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
WHAT’S YOUR PLAN B?
Popular Mechanics South Africa
Dream big
CALENDAR • UPDATE YOUR DIARY • THIS DAY IN HISTORY
TIME MACHINE • It made per fect sense at the time
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Facebook neural nets solve differential equations
Building Da Vinci’s forgottten bridge
Da Vinci’s tools of war
A BRIEF HISTORY OF BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
The B-52 is America’s longestserving plane – and the most badass
Going the distance
Should your car have solar panels?
PRO NOTES • / / QUESTIONS, HACKS AND EXPERT ADVICE FROM POP MECH PROS / /
Keeping track • Lost a leopard? Hunting down a hyena? It’s time for an adventure with two intrepid wildlife trackers…
Sky’s the limit
THE FUTURE OF off-road is electric
THE HISTORY OF MAPS • The map has no single origin or known inventor. But these breakthrough maps illuminate the milestones of science and discovery that guided civilisations – and define how we view the world today.
BABYLONIAN MAP OF THE WORLD • THE OLDEST SURVIVING WORLD MAP
PTOLEMY’S GEOGRAPHIA • THE FIRST WORLD ATLAS
TABULA ROGERIANA • AN UPDATE FOR THE NEXT MILLENNIUM
Where be dragons?
CATALAN ATLAS • NAVIGATION BY COMPASS
MERCATOR MAP OF THE WORLD • THE FIRST MODERN MAP
AERIAL MAP OF MANHATTAN • MAPPING FROM ABOVE
GOOGLE EARTH, MAPS, AND STREET VIEW • THE WORLD, IN YOUR POCKET
MAKING MUSIC WITH MACHINES • From artificial-intelligence song writers to virtual-reality playlists, technology has completely changed the way music is composed and consumed.
Stream-ripping… Oh my!
Play it, but don’t touch it
GEAR&GADGETS • Must-have hardware for humans on the go
This MakerBot made 3D printing hot
3D-PRINTED PRODUCTS THAT MAKE YOU HEALTHIER, SAFER, AND SMILE BETTER
To make a better cocktail, you need the right ice
How to make crystal-clear ice
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Exploring the milkless way • With so many delicious alternatives out there, going dairyfree needn’t be as daunting as you think.
ALTERNATIVES TO MILK
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USE A FILE TO MAKE A HANDCRAFTED KNIFE
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED
MAKE YOUR OWN WEDGE-BASED BAR CLAMPS • Clamps are an essential part of woodworking, and you can never have enough. There are countless types to choose from, but this is how you make wedge-based bar clamps.
DIY BRAAI STATION
RIDING WITH THECURRENT • Electric cars are ever-present in the news, but what about electric motorcycles? Well, in a scoop for local enthusiasts, electric superbike brand Energica has recently hit South African roads, with some jaw-dropping performance figures.
Ford • / Ranger XL Sport Pack
GIVE YOUR CAR A NEW LEASE ON LIFE • Though strictly not an investment, your car is likely one of the most expensive assets you own, so caring for it properly should be a high priority. With the Liqui Moly range, you have a care and restoration solution that’ll cover you from bumper to bumper, and tyres to roof.
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BUYER’S GUIDE • To advertise in the Buyer’s Guide, contact Joanne on 083 264 2271, or email popbuyersguide@ramsaymedia.co.za.
Clever tips and lifehacks
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