TechOperator

Two Fiskers, a Lucid, and a Rivian walk into a bar...

As little as five years ago, I publicly stated that self driving cars were not in the imminent future. I was dead wrong about that. I am now a happy owner of a cyber truck, and I let it drive me everywhere I go. I trust it’s tactical skill more than I trust my own. Of course I still supervise it, but it sees more than I do, and its reaction time is much better. All I can offer it is my human ability to be far more strategic than it is.

Considering installing an RV outlet for EV charging? There are important points to consider. 1) Avoid "residential-grade" models, as shown here, based on the distance between the housing and faceplate mounting screws. These have a 2-1/8" diameter housing. "Industrial-grade" receptacles have a 2-1/2" housing, so clearance between housing and screws is less. 2) Hubbell makes an industrial-grade receptacle suitable for EV charging. The model number is 9450A. The same receptacle is sold at a lower price under another Hubbell brand, Bryant, as model 9450FR. Both 9450A and 9450FR are made in the same US factory with the same high-quality materials. The only difference is branding. There is no reason to buy the more expensive 9450A over the 9450FR. 3) Hubbell and Bryant also sell a residential-grade NEMA 14-50 receptacle. The model number is RR450F. I've heard people brag about having a Hubbell receptacle, only to find out it was a residential-grade model that's not suitable for EV charging. 4) I recommend purchasing supplies like this from reputable sellers such as Grainger. The risk of receiving counterfeit receptacles from sellers like Amazon or eBay is too high. 5) There are no regulations for "EV-rated" receptacles. The green EV logo is a recent addition that some manufacturers print on receptacles they market as suitable for EV charging. Sometimes they are right, sometimes wrong, but nothing prevents anyone from including this logo on any receptacle. It is strictly voluntary and unregulated. For best results, wall-mount a dedicated EV charger with proper wiring and breakers.

Happy 1st Birthday, Starbase. One year ago today, Starbase officially became a city. In that time, we’ve hosted multiple Starship flight tests, grown our community of people building the future of spaceflight, and worked to protect our beaches and natural resources for generations to come. Next year will be even bigger. More launches. More progress. And we’re just getting started! Thank you to everyone who has been part of Starbase’s first year as a city.