112 working circuits - now online.

Over the years Technology and Design teachers have made great use of 112 working circuits. This is a fantastic resource which was compiled by Maurice Lynch from the WELB. Thanks to Maurice, we have now published these circuits online. See www.clounagh.org/TD section for access.

Make your music public! MP3 player project.

The Technology team at Clounagh have been very busy developing an MP3 speaker dock at a very affordable price. Details of the project and circuit can be found at clounagh.org CAD/CAM - section 16. The cicuit costs less than £1 to make with the bog standard speaker (which you can upgrade). So go on - get rocking!

National Award for St. Colman's College student

James Morgan (Kilcoo), winner of the Young Engineer for Britain regional finals held in the Odyssey Arena Belfast last June progressed to compete against other regional finalists at the ‘Big Bang’ Young Engineers and National Science Competition Fair in London 4th-6th March.
The event is a showcase of the highest level Engineering and Science projects carried out by students throughout the UK and Ireland.

Following three days of intensive judging James was awarded ‘Young Engineer for Britain National Winner for Design, Innovation and Presentation 2008-2009’.
James received a certificate, a crystal trophy and a cheque for £1000. In addition James was awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ prize for outstanding work from the National Science Competition in the technology category.

For his major A Level technology project James designed and manufactured a full size tractor mounted hydraulic power rake to remove large stones from ploughed fields or lawns prior to sowing.
The unit is mounted within a 7ft tractor link box and is powered by a hydraulic motor system. This motor drives a robust system of chain linked steel rakes which dislodge and pull all but the smallest stones into the link box. In doing so the machine also aerates and conditions the soil. The span of the system covers the tractor tyre tracks. The operator can then hydraulically elevate the power rake and tip the stones wherever hard fill is required.

This product was inspired by experience of gathering stones from fields manually and with only slight modifications the prototype should have great market potential. James is researching patents for his design.

As part of his display James presented a short video of the machine in operation. The judges were very impressed with the video and the innovative design of the prototype. James’s confident and knowledgeable presentation under rigorous questioning was another factor in winning the award.

Circular Saw Refresher

A number of teachers are currently involved in circular saw refresher training for Felder saws and bandsaws. If you think you or any member of your T&D department require Felder training, contact the Clounagh Centre for details.

Beginning Teacher INSET at Clounagh

The Clounagh Centre recently hosted training for beginning teachers of Technology and Design. Feedback from the day was very positive. If you are a beginning teacher and were unable to attend you can contact any member of the Technology Team at the Clounagh Centre for information.