Philby Whizz

No, it isn’t a impolite body function, it is a distributed computer project using the BOINC framework called BURP.

BURP stands for Big Ugly Rendering Project. Currently the only application that BURP supports is blender, which is fine by me, because that is the only 3D modelling application I use (and all you ever need).

I have a few machines around at home here doing mundane stuff (backup server, file server, web server, etc) and I was originally looking on the net on how to set up a nice local render farm to play around with. While serching for one, I came across a distibuted render farm project on Blender Nation that the blender nation. What a great idea! I can donate some of my spare CPU cycles for other blender users, as well have access to a global render farm.

Here are my current stats (I’ve also added it to my sidebar).

Some of the notable blender renders are viewable in the BURP Hall of Fame. Some of these downloads are quite big though (20Mb+). You may have to use VLC to view some of the videos if you don’t have the right codecs installed on your computer.

BURP isn’t the only project that BOINC supports, there are hundreds, ranging from searching for aliens in space (SETI@home) to cancer research.

Donate some CPU cycles today!

I have adjusted and finalised my new reef tank design, as recommended by the tank builder, to include all the plumbing in the weir rather than having an external pipe out the back. The back of the tank cabinets are also open to allow for better ventilation and makes it easier to manage power/plumbing if needed. Makes a lot of sense, and something I didn’t think of at the time. I have also been recommended to use 25mm holes for the siphon/durso instead of the too-large 40mm I originally designed.

While practising my blender skills I updated by blender design and you can view the updated animation below.

The tank builder was given the all OK to start buildling about 2 weeks ago, so I should be seeing it turn up at home shortly (there will be pictures!).

Can’t wait!

Hey there,

Yes it has been a while since I have updated my site. There are a few things that need updating (and added) which I will do shortly in seperate posts (makes it easier to search/categorise) them for later.

With the new additions, I’ve also updated the website to run WordPress 2.5. It was surprisingly very easy to update, and all my plugins worked (except the backup one, but that has been causing errors for a while now so I’ve removed it).

I intend to add more frequent updates in the future, rather than just a single almighty dump in one go, promise!

Had a little setback with my Biolife fishtank (as I blogged earlier). The tank that I wanted are no longer in stock and they don’t make it any more, which is a real shame as I was looking forward to it.

Looks like I will have to get my hands dirty and create a custom tank design.

Finally spent some time this week modelling what I wanted in a tank using blender, which not only helps me learn blender, but it also allowed me to visualise what I wanted and imagine it sitting in our main room:

Tank will be 48″x24″30″ high, tank is 48″x24″x36″ high, and the hood is 48″x24″x18″. The whole think will be 7″ tall.

Right hand weir, with a durso/siphon setup, and the return pipe on the left. The only thing missing is the sump design, which I will do later on (after the tank arrives).

Can’t wait!