Useful Thoughts and Actions Taken

Southwest Texas Alternative Energy and Sustainable Living Field Laboratory,

John Wells is setting up some "off grid" living in Texas.  It is more economically off grid which of course is the most important part.  He has internet.

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True independence like this is what will do in all the things that both conservatives and liberals complain about.  But then liberals like to complain because it is their arbitrage into the money so I do not look for anything to change until a crisis.  

By Fudgy McFarlen, ago

Student Health Insurance for Brazil required for visa

Companies

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By Fudgy McFarlen, ago

Visa Process for CTI Program

Inquiry Result: Jose Luis Ramirez Bohorque

Vitem-I Description:  Brazil Consulate.chicago.site:

Temporary Visa I ( VITEM-I ):

Scientists, professors, researchers, participants in cultural, technological or scientific missions (services provided must not be paid for by a corporation or other legal entity based in Brazil, except for wages for services rendered, with the submission of a receipt);
Scientists, technicians, researchers or volunteers under the umbrella of an international cooperation program;
Exchange students (Rotary, AIESEC, AFS etc);
Technicians receiving training in the operation and maintenance of machinery or equipment produced in Brazil;
Amateur athletes, under 21 year old, participating in training programs in Brazil;
Provision of services to a religious or social assistance entity, without employment relationship with a corporation or other legal entity based in Brazil.
Scientists, professors, researchers or any other professionals taking part in seminars or conferences, being paid by a Brazilian institution. In this case, you must present the invitation letter attesting you are going to be financially rewarded for your participation (if you are an unpaid speaker, please check Vitur).
 
Temporary Visa I holders are not allowed to engage in any paid activity in Brazil.    

Conclusions

  • The last sentence in the description is confusing as the CTI program does pay.

 

By Fudgy McFarlen, ago

Shipping Math – Box Size Selection for maximum economic efficiency when moving household apartment

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UPS Notes

  • Large Package Surcharge:  A Large Package Surcharge will be applied to each UPS package when its length plus girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] combined exceeds 130 inches , but does not exceed the maximum UPS size of 165 inches.
  • Limit of Length + Girth = 130 inches / 5 = 26 inches – this is cube form factor 

UPS Results

  • 32x32x32" @ 100lbs package gets bill bumped up to 198lbs weight.  Cost = 240 USD
  • 25x25x25" @ 100lbs package gets billed at 100lbs weight.  Cost = 107 USD.  — This size comes in under the large package limit.
  • 25x25x25" @ 70lbs package gets billed at 95lbs weight. Cost = 94 USD – This result was calculated to compare with USPS limit weight. 
  • 25x25x25" @ 50lbs package gets billed at 95lbs weight. Cost = 94 USD – 

USPS Notes

  • 70lbs limit on weight
  • Limit of Length + Girth = 130 inches / 5 = 26 inches – this is cube form factor 

USPS Results

  • 25x25x25" @ 70lbs package.  Cost = 92 USD
  • 25x25x25  @ 50lbs package.   Cost = 92 USD

FedEx Results

  • 25x25x25" @ 100lbs package: Cost =92 USD  —This is getting suspicous they are all very close on pricing. – Above 25" cube prices shoot up just like the other shippers.

 

​Where to buy boxes?

  • I looked at Uline 25x25x25 cubes – Qty = 10 cost 42 USD.  The problem is the shipping costs as the only option is motor freight:  – CONWAY FREIGHT    1 day    $65.84.  This only works if you are shipping >20 or more boxes
  • UPS has 24x24x24 cubes  –  Cost = 15.22 per.
  • Uhaul has 24x18x24 boxes – 2.45 per 
  • FedEx has 24x24x24 cubes Cost = 10.50 USD Per 

Conclusion

  • UPS and USPS size limits and costs are virtually equal
  • USPS limits out at 70lbs and UPS has more of an economic limit where shipping loses efficiency.  Thus given I have no weighing mechanism in house it will be safer to go with UPS.
  • Buy the boxes at FedEx.

I am now working on whether to ship my books via USPS media rate.  Box == 21 x 21 x 11 @ 50lbs costs 24 US Dollar to ship.  Very good deal on weight.

By Fudgy McFarlen, ago

BTU 3615 Temperature Controller used on Belt Furnaces

I had a talk with Bob Loeb of RGL Enterprises on the phone today.  He works with ebay:BTU 3615 temperature controllers.  Appears that the only software that works with them is DOS based and fairly antiquated.  Loeb mentioned that the BTU 3615.   

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By Fudgy McFarlen, ago