MakeTruck a proposal to Make:

Scott Gasparian
http://www.1sky.com/
650.218.3984
gaspo /at/ 1sky.com

a Mercedes 508D Feuerwehrfahrzeug

Proposed: Convert a Mercedes 508D Fire Truck into a complete MakeFaire on wheels.

The Truck can roughly be separated into three compartments, the Driver section, the mid Crew Compartment, and the Rear Cargo area. Complete Chassis infrastructure and systems additions are grouped separate.

Rear Cargo and Make Modules:

The rear half of the truck is a single compartment with three access doors, one each side and rear. Currently there are fire hose reels and accessory shelves and hooks installed that will need to be removed. Tie down anchor points can be made from the removed brackets, allowing road-case style modules to be installed. These modules will provide a self-contained portable lab complete with the appropriate tools and materials for the subject. Access panels on both sides allow the module to be utilized whilst still inside the truck, or the module can be rolled out and around to an appropriate location. Construction of the modules is similar to wooden cases used by the entertainment industry for sound and lighting equipment. The center space between two installed modules could either hold a third module or tables, chairs, etc. A removable loading ramp completes the module deployment

• Make module: everything necessary to assemble an assortment of Make kits.
• Craft module: a complete sewing and Craft shop.
• RePurpose module: for opening any appliance or e-waste, and Making something better.
• Computer module: complete computer setup for show and teach.
• Bio Diesel Demo module: complete demonstration system for WVO conversion. x
• Others: fits in 4'w x 4'h x 2'd, approximate 30'2.

Crew Compartment:

The center compartment currently has two bench seats of somewhat questionable comfort. Removal of these will allow a storage/desk unit to be mounted. This will provide a basic office layout allowing 3-4 people to work on laptops, instructors to store personal items, or a separate bench work area. An overhead locking storage area is also suggested complete with internal power for charging cell phones, camcorders, laptops and such. A second arrangement would be a fold-up desk and bench seats allowing the center to be used for cargo or another module. A third is a complete video production setup allowing live video mixing and streaming. This would also be a good place to put a nice first-aid kit, fire extinguishers, and other highly visible safety gear.

Drivers Compartment:

Simple and inexpensive additions include: GPS with external antenna and NMEA output to DVR computer allows GPS tagging of video recordings. For added safety, a Citizens Band transceiver and an amateur radio 2m/70cm transceiver. PA, Noise and LED lights should be controlled from this position.

Infrastructure:

Propulsion: A natural upgrade is Bio Diesel. This is a simple process that involves mostly replacing gaskets and seals that are already 20+ years old with ones compatible with bio diesel. Further adaptations to vegetable oil direct are possible, but involves a bit more plumbing and hoses. Other possible upgrades are producer-gas furnace that burns garbage, LP, LNG or CNG conversions, diesel-hybrid, Fuel Cell (H2 or HCH) and pure electric.

Power: A simple power solution is the addition of extra batteries with an isolator or charger, and a DC-AC inverter. This would allow AC power to go wherever the MakeTruck goes. Subsequent additions of solar (PV) panels and/or external generators could extend this capability. Minimum recommendations is 2000w sine wave inverter, 800AH 12v or 600AH 24v Flooded Pb, attached shore charger, and appropriate fuse and distribution. Batteries would be under slung in a drop-down bracket, the charger/inverter installed on the rear bulkhead, and distribution in the central office. Standard RV charge points, breakers, mounting, and shore connectors ensure durability to road conditions and vibrations. Additional storage for extension cables and power strips keeps a simple and rapid method to power the modules.

Internet: For most bay area urban deployments, CDMA modems or standard WiFi will be suitable. However, the rest of the country is perhaps not so wireless, and cell broadband quickly reaches capacity with more than a couple users. Installation of a central wireless hub and router, a long range WiFi directional antenna, and a high gain omni directional antenna would allow the MakeTruck to become an access point. Line of Sight links up to 10 miles are possible with consumer grade equipment, and could provide a WiFi cloud just about anywhere. For even more remote deployments, there are a variety of satellite based internet access options. There are inherent downsides to satellite links, notably the packet delay time and the initial acquisition and setup issues, but these have been addressed with more modern versions.

Radio: Low Power FM radio transmitters and TV transmitters could allow the MakeTruck to be a complete mobile radio/tv station. A complete Ham Radio station is also possible with a single radio unit and an external antenna, including a 2m/70cm International Space Station voice link. The advent of the Internet Repeater Link Project has brought amateur radio back into the "modern times" and is quickly becoming an international resource for instant communications. All of these options could collectively fit into a single lockable compartment integrated into the central office cabinet, or a removable suitcase sized road case.

Video: The MakeTruck should be a complete video capture tool. Festooned with weatherproof outdoor color/IR video cameras and equipped with handheld cameras, the truck can serve as a micro TV studio. An inexpensive laptop with linux and USB can simultaneously record many views around the truck. Additional wired or wireless portable video cameras can also input to the DVR system. The model rocket world also uses amateur radio ATV to send live video from rockets and balloons, and requires a $20 cable tv set top box and junk antenna. This technology is extremely tiny and can easily be mounted just about anywhere to provide a live video link back to the truck. These streams can then be recorded to fast media, mixed live, broadcast locally on an inexpensive TV transmitter, or optionally streamed live to the internet with sufficient bandwidth.

Exterior: Lucky that red is already a Make color, some simple graphics based on the make "bolt" would be appropriate. CA regulations prohibit the use of blue warning lights, but they could be replaced with LED's of various fun colors, perhaps some POV applications? A loud PA system with external megaphones and mp3 player input ensures that nobody misses the MakeTruck arrival, as would additional cheap car alarm sirens and claxons. Permanently mounted video cameras provide constant input to the DVR for time-lapse and immediate coverage of events around the truck. The top deck is sufficient for placement of a mast mounted camera, weather station, antennas, and a camera operator platform with modular camera pedestal.

Roof Rack: The current roof rack is sturdy and well constructed, and will serve well for mounting purposes. Weatherproof enclosure mini video cameras similar to RV backup cameras can be permanently mounted to provide a 360d view around the truck. A simple mounting bracket attachment can hold a mast mounted camera for a larger overview of the area, easily removed and stowed for travel. Mounting points for a removable tripod allows a larger video camera and operator to record from the roof. Appropriate tie straps and netting provides an all purpose extra load area for larger objects needing transport. Common RV roll up awnings can be had cheap that quickly create a welcoming space and shade area, also providing large logo opportunity. An aluminum loading ramp that attaches to the rear door frame can be stored under frame or on the ladder rack.

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