Popular Mechanics articles from September 2003

Popular Mechanics archives from September 2003

America as megapower. (Editor's Notes).(Editorial)
September 1, 2003... If there is one thing we learned from the war in Iraq, it's that the United States of America is no longer a superpower. Let's face it. We're well past being the world's only superpower. In terms of military might, we're a megapower, way beyond...

He's back. (Letters).(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... While Jim Wilson's cover story on "Terminator 3" in the July issue was highly informative, I realized its true value when I went to see the movie. The film is great. But, what made it even better was Wilson's article cueing me as to what to...

Honda Hybrid. (Letters).(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... Congratulations on a good article on the Honda Hybrid. I bought one of the first available in my area in April 2002 and have around 12,000 miles on the car. What sold me on it was the design, the variable-ratio transmission and the overall...

Gun laws. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... I collect guns, hunt, target shoot and store my guns safely. The New Jersey gun law requiring user-recognition technology scares me. We need common sense, not laws that prevent responsible adults from using that which is legal. ANDREW...

Bang gang. (Time Machine).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... 25 Years Ago: September 1978 A "library" of weapons housed in the basement of the U.S. Post Office Building in Washington, D.C., included a comprehensive collection of firearms ranging from the conventional to the bizarre. Some of the...

Pumping station. (Time Machine).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... 100 Years Ago: September 1903 Dead hearts seemingly came back to life in a remarkable experiment performed at the University of Chicago. The hearts, taken from dead animals, were placed in glass jars and had their chambers filled with...

Aces high. (Time Machine).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... 75 Years Ago: September 1928 Card players would be dealt hands high above the clouds aboard the luxurious Count Zeppelin, the biggest airship of its time. Earmarked for trans-Atlantic service, the craft would use gas, instead of liquid...

Take a shot. (Time Machine).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... 50 Years Ago: September 1953 The New York Yankees' Mickey Mantle was plugging Marlin rifles as well as belting homers. Mantle claimed that his "Marlin Cal. .35 Rem. slams through brush and second-growth like a drive headed over the fence."...

Bracing for SARS comeback. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Public health officials fear that this year's cold and flu season will also bring a return of SARS, a frequently fatal form of pneumonia. Planning for this possibility, airport managers have begun investigating the use of infrared sensor...

Whale of a restoration. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Look closely at the massive blue whale hanging above the new Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life in the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan, and you will see a tiny indentation just ahead of the tail. The spot isn't a mistake, but a...

Scar eraser. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... A bandage that slowly erases scars has been introduced by Johnson & Johnson. Functioning like wearable sandpaper, the dressing slowly erodes red, raised areas. After a few weeks, the scar tissue recedes. Individual strips can be used up to...

First fuel cell microaircraft. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... With a wingspan of only 15 in., the Hornet is small, even by model airplane standards. What makes it stand out is its propulsion system. Developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the microaircraft is the first plane...

Electricity may help people lose weight. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... With obesity growing at alarming rates in the United States, researchers are looking for better ways to help people lose weight. One novel approach is to use a "gastric pacing system, "which is essentially a pacemaker for the stomach....

Fourth-blade targets hidden stubble. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The latest razor from Schick has four blades and an ergonomically correct handle. The changes reduce the pressure applied to the face, resulting in a cleaner shave, with less risk of nicking. Aptly named Quattro, the razor goes on sale in...

CT scans for airplanes. (Technology Watch).(Structural Anomaly Mapping System )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Inspecting aircraft for corrosion and cracks usually entails tearing apart the airplane from the inside out, a process that can take weeks or months. Honeywell says that its Structural Anomaly Mapping System (SAMS) can perform the task in as...

Flying over Mars. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Proving their worth in war, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are poised to conquer other planets. Their first mission will likely be to soar above the Martian landscape, scouting the unfamiliar terrain as part of NASA's Mars Exploration Program...

New steering system. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... BMW engineers have redefined steering with Active Steering, available on the hew 5 Series. A pair of computer-controlled planetary gearsets between the steering column and rack determines steering ratio. Basing its decisions on steering wheel...

Big power from tiny laser. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... A record-breaking 155 watts has been generated from a hair-thin, optical glass thread amplifier. "lf you were to combine a number of fibers, you begin to reach significant laser-power levels," says Jackie Gish, Manager of the Northrop Grumman...

Disney's most complex attraction. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... A simulated rocket ride to Mars has joined the lineup of futuristic adventures at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. "Mission: Space is very much based in reality," says Susan Bryant, the show's co-producer. "The sensations are what the astronauts...

High-rise parachute. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... A fast-opening, easy-to-steer parachute could be the last chance for survival for people trapped on the top floors of burning skyscrapers. The Evacuchute from Emergency Evacuation Systems (EES) is designed for first-time users facing the...

Ultrasound imaging technique. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Using sound to pluck an artery the way a piano tuner hammers a piano string could help determine the health of a person's circulatory system, say researchers from the Mayo Clinic's Ultrasound Research Laboratory in Rochester, Minn. Sound waves...

Extra-solar planet resembles Jupiter. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Astronomers have discovered a planet and star that appear to share the same relationship as Jupiter and our sun. It displays a planet-star alignment that is more like our solar system than researchers have found since they began looking for...

More luxurious than Titanic. (Following Up ...).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... With plans to recreate the Titanic described in our September 1998 issue now on permanent hold, a new ship has emerged to accept the crown of the world's most luxurious cruise liner. Cunard Line recently gave POPULAR MECHANICS a preview of the...

Hypersonic bomber. (Following Up ...).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency plans to adapt the X-43 technology described in our July 2001 cover story to fighting terrorism. Part of its new Falcon program is a precision smart bomb that could strike targets anywhere in the...

Shocking paralyzed muscles back to life. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... A minimally invasive operation can help some victims of spinal cord injuries breathe without a respirator. The procedure involves making four small incisions through which wires are anchored to the diaphragm, the muscle that controls breathing....

Tree of many cures. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... From ancient times, certain trees have been known for their curative properties. Among them is the Tongkat Ali of Southeast Asia. Legend describes it as "the tree of a thousand cures." To help determine the tree's true medicinal value,...

Colorful greenbacks. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The venerable greenback is about to pass into history. Beginning in September, the presses at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing will begin churning out colorful $20 bills. Colorful $50 and $100 bills will follow in 2004 and 2005, Treasury...

Planet watch. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * INDIA A heat wave that killed 1400 ended dramatically with the arrival of the annual monsoon in June. Within days of the start of the rains, flooding and windstorms killed seven people, four of whom were buried alive when their homes...

Flying before the Wright brothers. (Technology Watch).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Does the name Richard Pearse ring a bell? It does if you are from New Zealand, which claims that Pearse, a local farmer, beat the Wright brothers into the sky by nine months. Pearse's bamboo monoplane made a textbook takeoff from his South...

Palpable printing. (Printers).
September 1, 2003... I love my digital camera, I really do. Convenience, speed and great pictures make it a joy to use. But what isn't a joy is making prints. Sure, I can take it to a photomart or get the images transferred to a compact disc and print them out...

Like film, but not. (Digital Imaging).
September 1, 2003... Digital cameras have become a phenomenon in the photography world. They are small, easy to use and make sharing photos simple and fun. However, one problem we've seen with digital is the often inferior quality of the photos. Fujifilm thinks it...

The fastest ride on earth. (Propulsion).
September 1, 2003... It might make the ultimate amusement park ride, if anyone could survive. Hitting hypersonic speeds of Mach 8.5--that's 6416 mph, in civilian terms--a 4-stage rocket sled took just 6.04 seconds to blast the more than 3-mile length of track at...

Talking dirty. (Motorcycles).
September 1, 2003... We're dressed in battle gear, ready to take on whatever the terrain will throw at us. From our helmets to our heavy boots to the knee guards inside our high-tech motorcross pants to our gloves, we look tough--like we're gonna kick some butt....

Fishy business. (Ecology).
September 1, 2003... The best time to walk the beach in Falmouth, Mass., is a half-hour before sunrise. Night tides have erased evidence of the tourists who assault Calve Cod by day. Until the sun rises to draw the horizon, the ocean appears endless. Looking into...

Craig Breedlove. (PM People).(automobile racer)
September 1, 2003... POPULAR MECHANICS'S November 1963 cover showed a radically streamlined vehicle hurtling across an otherworldly landscape toward a distant horizon. But this was no flash from the future. This was the real thing: a world land speed record. And...

Anyone can build a home! First of a two-part series that takes you step-by-step through the construction of a five-bedroom home built entirely by Habitat for Humanity volunteers! (Special Advertising Section).
September 1, 2003... HABITAT FOR HUMANITY The five-bedroom home in our photos was built by Habitat for Humanity volunteers in Charlotte, North Carolina under the direction of a professional carpenter. In the spirit of a Colonial barn raising, Habitat for...

2004 Chevrolet SSR. (New Cars).(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... You can think of it as a 21st century interpretation of the Chevrolet El Camino with a retractable top. Or you can think of it as a roadster with useful, fully closable cargo bed instead of a trunk. All that Chevrolet executives really care is...

2004 Scion xA And xB. (New Cars).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... In case you haven't heard, Scion (pronounced SIGH-on) is the new brand from Toyota aimed at the very youngest and hippest new-car shoppers. Every manufacturer dreams of dominating the youth market. But only Toyota has created a completely new...

2004 Nissan Quest. (New Cars).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... Nissan brings a larger package to the minivan market with its '04 Quest. Longer on the outside and with more room inside than its predecessor, the all-new Quest is intended to bring Nissan a much more substantial slice of the minivan pie than...

2004 Saab 9-3 convertible. (New Cars).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... Last year, Saab killed its hatchback and introduced the new 9-3 sport sedan, This year the company is introducing the all-new 2-door, 4-seater 9-3 convertible, which comes in Arc and Aero trim. Regardless of model, the convertible has a new...

2003 Honda FCX. (New Cars).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... The FCX is Honda's first production hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. And it's the first fuel cell car that is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. A fuel cell vehicle is powered by an electric motor running on electricity...

2004 Volkswagen Touareg. (New Cars).(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... Volkswagen is planning a more upscale lineup. And the all-new Touareg SUV is convincing proof. First, it shares a platform and part of its drivetrain and suspension with the new Porsche Cayenne. Second, the Touareg will be priced right in the...

2005 Ford Freestar. (Detroit Spy Report).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... Beneath this camouflaged sheet-metal is the chassis found under Ford's upcoming 500 sedan. Here, however, that chassis is carrying the Freestar crossover SUV. Like other crossovers, the Freestar is part SUV, part minivan, part station wagon....

2005 Subaru Legacy. (Asia Spy Report).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... The all-new Subaru Legacy is already for sale in Japan. But our shores won't see it until next spring. The new car has an entirely updated chassis, body design and construction. And new materials and technologies will make the Legacy lighter...

2005 Lexus LS 450. (Asia Spy Report).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... Lexus is readying an all-new flagship. Our spies say this computer-generated rendering is very close to what we will see in showrooms in late '04. The new model will likely be powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that's an updated version of the current...

2004 Acura TL. (Asia Spy Report).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... Next month Acura will pull the covers off its new TL and we'll share it with you then. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek at the car in action, caught by our spies as it was undergoing some last-minute hot-weather testing. Like the previous...

2005 Toyota Solara convertible. (Asia Spy Report).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Thanks to our spies, we got an advance look at the new Toyota Solara convertible. The convertible, like the coupe, will be Camry based, built in Kentucky and offer a choice of engines. The base model will get a 4-cylinder while uplevel models...

Beyond superpower: awesome weapons and battle-hardened troops have transformed the U.S. military into the mightiest fighting force on Earth, and America into the world's only megapower. (Defense).
September 1, 2003... Damp air thick with diesel fuel turns the beam from my flashlight an eerie blue as I descend into the steel cavern. A few rungs from the bottom I stop and wait for my eyes to adjust to the dark. As shadowy forms begin to take shape, I find...

Satellite radio goes anywhere: digital satellite radio isn't just for your car anymore. With new portable players, you can take this incredible new service anywhere you go. (Digital Audio).
September 1, 2003... Satellite radio has turned the corner. First positioned as a mobile entertainment service for long-distance truckers and road warriors, pay radio is now heading home, to the park, and anywhere else people want to listen to music. Thanks to the...

Harley's 100: the great American icon celebrates its first century. (Motorcycles).
September 1, 2003... They were so young. William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson were only 21 and 20 respectively, when they built their first motorcycles for sale in 1903. Working out of a 10 x 15-ft. backyard shed in Milwaukee, the pair built only three of their...

Top gun: Smith & Wesson crowns the new king of handguns with its Model 500 S&W Magnum revolver. (Firearms).
September 1, 2003... In the 1971 movie "Dirty Harry," actor Clint Eastwood introduced the world to the double-action Smith & Wesson Model 29 .44-cal. Magnum revolver--"the most powerful handgun in the world." It was a crown S&W wore proudly, albeit briefly....

Long-term test cars: goodbye twice, but hello in a big way. (Update).(sport utility vehicles)
September 1, 2003... It's interesting to see how many faces the SUV can have. With this installment, we say farewell to two very different vehicles, both of which can arguably be called sport utilities. And in the same breath, we welcome a newcomer that seems as...

Frame of reference: how to build frames and mount your favorite artwork. (Project).
September 1, 2003... Whether they're family photos, favorite prints or maybe even the fruits of your kids' Saturday art classes, everyone has pictures they love--and love to show off. But, while those fridge magnets may be the ideal solution for snapshots of last...

Climate control: new heating and cooling systems are more efficient than ever. (Consumer Guide).(Buyers Guide)
September 1, 2003... If you've been thinking of upgrading your heating and airconditioning system, this is a good time to do it. Manufacturers have made real improvements in comfort, efficiency and durability. In most respects, residential equipment is just better...

Fast food: new microwove ovens for quick meals. (Appliances).
September 1, 2003... Today's microwave ovens often perform as compact kitchens. Aside from reheating leftovers more quickly and evenly, these appliances can efficiently defrost, bake, toast and roast. In doing so, they add very little heat to the kitchen--certainly...

Plywood shelf stiffness. (Homeowners Clinic).
September 1, 2003... I'm in the process of building shelves for a bookcase. The shelves will be 24 in. long and 14 1/4 in. from front to back. I plan to cut the shelves from a sheet of birch plywood so that the long dimension of the face-grain veneer runs from the...

Review: help with oxygen cutting torches.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Nothing cuts metal like an oxygen-fuel torch. There is a lot to know when it comes to using this equipment safely, and it's well explained in this 40-minute video, a product of Smith Equipment, a manufacturer of cutting torches. Our advice is...

The right splitter. (Service tip: maintenance).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... It's easy to add a second phone line to your home or home office, but be sure you are selecting the proper splitter, Typical. phone wiring is capable of handling two phone numbers at the same time, and the phone company can add a second number...

Basement remodeling. (Homeowners Clinic).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... I'm finishing my basement. It's below grade except for two walls, which have small windows that are above grade. Should I insulate the walls and install a vapor barrier? RANDY REYER VIA INTERNET I'm sure the municipal building...

Relief valve discharge. (Homeowners Clinic).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... During last winter's heating season, there was excessive discharge of water from the temperature/pressure-relief valve on my heating system. I have performed a pressure check on my expansion tank and found no pressure in it. Could this be the...

My heart bleeds. (Auto Clinic).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... I'm trying to install a new master cylinder on my 1982 minivan. I wanted to flush the system of old, dirty fluid, so I blew all the brake lines clear with compressed air after opening all the bleeder bolts. I've tried bleeding the brakes every...

Stripper. (Auto Clinic).
September 1, 2003... I take my car to the service station every 4000 miles to have the oil changed. At 90,000 miles, the shop told me I needed to have an oversize drain plug installed because the old. one was worn-out. My mechanic said this should not be necessary...

All spaced out. (Car Care Tip).(repairing a General Motors starter motor)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... It's been awhile since I've had to change a GM starter motor, which says a lot about GM's reliability. Or maybe it says more about how often I've worked on the greasy side of cars lately. But, as always, I felt compelled to help a neighbor who...

Service tips. (Car Care).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Got nothing but warm air coming from the climate control system of your 1996-2003 Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable or Lincoln Continental? According to Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 02-23-6, there is a blend-air door in the plenum that's prone...

Blowing hot and cold. (Auto Clinic).
September 1, 2003... I had to take my car in to have the speedometer fixed. Since then, the heat and a/c system hasn't worked properly. It blows air only when I release the gas pedal. If I pull away from a light, the air stops blowing until I stop. They tried...

Passing an emissions inspection. (Saturday Mechanic).
September 1, 2003... Your car is running beautifully, and all seems right with the world. You have no trepidation whatsoever when the time comes to take it in for your state or local emissions test. After an interminable wait in line at the inspection station, a...

Great Stuff: from home improvement to outdoors, automotive to electronics, here's the newest gear you'll want to own.
September 1, 2003... 1. Roll Model Black & Decker's Workmate 375 is a 24-pound workbench that folds flat for storage and unfolds easily with one pull on its cushioned spring-loaded lever. A pair of 6-in.-dia. wheels allow you to roll it to wherever the work...

Lord Of The Rings: take two. (Great Stuff).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Vivendi Universal Games' new action/ adventure, The Lord Of The Rings: The Treason Of Isengard ($49.95), brings all the excitement and wonder of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth to your Xbox or PlayStation 2.The game recreates the story's...

Stay cool. (Great Stuff).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Before summer heat hits you with a vengeance, check out the Carrier 38TDB line of residential air conditioners. Available in 2- to 5-ton cooling capacities, these units carry up to an 18.0 energy efficiency rating. The system uses an...

On a roll. (Great Stuff).(cart to transport a miter saw)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Ridgid calls this product a Miter Saw Utility Vehicle. We think that's an apt name for a product built out of welded steel and capable of supporting 200 pounds. Leave the miter saw on it when you fold it up, and take it away. A gas-filled strut...

Power up. (Great Stuff).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... If your high-mileage Yugo is feeling a bit sluggish, consider swapping in a Carroll Shelby Signature Series 427 Fe engine. Cranking out 520 hp, this monster will definitely wake you up. If that's not enough, Shelby offers a supercharger package...

We're all free. (Great Stuff).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Motorola has made AOL Instant Messaging portable and convenient. The IMfree device operates up to 150 ft. from the base transmitter, which plugs into your PC. Aimed at young children and teens, it allows users to hold as many as six chats...

Pedal wheel. (Great Stuff).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Here's something you've never seen before--a Waterpillar. This pedal-powered water roller can be used in fresh or salt water and on sand. With wheels up to 7 ft. tall, the Waterpillar moves you along in a hurry. Single-seat, dual-seat and kiddy...

Heavy duty. (Great Stuff).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Canon USA's EOS 10D camera ($1999) is the first digital SLR to use the company's DIGIC Image Processor. The body, constructed of rigid magnesium alloy covers, houses a 7-point autofocus system, a 3-frame-per-second drive speed in 9-frame...

Toneau rising. (Great Stuff).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Raise and lower your pickup bed tonneau cover by remote control. Talegator Truck Accessories' universal lift kit exerts 250 pounds of lifting and closing force. You can install it yourself with hand tools and a plug-and-play wiring harness....

Get Hooked. (Great Stuff).(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
September 1, 2003... The Model 5 Rescue Hook easily slices through security belts, rope and clothing, without the danger of inadvertent blade exposure to any surrounding items, like your fingers. It's an ideal tool for rescue workers as well as climbers, jumpers...

Wet 'n' mild. (Great Stuff).(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
September 1, 2003... How cheap can you go in the water? One notch up from skinny-dipping is the Paddlebuoy. These unsinkable boards can be used as kayaks and water toys for racing, surfing practice, sunning and even towing behind a boat. The boards have 380 pounds...

Not your typical tractor. (Great Stuff).(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
September 1, 2003... The Kubota BX1500 is not your typical garden tractor. Start with its engine: It's a twin-cylinder 15-hp liquid-cooled diesel. Other features, such as a 3-point hitch and rear PTD, move it closer to the utility tractor category. Mid-PTO takes...

Steel away. (Great Stuff).(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
September 1, 2003... DeWalt's 18-volt metalcutting circular saw is designed to bring the same nimble ability to metalwork that cordless saws have brought to carpentry. The company says the tool cuts through 2-in.-dia. black steel pipe 50 percent faster than a...

Over your head. (Great Stuff).(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
September 1, 2003... Now you can go open-air Jeeping on those warm sunny days--and not bake in the process. The Breezer Top fits CJ, YJ and TJ Jeeps as well as Suzuki Samurai. The tops install in minutes and won't balloon, flap, or radiate heat. They start at $54....

How to survive a volcanic eruption. (Worst-Case Scenarios).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... You're hiking up Mount St. Helens when you hear an ominous rumble and the ground starts to shake. Gee, according to your guidebook, this isn't supposed to happen. The rumble gets louder and the shaking becomes more violent. Uh-oh! Mount St....