It’s been a while since I had chance to concentrate my efforts on my midi-octopus and it has resulted in some serious progress.

First and foremost my solenoid problem has been solved. Thanks to fellow shed-dweller and all-round nice bloke Chris, who shares my passion for midi-mechanisation, I found the source of all the solenoids I could need. He came across two pallets of solenoids (as you do) on sale in America and decided to buy them all! That makes him both very cool and slightly bonkers. He sells them at about 10% of the usual UK price, if not cheaper, which has allowed me to purchase plenty for my midi-octopus. I can’t tell you what a relief this is as it was starting to look like my midi-octopus was going to the British Science Festival without the feet it deserves.

Here is a picture of Chris in front of one of his fantastic midi-pipe organs (video to follow):

Chris has a shedload (literally) of bargain solenoids still for sale and he might even make it to the British Science Festival with one of his organs! Check out his site for more information and solenoid specs >> www.smallpipeorgans.com

For anyone interested, here is a picture of one of the real whopper solenoids I got hold of through Chris:

Next up is the midi-octopus head, which Ben Waddington is kindly painting, for me to pick up on Friday. As soon as I have it I will pop a photo up. I know it’s going to look pucker!

Then we have the base / outputs. I have been working hard to sort this and finally it’s about there. First up I went to the fantastic D3 Manufacturing, formerly GP Plastics, on a Friday afternoon at about 2:30pm to try to get some Perspex cut. As their trade counter shuts at 2pm I was fully expecting them to tell me to bog off. Instead they asked me when I’d like it for and when I said “now?” they sorted me out with two circles of Perspex, within 10 minutes!

I have since cut and drilled it and installed the outputs. Looking schweeet:

Finally, I’d just like to say that I owe many thanks to Kate at the British Science Festival for pretty much always saying YES, an attitude I try to adopt myself. Also thanks to Richard, who is helping out with the geek side of things as part of the British Science Festival team. He is a proper geek and a most pleasant chap to boot.

Still lots and lots to do. Onwards!