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

I’LL DRIVE, THANKS

Popular Mechanics South Africa

WINNING LETTER

CALENDAR

TIME MACHINE • It made per fect sense at the time

When you see a pack of motorcyclists with matching jackets, where are they going?

How to make petrol from tea

Make yourself less trackable • Targeted ads creeping you out? Same. Here’s how I keep the algorithms at a comfortable distance without hurting my internet experience.

The invisible architects • A handy field guide to an eccentric subculture that’s building the algorithms that will shape our future.

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

LOOK TO THE SKIES • Drones are taking off in an unexpected corner of Africa. Here’s how they’re saving lives in Rwanda.

UNPACKING AFRICA’S GENETIC WEAPON • Gene research has provided insight into many of the world’s worst diseases, but Africa and African genes have largely been overlooked. Work in this field is now unlocking vital genetic variants, though, that could offer remedies for currently untreatable ailments.

WHAT IS A GENOME?

Winds of change • Simply put, burning fossil fuels is not sustainable to meet our energy needs. It’s also terrible for the environment. Is the answer to be found in wind farms, and just how many would be needed to power the world’s major cities?

OFF THE GRID

HOW TO POWER YOUR HOME • You have three main options. Which you use depends on your environment.

WHY AREN’T GENERATORS ON THIS LIST?

BUILD YOUR OWN WIND TESTER

THE ENERGY NEEDS CALCULATOR • Check off each of the following items that you can’t live without. Then tally your score to find out how much power you’ll need to generate to continue your lifestyle.

ESSENTIAL GEAR • Living outdoors or by your own power and water means, it’s important to have the essential tools at hand. These can then work alongside the solutions you’ve installed so you can enjoy off-grid living. Here are a few products that may make things a little easier.

CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AC & DC ? • A brief primer.

DO YOU NEED A TOILET TH AT FLUSHES ? • THE GRID ISN’T JUST ELECTRICITY. It’s also plumbing. Luckily, there are a number of ways to take care of taking care of your business without the municipal sewer system. You can use a composting toilet, a standard toilet with a septic tank, or an outhouse that’ll help you plant trees. Or there’s always the bush. Follow this flowchart to find the method that’s best for you.

THREE GREAT BAT TERY-STORAGE SYSTEMS • Once you know how you’re going to generate electricity, you need a way to store any excess.

AN APPRECIATION THE WOOD STOVE • Take care of it, and it takes care of you.

EXTREME • In 16 months I relieved myself of every possession. But I still had to get away from everything else.

A LITTLE LESS SO • How we ended up off the grid – and why we’ve stayed there.

Master of the sea • Has technology taken away the mystique of the maritime trade? Are pirates still a problem? Popular Mechanics chatted to Captain Jonathan McCarthy, a Capetonian who works for a company that owns ships involved in marine mining, about life at sea.

AUVS

SO YOU WANT TO BE A SHIP CAPTAIN?

Q&A with captain McCarthy

High atop the mountain • There are a lot of jobs involved with running a ski resort. Luckily,...