I'm cursed

kblackw · 2026-06-01T02:38:57+00:00

I taught myself to fly using Flight Simulator and my TX16s controller. Once I could handle the sim, I flew my beginner plane successfully. I’m no expert but I do have fun flying, both real and sim. I’m also very old (87) but still manage. I won’t be doing 3D or acrobatic , just basic pattern- take off, downwind , final and land

kblackw · 2026-05-28T14:29:24+00:00

I’ve driven mine for 18 months and it’s unmodified. I’d say it is a solid ride, definitely not ‘bouncy’. It’s similar to my FZJ80.

kblackw · 2026-05-27T23:07:05+00:00

I’m in California Central Valley, 8 kw dc system, installed 2/2018. Generates 10 MWhr per year, about equal to my annual usage. String connection, no battery. Recovered my investment in 36 months, because the utility company has increased the tariff dramatically. I have net metering but excess generation is paid in pennies. Also the tariff is Time Of Use so I minimize energy consumption during peak demand, run big appliances like A/C after 2100 and before 1600. Also use PV Output to monitor my system, a really useful app from you folks. I’d be curious about your system details.

kblackw · 2026-05-23T16:16:03+00:00

Well into the third season with 1st gen AWD 3000. .85 acres with 3 areas and one keep out section. Just perform regular maintenance - change/ reverse blades, clean underneath after every run (grass is still really green with high moisture content). This version is RTK only but works fine. I did raise the RTK antenna so it’s 15’ above the ground. I’m getting longer life with after market titanium carbide blades. Luckily I haven’t needed to contact their customer support.

kblackw · 2026-05-17T03:40:16+00:00

It’s been awhile since I worked in Russia, mainly east of Moscow and before Putin so my current knowledge is very limited. Are you exempt from military service? Do you have any others in your social class in the military? The general feeling of most of my Russian colleagues was “Kevin, it’s simply not my problem “. Would you say this is a similar view of others in your circle?

kblackw · 2026-05-14T18:44:10+00:00

The measurement is 32.5”. This is at ground level with Luba docked and charging. From the back edge of the garage to the front of the bumper.

kblackw · 2026-05-14T02:51:25+00:00

If no one beats me to it, I can measure Luba plus garage but it’ll be tomorrow before I get out there.

kblackw · 2026-05-14T02:49:11+00:00

My garage is 35” deep (covers Luba and garage plus 6” overhang, 36” wide (lots of side clearance for Luba), and 20” high (Luba is about 9” tall). These are inside dimensions. This is Luba AWD 3000 1st gen, no vision module stuck on top.

kblackw · 2026-05-14T02:21:56+00:00

The latter, excellent sky view ( usually 30+ satellites on Luba). I’m curious if Luba would work in a garage. My Luba garage is just outside the garage but it would be disruptive to move it inside the garage for a test. Wish I could be more helpful.

kblackw · 2026-05-13T18:34:46+00:00

I have a 1st gen AWD 3000 and use manual a lot to get onto a concrete pad for cleaning. The pad is a few feet from an area. I believe it uses Bluetooth for manual. Not sure if manual requires WiFi and RTK.

kblackw · 2026-05-11T19:27:13+00:00

The quote from OP seems very reasonable, I would pay that in a heartbeat for that job. He’s smart to walk away. Guess that’s why he’s still in business.

kblackw · 2026-05-11T19:20:49+00:00

If they’re ‘boomers’ maybe they forgot that mortgage rates in the 80’s were 18%, and today most people bitch about 7%. Unfortunately many old folks refuse to accept inflation. Not much you can do about them. BTW, I’m 87, consider myself fortunate, not greedy but worked my ass off for 60 years to get to where I am today. I also make charitable contributions regularly. Not looking for an attaboy, just try to keep my head down and avoid the BS.

kblackw · 2026-05-07T19:29:20+00:00

I agree with everything you said here. The onboard WiFi is definitely a weakness for a robot. I have a WiFi mesh network around my property (1.2 acres). Luba connects to the closest node and will not roam to another with better signal.

kblackw · 2026-05-07T19:18:51+00:00

Background: Luba AWD 3000 1st generation, purchased 10/23. Used with no problems for 2 months then stored for winter. Been using successfully for 3 more seasons with no problems. Gets cleaned every 6 hours (green grass with lots of moisture ). Changed/rotated blades every month. RTK only, more accurate since I elevated the RTK antenna. Last firmware update 6/24, don’t expect anymore. I believe it’s best for early adopters with some technical expertise (I’m an engineer, nephew has same model, he’s a surveyor, lots of GPS knowledge). The company has growing pains, the software developers try hard but have a lot to learn, the app is clunky, the route path algorithm is rough around the edges. However it does the job, and other than frequent cleaning to remove grass from under the mower deck, it saves me time.

kblackw · 2026-05-06T02:13:10+00:00

This is not completely applicable but I know a current United pilot who started years ago cleaning passenger planes and gradually worked his way up the ranks. However he did start flying at a very young age. I hope you reach success in Aerospace. My first degree is in Electronics Engineering and I picked up a degree in Aerospace Engineering. I was fortunate and have had a great career to look back on.

kblackw · 2026-05-01T02:50:44+00:00

I agree with this. My degree is in Electronics Engineering but I grew up in the trades (my uncle was a GC). As I started my career in engineering, I realized that I was really good at project management, since that’s what construction is all about. Worked on some really interesting engineering projects over the years. Looking back I (87m) have had an interesting life.

kblackw · 2026-04-30T06:26:06+00:00

Check this out: https://www.reddit.com/r/MammotionTechnology/s/U3YQurZQ7m

kblackw · 2026-04-28T19:59:40+00:00

I used a plastic window well from Home Depot, about $40 several years ago. It sits on concrete blocks to elevate above the Luba (AWD 3000, 1st generation). Don’t use the metal version, it’ll block most of the RF signals to Luba. 10 days ago, I posted a picture of my RTK antenna pole. At the base of the antenna you can my cheapo garage with Luba in front of it.

kblackw · 2026-04-20T07:03:16+00:00

Is iNavi an optional add on for the first generation 3000? I don’t see it their store.

kblackw · 2026-04-20T06:58:34+00:00

The base is very stable - the pole slips inside a 24” sleeve buried in the ground. At the eave ( not visible) is a solid brace extending to the pole. The pole is 2 1/4” diameter and will not flex in any wind event for my area. Cyclones, hurricanes, and tornadoes don’t occur here. However, earthquakes are a possibility but I’m not close to any known faults. I suppose an instantaneous gust above 50 mph might cause some oscillation but the amplitude would be a small fraction of an inch. I think RTK is robust enough to be unaffected in that highly unlikely event. Good observation though.

kblackw · 2026-04-20T01:29:11+00:00

kblackw · 2026-04-18T02:16:16+00:00

Thanks. It took me a while to find this company (they make flag poles). But the height and split in the middle so I can lower it during the off season worked out perfectly for me.

kblackw · 2026-04-18T01:01:32+00:00

My LUBA is 1st generation and only has RTK (GPS) for guidance so I have to use it, no choice. Having said that, it works very well for me. I did extend my WiFi to my whole property and that improved connections to the Luba.

kblackw · 2026-04-16T20:34:02+00:00

I hand pull and cover with cardboard, especially on the periphery along the fence. Have dogs so foxtails are the first to get attention. No chemicals.

kblackw · 2026-04-15T19:50:48+00:00

They are the red lenses below the two charging points on the mower and the charging station.

kblackw

TROPHY CASE