Model Engine Maker

General Category => Chatterbox => Topic started by: Admiral_dk on April 21, 2014, 09:17:01 PM

Title: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Admiral_dk on April 21, 2014, 09:17:01 PM
It saddened me quite a bit when Ron got sick, it was worse when he died .... But it is really bad that his legacy has disappeared from the web  :'(

I know how to find the pages again with the help of some of the Internet archives - but most people will never see this very important resource again and that is relay sad.

I wish that someone will host Ron's legacy, but haven't got a clue who to ask + the connection to Ruth (his widow) to ask for permission - any ideas ????
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: ths on April 21, 2014, 10:22:46 PM
The site still comes up for me via the usual address, but no updates since December, which is to be expected.

http://modelenginenews.org

Hugh.
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: smfr on April 21, 2014, 10:35:00 PM
I think the domain has been taken down; I can't get to it :(

I hope someone has the content archived away somewhere.

Simon
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: stevehuckss396 on April 21, 2014, 11:54:30 PM
I subscribed long ago and have kept up with every update.

I thought that money was collected to preserve the site intact for many years to come. Wait and see what happens.
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: gerritv on April 22, 2014, 12:29:13 AM
Site is still there, don't use the www. prefix and you will be fine. Some sites do not use the www., other do use it.

Really hoping the site flourishes after a suitable period of mourning, I am close to starting an engine

Gerrit
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: ozzie46 on April 22, 2014, 12:58:21 AM
I can't get it either. I tried several ways. Without www. and I had it bookmarked and it won't come up that way either.


  Ron
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Jasonb on April 22, 2014, 07:37:54 AM
I'm sure Eric will confirm but two of the other Motor Boys were due to take it over, maybe they are just moving it to another server.

J
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: John S on April 22, 2014, 10:04:52 AM
http://web.archive.org/web/20140209211815/http://www.modelenginenews.org/
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: ozzie46 on April 22, 2014, 12:33:30 PM
Thank you John.   :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp:


 Ron
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Ramon Wilson on April 22, 2014, 12:34:11 PM
Guys - this site is still up as of now -

I have just Google'd 'Model Engine News' and its the first hit.

Prior to that I tried John S's link and that is very slow to load on my computer - The timing calc will not respond to bore and stroke input either asking for more details where as the Google link loads quickly and the calc responds to those minimal inputs.

I've been using the calc recently opening the site from a saved link in my engine folder without any problems.

Like others I do hope that the site will be saved for posterity if nothing else than to serve as a memory for Ron's dedication but it would be nice to think that someone will pick up the reins again.

Regards - Ramon
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: ths on April 22, 2014, 12:49:46 PM
I think it would be difficult for someone to pick up the reins, but even if it was never to be added to, it would be a crying shame if it went into the ether. Like the burning of the Library of Alexandria, (well, perhaps a bit OTT), it's such a great reference for so many things IC. Like losing lathes.co.uk, which I believe is already archived.

Hugh.
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Admiral_dk on April 22, 2014, 03:07:36 PM
I'm sorry, but google or my saved links do not open the site !!!!

Are those of you who do get contact sure it's not a proxyserver from your local internet provider you are reaching ?

I just tried to get the IP address and no DNS servers knows it any more - not even international DNS servers  :Mad:  :cussing:  - that certainly explains it !!!!

I found Ron's old server IP 69.25.136.252 that he used in 2008, but he changed to another provider .... Anyone got the new IP address ?

Ron paid for the name until 2017, so that's not the reason.
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Jo on April 22, 2014, 03:20:46 PM
I am waiting for a response from the guys who are now responsible for the site :shrug:

As far as I know Dirk T had offerred to pay to keep the site running.

Jo
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: dieselpilot on April 22, 2014, 04:14:53 PM
Some change was made yesterday according to domain info. Those of you opening the site are accessing cached versions on your hard drive.

Who runs this site by the way? I've been getting errors every time I try to post, then when I try again it's fine.
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Ramon Wilson on April 22, 2014, 04:33:01 PM
Sorry to mislead you guys - it appears DieselPilot is right . Just tried on my laptop which hasn't been used to access the site for yonks and no - I can't get it on there either.

What now bothers me now is if this is right 'DP' how do I retain this if it is cached as you say. It would be a big blow to lose it that's for sure.

I have the MEN disc which has the timing calc on it but I have found previously that that cannot be used unless there is a link to the site - that specific function does not work off the disc directly

Any thoughts for this computer illiterate dino-saw

Regards - Ramon
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: dieselpilot on April 22, 2014, 05:05:59 PM
I'm hoping that whoever is taking over hosting MEN just made a mistake or was too quick to point the domain to the new server. This happens often, and takes 24-48 hours to sort out. I also hope there is a full backup if the server had a major crash.

I thought I might have saved the Cam Calc page and the applet, but didn't find it on my hard drive.

It is possible to save cached data from your browser, I looked at it a while ago to find something I had looked at. There was a firefox add on that did this.

Greg
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Ramon Wilson on April 22, 2014, 06:25:54 PM
 Greg,
Just taken a look at 'How to access cached data' - instant brain fade I'm afraid  ::) - I shall have to enlist a good friend
but thanks anyway ;)

Ramon
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Jo on April 22, 2014, 07:29:41 PM
I have had confirmation that the magic bit of the Cam Calc software is not the sort of thing that would have been cached. I suspect what is underlying it was another of Ron's complex programs that he knocked up whilst he was twiddling his thumbs at Queensland University.

Still waiting for news.

Jo
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: dieselpilot on April 22, 2014, 07:36:36 PM
Yeah, I was thinking the same because the actual program would have been on the server. I don't really know enough about it. He used to have a link to the code at the bottom of the page though.
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: tangler on April 22, 2014, 09:26:11 PM
I've had a look at my copy of the MENonly DVD.  The Java version of camcalc there allows data entry but a security setting won't allow the Java applet to run.  Possibly there is a work around for this.

My original, but later modified , version of camcalc gives the right answers, except that I used a graphical method to integrate displacement to give velocity and velocity to give acceleration.  Ron found an analytical method in a text book to give more precise results (and I managed to get a copy of the book from Amazon) but it doesn't make much difference to the results.  I had a very snazzy version running in QBasic but that is old hat now so I did a version in EXCEL.  It would be nice to re-program for a modern language that will run as a computer app but, frankly, I'm out of touch with such things.

Lets hope that there is a way to maintain Ron's invaluable work for posterity.

Rod
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Ramon Wilson on April 22, 2014, 10:57:23 PM
Guys - this site is still up as of now -

I have just Google'd 'Model Engine News' and its the first hit.

Prior to that I tried John S's link and that is very slow to load on my computer - The timing calc will not respond to bore and stroke input either asking for more details where as the Google link loads quickly and the calc responds to those minimal inputs.

Guys - When I wrote the above  I had literally just tried both as described from this PC. Both were working. I was also using the timing calc for an engine I was drawing out only last week.  I have just tried again and the result is as I found on my laptop earlier this evening - 'unavailable'  :o  so this must have gone down virtually after I tried it as above. Doesn't look as if it's working from a cached source then Greg.

When I bought my MEN disc I was expecting the calc to work from it. I contacted Ron who explained that I needed to do something that was beyond my PC knowledge - I think the email is still on my laptop. I didn't pursue it but as the calc is something I turned to regularly to say I'm a bit miffed would be an understatement  :( Fortunately Roger Woolett has just sent me his latest spread sheet version which for two stroke timing would now appear to be 'just in time'

As there was no response to the thread on this new calculator I can only assume no one was interested but if there is someone who would like a copy then PM me.

What a bummer - I do hope that site is resurrected not just for my specific 'loss' but for all that it contained - what a waste if all that collation of matters I/C were to disappear

Yours disappointingly  :( - Ramon
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Stuart on April 23, 2014, 07:45:07 AM
Ramon

I would guess the email asked you to modify the host table to stop the said app contacting the web site

It's a very common dodge that certain people use to get photo shop not to call home


But alas I do not use a pc only macs so I cannot help you to do it on a pc , if this is indeed the mod that is needed it is easy to find a how to on google

Stuart
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: tangler on April 23, 2014, 01:47:18 PM
On the DVD Ron described a process for setting up a local server by installing xampp and perl.  I've been through it this morning and got it to run - the Java applets (and the rest of the website on the disc) now run as if on the web   :atcomputer:.  So, all is not lost.

I need to go and lie down now

Rod
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: ChooChooMike on April 26, 2014, 05:08:57 AM
http://web.archive.org/web/20140209211815/http://www.modelenginenews.org/

This is working as of 2300PST Friday nite 4/26/2014.

Whereas:

http://www.modelenginenews.org/

Is not working.

Mike

Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: RickBarnes on April 26, 2014, 06:22:16 AM
I noticed it gone this weekend too.
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: RickBarnes on April 26, 2014, 06:23:18 AM
I'll offer any help I can to get this site FULLY operational again. 
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Admiral_dk on April 26, 2014, 12:33:11 PM
First question that needs to be answered - has the server / site  been closed on purpose ?
If so - why ?
If not - what's the IP address ?  => so we can add it to a global DNS server.

I wonder who has contact to Ruth (Ron's widow) - Eric (Muddle engineer) perhaps ?
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Jo on April 26, 2014, 02:36:29 PM
The motor boys are still trying to make contact with the person who has control of the server/software. No joy so far. I will let you know as and when I hear something.

Jo
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: muddled engineer on April 26, 2014, 08:06:40 PM
The best thing to do is be patience and wait, not to pester the family they need respect at this time.
I sure it will come good soon.

Eric     
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Jo on April 26, 2014, 08:12:54 PM
Thanks Eric  :ThumbsUp:,

We can't begin to understand what Ruthie is going through at this time  :'( , she does not need any unnecessary hassle  :ShakeHead:

Jo
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Admiral_dk on April 26, 2014, 08:36:13 PM
Sorry Eric

It wasn't meant as disrespect of the family and especially Ruthie - I just think we might need her approval when we get so far, (unless the "shutdown" was an accident), in regard to copyrights ....

Oh - and when it's up and running again, it really needs a "Vale Ron Chernich" like Ron did about all other who deserved it - he certainly do himself.
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: modelenginesclub on April 29, 2014, 06:12:05 PM
Hi,

I've just set up a copy of Ron's Knowledge Base
at http://www.modelenginesworld.com

Since all original text, drawings, and photographs created by
Ronald A Chernich appearing on the Model Engine News web site are licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/))
there shoudn't be any legal issue.

Some stuff does not work, but all information is available as it was.
Spread the word, if you like it.

Best,

Roman
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Ramon Wilson on April 29, 2014, 07:30:50 PM
'Excellent-y' as an old boss was won't to say if a job was well done. Well done indeed sir  :ThumbsUp:

I notice the timing calc in 'Resources'  will accept the figures but not do the calculation - any chance of that improving?

Whatever Roman - brilliant news that its available again.

You have one happy customer in this household

Regards - Ramon
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Admiral_dk on April 29, 2014, 09:01:39 PM
Hi Roman

Thank you very much  :)

I hope it will stay a reasonable add free version just as Ron kept it  ;)

If not - It will at least be a better "mirror" than the slow archives ....

All that said - I still hope one or some of the Motor Boys will be active and continue Ron's legacy with an article or two every year - and as I've said before : There really should be a "Vale Ron Chernich" article written by those who knew him - one or more of the Boys ...
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: modelenginesclub on April 30, 2014, 01:26:20 AM
@Ramon: THX! As mentioned above, not all stuff is working as some resources were not available from the original public website.
@Admiral_dk: I do not plan to pollute the deceased estate of Mr. Ron Chernich with crappy ads. So don't worry. This is just a snapshot of Ron's Website to keep it's content preserved and available for the community.

Best,

Roman
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: dieselpilot on April 30, 2014, 02:46:11 AM
The original site is back up.  :cartwheel:
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: modelenginesclub on April 30, 2014, 08:23:30 AM
Ok! - since the original site is up again I will switch www.modelenginesworld.com  (http://www.modelenginesworld.com) back to it's original location.

Best,

Roman
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Admiral_dk on April 30, 2014, 09:31:40 AM
Hi Greg

I still can't contact the original site - what IP address do you use - if you don't know, try a cmd command in Windows and at the command promt write :

ping modelenginenews.org

this should give you the IP address and answer time (not needed here).
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: modelenginesclub on April 30, 2014, 09:41:01 AM
I've got this ip: 69.25.136.252
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Jo on April 30, 2014, 09:43:21 AM
David Owen, one of the Trustiees to MEN, has sucessfully rehosted the MEN site on a new host. As Roman has identified then new IP is 69.23.16.252.

I am hoping that David will be along shortly to explain things to us  ;).

Jo
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Admiral_dk on April 30, 2014, 09:49:51 AM
Thanks - but it didn't work .... until I got the idea of flushing the DNS cache on my computer - so for those with similar problems in Windows 7 :

Click on round Windows logo, bottom left, write cmd in search / run line (no enter key / command), right click on cmd.exe and choose "Runs as Administrator", at the new promt, write ipconfig /flushdns and press enter, close window and try modelenginenews.org again  :)
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: modelenginesclub on April 30, 2014, 10:01:16 AM
I've found this statement from David Owen in the rcgroups forum http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=28197536&postcount=9373 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=28197536&postcount=9373)

Roman
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: mnay on May 01, 2014, 08:56:58 PM
I had read somewhere that the Motor Boys Book would be available to anyone on line. From the November Editorial "The Ultimate MEN issue scheduled for next month will make the Motor Boy's Plan Book available, freely, to everyone as a download"
Does anyone if this is available at this point?
Mike
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Ramon Wilson on May 01, 2014, 09:14:41 PM
Mike - I think you'll find that was Ron's best intentions but was unable to meet it.

Now that Roman has pointed us to the statement made by David Owen on RC groups I guess we all now need to be a mite patient until he can get it up and running - that's not to appear dismissive - I count myself in that anticipation too  ;)

Regards - Ramon
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Ramon Wilson on May 02, 2014, 10:24:11 AM
I see today the site is back up and running - first hit on Google - it's the same as Ron's last post in December however there's no indication as to whether it will remain static as a source of info or whether it will continue to be updated. Whatever it is back ;D

A quick check on bore and stroke shows the timing calc is working too so one happy bunny in this household  :)

Ramon
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Brian Rupnow on February 04, 2016, 03:40:35 PM
On my most recent engine, the twin cylinder opposed i.c. I tried to access the cam milling calculations on Cam-calc, and although it seemed happy enough to take my input figures, it popped up a note that it was unable to download them to my computer. I don't know if this was because something has changed at that end of things, or if it was unable to download them because of the anti-virus program I have running in the background on my computer. Can anyone shed light on this issue?---Brian
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: tangler on February 04, 2016, 06:02:39 PM
Brian,

Works fine for me with W10, Firefox and AVG except that the cam lift doesn't show on the results page

My Excel version is here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mqum2yezedxnvb1/cam.xls?dl=0

not quite as comprehensive

Hope this helps,

Rod
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Brian Rupnow on February 04, 2016, 06:46:13 PM
Thank you Rod. ---Brian
Title: Re: www.modelenginenews.org gone ?
Post by: Roger B on February 04, 2016, 07:59:29 PM
Same for me, I put in the details of a cam I had previously designed and got exactly the same results as before (including a lift of zero in the results table)
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