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Evaluation

Worm Bed Prototype and Demo
Worm Bed Prototype and Demo was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. Worm culture is considered essential to any long-term strategy. While such a setup can be set up only with materials at hand, the fact that this critical Demo is likely to be shown by every media outlet that visits the TT Inc. site requires that this demo be extremely productive and one should be able to simply stick one's hand into the bed and pull up a fist-full of large worms. To do this will require that the growing medium consist of rich, light, and consistently sized material. This can by produced by shredding moldering leafs and new vegetation. Therefore this project requires the purchase of a shredding machine. This machine can also be utilized for a number of other projects involved with cleanup around other prototype/demo projects.
 
Survival Training for One with Nothing but a Backpack
Survival Training for One with nothing but a backpack. was judged Excellent in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. The only costs associated with this project is the cost of video production. Survival Training for One with nothing but a backpack. was judged Yes in the matter of Activity is Applicable to a Settlement. Even in a Settlement or High Tech situation, there will be times when individuals may find themselves on foot and without resources.
 
Provide Streaming Audio / Video Capability on the Internet
Provide Streaming Audio / Video Capability on the Internet was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. As prototypes and demos are videotaped the best way to distribute these productions is via streaming video and audio from the dedicated NT server. Until such time as the server is funded, it would be of value to see what the cost would be on another server to provide streaming audio and video. The payoff is tremendous, as the work being done on the prototypes will then be available on demand for whoever wishes to learn from these productions.
 
Hydroponics Prototype and Demo
Hydroponics Prototype and Demo was judged Excellent in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. While there will be construction and maintenance costs associated with this project, a clear and complete understanding of how to construct such a setup is essential for any survivable community. In addition, much needed data associated with hydroponic gardening is to be acquired by means of this project.
 
Fish/Algae Tanks Prototype and Demo
Fish/Algae Tanks Prototype and Demo was judged Excellent in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. Second only to hydroponics and worm production for food, the culture of fish and algae will provide much additional protein and fat to the diet, not to mention the psychological impact of a occasional treat to the diet. From a relative standpoint, this project can be quite inexpensive if we utilize such things as galvanized metal containers, which come in quite large sizes for the watering of cattle. These containers are quite plentiful around the TT Inc. site, as this area has many dairy farms which make use of these containers and they are readily available. In addition, they can be located both inside and outside (if covered to prevent contamination by the lead contained in the rain). It is expected that some lighting will be required for aquatic plant life. In addition, some mechanism of aerating the water will be required and a couple of designs are "on the board" for that purpose. Orientals have raised fish for eating for millennia. The primary fish grown is a type or carp which feeds of vegitation. This prototype/demo will experiment with both carp and catfish, which will consume worms produced in the worm beds quite happily. The payoff for this project is huge, while the cost is modest.
 
Prototype/Demo Flowing Water Electric Generator
Prototype/Demo Flowing Water Electric Generator was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. This prototype/demo project is one that is very close to the author's heart in that it holds the possibility for providing inexpensive, continuous, and abundant energy for a number of vital functions for any community. The almost continuous rain anticipated after the PS promises many swift flowing ground level water power sources. The power of flowing water is tremendous, many times the energy and reliability of wind power. Furthermore, the means of transferring this power of flowing water is orders of magnitude simpler and less expensive than is required to harness wind power. A paddle wheel is simple technology used for thousands of years. It captures the power of flowing water and transforms it into a rotating shaft. Using the simple principals of the gear, that energy can be controlled and utilized for many things, from driving an electric generator, to turning a large circular saw, to driving a cross cut saw, to grinding grain, to rotating a spool which in turn is able to pull a cable to haul heavy loads such as whole tree trunks, and on and on.
 
The TT Inc. has access to such a deep and fast flowing river where many variations on this theme could be prototyped. The major potential stumbling block may well be the ability to obtain a permit for such an operation. Limited prototypes could, however be built on a smaller scale where the paddle wheel would be built such that it could be lowered into the water for an experiment or demo, then raised out of the water until the next time. Since the project would have to be replaceable by others with limited resources the design would be such that every part was fabricated using hand working tools and the demo blacksmith shop. As this prototype could be the corner stone of any community, requirements for it would be stringent in relation to the ability to construct it from materials and methods available after the PS. It would, therefore incur very little costs, but would require a tremendous amount of labor. The author's expectation is that much planning will go into it's design, but the construction will be carried out over an extended length of time, being also a part of hands-on workshops and classes in wood working, blacksmithing, electric power generation, sawmill construction, etc. Labor for it's construction would come from many sources, but mostly from those who choose to spend vacations at the TT Inc. site for personal instruction and classes of many types. As with all projects, this would be video taped extensively.
 
Prototype/Demo Growing Chickens using Insects and Worms
Prototype/Demo Growing Chickens using Insects and Worms was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. This prototype/demo will be very low cost, using materials at hand to construct the cages with the cost of baby chicks negligible. The payoff, however could be tremendous if the chicken can, in fact be raised to maturity by being fed primarily insects and worms from the abundance of the worm bed. Of major concern is the requirement for some fat in the diet, with a lessor but still important consideration of the psychological impact of being able to eat meat and eggs from time to time.
 
Prototype and Demo Large Capacity Water Still
Prototype and Demo Large Capacity Water Still was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. In addition to the purely educational project of teaching the principle's of distillation, a prototype and demo of large scale distillation of water for drinking, etc. is needed. This project is much more ambitious in that it seeks to prototype and demonstrate how to distill batches of 100 gallons or more at a time. This capability will be required for even the smallest of communities. A design and specific plans for this project already exist and materials at hand will be used with the exception of a small number of items which will be scrounged. The primary expense of this project will be the purchase of a used or, if necessary, oxygen-acetylene setup and small electric welder. The cost of these items will be spread out over quite a number of other projects. The total cost of these items should not exceed $400. The benefit from this project is that every community will require safe distilled water in large quantities.
 
Metal working with Black Smith Shop Demo
Metal working with Black Smith Shop Demo was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. As with the need for woodworking capabilities, any community must have the ability to fabricate metal devices. In this regard, we need only look back a few generations to see the remarkable capabilities of the village blacksmith. The necessity for this trade is ancient. The purpose of this Demo project is to re-learn these skills and teach them to others by hands-on workshops and, of course, an extensive set of videos. The costs of this project are very low, with the primary cost being that for a large anvil which we hope to find at a local auction. The payoff is tremendous, however, in that this trade is seldom practiced today but will be a mainstay activity after the PS.
 
Water Distillation Basics Video Tape
Water Distillation Basics Video Tape was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. The purpose of this project is to simply make a video that demonstrates the principals of distillation of water to remove all impurities and provide absolutely clean water. For most, this can be remembered from High School chemistry class. However, we must keep in mind that TT Inc.'s audience is the entire world and a very high population does not have this education and basic understanding. The cost of this project is limited to the making of the video.
 
Wood working with Hand Tools Demo
Wood working with Hand Tools Demo. was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. Following the PS, one would expect to see a large amount of broken and damaged debris. Most things that we take for granted will be hard to come by, such as a simple chair. These things and even many tools and structures will require either fixing or construction. We are used to electric tools to fabricate such things as furniture and even cut wood. Sense what electric power is available will, in most cases, be dedicated to the growing of food, the working of wood must be done the way of our forefathers, with hand tools. This project includes the collection and display of the many forms of hand tools required by a well equipped wood-worker. The production of videos showing the use of these tools is an important educational product, as is the acquisition of existing literature and videos on the subject. In comparison to a well equipped modern wood-working shop, hand tools are very inexpensive; yet their importance is very high.
 
Demo Ham Radio using HF
Demo Ham Radio using HF was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. Long distance communications outside the bounds of a settlement will not only be essential for obtaining information not available to the settlement, such as how to remove a rupturing appendix, to the psychological impact of being able to communicate with other communities so as to avoid the crushing feeling of complete isolation. Over two thirds of the costs associated with this Demo are alleviated by the existing possession of HF radio equipment in excellent working order. Due to the peak in the sunspot cycle which will last through the PS, long distance and even world wide communications can occur with a simple wire antenna. However, using such an antenna brings in many stations on the same frequency, making it quite difficult to carry on inter-continental contacts. Because this project is for the purpose of demonstrating the use of HF radio to individuals in person and especially by video tape, and because of the likelihood of media demonstrations which will be transmitted to millions, it is important that the HF Ham Radio setup include a tower and "beam" antenna system. This antenna system allows the radio to only receive those signals coming from a very narrow direction, like a flashlight, so that observers are able to listen to and understand communications with a single other radio station. This ability will multiply the demonstration effectiveness many times over what it would be with only a wire antenna. Such an antenna setup is rather expensive, on the order of around $1500. The project will make every effort to obtain a used tower and antenna, which will decrease this cost to 1/4th or 1/3rd.
 
Demo Ham Radio using HF was judged Yes in the matter of Cost Specific to this Activity is Low. Yes was chosen because it can be demonstrated with existing equipment and a wire antenna. If a tower and beam antenna is used the answer would be no.
 
Demo Ham Radio Using VHF
Demo Ham Radio Using VHF was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. Demo of Ham Radio for short range communications between communities. This demo would be shown as a package along with the HF Radio Demo and incur the same benefits. The cost would be very small, possibly none as the antenna can be mounted on the same tower as the HF antenna and the VHF Beam antenna could be constructed on site, producing a video.
 
Provide Campground for use by Visitors Taking On Site Classes
Provide Campground for use by Visitors Taking On Site Classes was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. For those wishing to visit the TT Inc. site for a few days of classes and hands-on activities, we plan to build a yet to be determined number of primitive camp sites which will include a wood tent platform, large mounted tent and external insect screen. Inside will be electric lighting and cots. The cottage will provide full bathroom facilities as well as a meeting room for rainy day classes. The front half of the main building yard will be grass with picnic tables and a large tent covering for class meetings, socializing, and meals served from the adjacent kitchen in the house, or barbecue prepared in that area. Attendance of these classes will be by invitation only. Depending upon interest, the tents may be replaced by small cabins. The fundamental idea is to invite TT members with a demonstrated interest and leadership desires for building other communities to have the opportunity to see and participate in real working solutions that they will be able to take home and know will work, thus being in a much better position to speak with authority about what should be done within their own situation. The costs associated with this activity may appear high on the surface, but in actuality is very small, especially if our potential leaders will take advantage of the opportunity being prepared for them. The payback is tremendous, because the range of demos and classes is very large, in one place, be of the highest quality, and leave the participant with tangible experience and knowledge that no amount of web space can ever provide. In addition, the experience of socializing with like minded others leaves a confidence that can be obtained in no other way.
 
Demo/Prototype Wood-Gas Production
Demo/Prototype Wood-Gas Production was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. The wood-gas prototype/demo will serve two purposes. One is the production of methane gas at a relatively constant rate that can be used to run a small modified engine or provide the gas for a welding torch. In addition, a byproduct of the process is charcoal, for which there are many uses form a steady cooking source, to a black smith forge, to further refinement as a chemical useful for many purposes. The design is similar to the large scale water still but much simpler. The device can be constructed from materials at hand and will utilize the welding equipment required to build the large volume water still. The cost will therefore be low.
 
Root Cellar Demo
Root Cellar Demo was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. This demo could be done in one of several ways, the first being to simply use an unheated and very cool area of the basement of the main house. A second option would be to have the excavator, while there for the barn, take an extra swipe or two into the embankment next to the barn and use rocks in the area to construct a nice deep root cellar at that point, covering the top with the excavated dirt. And last, we could dig into the embankment by hand supporting the roof and sides to produce a hand made root cellar that would be really authentic of what could be done after the PS. I particularly favor the last alternative even though it is labor intensive. There is virtually no cost involved with any of these options.
 
Demo Large Scale Food Drying
Demo Large Scale Food Drying was judged Excellent in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. This project costs virtually nothing, yet provides a means of storage for long term use when food is harvested.
 
Demo of Spring water Collector
Demo of Spring water Collector was judged Fair in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. On the surface, this demo project is quite simple and inexpensive. It is, but not quite as simple and inexpensive as first glance. On the TT Inc. site is one of many ground water springs with one in particular being quite accessible and with an abundant flow of clear pure water. This spring runs from the base of a steep embankment, making it's way to the Baraboo River. The plan is to capture this flow by digging a 4 foot trench into the bank from which it comes so that the bottom of the trench is at the level of the flowing spring. We then plan to place a 4 inch diameter PVC pipe into the trench, capturing the flow of water, and then fill the trench back in. Where the spring currently forms a small pool before becoming a small stream making it's way to the river, we plan to dig a 2 foot diameter by 3 food deep hole and insert a section of concrete culvert vertically into the hole with a 4 inch hole cut in one side about 6 inches from the top end and the PVC pipe carrying the spring flow inserted through the 4 inch hole. This section of culvert then becomes a catch basin for the spring which will remain clean inside. From the culvert we then do one of two things. First, we could install a small electric pump and 2 inch line around to the area of the rear of the cottage area to provide a continuous stream of fresh water to the aqua culture prototype/demo, or we could dig a trench from the culvert to the area behind the barn, keeping the trench bottom level. 4 inch PVC pipe would be run from the catch basin to the end of the trench to the area to the rear of the barn. At such time that the barn is excavated we could have another trench dug from the level of the PVC pipe into the embankment next to the barn, between the barn and chicken cook to about 10 feet beyond the back of the barn. This is a level and high spot. The PVC would then be extended down this trench, all the while being at the same level as the spring catch basin. At the end of this trench we would again provide a concrete basin, this time somewhat larger. Directly above this catch basin would be placed a reconditioned water pumping windmill which are found in abundance in this area. The trench would then be filled in. The windmill would then be able to pump fresh water originating from the spring for use in the aqua culture prototype/demo, a line run under the road, and to the cistern next to the house. From there the water could be used for the garden, the hydroponics in the basement, and even the kitchen of the house.
 
While the latter plan would provide a number of Demo's including the use of a windmill for pumping water, the extensive excavation required would be expensive and not something that would represent what could be done post PS. I would certainly expect to do the first part ... capture the spring into a catch basin and even pump water from that to the aqua culture prototype so we don't have to buy water, but the extension to the windmill and beyond is questionable in terms of cost/benefit.
 
Clean-up of TT Inc. Site
Clean-up of TT Inc. Site was judged Excellent in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. This project is currently underway. As Corporate Headquarters, the site needs to give a good impression, as first impressions go a long way. In particular, many areas around the property require cleanup, removing junk and trash. Particularly, there are places where trees need to be cut, but more importantly the tremendous amount of brush. Paths to various spots that demonstrate survival techniques and methods need to be cleaned and foot paths covered with wood chips. We want to disturb the natural state as little as possible, while making it possible to get to the particular spots of interest. In addition, the spots for camping platforms and paths to them must be cleared and the paths covered with wood chips. This requires the purchase of a gasoline powered weed whacker with a saw blade attachment, priced at $180.00, a chipper/schreader priced at $580, and a chain saw which Nancy has already purchased at $100 and needs to be reimbursed for. The benefit, of course, is a well maintained site for prototypes and demos.
 
Rainwater Collector Demo
Rainwater Collector Demo was judged Excellent in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. This project costs virtually nothing since the facilities are already at hand at the TT Inc. site.
 
Food Preserving Using Fermentation Demo
Food Preserving Using Fermentation Demo was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. This project costs virtually nothing and will provide instruction on a centuries long method of preserving food.
 
Demo of Large Bermed Shelter Including Metal Rood and Doors
Demo of Large Bermed Shelter Including Metal Rood and Doors was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. Every site will require some sort of shelter for protection during the Pole Shift from high winds and fire storms. A major factor in the construction of such shelters is that the ground play a major factor in protecting the shelter as the ground costs nothing and will do a very good job. As the TT Inc. just happens to have a very good site for construction of a relatively large shelter for this purpose and the demonstration of such a shelter to the media would provide such a positive impact, this project needs careful consideration. This is one of the most costly of the projects in this proposal, primarily because of the requirement to contract an excavator and operator for a day to excavate the existing bermed barn. In addition, a large amount of work will be required to clear the area of trees and brush in preparation for the excavation work to proceed. Once the foundation is excavated, the stone walls must be rebuilt entailing much more manual labor. The second cost will be the purchase of a Quonset type metal roof to be installed in sections, handleable by at least two workers. The metal door shouldn't be difficult to scrounge. At present the specific costs associated with this project have not been determined.
 
Dedicated NT Server On Line
Dedicated NT Server On Line was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. A dedicated server supporting NetMeeting to be used exclusively for TT purposes would not only make the Board Meetings an order of magnitude more efficient and effective, it would allow for audio/video communications among the various teems and groups. This would allow us all to get to know one another much better and promote community building. The NT Server already exists, is populated with all software and ready to connect to the Internet as a server. The cost, however is quite high and would be a monthly recurring expense. This item needs specific dedicated funding.
 
Demo Windmill Electric Generator
Demo Windmill Electric Generator was judged Fair in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. A large portion of the TT group has expressed at one point or another that their plans call for use of commercial windmill for generation of electrecity. This is an expensive critical cornerstone of their plans and preparations. For that reason it is important that individuals who plan to take this route have an opportunity to gain in-depth understanding and knowledge of this technology. This demo is much more than simply being able to look at the blades turn on a wind driven electrical system, although that would make good video footage on CNN and the various other documentaries already sending out feelers. The real value of a working commercial windmill electric generator demo is the classes that will accompany it. If one is going to use this as their source of electrical power, there is a lot of fundamental knowledge that will be necessary to keep it working, form basic DC electronics theory to hands-on investigation of it's mechanics and repair. Integral with the windmill itself is the understanding of storage batteries and voltage regulation. What must be monitored and looked after to prevent mechanical and electrical damage. This is a high cost project, but for those who plan to use it, the payoff could literally be survival.
 
Demo Windmill (water pump)
Demo Windmill (water pump) was judged Fair in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. See Demo Spring water.
 
Prototype/Demo Ham Radio using 50 MHz Digital design via Meteor Scatter Propagation
Prototype/Demo Ham Radio using 50 MHz Digital design via Meteor Scatter Propagation was judged Good in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. The idea for this device is based upon a post quite a while ago about how the Canadian equivalent of the UPS keeps track of their trucks way in the "outback". To my knowledge nothing like it has ever been published in the Ham Radio literature. The idea is a self contained small device with a keyboard and LCD display and a vhf transceiver and Omni-directional antenna. One would type a message for a particular recipient or several messages to different recipients. Then just leave the device alone. The device would use the packet digital protocol and just keep trying every second or two to get a packet acknowledged from any of the recipient radios in the queue. Over time individual packets of the various messages would eventually get through via meteor scatter propagation. One would check the status of any message at any time. Eventually the reply would get through to the system via the same means. It would take a lot of time, but operation would be unattended and received messages buffered until read and deleted. The device would be totally self contained and all would operate on a single crystal controlled frequency. A very slow, but persistent version of internet email over long distances. The design is to be implemented using parts obtainable from old TV's and such. As much as the electronics, the instruction manual for assembling it would be part of the project. There isn't much money involved with this project but a heck of a lot of time ... probably scheduled to be worked on as time is available.
 
Prototype/Demo Steam Generator and Steam Engine from Auto/Truck Engine
Prototype/Demo Steam Generator and Steam Engine from Auto/Truck Engine was judged Fair in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. This prototype has been written up, for the most part and is on the web. The benefit is the ability to produce abundant energy for lighting hydroponic gardens and other things that require electrical power. The prototype can be built from materials purchased at junk metal prices. The tools required include the welding equipment to be used on at least 3 of the proposed prototype/demos and a $4000 set of mechanics tools owned by myself but still located in Louisiana. At some point I will fly to Louisiana and rent a uhaul truck to move all my possessions to WI.
 
Demo Efficient Family Gardening Techniques
Demo Efficient Family Gardening Techniques was judged Fair in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. This project demo is another purely educational activity. From experience, the cost will run around $100 to set up a couple of square foot garden beds. To get the most from this extremely productive gardening technique there are many things to consider that one really doesn't gain an adequate appreciation for from reading a book. Square Foot Gardening will be one of the classes offered at the TT Inc. site.
 
Renovate TT Inc. Headquarters
Renovate TT Inc. Headquarters was judged Fair in the matter of Benefit to Cost Ratio. Once Nancy relocates to the WI site and opens the doors for business the offices should be painted and wiring installed to support the power requirements of the computer equipment. In addition, the outside of the building needs scraping and staining so as to show a shinny new face. As this can be a very expensive activity, one idea is for a number of members to get together and do the scraping and staining and throw a big party afterwards.