A Chemistry Experiment

A reader wrote with this opening line, "I would think that a flood of swiftlet farmers would make a beeline to join your network."

To which my response was, "As for participants, I keep my fingers crossed. I deliberated on this for weeks - in the end I treat this as another experiment. What I want to do I am doing it anyhow, with group participation or not." Here, I am not an optimist!

I listened to Professor Peter Singer, a philosopher at Princeton University, delivered an address on "Ethics and Evolution" at Sydney University the other day.











In the lecture, he contents that "altruism", a human trait is part of human evolution, as a survival skill. "You help me and I'll help you in return. You scratched my back, I'll scratch yours. If I helped someone and it wasn't reciprocated, then why should I do it again?" Sure, we behave like that, don't we?

He went on, "Since it is a survival skill, it can be faked to better one's personal agenda." Sure again, don't we see such characters in our midst too?

There are all sorts of people around us. In cyberspace, people's behavior are accentuate further (or amplified) under anonymity.

Often there are emails or comments dropped in from the cold. I would normally acknowledge and respond to them. Soon as people get the information wanted, you don't hear from them again. Some may not even leave a word of appreciation.

At the other end, there are generous people who are willing to share what they have, even a little.

In between the spectrum, there are the "sincere impostors", with footprints everywhere, to befriend for the sole objective of "sucking" knowledge. I choose not to ruffle more feathers here. One takes time to observe before making judgment.

So what's the experiment?

A lesson from Chemistry... solutions are often clear, can't tell between acidic or alkaline. The test is simple - a litmus test (remember?). Pink or Blue, you can tell instantly after one dip.













In the first premise, intention is to give back something to people who offered their generosity. So what is a better test than this?

It is a good filter. At the end of the day.. it will show up PINK or BLUE, the count is irrelevant and doesn't matter.

Art of BH Design

Just as I deliberate on this topic, a reader wrote and summed up his thoughts with this line:

"I think swiftlet farming is not only science but also art as well."

I can't agree more. Yes, in every aspect of it. A good case to illustrate is architecture - beneath its creative expression in form spans a diverse engineering knowledge across many disciplines.












A "green roof" to provide thermal insulation and breed insects is not a bad idea, as somebody implemented already.















Allow me to rephrase as:

"Understanding is science, application is an art."

BH designs need not to be alike. There are certainly common denominators among successful designs.

Some examples of group synergy in knowledge sharing:
1) A reader suggested earlier a topic on "effective design" - that is a valid point in addition to functional & economical considerations. To me the added perspective is towards a "minimal energy" BH design.

In natural caves, there is no "energy input" to its maintenance. While our "artificial caves" habitat require energy input & technology to regulate its application.

The "minimum energy" measure is how effective a design is - i.e. close to the ideal.

To this end, my starting point is the concept of thermal model. If one has a clear understanding from this perspective, there is a lot of clarity in trouble shooting and improving the micro-environment too.

It probably served me well as I lost power for 2 months not long after the new BH began operation. It could have been worse if not for the considerations in its design.

For those who are using exhaust fans/sun screens for their BH, only if they could understand the basics better, their solution would be different.

2) Another reader informs of his intention to build a new BH, to which I responded:

"Hi W..., before you proceed building your new BH, take a trip to Thailand. I'll walk you through what's the state of art here. Perhaps review your design. You'll find it worthwhile."

3) I did several design reviews over time, all on goodwill basis. As of now, a reader invite opinion in his BH extension with "open roof" design. I recommended the use SketchUp to model the layout and his reply:

"Thanks for the recommendation of the Software. Yes, it's a very powerful and good one. Manage to sketch something out of it. Hope the design is easier to see."

And further advice:
"Actually I intend to do 3-D models in new BH Design blog, including open roof designs, for benefit of members.

I have use SketchUp right from the beginning. You can model in exact dimension with as much details as you want. What's more you can place 3-D model on Google Earth on scale 1:1, orientate its placement.. wonderful!

You can use this model to check on flight paths obstruction if model accurately. Worth the extra effort."

I went through these in early days. Used it to adjust position of entrance hole in relation to both light and flight paths into roving room and nesting areas.

Finally, have we learn "all there is to know" on this subject?
There is certainly sufficient knowledge around to build good bird houses. To make it better.. there are still plenty room for advancements.

For the new BH Design book by Drs. Arief Budiman, at hefty price of Rp 2,500,000 (US$232), surely there are new knowledge in there (being an optimist). But how much is "new knowledge" and how much is "rehash of existing knowledge", I am eager to find out too.

As mentioned before, if I am to do it over again from a blank sheet, it is going to be different.

Sound System fundamentals

Simple stuff, isn't it? The system was set up and works fine a long time, what's more to do/know?

Points to ponder:

1) Aware simple laws such as above.. the spread of sound power intensity?

2) Able to audit/assess the quality of the system set-up and improve further?

3) How would you overlay additional "pulling sound" circuit to the BH?

4) To increase the tweeter density, can the amplifier handle?

5) Are there redundancy to ensure only partial system failure when an amplifier fails?

6) Amplifier replacement - confident to replace with other models/brand?

7) When there is power failure, how to stretch the operating time of back up system?

8) Choosing tweeters: cost vs. performance - what's the fit for use criteria?

9) Getting more out the internal sound system with fake nest/Styrofoam

As I went about designing my sound system 2 years back, thought there is enough material on the subject to put together. My design is a flexible and robust configuration not seen in the BH so far.

The list of topics drafted:

1. Personal safety & tools

2. Electrical wiring & overload isolation

3. Speaker Wires & wiring configurations

4. Dual & Redundant System

5. Wiring Maintenance & sound level deterioration

6. Installing fake nests & Styrofoam pads

7. Understanding sound basics - frequency range, frequency response & harmonics

8. Tweeter performance test

9. Internal tweeters - piezo & cone types

10. Nesting Modules (new idea to test)

11. How loud should the internal sound level be?

12. External sound: tweeters, horns & hexagon

13. Long range calling sound - bazookas, parabolic speaker

14. Sound players: CD, SD & USB, sound changers

15. Amplifier selection & replacement

16. Know your system power consumption?

17. Battery back-up operation - deep-cycle battery, mains inverter/charger, Solar power

Open Learning Network

In essence, the notion of "Open Learning" entails learning without boundaries. Objective is to advance knowledge frontiers incrementally & continually; test accepted norms and seek understandings at fundamental level.

"Network" embraces a group of individuals in knowledge sharing without barriers and participation to achieve group synergy.

Lofty goals it may be, but that's the sight I set in the horizon.

Framework overview:

1) Knowledge resources:
Collation of established knowledge base.
Education resources to enrich scientific understanding:
1) Sound system fundamentals - foundation knowledge to maintain, upgrade and implement new design.
ii) BH Design fundamentals - foundation knowledge in good design principles: flight paths, light control, internal layout & "minimal-energy" concept BH.

2) BH management "know how"
Application of technology in:
Micro-environment management
Operational issues
Security issues

3) Experimental learning & mutual consultations

4) Open agenda: Innovations to break new ground?

How does it differ from open forums?

1. The differentiation factor should be in knowledge content.
I would author topics under "Sound System & BH Design fundamentals" in new 2 blogs.
A 3rd blog to cover topics 2 to 4.
All "membership access" controlled.

2. "Closed-network" to foster "true" open sharing.

3. Ideal in fostering a "Culture of Altruism" to assist group members.

4. Open to adopt new ideas and better guidelines.

5. Informal meetings as and when appropriate.

6. Anything missed out or better ideas to add?

Admission criteria:
Principle is to reward "generosity with generosity" - made a contribution to : Swiftlet Community Education Fund". Amount? Up to your heart - which always has been.

Registration of Interest: By 31st March 2011

There are more ideals I wish to instill into the group - especially to replace "selfishness with selflessness" in participation.

I hope some years on we can all look back at achievements made together as a group.

Sincerely,

An Invitation to Open Learning

A friend commented recently.. my blogs have return to live. Guess he has taken for "Dead". Many would too, as I have no time line restarting my "engine" again.

Yes, indeed. 25 posts so far this year compared to 12 for the whole of 2010. Main reason is a 10 mths hibernation last year. Being away 3 weeks now, there is time to reflect upon my learning path.

In spite of the lull period, the statistics counter continued to click. It was baffling, as if there is life of its own! Still haven't figured that out.

My other thoughts are sorted out though.. I am extending an open invitation to participate in knowledge sharing "network".









To those who appreciate the contents here, I thank you. While others may regard as "Hot Air" - or saying "alot of NOTHING". I can agree on that too.

Blogs are just windows to my thoughts and activities. In-depth knowledge entails a fair bit of time & effort to write. Thought of a book someday but frankly I lack the motivation.

Some blog readers touches me with their generosity recently. They came forward with contributions to the school building project. I did not solicit, it was purely out of their hearts. Links to recap:

http://my-swiftlet-farm.blogspot.com/2010/11/visitor-on-special-mission.html
http://my-swiftlet-farm.blogspot.com/2011/01/swiftlet-community-education-fund.html

Not that I went out of way to do charity, it crossed my path. Somehow activity here connects the "needy" with "generosity". In appreciation of contributions from them, the donation was in the name of "Swiftlet Community Education Fund".














I feel we are fortunate to be in swiftlet ranching. At some point in life we seek to do something meaningful too. The "Education Fund" idea extends beyond a single project.

Once a poor student having to earn pocket money by giving tuition. A scholarship make a world of difference! I know what that is like.

To those who contributed, I want to offer something in return. None is expecting it, for this is being revealed first time.

I would share my knowledge and experience acquired, details in coming posts.

Experience taught me genuine knowledge sharing is within a "close-network". When people of right chemistry comes together after knowing each other - only then barriers come down.

This is an open invite to others too. If the idea appeals to you PM me chng.charles@gmail.com

Feng Shui for BH?

Talking of "spirits" bring on another topic I know nothing about. This is one aspect I count myself out. Pardon my ignorance here.

"Feng Shui" literally translates to "Wind" & "Water". My narrow understanding relates "Wind" to ventilation & "Water" to humidity and both unified by concept of thermal energy in the BH. Come to think about it, there is always wind and water "energy" around the BH, isn't it?
















I've have seen many BH with "Feng Shui" plaque mounted at a prominent spot, some above entrance hole. Some placed to face physical obstructions far away, such a steel antenna tower, chimney of a temple crematorium or even neighboring BH! An application of super-natural energy?















My curiosity remains confined to the cultural links between the octagonal "Feng Shui" symbol to the Dharma wheels...









seen at Buddhist and Hindu Temple gates.











I was visiting a friend's BH under construction in southern Thailand last year. There is a 90 deg. turn from main entrance to the passageway leading upstairs. Still in time to make adjustment I thought.

"So why not move the entrance to align with the passageway?" I suggested.

"The Feng Shui master said the entrance should face that direction to match my personal "attributes"." came the reply.

Oh..wow, that is beyond my comprehension and end of story!

Feng Shui masters are more empowering (& better paid) than consultants I guess. Another angle for CON-sultants to ponder... for

"Perception is Reality"

He provides the "X-factor" for the success of your BH,
else not his problem if otherwise!

I once watch a TV interview of Malaysian "Feng Shui" master on job matching "employee's facial" attributes to work roles. It is based on scientific principles too.. blah..blah..blah. Amazing, why I can never think like them?

As he was challenged, does it really work? "We only provide the guidelines, it's up to management to implement correctly", how adept was the answer.

"Head" he wins, "Tail" he doesn't loose either.

Same, same, how nice!

Renovating an existing Bird House

Believe me, this can be scary!

In the process of building my standalone BH, I couldn't wait for its completion to gain hands on experience. An opportunity arose and I acquired an existing shop unit BH. I was buying time in a way, rational was to prepare myself prior to the new BH start up.

Photo taken before realizing it was for sale.




















It was a neglected 3 storey BH. Sound system had broken down, humidifiers were not running!

The previous owner was superstitious too, there were deities at corner on ground floor with red electric candles and a "cosmetic powder kit" next to it... huh, (female?) spirits residing there or what?

It was really bizarre! Imagine the eerie feeling when walking there in darkness! Later on even renovation workers dared not remove it for fear of bad omen. That was not the real "scary" experience. Even I don't believe in ghosts, still a bit scared when in there alone. Ever heard of haunted house converted to BH? :o)

Birds were residing on the 2nd storey only, non on other levels. Reasons were obvious, internal layout was simply BAD among others.

It had to be renovated. Question was what and how much to change?

My friends cautioned me not to be drastic to minimize impact on resident birds. But I decided otherwise. It was a bold decision to disregard advice from the experienced. Looking back I had only "half-baked" knowledge then.

My heart sank soon as the renovation works began. All juveniles were gone! The empty feeling was scary as I inspected the work in progress each day, wondering how many adult birds may remain upon completion. The point of no return crossed - putting my beliefs to test and come what may!

I may not know exactly how many birds did not return.. but now almost 2 years on the nests count has more than doubled. Other floors are well populated now. Had I not proceed with necessary changes, I doubt this would be the outcome.

No big deal to brag about really, at least know I "bite the bullet" and did the right things. The BH is still imperfect and shall continue to enrich my learning.

Believe me, in the process I also took risks putting to test the significance of several factors. It was an invaluable learning experience neither books, seminars nor forum discussions can provide. What has become general knowledge are quoted and repeated by everybody. Nobody ranks their significance.

There is little to learn from the "public domain" after a while. Not that I know everything, there are more hypes promoting products and services out there than the kind of knowledge I am after.

Most people seek "quick remedies" like bird sounds and aroma to improve their BH yields. That's perfectly understandable. IMHO there are more to that.

Perhaps those "in-the-know" would agree tacitly. Can we count to hear from them? Good luck.