Wednesday, March 11, 2009
newsletter article holographic mapping tool
On March 9th Group 4 Architecture will be the first architecture firm to own and operate the new holographic mapping tool. The machine was designed by Paul Wall of the Peoples Champ Company, and is the first tool of its kind.
The machine works with a simple sketching tool and a vast depth/angle spreadsheet, all done on a computer. The Sketching tool is for inputting the basic outline of the building project. The user will do this for each side of the building, basement, and roof. The next part gets a little tricky however. All the depths of each nook and cranny are inputted into the depth spreadsheet. This allows the machine to automatically adjust angles and combine the building outline sketches into a basic 3-D model. After the 3-D model is complete it is then possible to add all of the exterior details and even detailed floor plans into the model. This makes it possible for the machine to show the user any angle of the project even as if the building were sliced down the middle.
Once the 3-D model is complete the user is able to use the most revolutionary part of this incredible tool, the hologram. The hologram of the building is made with an extremely complex light system. It works with the light beams refracting or bending around the existing light beams that are creating the frontal view of the building. The bent beams then refocus on the other side to create the 3-D hologram. This unique system allows for the hologram to look exactly like the finished product, including windows, building color, and the floor plan. Like the 3-D computer model the hologram model building can also be viewed as if it were sliced down the middle. This new age architectural modeling system will improve customer satisfaction and group 4’s ability to create the designers perfect project. Since this is such a revolutionary machine group 4 also thought it would be nice to share it with the public.
From March 16th to the 27th group 4 will allow anyone to come and see the new machine in action. Group 4 will be conducting business as usual but, with the privilege of having potential customers watching as designs are put into action. Although Group 4 will still be serving customers with any size architectural project in mind, only commercial projects will be put together with the holographic machine. Come on down and see what group 4 can do for you.
Joe Bailo
March,11,2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Instructions by Alice Gustafson
Whether it be a job in graphic design or just for fun, you can learn how to draw a rose.
Tools
Paper
Pencil
Eraser
1. Draw a vertical line as direction for your stem.
2. Add triangles along the edges of the stem to each side, alternating between the two. Curve the lines of the triangles to give a better effect to each thorn.
3. Add two main banana leaves, one on each side to hold up the rose petals.
4. Draw a line with one curve starting from the stem to represent the top of a leaf. From the bottom of the line where you started the curve on the stem, draw a line with one bend that connects to the other side of the leaf. Draw a line in the middle of the leaf connecting the stem and the end of the leaf. Add three slightly curved lines, alternating each one to show the veins of the leaves. This should complete the shape of a leaf.
5. Add up to three leaves alternating from side to side.
6. Draw many of these on either side with different lengths and sizes but all connecting to the top of the stem.
7. Draw one peep shaped petal on the left side of the banana leaves.
8. Add a second petal with the similar shape of a peep on the right, but add a wider end on the top. Leave approximately a centimeter of space between the two teardrops.
9. Add a third teardrop shaped petal in the middle of the two petals. Attach it to the left petal. Do not draw the parts that are hidden by the petals in the front.
8. Draw a couple side petals peeking out from besides the bigger petals representing the buds.
9. Add one more petal in the middle connecting to the right petal. Draw the top of it with two triangles.
10. Darken the outline of the rose and color if you would like.
11. Shade a few edges to get the illusion of light shining down.
12. Color in/ Shade in the top banana leaves and color it all if you wish.
Monday, February 23, 2009
creating a simple chart on microsoft excel
Dell 3.5 10 35
Averatec4 10 40
Apple 5 10 50
total of all computers 125
-Sorry i could not post the actual excel spreadsheet.
Creating a simple chart with Microsoft excel
Important: You must have Microsoft office excel installed on your computer. You must also know how to locate and open Microsoft office excel.
These instructions will guide you through creating the attached excel spreadsheet. They will step by step explain how to input data and use basic formulas on excel. The idea behind these instructions is to get you to know excel on a basic level for creating simple spreadsheets.
• Quotations around data indicate data to be entered. E.x. “company”
• All words and numbers to be inputted will be referred to as data.
Do not type the quotations when entering data
Inputting data
1. Start with a blank excel spreadsheet (seen when excel is opened).
2. Double click on the upper left most cell labeled A1 and type “company”.
3. Double click on the cell labeled B1 and type “price”.
4. Double click on the cell labeled C1 and type “# of computers”.
5. Double click on the cell labeled D1 and type “total”.
6. Double click on the cell labeled A2 and type “Dell”.
7. Double click on the cell labeled A3 and type “Averatec”.
8. Double click on the cell labeled A4 and type “Apple”.
9. Double click on the cell labeled B2 and type “3.5”.
10. Double click on the cell labeled B3 and type “4”.
11. Double click on the cell labeled B4 and type “5”.
12. Double click on the cell labeled C2 and type “10”.
13. Double click on the cell labeled C3 and type “10”.
14. Double click on the cell labeled C4 and type “10”.
15. Double click on the cell labeled C5 and type “total of all computers”.
Inputting formulas and doing simple calculations
1. Double click on the cell labeled D2 and type “=B2*C2”. By using this multiplication calculation you can change the values in cell B2 and C2 and the total will automatically adjust.
2. Double click on the cell labeled D3 and type “=B3*C3”.
3. Double click on the cell labeled D4 and type “=B4*C4”.
4. Double click on the cell labeled D5 and type “=Sum(D2:D4)”. This formula will add cells D2 through D4 and will also automatically adjust if the values are changed.
How to pre-trip a truck
John Kronberg
2-17-09
EN211D
How to properly perform a pre-trip inspection on a straight truck with airbrakes.
A proper pre-trip inspection will save time, money, and frustration by reducing maintenance costs, equipment down-time, mechanical breakdowns, and ensuring that your vehicle is safe to operate.
Before you begin and as you approach the truck
1. Consult the truck’s owner manual for the locations of all dipsticks, engine compartment configuration, and any other pertinent information.
2. As you walk up to the truck, look for any fluid leaks underneath the truck, look for any damage to the truck, and check to see if the truck is leaning which could mean there might be a problem with the tires or the suspension system, if you notice any leaks, damage, or if the truck is leaning, consult a certified mechanic.
Under the hood inspection
1. Open the engine compartment/hood (consult the owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this).
2. With the hood open, check the engine oil, the oil level should be above the add mark on the dipstick and below the full mark. If oil needs to be added, go to 3
3. Add oil to the engine via the oil fill cap until the oil level is above the add mark on the dipstick, wipe the dipstick off using a rag or paper towel and fully re-insert it before reading the dipstick. (consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this) WARNING: Use only the correct engine oil as determined by your owner’s manual (commonly 15w40 in diesel engines)
4. With the hood open, check the coolant level, the level should be above the add mark. If coolant needs to be added go to 3a WARNING: Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
5. Warning: Do NOT remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Add mixed coolant to the coolant reservoir until it is above the add mark and below the full mark
6. With the hood open, check the serpentine belt, the belt should be free of any cracks or splits, the belt should not have more than a ½ inch of give to it when you press down on it. If the serpentine belt is damaged or loose the truck should not be driven before being checked out by a mechanic.
7. Check the air compressor, make sure it is securely mounted and that you don’t hear any air leaking out of it
8. Check the fan blades, the fan blades should not be contacting anything, all the blades should be intact and undamaged
9. Check the leaf springs in the suspension and make sure they aren’t damaged or misaligned
10. Check the shock absorbers to make sure they aren’t leaking any fluid
11. Check the steering tie rods to make sure they aren’t broken or bent
12. Check the slack adjusters and the brake chambers, make sure the air hoses are secured and that the brake chamber and slack adjuster are perpendicular to each other
13. Close the hood and secure all latches
Inside the cab
1. Turn on the fuel pump if your vehicle is so equipped according to your owner’s manual
2. Insert the appropriate key into the ignition
3. Turn the key clockwise into the “RUN” position. Caution: Do not turn the key to the “START” position
4. Wait for the “Warn Engine” light to go off, the engine is now ready to be started (actual wording may vary, consult your owner’s manual for clarification)
5. Turn the key clockwise to the “START” position and hold it there until the engine starts, if engine does not fire, go to step 6
6. If your engine is so equipped, press the ether button located on the dash when the key is in the “START” position WARNING: Do not use ether in engines equipped with glow plugs!
7. If your engine is equipped with glow plugs, check to make sure that the glow plugs, battery, and starter are functioning properly and try again.
8. Check all the gauges, the oil pressure gauge should read between 20 and 60 psi
9. The voltmeter should read between 12 and 14 volts
10. The temperature gauge should be rising and approaching the normal operating temperature for your engine
11. The air pressure gauge should be rising which indicates the air tanks are charging
12. Turn on your headlights and hazard lights, step outside the truck and make sure none of your lights are burnt out and that all of the running lights are functioning properly
13. Turn on your left turn signal, step outside and ensure that your left turn signal is functioning, repeat this procedure for the right turn signal
14. You are now ready to perform an air brake check
Performing an air brake check
1. Ensure that the air tanks are charged above 100 psi, if not, raise the engine speed by placing your foot on the accelerator to speed up the process WARNING: If the tanks are not charging, do not drive the truck
2. When the tanks are above 100 psi, place the transmission in gear with the parking brake engaged and gently apply pressure to the accelerator, the truck should not move WARNING: If truck does move, do not drive the truck
3. Turn the engine off and turn the key to the RUN position (do not turn it to the START position)
4. Disengage the parking brake and place your foot on the brake pedal and hold it there for 30 seconds, you should not lose more than 3 psi of air brake pressure
5. Fan the brake by placing your foot on the brake pedal and releasing it repeatedly
5a. The “LOW AIR” warning should come on at 60 psi
5b. The parking brake should “pop” or reengage at 20 psi
6. Restart the engine and allow the tanks to charge
Final walk around and tire check
1. There are two ways to check the tire pressure, using either an air pressure gauge or a “tire thumper” (a baton or club) If you’re using a pressure gauge go to step 2, if you are using a tire thumper go to step 5
2. To use an air pressure gauge, first check the inside of the door for the proper air pressure information
3. Remove the valve stem cover and place the head of the pressure gauge over the head of the valve stem and press down firmly
4. You should not hear any hissing after you press it down, to read the gauge check where the extender comes out to and the highest number you can read is the amount of pressure in your tire
5. To use a tire thumper, grasp the tire thumper and firmly strike the tread of the tire. If you hear a high pitched thump the tires are properly inflated, if you hear a dull thud the tires are under inflated CAUTION: Do not use tire thumpers with radial tires (commonly found on passenger cars)
6. When checking the tires look for nicks, cuts, and bulges in the sidewalls, and that there is at least 2/32 inch of tread on the rear tires and 4/32 inch tread on the front tires
7. Check the rim for any dents or unauthorized welds
8. Make sure the lug nuts are all present and tightened. Check for rust streaks or shiny threads which would indicate that they are loose
9. Make sure there is no oil or grease contamination in the brake drums
10. Make sure the brake drum isn’t damaged or cracked
11. Check the hub oil seal, make sure all the nuts are tightened and that the seal isn’t cracked or there’s oil leaking out
Your truck has been properly pre-tripped and is now ready for the road, remember to buckle up and obey all the traffic laws.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
To ECOcontruction
-David B.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Grand Opening in LA
The architectural firm G4 will be opening a new office in downtown LA to accommodate our growing customer base.
Los Angeles (February, 2 2009)—G4 L.A.’s newest and most creative architecture firm will be opening their new production center February 10, 2009 and it will be open for business two days later. The 55,000 square foot building will facilitate at least 350 employees and be the starting point for many architectural projects. The company will be available for design projects from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on February 10th. Everyone is encouraged to come and check out the new operation.
The new G4 building is located on the corner of Willshire blvd. and South Alvarado St. and will be the home to many future creative design projects. Each room is equipped with the latest in graphic computer models and simulated design programs. This allows quality graphic designs to be made in a very short amount of time with many changes and upgrades easily available. The staff will include many renowned architectural engineers whose hopes are to create many new innovative projects for clients with any size job.
The best opportunity to see what G4 is all about is to look at their new building. It’s the first time ever an architectural firm has designed their first production building putting this project in the history books. A grand opening for early viewing will be on February 8th from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. so come and check out this historic project.