The suspension, 2,496 photos later...

Submitted by B-en-K on 22. October 2009 - 15:44

Once we had replaced the entire suspension in the vehicle with new parts, we naturally had to perform an alignment again too. After all, it is impossible to set all the bolts of the double wishbones so the car is perfectly aligned. Correct alignment has a far-reaching effect on the power consumption of the car. Fortunately, GOM optical measuring techniques was so good as to allow us to take the same equipment we used in Belgium with us. Alignment of the car involves ensuring that the wheels are correctly positioned. It is important that a line extending through the rotational axis of the wheel is at the correct angle relative to an imaginary co-ordinate system. The axle must be perfectly horizontal, for instance (camber angle).

Back in Darwin after six thousand kilometres scouting

Submitted by B-en-K on 22. October 2009 - 15:43

Friday evening Koen and Bart, our two scouts, returned from their six thousand kilometre long trip from Darwin to Adelaide and back again. Tired but satisfied, they arrived at our bed and breakfast in Humpty Doo at around 6:30 pm. During their nine-day journey they collected loads of valuable data that we are going to use for our race strategy. At the same time, the road book from the World Solar Challenge was also checked and supplemented where necessary. Two times three thousand kilometres on the Stuart Highway, ninety six cattle grids and hundreds of potholes later there are plenty of stories to tell. But because images say so much more than words, we have prepared a small photo report of their adventure for you.

New Australia photos online

Submitted by B-en-K on 22. October 2009 - 15:42

During our stay in Australia we have already taken a huge number of photos. In the blogs and in the weekly newsletters you have seen a selection of these, but they are now also available on our site. You can reach the photo page via the menu (media -> photos) or via this direct link.

Seeing Australia through designer sunglasses

Submitted by B-en-K on 22. October 2009 - 15:42

Australia is a very sunny country. That's a nice change of pace from our ever so often cloudy Belgium, but there's a downside to all that light too. With an average UV index of 12 it is nearly impossible to go outside without protection. We are therefore very thankful that Serengeti and Optiek D. Vleeracker of Mechelen generously provided every Solar Team member with a personal pair of sunglasses. Sunglasses from Serengeti are among the best in the world and are often used by pilots so they can see everything clearly above the clouds. The frame is partially or completely constructed of titanium; the lenses are made of top quality glass and consist of multiple layers that each filter a portion of the light while ensuring we have a crystal clear view.

First Australian tests anything but smooth

Submitted by B-en-K on 22. October 2009 - 15:41

Following a cargo journey of three weeks and another week and a half to prepare the solar car, we have finally begun testing our car on Australian soil. Having completed very successful test weekends in Belgium, nearly 2000 km, we were very curious and hopeful concerning the initial tests in Australia. However, these did not proceed as we had expected – the gremlins waited no longer than the first brake test to throw a monkey wrench in the works. The pedal mounting broke off, which put an immediate end to our test day. With the crash of Nuna5 in the back of our minds (for more info: blog Nuon Solar Team) we took absolutely no risks and redesigned the entire system the same evening.

Video blog part 4: The first test days

Submitted by B-en-K on 22. October 2009 - 15:41

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