Note: The October and November issues of this newsletter are a bit shorter than normal due to a few of the contributers being out of town. We should see everyone back come the December issue.
Contents: Monthly Meeting Minutes | Editors Corner
Monthly Meeting Minutes by Bill Dean (billdean@calweb.com)
VP Tim Loree presided over the meeting, starting at 10 am. Several members gave announcements, including a toll-free number 1-800-GMELECT to call to ask why not offer the EV-1 in Sacramento. Tim introduced Eckart Schroeder.
Eckart gave an informative presentation on electric boats. The first part, an introduction to constraints on hull speed, will appear in the newsletter in December. Eckart's own kit-built boat weighs 350 lb loaded and has effective thrust of 28 lb, and a top speed of 3.5 to 4 knots.
Eckart showed some vugraphs of electric boats. They ranged in size from a one-person rowboat to a $160K houseboat with solar cells on top.
Eckart explained why water transport is cheaper than land transport by a factor of 20. On a car or truck, the tires have to bear the load and also provide propulsion. On a boat, the hull bears the load, and the propeller can specialize in providing thrust.
After the presentation, members shared their insights about progress in fuel cells, ultracapacitors, and flywheels. Tim announced that the club car is still in Tony Cygan's driveway.
Editors Corner by Bill Dean (billdean@calweb.com)
National EAA Election: Vote for Tim and Tony
SEVA members who also belong to the national EAA have the right to vote in EAA elections. The October issue of Current EVents contains a ballot for the EAA Board. Note that two SEVA members are listed among the candidates. Tim Loree is our energetic Vice President who presides over the monthly meetings. Tony Cygan is our competent Newsletter editor -- except for October and November, while he is traveling. This is Tim's first run for such a high office. Tony is running for a second term on the EAA Board.
Ruth and Tony Skip the Country
Ruth MacDougall and Tony Cygan are traveling outside the U.S. for a few weeks. Ruth's itinerary includes EVS-13, an EV industry event, in Tokyo. Both had plans to attend the World Solar Challenge in Australia. We look forward to hearing from them soon.
Because of his travels, Tony turned the newsletter over to substitutes for a couple of months. Jim McCorduck produced the newsletter in October. Bill Dean did it for this newsletter. They look forward to Tony's return. He has an unbeatable combination of skill, experience, and software.
Return to SEVA's Homepage