Reporter Online | Tag: Cars

The Living Element: RIT's Human Powered Vehicle Team

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 21:46:57 -0500

Melting the blacktop and delivering groceries.

by Emily Bogle

About a dozen students sit around a table in James E. Gleason Hall (GLE, 9), catching each other up on new developments of sponsorships, sketches, ordered parts and faring.

After a short conversation, the group of students - mostly Mechanical Engineering majors - breaks into groups. With the help of software like SolidWorks, a brand of 3-D drafting software, they pore over endless designs and prototypes. The product of their past endeavors, a three-wheeled vehicle sits in a room filled with bike parts (including pink bike frames suitable for little girls), wheels, bolts and designs from previous competitions on Gleason’s fourth floor.

“The back is very sexy, but doesn’t seem very aerodynamic,” said Mason Verbridge, a fifth year Mechanical Engineering student, while delivering his update with a smile. He is developing designs for the faring, or covering, of the vehicle. Because it is light and cheaper than carbon fiber, they plan on using fiberglass. The team will also need to design a back compartment that will be accessible during certain parts of the competition.

The Human Powered Vehicle Team creates, implements and drives an original design to race each year. This year, the team will compete in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Human Powered Vehicle Challenge East in Indianapolis, Ind. from April 29 to May 1. The races will take place at the Indianapolis Speedway a month before the INDY 500’s 100th anniversary.

The team will compete in the Utility Endurance Event, where their track will consist of an obstacle course including hills, ramps and puddles. One aspect includes a stop-and-go simulation wherein the driver will stop to pick up two bags of groceries, ride and then stop again to drop them off. Unlike the speed event, the driver has to be able to stop the vehicle and regain speed on his own.

Just Add Driver

“Human Powered Vehicle is more difficult. You can add horsepower mechanically in Formula or Baja racing,” Nick Leathe, a fifth year Mechanical Engineering student, said. “It focuses on design proficiency over design for power.” Professional human-powered vehicles have gone 81 mph, but the RIT team hopes to achieve at least 28 mph, which it reached at last year’s competition.

The vehicle has three wheels: two smaller ones in front and a larger one in the back. In this recumbent bike, the driver reclines while steering with the controls in the front of the vehicle. During competition, team members will take turns driving the bike. Although much of the process lies in design, Leathe noted that the bike is only as strong as the driver in it. Speed and accuracy depends heavily on the person in the seat.

Matthew Misiaszek, one of three second year Mechanical Engineering students on the team, recalled a design that the team worked on last year. During the testing phases, the team created a bike with rear-wheel steering that would be, in theory, lighter and faster. Despite a few improvements, the steering system resulted in an almost impossible to drive monstrosity, leading members to jokingly coin the phrase “unride-a-bike.” Fortunately, the team discovered a solution with enough time to redesign the vehicle before the competition.

Currently, this year’s vehicle contains a few leftover pieces from last year. The Human Powered Vehicle team is ordering parts and starting to frame how the bike will look and perform.

Ten Years in the Making

The Human Powered Vehicle team started 10 years ago, when the members competed in the NASA Great Moonbuggy Race. RIT’s vehicle won first place in 2007 and 2009. Their giant checks from NASA hang in the team’s workroom where the winning moonbuggy can also be found.

Last year, the team decided to try a new challenge and entered in ASME’s Human Powered Vehicles Challenge. They registered the bike in the speed category and came in fifth in its vehicle class. The members received positive feedback and were encouraged to enter the utility event for the next competition based on the bike’s design and performance.

Tiffany Heyd, a fifth year Mechanical Engineering student, has been the team’s president since last year. She was persuaded to join when a friend told her that the team needed a girl. The competition is split based on gender, and single gender teams are given a 15 minute start delay, thus hurting the chances of winning. Heyd remains the only girl on the team but feels comfortable in her leadership position. The team is mostly self-directed, but Dr. Stephen Boedo, an associate professor in Mechanical Engineering, offers members advice and problem solving assistance.

A Team With Passion

The team is largely comprised of mutual friendships and is bonded by a common interest in mechanical engineering. There has been significant turnover, with many students graduating last year and more are expected to graduate this year. As new members join, they get hands-on experience outside of textbooks and labs.

“I’m building something. We took a piece of paper and a block of aluminum and made something,” Misiaszek said. He joined the team last year and experienced using design and fabrication techniques that he had not yet learned in class. Last spring, he took a 3-D modeling class, and, because of his work with the team, discovered he knew almost everything covered in the course.

The team members all seem to enjoy working collaboratively, whether working out problems on the whiteboard or designing new coverings for the bike. They laugh and joke around about hypothetical vehicles and parts, but they eventually return to their projects. Most said that they would continue working on vehicles outside of school but noted that it will be more difficult with a full-time job.

Currently, the HPV team members work together, carefully testing their parts and designs on computers in order to create a written report on how the vehicle is expected to perform. The process begins to pick up when they begin testing the vehicle under race-like conditions in a couple of months. For now, they begin assembly of the vehicle and continue to perfect their design. All of this work is for the chance to ride the vehicle they designed and built .

Speed Demons & Businessmen: RIT's Formula SAE Team

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 21:46:49 -0500

Where adrenaline and determination collide.

by Patrick Ogbeide

It’s a bright, sunny day, and you’ve decided to hop in your car and drive with the windows down while blasting Katy Perry’s latest pop single. Positive vibes circulate in the air as you begin to lip sync the chorus and bridge, all while trying to dance and somehow maintain control of the vehicle. Now, imagine transitioning from a summer drive down the lane in an average vehicle to a raceway, reeking of gas and cluttered with other cars just like yours: a formula car. The burst of adrenaline, determination to win and wonderful scent of oil collide, making for an experience unique to formula racing. Bryan Reinheimer, a fifth year Mechanical Engineering major and chief engineer of the RIT Formula SAE Racing Team, described it best, “the experience of driving a formula car is faster than anything you have experienced.”

It’s a common assumption that the RIT Formula Racing Team is only for driving; many people view it differently. Reinheimer specifically saw joining the team as a way to “help ... implement everything you learn in the classroom and take it to the next level.” Not only specific to mechanical engineering, the RIT Formula team allows students from all types of majors to join. “We had business majors, art majors and new media students help us out, and not only at what they’re good at,” says Reinheimer. “You can build up and become something if you’re willing to put in the time and effort.”

Ed Gliss, a fifth year Mechanical Engineering major and project manager, shares a similar view, “It’s a venue to apply some of the basis of your class work to a real-world application and a great opportunity to develop interpersonal skills such as conflicting design ideas and engineering dynamics.” Even though the thought of driving a formula car is what entices potential recruits, it is the satisfaction that to have taken part in something amazing and the experience earned that keeps them.

Design and Innovation


Tyler Peterson, a third year Mechanical Engineering and Technology major, welds the chassis of RIT’s 2011 car.
Josh Kuckens

Building something isn’t easy. It takes teamwork, a keen understanding of your role and a large commitment of time in order to fulfill such a task. It is no different when designing a formula racecar, wherein you could potentially spend 60 hours a week working on your section of the car.

The design process is notably the most difficult part due to the safety regulations and restrictions that the team must follow. Here, however, also lies the beauty in formula racing - car design. Unlike other industries, where you can only pull ideas from one direction, formula racing gives you the freedom to design the car best-suited to meet the needs of the race. As Reinheimer pointed out, “You can take any approach, go to the competition and see hundreds of different ways of teams attempting to solve the same problem while having the best-designed car.” Each member of the team is responsible for assisting with the design and manufacturing of several areas of the car such as the chassis, composites and brakes. It is then the duty of the chief engineer to combine the different aspects of the car into a complete, race-conquering machine.

With a history spanning 19 years, don’t think that the RIT Formula Team is simply content to build the same car repeatedly. Thanks to the legacy they have built, the team is able to look back on previous designs to see what ideas have the potential to be repeated and what supposed innovation should be avoided. Even today, the team is innovating; they are using an updated engine for increased performance and investing in a new carbon-fiber chassis that allows for more freedom in the overall design process.

Tournaments!


Tim Moran, a second year Mechanical engineering major, welding the chassis of RIT’s 2011 car.
Josh Kuckens

The biggest draw of RIT Formula Racing team has to be the tournaments that the team takes part in every year. Most notable is their journey to Hockenheimring, Germany, one of the most difficult competitions in the race series. Making their fourth appearance in 2010, the team managed to take fifth place out of 76 teams.

When asked about the journey, Gliss had one word, “phenomenal,” emphasizing the professional feel of the race. “It’s punctual. When they say an event is going to start, it starts at that point, which makes it easier for the team to plan ahead and make sure you have everything accounted for, for that specific event.” While in Germany, Gliss and his teammates learned the surprising impact culture has on car design: “You can see the location difference in a European car versus an American car or an Australian car,” he said.

Germany is just one of three races the team participates in each year. The first race is held in Detroit, Mich. The Detroit race is also the largest competition held, and the team again left with a fifth place finish. The next is in sunny California. For the second year in a row, the team managed to earn a first place overall victory, grabbing a top three spot in the majority of the categories.

The RIT Formula Racing team definitely has a bright future ahead of it. With continuing innovation and a high sense of camaraderie, the team shares a special bond that only comes with designing brakes and racing cars. No matter the major, as long as you have an interest in designing a car, then the RIT Formula Racing team is certainly a fine choice. As the team attends more races - and hopefully gains more first-place finishes - they will certainly leave a mark for future members to try to surpass the high achievements the current team has already set.

Dirty Racing: RIT's Baja SAE Team

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 21:46:42 -0500

Go-karts on steroids.

by Michelle Spoto

Imagine designing and building an off-road racecar, totally from scratch. It must endure mud, rocks, water and whatever else is thrown at it, all while meeting competition restrictions. Over a period of six short months, this is exactly the challenge RIT’s Baja Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Team faces.


David Donaldson crosses Jefferson Road on his way to practice with the RIT Baja team. Practices are held in vehicles the team has built in past years so that drivers have plenty of experience behind the wheel once the current year’s car is completed.
Robert Shook

A Baja vehicle is a miniature off-road racecar that utilizes a lawn mower-sized engine. Or, as team manager Evan Lumby, a third year Mechanical Engineering major, puts it, “it’s basically a go-kart on steroids.” The team is composed of 25 dedicated members, who act just as much like a family as they do a team. As Lumby says, “Our team really is a group of friends, we work together for a common goal, and we’re always hanging out together.” It is certainly this devotion to the sport, as well as the team’s cohesiveness, that has led to success in recent years, a trend they hope to continue this upcoming season.

The Drawing Board

The first step in the creation of a Baja car is the design process. For the RIT Baja team, design work begins in September and usually lasts through winter break, ending around Jan. 1. For the team, designing the car is by far the longest process on the road to completion, and it also one of the most important. It is during this phase that the team must design their car to meet certain specifications, such as speed and durability, and work around competition restrictions that keep the sport fair.

The responsibility for this initial stage falls on the design team. To ensure that every aspect is covered, each member is responsible for a specific aspect of the vehicle including breaking, steering or suspension. Composed of 16 members, the design team works together under the supervision of the project manager who oversees everything related to the design, manufacturing and repair of the car. But the design team’s work doesn’t end there, after the car is carefully planned, they will spend the winter months making their design a reality.

Building a Beast

Over the next month and a half, the team manufactures the car quickly but meticulously, working on a tight schedule to prepare for springtime competitions. Much like the design process, each member is responsible for assembling a certain aspect of the vehicle, helping ensure that the process runs smoothly under such a time crunch.

In recent years, the team has designed and built an entirely new car from scratch while also repairing and upgrading the previous year’s car. This year, however, the team decided to focus their efforts on only building one car, realizing that last year’s vehicle was damaged beyond repair.

Another important aspect of the manufacturing process is cost analysis. The team must record every purchased piece of equipment’s price as well as the amount of time spent on the project in order to calculate a “real world analysis” of the car’s cost. This cost analysis is used to judge each team in the competition; the team with the lowest estimated cost scores the most points.

Each year, the team runs on a budget of approximately 50,000, which includes materials as well as travel costs. While the cost of each car alone is around 10,000, the team stocks up on multiple spares of each part in case something breaks during a race, causing costs to rise quickly. Fortunately, RIT’s Baja team is extremely well-funded, receiving a significant amount of money from the school with additional donations from numerous sponsors including Toyota, Honda and several local businesses. “We’re probably one of the top five best-supported schools in the country,” says Lumby. “We try to give back by doing well.”

Putting It To The Test

Each year, the Baja team attends three major competitions - one each in April, May and June - held by the SAE. This year, the team will travel to Birmingham, Ala., Pittsburg, Kan. and Peoria, Ill. Each competition will last about four days, with a different event hosted each day.

On the first day, the team typically competes in static events wherein the car is scrutinized by tech inspectors who are usually industry engineers. On the second day, each team usually competes in a variety of dynamic events such as off-road races; these are used to test the speed and durability of each car. On the third day, the endurance race usually takes place; here, teams compete to score the most laps within a four-hour time limit.

While speed may get a car ahead quickly during the endurance race, it is a car’s durability and strength that leads it to victory, overcoming rocks, mud, posts and more. The friendly attitude of RIT’s Baja team is apparent during this endurance event; they often help other teams fix their cars to get the back into the race. “When we go to races, we probably work on other people’s cars more than we work on our own,” says Nicholas Liotta, a fourth year Mechanical Engineering major and project manager. “People need to get in the races - it doesn’t matter if you’re our biggest competitor or just some new team that started five weeks ago. Our only rule is that our cars come first.”

On the fourth day, the top three teams in various categories are named and honored at an awards dinner. Cash prizes between 250 and 1,000 are available for the top three contenders in three categories: design, endurance and overall performance. This year, RIT is hoping to win the Mike Schmidt Award, which is given to the team with the highest cumulative score from all three competitions.

The Mike Schmidt Award is not only prestigious, but it also holds sentimental meaning for the RIT team. Schmidt is an RIT alum and former member of the RIT Baja Team. His dream was to compete in all three races, but at that time, the RIT’s car was unable to finish an endurance race. In 2001, Schmidt tragically passed away in an auto accident at the age of 21, leaving the award as a sign of his dedication to the program.

Winning the Mike Schmidt Award is the team’s ultimate goal, and with their track record, it seems extremely possible. In the last three years, the team has taken either first, second or third in almost every event, improving each time. For Lumby and the rest of the RIT Baja team, the goal is in sight. With a little elbow grease, they very well may pull through. By polishing up their paperwork - a major source of point deductions in the past - and concentrating their efforts on only one car, this could prove to be a momentous year for Baja at RIT.

Review: "Gran Turismo 5"

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 04:45:31 -0500

by Brendan Cahill

Game Racing 59

Rating: Dig it!

For car-loving PlayStation 3 owners, Nov. 24 marked an important date: the release of “Gran Turismo 5.” After numerous delays instigated by a director known for his obsession with perfection, drivers could finally start their engines. Fortunately, the delays seem to have been worth the wait. Almost every feature of GT5 screams polish. The controls are finely tuned to simulation-style racing and feel even better than the Xbox 360’s “Forza Motorsport 3,” GT5 most direct competitor. The addition of new features such as NASCAR racing and a leveling system help keep the game fresh. Of special note is the new in-depth photo mode, which gives the player professional-level control over their in-game snapshots. With pretty graphics, a well-taken shot in GT5 can rival real life. The focus on this game is the cars, and there are a lot of them; 1,031 to be exact. Cars from all throughout automotive history make appearances, from the smallest economy vehicles to the flashiest super cars and beyond. Cars from makers such as Lamborghini and Bugatti were included for the first time in the history of the series, adding to an already impressive lineup of manufacturers. All cars are fully customizable, but not to the extent they could have been. Engine swaps are unavailable, and paint colors are limited. It’s a minor gripe, to be honest; the game never makes you feel like you aren’t in complete control of your car. Unfortunately, the biggest problem is the AI. Computer-controlled racers stick to one line, following each other single-file and making passing a joke. They are also terrible at reacting to obstacles. As I was playing, I noted that if you attempt to block the track, the AI spends more time piling up behind you than it does trying to go around you. AI issues aside, there is no matching GT5’s depth or precision. It was never a question of whether it would be good or not, but how good it would be. Race fans, be proud: your ride has arrived.

Detroit Auto Show

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:49:00 -0400

Hybrids are in.

by Jay Alapati

With all the hustle and bustle of week six, you might have been unaware of the North American International Auto show happening 12 hours away in Detroit, Mich. The show was unexpectedly small in comparison to other auto shows; but nevertheless, it is an auto show, and there were a lot of cool cars to be seen.


Cadillac&039;s XTS Platinum hybrid.
Jay Alapati

The first, and one of the biggest displays at the show, was a Ford, featuring their massive trucks. Their biggest display, however, was for the 2012 Ford Focus. The Focus is historically gives you a lot for your money. The new 2012 model is no exception, making an even more convincing buy.

The most popular type of cars seemed to be electric or hybrid vehicles. Some of the more interesting electric cars were the Chevy Volt, Audi E-tron, Tesla Roadster and City EV. Ferrari and Maserati disappointed with small displays and only three cars: the California, 599 and GranCabrio. But the greatest disappointment came from the lack of European companies present at the show.

Below are some of the highlights of the event:

Mini Beachcomber Concept


Mini Cooper&039;s concept SUV the Beach Comber.
Jay Alapati

This is the Mini brands crack at a concept SUV. It is the stripped apart version of the Mini Crossman. It has no doors and no roof. This was definitely one of the stars of the show, and if Mini does come out with something like this model, this will be a one of a kind. But until then, look out for the Crossman launching in Geneva this March.

Audi E-tron
The E-tron is a compact mid-sized coupe that looks like the baby brother of the R8. It is absolutely stunning. As the name suggests, it is an electric-powered zero emissions vehicle. It produces 204hp and an incredible 1,955 lb per ft of torque. Unlike the R8, it is rear wheel drive. It goes from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 155 mph. This concept is the R4 E-tron and Audi says they will come up with an electric version for the R8 so watch out Tesla you are not going to be the only one out there. The only suggestion for Audi is to rethink the name tron. In French, this means a piece of fecal matter.

Cadillac XTS Platinum
Cadillac’s newest concept XTS Platinum was revealed at the show. The XTS looks similar to the CTS, but with more gadgets. The headlights and the taillights have a cool look, with one big tube running down the side. The XTS is all-wheel drive and is planned to be a hybrid.

Lexus LFA


The Lexus LFA, with a price tag of 375,000, leaves you deciding between it and a Lamborghini.
Jay Alapati

Until Lexus LFA hit the market, the only other super car that Japan produced was the Honda NSX, but sadly it is no longer in production. Leaving the Lexus LFA big shoes to fill. So far, the LFA is doing a good job at reaching those expectations. It has a 4.8-liter V-10 that produces 553hp, which takes the car from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and it keeps on going to 203 mph. But at the end of the day, it is a Lexus and with that comes the Lexus price tag. At 375,000, I’d rather get a Lamborghini.

CT&T City EV
The last car worth mentioning is the City. It is a cute car, which is smaller than the Smart Car. The City is available in many models including, a cop car, a pickup, and a regular coupe. It may not be the most practical, unless you’re in a clown car routine, but it is definitely cool.

Winter Exhaust

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Car care tips for winter driving.

by Jesse Hanus


Alexandra Artusio-Glimpse

At this point in the school year, many RIT students may be wondering why they chose to go to college in Rochester. With all of the cold, wind, snow and ice, it can make walking around campus a dreadful experience. Driving and taking care of a car even worse.

Car care in the winter can be a costly and irritating task, but it doesn’t have to be. The following tips from local mechanics will help keep you safe, and save time and money. They will also make taking care of your car a lot less stressful. You and your car can have a good relationship, even in the winter.

Instant Death: Just Add Idiot

Because many RIT students are coming from areas that do not get as much snowfall as Rochester, and some are relatively new to driving, general driving advice for winter conditions may be helpful.

Slow down: The posted speed limit is for ideal travel conditions. When roads are slick and visibility is low, it is safer to go at a lower speed.

Give yourself space: Allow more space between your car and the one in front of you. It takes more time to stop in the snow. In ideal conditions, you should pass a mark on the road two seconds after the car in front of you passes it. That factor should increase as weather worsens.

Give yourself time: Driving at a slower speed means it will take longer to get to your destination. Also, allow time in the morning to clean off your car.


Alexandra Artusio-Glimpse

Your Honda’s Hygiene

Tires
Snow vs. All Season: For the winter months, you will need tires with adequate tread. Ben Lee, a mechanic at Ferrel’s Garage on University Avenue, recommends buying snow tires over new all season tires, prolonging the life of your current all season tires and saving you money in the long run.

According to Stephen Kean, a Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems Integration graduate student and previously a certified mechanic, if you cannot afford winter tires, it is a good idea to invest a new set of all season tires or rims for your snow tires.

Kean said that having rims for your snow tires means you can rotate the tires yourself and save money. “It’s just like changing a spare tire,” Kean said. Even if you do not want to change the tires yourself, it will take a mechanic less time to rotate the tires if they have rims.

Air Pressure: “Every 10 degrees that the temperature drops, the air pressure in your tires drops by one pound,” said Ron Epner of Ron’s Auto Repair in Webster. Epner has been a mechanic for over 41 years. According to him, air pressure needs to be checked more often in the winter. This is an efficient and free way to extend the life of your vehicle’s tires as well as improve on gas mileage; a win-win.

Battery
For Lee, the only thing more common than white fields and freezing winds during a Rochester winter are dead batteries. If your battery dies, he recommended going to a parts store where free battery tests are common.

However, it is good to keep in mind the potential sinister nature of “good” advice. Kean warned that some shops have the goal of selling you a battery, so be sure to have them prove that yours is worth changing. A car battery should last five years, and if it dies earlier, you may be eligible reimbursement from the manufacturer.

Coolant
In the winter, there is a chance that the coolant in your car will freeze. A good idea, according to Lee, is to test your coolant for effectiveness around the winter season. A coolant tester can be purchased at a parts store for the price of a Gracie’s dinner (9 for all you meal-planners) and usually provides operation instructions.

If the coolant does freeze, it can cause the radiator to fail; a costly, but preventable repair. For solutions on how to deal with frozen coolant, Lee said running the car to heat the engine and melt the coolant could be a valuable technique.

Kean, on the other hand, recommends regular green (non-Dexcool) or red coolant, which is good for three years. However, some cars require high-end gold coolant, which is better for most cars if you can afford it. (Be advised that all brands of coolant vary the additives they include. Ask your mechanic or consult your owner’s manual for the specifics on which is right for your vehicle.)

Wiper Blades and Fluid
Wiper Care: “I would always recommend keeping wiper blades in good condition because if you can’t see ... that’s kind of a big deal,” Kean said. He advised against going for the cheapest brand in Walmart when it came to purchasing a new set of winter blades.

Changing wiper blades yourself is easy and free. “If you pay someone else to do that, I’d be embarrassed,” Kean said. To care for wipers, be sure to clean them before turning them on if there is any chance they could be iced down. Failing to do so can damage the rubber on the blades, their motor and/or transmission, added Epner. Lastly, if it is going to snow overnight or during class and your car is outside, bend the wiper arms up so they are not touching the windshield. This will prevent ice buildup.

Wiper Fluid: This is another liquid that often freezes in the cold weather. If your fluid dispenser is not functioning properly, first check to see if there is buildup on the sprayer nozzles. If there is, try to melt it.

If the nozzles still do not spray, open the hood and make sure that the rubber hoses connecting the fluid to the nozzles are attached.

As a last resort, run the engine to melt the fluid and drain it out. Frozen fluid means that a better brand is needed that has a lower freezing point.


Alexandra Artusio-Glimpse

Words for the Road

Selecting a Mechanic
Kean stressed the importance of forming a relationship with the person who is working on your car. Do not just communicate through the receptionist at the front desk.

Ask if the employees are paid hourly or on a flat rate. Flat rate means mechanics get paid per job. A standard flat rate book lists how many hours it should take to complete a repair. The mechanic will get paid for that number of hours regardless of actual hours worked. This does not mean that you need to avoid one type of place. “It will give you a better idea and a better understanding of how things are working,” said Lee.

Wash It Up
Kean recommends washing your vehicle regularly in the winter time. Having salt in the crevices of your car can significantly degrade its performance and value. Spare change in the cup every couple weeks can help avoid this.

Warm It Up
Your vehicle is designed to run optimally at a specific temperature. Therefore, your car needs a chance to warm up (30 seconds on modern engines) before starting to drive. “It’s just like waking yourself up in the morning. You don’t want to go that fast, and if you do, you’re going to hurt something,” Kean said.

Know Your Car
This is especially important during the snowy season. For instance, does your car have ABS brakes? If so, the myth your grandmother told you about pumping your breaks is ineffective. The ABS braking system pumps the brakes for you.

Do yourself a favor and put your owner’s manual in your apartment bathroom so that you can read up every now and then. It may save your life one day.

Most importantly, drive smart and drive safe, RIT. Life’s a journey, not a destination.

Car Review: Honda Civic GX

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:28:30 -0500

A consumer natural gas vehicle.

by Jay Alapati


Chris Langer


Chris Langer


Chris Langer


Chris Langer


Chris Langer


Chris Langer

Natural Gas Vehicle Honda Civic GX 25,340

The Honda Civic GX natural gas vehicle is the only commercially sold vehicle in the U.S. that runs on compressed natural gas. With hardly any carbon emissions, it is one of the greenest cars available on the market, producing less than any other hybrid. There is no need to stop at a gas station with this vehicle. It doesn’t take traditional gas at all, and there is a home fueling station available. Unfortunately, all of these features come at a cost, it is 6,000 more than a normal civic and 1,000 more than a hybrid civic, but a federal tax credit for up to 4,000 is available. Some states also offer special incentives such driving in the HOV lane, even if there is only one person in the car. All this seems perfect, but is it really worth it?

Comfort

The normal Civic is a very comfortable car with good seating. The NGV is no exception to this, with the interior being identical to other Civic models. The NGV, however, does not come with additional options like leather seats, a rear armrest or a sunroof. There currently is only one model available, and it is equivalent to the Civic LX.

Performance

The NGV comes with the same 4-cylinder 1.8L engine as a standard Civic, but it produces less power. It produces 113 horsepower and 109 pounds of torque while the normal Civic produces 140 horsepower and 128 pounds of torque. Because of the extra weight and less power, the NGV goes from 0 to 60 mph in 12.6 seconds.

Quality

Honda is known for producing high quality cars. Their interiors are exceptional with a digital speedometer and a fancy stereo, but the dashboard in the NGV is made of plastic. There is only one model, so you don’t have the option to upgrade.

Handling

It drives and handles like the normal Civic. As long as you don’t open the fuel tank or the trunk, you won’t even notice that you are in the NGV.

Practicality

Once you pop open the trunk, prepare for a shock. You'll see just how small the interior trunk space is. The compressed natural gas fuel sits in a huge tank that fills up most of the trunk space, leaving just enough room for a few grocery bags. If you are planning to go to the golf course with your friends, then you’ll have to pick between your friend and your golf bag.

Additionally, with out many places to refuel, you can forget about traveling in this car. A full tank will only get you 220 miles, but at least you won’t have to worry about where your luggage will go.

Usage Costs

In addition to the price of the car, you‘ll need to pay 6,000 to set up a home fueling station, unless you live near a natural gas station. The Phill home fueling station made by Fuelmaker is a device that takes the fuel from the natural gas pipe you use for your heating and compresses it so that it can go into your car. Fueling at home, you spend about 15 to fill up your tank, but it takes up to six hours. Considering the cost you pay for it upfront, it will take several years to break even. If you do live close by to the only natural gas filling station in Rochester, you can fill up in three to five minutes. You will pay a little more, but it is still much cheaper than normal gasoline. The down side is: if you live in cities that use electric heating systems, like Fairport, then you cannot install the Phill unit.

Do not expect the mileage to be as high as a hybrid car. In fact the NGV gives 24/36 mpg in the city/highway, which is almost the same as a normal Civic’s 25/36 mpg. So running costs for the first couple of years is much more than the normal Civic if you buy the home filling station.

Coolness Factor

Yes, it is cool to drive a natural gas vehicle if you’re one with the environment. (Go green crowd!) But if you are a college student who wants to show off your ride to the ladies, then this car may not be so cool.

If you really want to pay 12,000 more to buy a NGV and a home filling station that will take six hours to fill up your car, then this is the perfect vehicle for you. The NGV is almost like the normal Civic in comfort, performance, quality and handling. So before buying the natural gas Civic, ask yourself one question: Is the additional cost worth it for a car that is not very practical, just to save the environment from carbon emissions?

Race to the Deadline

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:00:00 -0500

March 1 looms for Formula SAE.

by Leanne Cushing


Don Leclerc fits a carbon fiber headrest on the FSAE team&039;s F-17 car. The team is currently working toward meeting their March 1 deadline.
Oscar Durand

For the RIT Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE), the race is on to get this year’s car finished. Their university-wide unveiling isn’t until the weekend of Imagine RIT, but they have a couple of reasons to make their March 1 deadline. The first, and most important, is that if they don’t finish in time, their sponsorship with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will be put in jeopardy.

“If we don’t finish our car within a week of our goal, that’d be really bad... We’ll lose thousands of dollars,” said Anthony Salvo, team project manager and fifth year Mechanical Engineering major.

But that isn’t the only reason the team, which is made up of roughly 25 people, is struggling to meet their deadline. The car was built to compete in a number of different events, such as an endurance test and a fuel economy test. The team needs to finish early so there can be testing and timing on the car. “In past years, the car has finished the day of unveiling,” said David Donohue, the team’s braking system engineer and fourth year Mechanical Engineering major, while working on a part of the car.

Like any race, the car isn’t the only factor in winning; the driver has to be in tune with the car to drive it to the best of its abilities. “The benefit of having the drivers know the car for a good amount of time helps before race season,” added Donohue. Materials, parts and placement of things can change the performance of the car by a significant amount. By having extra time to evaluate the car’s performance and see what parts give out sooner than others, they can be prepared for competition in May.

The team designs and builds a car every year and, with each year, substantial changes are made. This year the changes are focused around the chassis and suspension. Specifically, Salvo noted, “The pedal box, floor and under trays are all carbon fiber ... as are the steering wheel, dash, skins and firewall.” Additionally, he mentioned, “We’ve also got a newly upgraded and enhanced data acquisition system which we’re looking forward to testing out.”

So, how far along is this year’s FSAE F-17 car? The frame is done, the engine is built and the car is wired. Salvo’s estimate is that 90 percent of the manufacturing is done. The team’s main concern is that they won’t meet their deadline due to suspension issues. Some of the outsourced parts have also held up production. Although these parts are finally being worked on, after they come back they need to go through even more processes before they can be mounted onto the car.

This year, the team aims to compete in Detroit, Los Angeles and Germany. They are proud of their high-placing scores of past years and hope to do even better this year. “We compete with schools from all over,” Salvo boasted. “We compete with teams from across the world, even a lot of the top German engineering schools.” Many team members can be seen in the Kate Gleason machine shop in the Engineering Building at all hours, designing and machining. With a bit of luck and some hard work, the team will be able to meet their looming deadline.

Grand Theft Auto: Brick City

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Don't leave valuables in your Honda Accord.

by Margaret Barlow


Robert Modzelewski

For the second time this year, a car has been stolen from the RIT campus. According to the media crime report, the incident happened sometime on October 2 while the vehicle was parked in the Perkins Green Apartments. The car was an older Honda Accord, which was the same model as the first stolen car.

Blake DeBerto, the owner of the first targeted car, recently found his vehicle abandoned and stripped down. The car’s stereo and tires had been removed, and the inside suffered damages.

“To say the least, it didn’t really surprise me,” said DeBerto on the condition of his car. In fact, he’s decided to donate his car to a police auction.

As the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the car thefts, it should be noted that the two cases are incredibly similar. “I’m kind of shocked that it was the exact same car,” said DeBerto, adding that he thinks the two thefts involved the same person. “The circumstances are way too similar.”

Meanwhile, Public Safety has been taking action to deal with the problem. “We always survey the areas where vehicles were stolen or broken into,” said Rod Lezette, Assistant Director and Investigator for Public Safety. Public Safety has been conducting lot audits, which involve observing cars to see how likely it is for them to be targeted by a thief. The surveyors will check for things like valuable objects left in plain view. Should a problem be found, Public Safety will “email the owners that we recently surveyed their vehicle and found it to be an easy target,” said Lezette.

Lezette also added that security in the areas of the thefts has been increased, and that Public Safety is thinking of putting up more security cameras.

Lezette stressed that the prevention of more auto thefts is a top priority for Public Safety. Students who own vehicles are advised to always lock their doors, roll up windows, remove or stow and lock away valuable objects, and remove their stereo’s faceplate if possible. Lezette noted that “people who use these lots can help them by reporting suspicious activity.”

DeBerto advised, “I’d like people to research if their types of cars have a history of being broken into, or are easy to break into, and start taking better security measures.”

Car Crime Spree Hits Campus

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Several broken into, at least one stolen.

by Margaret Barlow

Within the past few weeks, several cars in parking lots around campus have been broken into, resulting in damages and stolen property in most cases and outright auto theft in one case. No arrests have been made in response to these crimes.

According to a media crime report, the first incident occurred on September 12, sometime between 7:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. The car was parked at the University Commons and suffered some damage as a result.

Four other cases occurred on September 15, according to the media crime report. The first was believed to have occurred between 9:45 a.m. and 11:22 a.m. in J Lot. The car was broken into and had some property stolen. The next car involved was parked in S Lot and was broken into sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. later that evening. Property was also stolen from this car. Two other vehicles were victimized at Colony Manor. The first theft occurred sometime between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. The second car didn’t have anything stolen from it, but a window was smashed between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the next morning.

The stolen property included a wallet, a stereo, and a radar detector, according to Director of Public Safety Chris Denninger.

On September 18, a car belonging to RIT student Blake Deberto was actually stolen. “I just went outside to go to my car to go to the store, and I was just walking down the sidewalk, and it wasn’t there,” said Deberto. His initial reaction was “disbelief... Maybe I just parked in a different spot, maybe I’m just not looking at it right,” but after searching for ten minutes in the Southeast Perkins lot, Deberto realized that his car was gone.

After alerting Public Safety, Deberto’s case was deferred to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. As of yet, his car has not been returned.

There is one possible suspect to the cases. According to Denninger, one individual was apprehended by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department for theft at Park Point two weeks ago. “We feel pretty confident that that person was involved,” said Denninger, “but we have no solid evidence.” The suspect has not confessed to any of the incidents at RIT, but after this person was apprehended, Denniger noted, the auto break-ins stopped.

However, if more auto break-ins do occur, Denninger said that Public Safety will “size up the data” they receive from reports, looking for possible patterns. “If a pattern occurs during these times and days the incidents happen, we bolster security during those times,” said Denninger. Denninger also offered some advice. “If people have things like a GPS, stereo, or radar, keep it out of sight.” He added that if thieves don’t spot valuable objects through a window, they tend to move on. Denninger asked that if any suspicious activity is seen in parking lots, such as someone walking around inspecting cars, or a car repeatedly driving around empty spaces, to inform Public Safety. Public Safety’s Emergency Line can be reached at (585)-475-3333 (v/tty). “If someone takes note of suspicious behavior, we’ll go over and check it out,” said Denninger.

Editor's Note: No Cars Go

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Laura Mandanas loves her car, but wishes she didn't need it.

by Laura Mandanas

Going to the car wash is one of my favorite activities. It’s one of life’s simple pleasures. For a few fleeting instants, I’m able to take my hands off the steering wheel, sit back, and stop worrying. It doesn’t matter that I’m the one in the driver’s seat; nothing is required of me for the next two and a half minutes. Soap surrounds the car, dirt washes away, and I emerge from the other end of the tunnel sparkling clean, feeling almost virtuous...especially as I look at all the filth caked onto the other cars I share the road with. In short: I love my car, and pretty much everything that goes with it.

That having been said, it costs me 50 to fill up my tank every week. With rent to pay, textbooks to buy, and groceries to purchase, believe me: if I thought it were possible, my car and I would have parted ways a long time ago. I’d be having my moments of zen in the shower or something. Traveling everywhere by car is an expensive habit, and it’s one that I’d rather not have to fund at this point. Unfortunately, I still need to get around, and RIT’s bus system far from meets my needs. As of right now, I really have no choice but to fork over the cash, grab the wheel, and make the best of it.

To date, my experience with the transportation services RIT provides has been very poor. Attempts to get off campus during my first two years at RIT met a red light at seemingly every turn; there was simply no good way for me to get into the city. Although I was able to make use of the “Golden Memories” shuttle bus which goes to the Marketplace Mall, the serpentine route it traveled on (in order to loop past the RIT Inn and various apartment complexes) meant that it took nearly an hour to get back to the dorms-usually more, since the bus always seemed to be running late. Not at all convenient. And if I wanted to venture any further than that? Well, I was just out of luck.

Flexcar provided a unique solution to this problem. Although I never used it myself (I moved off campus before it was available), it was encouraging to hear that RIT was taking action to address student concerns. Now that Flexcar seems to be reaching the end of the road, however, students will be stuck in the same situation as before.

Although I’ve heard some upperclassmen whisper of a bus which used to transport students downtown, this service has long since stopped; the bus’ main purpose was to give students a ride to the bars, and the Administration disapproved. Now, there is no system in place to allow on-campus students to go downtown, for the purpose of visiting the bars or otherwise. Considering the interesting attractions Rochester has to offer (movies at the Little Theatre, sushi at Village Gate, photography at the George Eastman House, etc.), this is a downright shame. I wasn’t even aware of most of these treasures until I had a car of my own-and why would I be, with no means of getting to them?

With construction for Park Point racing forward at near breakneck speed, I hope the Administration isn’t too proud to pull over and consult a map from time to time. Ask the students for directions. Here is what many of us will say: It’s great that there’s going to be something of a nightlife closer to campus, but that’s no excuse for not allowing us to travel off of it. We don’t need a hand to hold as we cross the street. We’re capable young adults, and we’re old enough to decide where we want to spend our Friday nights-whether that includes the bar scene or not. All we need now is a lift.

This is the perfect opportunity for RIT to overhaul its transportation system-specifically, the busing options that are available to students. Stop and think about it; surely, you have at least a few minutes to spare. Perhaps now would be a good time to go get your car washed.

Laura Mandanas
Editor in Chief

Car Rental Services to Change at RIT

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

New terms deemed unacceptable.

by Geoffrey H. Bliss


Dave Londres

In September of this year, RIT entered a contract with Flexcar, a company providing easy car rentals. However, after a few months of business, problems popped up in the program. Cars were mysteriously “unavailable” at all hours of the day, but still sitting in the parking lots.

After some deliberation, on October 30th, Flexcar executives announced a merger with a competitor, Zipcar. This seemingly minor change caused a considerable loss of jobs for employees working in Flexcar’s Seattle-based headquarters, as well as the creation of an even greater inconvenience for those accustomed to Flexcar, many of whom had to adjust their service plans.

Applicants to Flexcar were required to provide a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age. Zipcar, on the other hand, requires that its members be at least 21 to join. Cars were able to be picked up by RIT students at predetermined locations by swiping their “flexcards” on the electronic activation mechanisms located on the dashboards of every vehicle. After the driver’s identity was recognized, they were free to drive as they pleased.

John G. Zink, Interim Assistant Vice President stated, “We wanted to provide this service for students for them to take advantage of Flexcar. This was very good to work with...offering over one million dollars in accident coverage.” Zink continued, “After Flexcar became Zipcar, they no longer honored the previous agreement. Zipcar expected more money and offered much less accident coverage. Zipcar provides 300,000 in accident protection. They were simply offering unacceptable terms. We also didn’t want to originally use Zipcar, because we knew Flexcar offered better terms. I can assure you that these numbers indicate a bad deal. They were not providing the proper protection for students.” However, RIT did not end relations with Zipcar. “We wouldn’t care to kill something which we ourselves spent so much time committing to getting on campus,” said Zink.

The reaction to removing Flexcar has resulted in varied opinions. Industrial Design student Julie Zempke said, “I’m a committee adviser for FYE, and one day, we were talking about first year students, the concept of Flexcar is great and age becomes a problem for students who want to get off campus. If it were here when I was a freshman, I would definitely use it.” Ken Krug, a Software Engineering major, agreed: “This is an appealing program for parents, who would be smart in signing up. However, Flexcar had its detractors as well. Rebecca Strauss said, “I thought about using it, but I would break even. I also don’t think it’s affordable. I’d prefer to have more extensive bus services.”

Zink did not rule out changing services. He said, “One thing I will explore, though, is to reach out to other options.”

It's What You Make of It

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Veena Chatti has no car, and she’s making the most of it.

by Veena Chatti


Greg Caggiano

Where there is a will, there is a way. Living close to Colony Manor and opposite Perkins, I’m proud to say that I’ve been tough enough to walk to all my classes and labs and wherever else I want to go, come hail or storm. I chose to live here to experience life off-campus. I chose to avoid driving. As per DMV rules, if I (as a foreign national) want a driver’s license in the US, it’s got to be from the DMV of the same state as the institute mentioned on my visa (RIT, in New York state), and I’ve got to “turn in” my “foreign driver’s license” so they can have it “destroyed.” Since I shall definitely be returning home and using that document, such clauses do not strike me as reasonable. And maintaining a vehicle in America can become quite the pain. If you’re always on the move, ready to hop onto a plane in the quickest of flashes, and unwilling to settle down anywhere for any duration of time, quickly getting rid of a vehicle becomes a hindrance. Presently, I like to live such that at any given point of time, I can pack everything in two large suitcases and be ready to permanently leave a place within a matter of hours, if I so choose. It’s simple and hassle-free.

I do not feel that not driving a vehicle in Rochester makes my life any less of anything. Yes, we all know how cold it is from November to April, we all experience frozen branches and slush and what not, but these things are only minor impediments if you’re spirited at life. If you’ve got the energy and are willing to think positively, this won’t stop you from enjoying RIT. Tell good friends to call you when they’re off to purchase groceries, but even if you can’t, the shuttle goes to Wegmans on weekends. Keep a well-stocked refrigerator. Plan wisely. Go out with at least one friend who will be returning to campus in a sober state. Most importantly, think positively. Life is what you make of it. Incidentally, so is the weather.

Friends always understand when it comes to drop-offs at the airport, because everyone, regardless of whether they drive, generally appreciates a lift to the airport. If any of the friends I’ve made in the U.S. were to come to India, they all know that they can always rely on me a 100 percent for any help they would need there, and I’d be more than happy to drive them through our frighteningly, haphazardly beautiful traffic and quirky zigzag roads to show them around. It is only natural to want to avoid inconveniencing people, but you would do the same for them without any hesitation whatsoever if they needed it. Yes, the apartments are far away from the academic side, but it is essentially a five-minute walk to the dorms. If you don’t find the prospect of walking through snow enthralling, why attend RIT?

The Institute cannot do anything to change weather conditions. It should really focus on ending the huge wastage it burdens the environment with: food waste, fuel waste, energy waste, paper waste... RIT’s efforts at being environmentally friendly look like a pathetic joke when compared to other campuses across this nation. An institute which can’t stop harping on about sustainability (or was it innovation? I forget) has got to have more to show for it than a green roof and a handful of hand dryers, and students whining about how far apart things seem to become in the cold only serve as another opportunity for RIT to be evasive when questioned about how it spends students’ fees.

Stuck in a Standstill

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Colony Manor is an island... and Madeleine Villavicencio is stranded on it.

by Madeleine Villavicencio


Greg Caggiano

When I first stepped into the two-bedroom Colony Townhouse assigned to me and my three roommates, I was in awe. It was more spacious than I could have ever imagined, at least compared to the dorm room I had been stuck in the previous year. As I unpacked all my belongings, tantalizing thoughts of cramming a drum set in the basement danced through my mind. Everything was going quite well and fall quarter progressed rather nicely, but the nearly perfect living situation came at a price. Eventually, I realized that Colony Manor was an island... and I was stranded on it.

It is difficult enough to get around Rochester without a vehicle to drive to buy food off campus, go to the movies, or make a run to Wegmans with. This problem was addressed by Flex Car; if you really needed to go somewhere, that option would always be present. Unfortunately, it would not be logical to rent a Flex Car every time your stomach rumbled.

If you live in the dorms, Perkins, or Riverknoll, you hardly have to walk far to get something to eat. Living in Colony and finding your refrigerator empty makes the situation a little trickier. Assuming you have the cash and your parents are not already spending money on a meal plan, you can order take-out food from your restaurant of choice. If you need to finish off your debit, you can order a plate of wings and a number of other items to fill the ten-dollar minimum to order food from the Commons for delivery. Either way, you’ll probably be spending more than you should, and have to wait longer. However, there is another option: You could choose to walk all the way to Commons through the wind and the rain and the wind and the snow just to purchase another Quiznos sub.

I suppose any two places on campus could be considered walking distance from each other, but Rochester weather hardly permits a walk that would not end with catching a bad cold or with slipping in a puddle or black ice and cracking your head open. It may sound lazy, but I am not too keen on walking to class every day when the surroundings are covered in snow or rain. For people like me, the bus would seem convenient, but RTS and I have a very frustrating love-hate relationship.

It began the very first day classes started, when I waited an hour and a half for the bus to simply pass me by. The stroke of bad luck continued when I ended up on the bus to Rustic Village and had to ask a roommate to come and pick me up. I need not mention the constant battle I face on Tuesday nights, wondering if I’m going to get out of the Reporter e-board meeting on time to catch the last bus at 9:25 p.m.

Students in similar situations probably encounter the same problems. It is difficult to get around when you do not want to inconvenience your friends and roommates and make them think that all they are to you is a driver. Maybe this will change for Colony students when Park Point is set up and fully functional. Until then, who is willing to be hired as my personal chauffeur?