was finished we filled up the two water bowls in the loo. Took about 30 bucket fulls to fill them.

 

 

The chickens were locked away on Friday afternoon. I had a lot of rice for them so I went over to their compound.

 

 

He lets them all out if he is there. And calls them in with food when he wants to go back to the village.

 

The house on the big road - Nan's old place - is doing business fixing up; well anything that moves. Although it was closed when we were there.

 

 

I didn't go around the back to look, but the side still needs attention.

 

 

Mrs Owl's garden is doing well. Mildred spotted a couple of fruits.

 

 

It's all looking good for the moment. Rain, fruit and the lillies have blossomed in number seven.

 

 

I've been so busy of late, that my water project has been put on hold. There was an air leak. I have fixed that, but I'm not sure if the mastic will air-proof it. Have to see next week.

 

Also added some more two inch pipe at the bottom. For more water weight.

 

 

It's gonna work great. After this I'll start thinking about drawing water up for 6 metres down. Although after the rain it might be a bit less.

 

The headset arrived from LAZADA. This morning the Mrs sat on them. So that's another fix.

 

 

The rice looks to be about two weeks away from harvest.

 

 

Lastly a short vid of Mildred feeding the fish.

 

 

 

So there we have it. Had to wait until the start of the dry season to get a decent downpour.

 

Plenty of goals in the footy. Good to see. What about the Hornets? Let in five at home last week and scored five away yesterday. Can the Irons hit Spurs for six today. Of course. Kadilo will be happy tonight.

 

Bought a web-site on Easyspace. Been trying to remember all the coding from years ago. Much of it is not supported now. Anyone out there that can help me with 'onmouseover' and 'onmouseout' html coding?

 

That's if for now. Mildred had her twelfth birthday last week. Had a slap-up, no expense spared meal for three in Ban Dung Kentucky on Tuesday. Back to roots and fruit since then.

 

Off to the farm shortly.

 

Only one thing left to say; bye y'all.

Edited October 24, 2021 by owl sees all

[owl sees all]

17 hours ago, DJ54 said:

Hello Owl and Friends

 

its growing well... soon will put in planting bag... Suggest only planting soil , mix ... Or? 

Put a couple seeds in the flower pot and their starting to sprout... 

 

Thanks for all y’alls help...

Before putting it in a grow-bag, or pot, check on the plant's roots. A small root will thrive just in water but once it goes into the soil it will probably not fare so well.

 

If I could suggest some soil. Don't have to be spot on but:40% worm casts, 40% potting mix. 20% washed soft sand. Just mix it all up. Perfect.

 

Once potted; must drench it with water until it's over half metre high.

 

Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

 

[Sterling]

On 10/24/2021 at 12:48 PM, owl sees all said:

Anyone out there that can help me with 'onmouseover' and 'onmouseout' html coding?

I took an HTML course earlier this year as part of a CyberSecurity Degree. I dont remember using that particular function but does this help at all:

 

https://www.w3schools.com/jsref/event_onmouseover.asp

 

[rickudon]

Hi to all, sorry for being missing for 2 weeks. Been trekking between GP and hospital in the UK after some bad blood tests. Just wanted a PSA test but the GP wanted some routine ones as well. Turns out that Kidneys are beginning to fail, blood pressure and cholesterol high. A lifestyle change is needed and for the first time in my life on regular medication. Plus doing my COE to get back to Thailand was now late, and super stressed. Just got the COE today - the first step took 5 days, i was afraid the second stage would as well but only 2 hours.... I fly next Monday (PCR permitting). Good job, because have to be out of my accommodation by noon that day!

 

Glad to hear Owl's water shortage resolved. Now that all the bureaucracy is over, will look for some pictures to post soon. I hope to be back in Udon either on the 3rd or 9th. But, of course, in Thailand plans never last long .....

[Odysseus123]

2 hours ago, rickudon said:

I fly next Monday (PCR permitting). Good job, because have to be out of my accommodation by noon that day!

Well done!

Stay fit,stay well and all the best to you!

 

(My wife intends to fly back in April if all is open)

[rickudon]

Found some old photos of our house in Udon, from 2010, shortly after moving to Thailand. Have come out quite small, hmm. A typical old fashioned village house. Note abandoned armchair in overgrown back garden, and the rice hut.

 

 

[rickudon]

Then the updates began.......

 

A new floor for the lounge, because the floorboards were all coming loose (joists rotten).

Then clear the garden.....

IN 2013, derelict extension converted into our bed-sitting room, and a new coat of paint for the house.

[rickudon]

Then end of 2014, the house repainted again....

[rickudon]

Then in 2015, a roof replacement was re-interpreted to a complete rebuild of the second floor by the wife!

 

 

[rickudon]

Hasn't stopped there...... The Kitchen/dining room was completely gutted and rebuilt in 2017 and the lounge in 2021 (yet another topsy project, new doors, walls windows and a verandah added). Then i wonder where all my money has gone!

 

[Mutt Daeng]

1 hour ago, rickudon said:

Hasn't stopped there...... The Kitchen/dining room was completely gutted and rebuilt in 2017 and the lounge in 2021 (yet another topsy project, new doors, walls windows and a verandah added). Then i wonder where all my money has gone!

 

Nice

[owl sees all]

On 10/26/2021 at 8:17 PM, Sterling said:

I took an HTML course earlier this year as part of a CyberSecurity Degree. I dont remember using that particular function but does this help at all:

 

https://www.w3schools.com/jsref/event_onmouseover.asp

 

Thanks for that Sterling.

 

HTML is not new to me. About 25 odd years ago I was creating web-sites out of a shop in Wembley, London. At that time there was only two real options; write direct in HTML or use Dreamweaver.

 

I can recall creating four sites in one day. At that time I used 'frames'; big time! I had a very good skeleton and simply filled the specifics in, that the customer wanted. Alas, those days are well gone. Much of the coding I used then is not now supported. Web sites of today are far more intricate and dynamic than in the early days.

 

Regarding 'onmouseover' and 'onmouseout'. I have incorporated those elements for 'tables', but what I need is to change images when the mouse hovers over.

 

Modern internet scripting and coding is like 'double-dutch' for me at the moment. Although Mildred gave me 9 out of 10 for what I've done so far.

 

The other thing that I'm stuck on, is centering a 'for content only'. 'text box'; not for interactivity. To get around this, I'm using a 'table' (with a very light background colour), and simply writing the text in. That is really time consuming, considering I already have the text as I want it elsewhere on the computer. The biggest problem there is eliminating 'white space'.

 

Have nine pages completed though. So it's not too shabby an effort. When it's fully operational I'll put a link on here.

 

 

Edited October 28, 2021 by owl sees all

[farmerjo]

3 hours ago, rickudon said:

Then i wonder where all my money has gone!

Thought i'd share my 17 year journey here.

Was 33 and 1st outlay was about 30,000 baht,those were happy days.

The original house still stands expanded in the background.

Built the new one to entice my father to come and live with us,sadly he found it to hard and went home after 3 months.

The locals wouldn't even live out here when i came but civilization is closing in at a rapid pace.