Calculations for solar concerntrating dish. (How to go about it)

[turmite]

Thanks Don, a weapon is my intention. We have a serious ant problem

Benny are the South American Fire ants? They have invaded the southern US and wreaking havoc everywhere here. Mean nasty little creatures. I personally like to use a mix of diesel/gasoline and let that soak down the nest for a while. After most of the surface vapors from the gas has left, light that sucker and listen to the chambers down deep explode!

Here is a photo showing an aluminum casting of one of their nest.



Mike

[Eurisko]

Benny,

A large fresnel lens would also do the job. I have one that is about 1 square meter. In direct sunlight, this focuses 1 kilowatt of solar energy onto a very small spot.

I was so excited when it arrived. I immediately ran outside, held it at arms length over my head, and set my lawn on fire.

The ants don't stand a chance.

[Kiwi]

This VB program may be of some use, it generates code for a parabola.

[ynneb]

Wow Kiwi, did you write that yourself ?
I initialy saw the 6k files size and didnt bother to test it out.
I'mglad I took another look.
It just goes to show you can't judge a book by it's cover.
Thanks for that.

Hey Turmite, that's an amazing casting. Amazing idea to do, and an amazing nest.
BTW I was kidding about my ant prob, but you knew that already.

Eurisko, I did consider fresnels, but its easier to add lots of dishes to combine to one point than lots of freznels. I'mthinking of a dish of dishes, hence the mold.

Everyones input has been invaluble. You guys are such good community.

[ynneb]

I guess while we are here, it might be worth asking the question about how to go about creating gcode, and the method to create a fresnel. Any more geek calculators and suggestions

[Kiwi]

Wow Kiwi, did you write that yourself ?

Yes, when I had more time.