I've got no pictures because the tablet won't upload any on blogger but an update..., I am in uganda and met kio, the welder who is building all our prototypes. The mill was set up, and i had alignment issues, but we sort of managed to fix them temporarily and locate the issues with the thing. This morning I went and bought millet from a local shop and tried to grind that today. It turns out the grains are too tiny and my plates are too coarse to grind millet. Not only that, but the millet was coming out both ends of the mill, so I will need some sort of seal and something to keep the center axel straight. A visit to the machinist should fix that. Although, I feel that I have to address all these technical issues before I can test the model, and work on the design problem but the reality is probably not true. Any sort of general rig that gets the idea across should work too, only both language and culture are barriers. So next week we will be going to the villages to test our prototypes, and I have a lot of work to do. Not just about solving technical issues, but making it actually useable and comfortable for the disabled person. I've also noticed kids just stand next to it and grind grains with one hand. Haha perhaps I will only need a one hand grinder after all.
On a less tired sounding note, the concept is doing really well, the people in the villages are really excited because its something relevant for them. The women were interested and word has gotten around about all the projects we are working on. Of course the bottom line is cost, but we will get there. So the opportunity the concept has created is a culturally valid one. Hoorah!
Alright and that is all folks, progress !
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