Harvest Trolley - dimensions

An update on re-sizing the trolley. I like the way it is of the prototype, but my friend P'Wah think it should be more compact. The proposed dimensions are:

1. Platform size: 0.8m x 0.8m
2. Platform height: 1.5m, adjustable in 10cm step to 1.7m
3. Base 1m x 1.5m
4. Wheels size: 6" (as suggested by Justin)

This is what it looks like: (man height in drawing is 1.67m)
N.B. The cross braces are left out of drawing.



















Any further comments or feedback?

Another helpful feedback from Justin - for a wider wheel base. Thanks for the illustration too.



















This can be DIY build with angle iron available from local hardware stores (as our prototype). We find it cumbersome to move it for use between floors. So our preference is to build with aluminum, to be light and easy to disassemble.

Alternatively, each floor can have a trolley and move only the motor drives. If you need motors & control, please PM me at chng.charles@gmail.com

Thoughts on future direction of this blog

This blog has been in existence for slightly over 2 years now. It served as a channel to share some of my thoughts and activities. The future path is to find new and better ways to improve the operations and management of bird houses - tried and tested solutions along with proven products shall be featured here.

In my view, there are many myths & half truths propagated out there in cyberspace. An example is the selection of tweeters; not many folks can tear through some of the technical spin around it. The best choice is to derive from real experiments with birds, not merely based on technical discussion & specs. This is certainly one subject I would investigate further with comparative tests.

What's more? I intend to convert solutions into products such as the motorized trolley in development.

What's the intention? I am setting up a fund in aid of building a technical school in Sangklaburi, a remote town near the Thailand & Myanmar border. This is not my personal project but would contribute some efforts to its realization. Profits derived would be channel towards this cause.

Some may have come across this in my other blog:
http://my-swiftlet-farm.blogspot.com/2010/11/visitor-on-special-mission.html

If you like to find out more, please visit these blogs:
The fund raising walk:-
http://walkforeducation.wordpress.com/

The Technical School Project:-
http://prsarkartechnical.wordpress.com/

I hope that if you find my blog informative & useful, be kind enough to contribute too. In return I offer services in areas of my competency.

Bird nest harvesting trolley test drive

Having given the battery a new charge, the motorized trolley was rolled out for a test drive.

Here you see my friend P'Wah took it through various paces - forward, turning & reverse movements. He seem pleased & me too!


We would develop it further as a "knock-down" version for ease of transport & assembly. Your inputs to its refinement are most welcome. Our primary objective is a convenient & safe platform to work on.

Bird nests harvesting trolley

Well, my motorized trolley has finally got off the drawing board!
Designed for dual purpose in mind - bird nests harvesting & to inspect/service the sound system.

It is timely as a friend fell off the ladder while harvesting bird nests 2 weeks ago. He simply mounted a ladder on wheels and has been using it for a long time! It never appear safe to me however. One day his son pushed a little too hard accidentally and he lost balance at the top. He jumped off and had a bad landing - broke his leg and shoulder blade. Seem like Murphy's law repeating itself again - "If it can go wrong, it will eventually!"

The prototype is built with angle iron for ease of assembly. Though designed for one, it can actually accommodate 2 persons. A shelf is added to place tools when used as a working platform. A commercial version will be develop next.



















The motors (with reduction gears) are driven by 12V car battery. Photo showing the universal coupler connecting the motor & wheel.













The joy-stick with micro-switches arrangement for directional control - forward, left, right & reverse. I've found an industrial grade version for the final design.



















Look forward to its test drive on video next.