Popular Mechanics South Africa

The South African edition of Popular Mechanics was launched in 2002 and has fast become the acknowledged voice of science and technology in South Africa. Underpinning its rich sci-tech content is an ever-changing mix of articles covering everything from automotive news and outdoor adventures to DIY projects. In essence, it explains how our world works

ONE YEAR ON

Popular Mechanics South Africa

WINNING LETTER

OCTOBER 2019

TIME MACHINE • It made perfect sense at the time

THE BIGGER PICTURE

POPULAR WISDOM • What we’re up to beyond these pages.

Cooking (& shrinking) the modern combat ration • At a US Army development lab, creating food for troops is as much about technology as it is about cooking. We sent a chef to learn how it all works. And tastes.

Binoculars

The biggest thing since penicillin • Dozens of biotech companies are targeting your microbiome to create a whole new class of drugs.

How to survive climate change • A book that tells us much of what we need to know about sustainable living in South Africa.

A case for less tech • A computer scientist’s advice for dumping the unnecessary gadgets and apps in your life.

GEAR &GADGETS • Must-have hardware for humans on the go

EVACUATION AIR • HOW A PRIVATE AIRLINE IN CARTERSVILLE, GEORGIA, USA, BECAME THE US GOVERNMENT’S GOTO EVACUATION SYSTEM FOR EBOLA, AND, EVENTUALLY, EVERYTHING ELSE.

POPULAR MECHANICS’ PICK OF THE PODCASTS • Turn your commute into a learning experience with our round-up of the best scienceand tech podcasts.

ALSO WORTH A LISTEN

In the spirit of science • There’s no question – gin’s the in thing. Once regarded a poor man’s drink, these days, an event with no gin bar is almost considered a non-event. Curious, POPULAR MECHANICS popped in on Craft Link, the home of Ginologist, an award-winning gin brand rooted (and distilled) with science in mind.

Level the locks • Waterways the world over became more navigable with the advent of locks, and to this day these mechanical components still play a vital role in inland watertravel networks. Mark Samuel experienced some first-hand on a trip to France.

The mechanics for iconic campers • After living on the road in a classic VW Westfalia, Dave Phelps created a business that helps others do the same.

HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM ORANGES? • To develop and thrive, industries must move with the times and adopt technological change. Within the fruit-farming sector, local company Aerobotics is using drone scouting to revolutionise an age-old practice.

The finest fibres in all the land • Water-resistant, hypoallergenic, fire-retardant, and stronger than sheep’s wool, alpaca wool is sought-after the world over. And a small farm in the Western Cape’s Overberg just happens to be making some of the best you’ll find, while rearing a happy herd of animals.

It’s BEER o’clock • Brewing your own beer is simpler than you might think, but there are some important guiding principles to follow. Here’s the low-down.

A laser-guided tool for the machine shop • An inventor applies for his first patent at 65 – an update to a standard machinist’s tool. He winds up with clients in medicine and aerospace.

Finally, cord coiled cleanly

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WORK BENCH • The workbench is the most utilised piece of equipment in any workshop. Whether you are a dedicated handtool craftsperson, or a hybrid woodworker, it remains extremely important.

VICES

Champing at the bit • // New Ford Mustang

Land-yacht luxury • // Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII

FOSSIL, OR FOSSIL FUEL? • Spoiler alert: the great electric takeover is still a few generations away, in South Africa at least – and for good...