Andrew Ball <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I've got a working prototype of a new Visor Springboard module.
>
> It's basically a fully functional rotisserie oven, with two massive
> sprockets on the ends of six stainless steel barbeque skewers. It's called
> the "Rotisserie Master"� Springboard.
>
> I have a few technical problems to solve and I'm soliciting advice.
[ deleted ]
> 3) I tried using lithium cells, but I just couldn't get the heating
> elements to warm up. At the moment, the Rotisserie Master requires a
> three-phase, 100 amp, 240VAC disconnect to ensure proper cooking
> temperatures. Obviously, this can make the Rotisserie Master somewhat
> cumbersome and I'm worried that ultimately, this will reduce market share.
> Plus, when the Rotisserie Master Springboard module ships with all its
> options, the shipping weight is close to 135 pounds net.
>
> Additionally, in re-reading my notes on "the Zen of Palm", it would seem
> that I'm stretching the boundaries of what Jeff and Donna had in mind in
> terms of form factor.
Odd that you would put these two paragraphs right next to each other,
and still miss "the Zen of Palm". The module's dependence on electicity
makes it very non-portable, while Jeff Hawkins has stated his goal in
creating the Palm device was to make it "thoughtlessly portable". If
you redesigned it to use a propane burner, rather than using electric
heating elements, you could get all the electrical power you need (for
controlling the gas valve, running the rotisserie, etc.) from a 12 volt
automotive battery. A 20-pound propane tank should be able to get you
through the big family backyard cookout, along with your next
backpacking trip. And, you won't have to worry about finding a campsite
that provides 3-phase electric hookup. If you were really clever, you
could figure out a way to use heat from the propane burner to turn the
rotisserie, and thus get away with a motorcycle battery rather than a
car battery.
Hope this helps!
--
Roger Chaplin
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
