[saralund]

I thought there was some interesting information, but it wasn't made more understandable by having someone cycling a bike in circles round a turbine hall. The three presenters looked ill-at-ease to me, which was surprising as two of them are used to being in front of the camera doing science shows. Michael Mosley's niche is medical stuff / biology, so perhaps he seemed an odd fit as lead presenter? Instead of listening to what they were saying, I found myself wondering if there had been a row between presenters, or among the production team, or if it was actually being filmed live! I think they might have been better off with just one presenter. With three of them, it became Blue Peter Explains Electricity

[Doghouse Riley]

Originally Posted by saralund

I thought there was some interesting information, but it wasn't made more understandable by having someone cycling a bike in circles round a turbine hall. The three presenters looked ill-at-ease to me, which was surprising as two of them are used to being in front of the camera doing science shows. Michael Mosley's niche is medical stuff / biology, so perhaps he seemed an odd fit as lead presenter? Instead of listening to what they were saying, I found myself wondering if there had been a row between presenters, or among the production team, or if it was actually being filmed live! I think they might have been better off with just one presenter. With three of them, it became Blue Peter Explains Electricity

The three of 'em did make a very determined effort to "engage" an audience at the beginning of the programme.

However, I immediately detected that all this apparent "carefully rehearsed enthusiasm" was an indication of what level the rest was going to be pitched, which I think did it no favours.

[snoweyowl]

Bluepeterised is a perfect description of this very disappointing show.

[Kolin Klingon]

Originally Posted by VintageWhine

I would think that his generator would be in the form of a dynamo (as opposed to an alternator). A dynamo makes use of a commutator (just like a dc motor) to switch the direction of current so that it doesn't alternate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamo

Dynamos were commonly used in cars for battery-charging purposes, until they eventually got replaced by alternators (this change being made possible by the advent of cheap solid-state rectifiers).

Ah! Yep, I know about dynamos and commutators so that all makes perfect sense. Thanks for the info.

In the power station featured they moved the magnets and kept the winding stationary. That is a lot easier as you don't get loses on rotating contact resistance and sparks! And the AC they get out is what they want anyway.

[gomezz]

Shame no mention of Tesla and his competing DC system.

[The Wizard]

Originally Posted by snoweyowl

Bluepeterised is a perfect description of this very disappointing show.

I really can't believe how totally snobby and hard people are about this good little programme. It's primetime on BBC2 smack bang in the 'light entertainment' slot so it has to appeal to the masses, most of whom may need things explaining in layman's terms.

You want the nerdy stuff for university graduates and people who already have a keen interest and knowledge on the subject then turn to BBC4.

Personally I'd much rather watch stuff like this than half the brain dead stuff that's on most of the time. Bluepeter is a bit harsh. It's no worse than Dara's Science Club or an episode of Bang. Just science for the mass population.

[Doghouse Riley]

Originally Posted by The Wizard

I really can't believe how totally snobby and hard people are about this good little programme. It's primetime on BBC2 so it has to appeal to the masses, most of whom may need things explaining in layman's terms.

You want the nerdy stuff for university graduates and people who already have a keen interest and knowledge on the subject then turn to BBC4.

Personally I'd much rather watch stuff like this than half the brain dead stuff that's on most of the time.

Perhaps you are younger than some of those who are complaining about it.
It is their belief that there's been a progressive dumbing down of documentaries. It's all about ratings, getting as many people to watch and so for some, making it a lesser programme.

I always use the analogy of an old rhyming ditty, containing a lot of alliteration, about a Dutch ship's captain and his cargoes of sacks of rice, which were always contaminated with mouse droppings.

He argued reasonably, that he appreciated there was no way he could avoid having the mouse droppings, but why couldn't they be put all in the same sack?

If you scroll back you'll see my post about the ridiculous lengths to which they went, to explain what was a "third."

A classic example of total dumbness.

[technologist]

I agree it was a very good Programme - on BRITISH Inventors ....

How some people can turn it into Blue Peterising how to make electricity or complain that a Serbian American was not featured puzzles me greatly ..

Did not they start by saying what they were going to cover and then showing little films demos and interviews on each pone??

Some of the antics of the Presenters were a bit Gross - but where else would you hear why Patents stop innovation - or the Role of Matthew Boulton in making Watt a success.
and all the inserts were good!!!!

[gomezz]

Originally Posted by technologist

I agree it was a very good Programme - on BRITISH Inventors ....

How some people can turn it into Blue Peterising how to make electricity or complain that a Serbian American was not featured puzzles me greatly ..

How did Edison make the cut then?

[Doghouse Riley]

Originally Posted by technologist

I agree it was a very good Programme - on BRITISH Inventors ....

How some people can turn it into Blue Peterising how to make electricity or complain that a Serbian American was not featured puzzles me greatly ..

Did not they start by saying what they were going to cover and then showing little films demos and interviews on each pone??

Some of the antics of the Presenters were a bit Gross - but where else would you hear why Patents stop innovation - or the Role of Matthew Boulton in making Watt a success.
and all the inserts were good!!!!

The problem with this programme, was that for much of the time, it had more style than substance.


There have been patent wars since the beginning of....well..... patents.

[wazzyboy]

Wazzy agress with Wizzy. When it comes to factual progs, if you want 'em full on, watch specialist progs or channels. Simples.

[lundavra]

Originally Posted by gomezz

How did Edison make the cut then?

Wasn't he mentioned in the context of Joseph Swan?

Swan invented the incandescent light bulb but Edison patented it and made a fortune from it.

[sweetcorn]

The trailer for this programme is driving me nuts!!! It's on all the time; can't wait for Thursday to arrive so perhaps it will stop.

[Sad_BB_Addict]

bumped for tonight!

[ednwireland]

Originally Posted by Sad_BB_Addict

bumped for tonight!

really enjoy this show, forgot it was on, used to work in rolls royce after graduating great company

[Sad_BB_Addict]

That demo of how Trevithick made his boilers more efficient worked well, and the effectiveness of cylindrical boilers.

[sandydune]

Glad they aren't watching the kettles as it won't boil if they do.

[Rodney McKay]

It's amazing how many of our inventors we forget about.

[Rodney McKay]

She drinks pints, my kinda girl

[LostFool]

I was born in Darlington. Anyone who grew up there would understand the need to invent something so that people could leave as quickly as possible

[Sad_BB_Addict]

I didn't realise that Otto couldn't get a patent for his engine.

[Rodney McKay]

Frank Whittle another genius shafted by our tosser politicians.

[LostFool]

Enjoying hearing Cassie talking about sucking, banging and blowing....

[Ed R.Marley]

This demonstration of a jet engine is toe-curlingly awful. This sort of dumb shite should be on CBBC, not 9pm on BBC2

[Sad_BB_Addict]

Charlie Brooker now, then Question Time.
Not a bad night's telly!