5 comments about Big-block mopar engines.

1. I have rebuilt many engines of many different brands, I have read MANY books on rebuilding these engines, and this book by FAR is the best book I have seen, It gives step by step instructions and it makes doing it SOOO easy, even if you have never picked up a wrench, with this book you can rebuild a Big Block Mopar. This book actually makes doing work fun and easy. This book is a MUST for any person who wants to rebuild a BB Mopar and build it right.

   Eric




2. This is by far the best book on rebuilding big block mopars for novices out there. Step my step instructions tons of pictures and information. If you have never rebuilt an engine before i recomend this book



3. Amazon indicated this item was in stock when I ordered it more than a week ago. I got an Email today telling me it hasn't shipped yet, but is "in process" and I will get it 23 Feb (2 more weeks). They also say I can't change my order now since it's "in process". I figured it's because they probably don't really have it in stock, so I went to the order page and they say there that it's in stock and would ship in 2 to 3 days (same as when I ordered). I'll never place another order with Amazon. They can keep the book and my money. They don't offer a link, phone number, or anything to contact their customer service, so I used this forum. I don't like being treated this way.



4. I bought this for my brother for Christmas and he loved it. Thanks!



5. I ordered this book for my son. However he is a mechanic and already knew most of the things that were in the book. When my husband told him what he was going to do to his car my son told him he really needed this book because it was really thorough and gave step by step instructions.

5 comments about Optimal Control and Estimation (Dover Books on Advanced Mathematics).

1. Very good treatment of Kalman filter



2. This book has been less influential on me than some others but nontheless I use it to find information on material that is almost impossible to find elsewhere in any kind of reasonable time. A broad range of topics is covered, not just optimal control. This has been particularly useful in understanding some the actual designs I have been asked to analyze.



3. "Fundamentals of Kalman Filtering" by Zarchan is a good book on the subject, but with a cost that exceeds one hundred dollars, this is a real stretch on the budget of college students who are just looking for some help. This book is a great one for people interested in nonlinear controls and the Kalman filter at a budget cost. The book introduces stochastic optimal control concepts for application to actual problems with sufficient theoretical background to justify their use, but not enough to get bogged down in the math. The book gives the reader with little background in control theory the tools to design practical control systems and the confidence to tackle more advanced literature - something that both the professional who is a little rusty and the student can appreciate. The reader should have mathematical maturity on the level of second year calculus.
   
   The first chapter introduces the reader to the concept of optimal control. Chapter two provides a review of the mathematics of control and estimation. For the seasoned reader, you can proceed directly to chapter three with no real loss. Chapter 3 address optimal control of systems that may be nonlinear and time-varying but whose inputs and parameters are known. It illustrates how open-loop control policies generalize to closed-loop control laws when system dynamics are linear and the cost function is quadratic. Chapter 4 presents methods for estimating the dynamics states of a system that is driven by uncertain forces and is observed with random measurement error. Here is where the excellent discussion of the Kalman filter is located. Chapter 5 discusses the general problem of stochastic optimal control where optimal control depends on optimal estimation of feedback information. Chapter six focuses on linear time-invarient systems for which multivariable controllers can be based on linear-quadratic control laws with linear-Gaussian estimators.
   
   The book's examples and problems are directed at confidence building, and thus most of them are rather simple and have the purpose of illustrating concepts, not getting bogged down in mathematics. There are also numerous worked out numerical examples, which is a welcome pleasure in such books that are often very theoretical. Highly recommended.



4. A great Mathematical Derivation of Least Squares to Weighted Least Squares and then the derivation of the Kalman Filter. Great for Undergraduate mathematicians and electrical engineers.



5. This is an excellent and very comprehensive book. I used it primarily to learn about state estimation. I had already taken courses on estimation, but this book was superior to the texts we used in class. It addresses many practical issues that are left out in the other textbooks that I've seen. Issues like how to determine the discrete-time process noise covariance given continuous dynamics and continuous time process noise covariance are covered by Stengel.

1 comments about Nuclear Systems I: Thermal Hydraulic Fundamentals.

1. This book covers almost all aspects of thermal hydrolics in a nuclear reactor. It even has multiple correlations for flow through a core, and in general is totally dedicated to nuclear systems, unlike most heat transfer or fluid flow books. If you buy this book you would be smart to keep it over selling it back to the bookstore.

5 comments about Statics and Strength of Materials (6th Edition).

1. The solved problems are terrific and classic examples encountered.The text is well written and understandble.



2. Although many of the examples in the book were sufficient, there were so many mistakes that it was easy to lose confidence in the material (especially the first time through it). There were problems in some of the chapters that included concepts not covered until later chapters, and there is no student solutions manual available. Overall, I'd say thanks but no thanks.



3. I find it hard to believe that whoever gave this book five stars has actually read it and gone through the problems. The solutions in the back are often wrong. At first, I thought I was making mistakes in solving the systems, but after I approached my instructor and solved them together, we found that a lot of the author's solutions are incorrect. The text also lacks continuity and quality examples. After going through my statics and strengths class, I have a sneaking suspicion that the author had an undergrad formulate the problems. One star is too generous.



4. This book is terrible. Examples are very poorly written, shows example and then solution with no work to show how answer was obtained. The answer key only provides answers to even problems, and only even numbered problems that have solely numerical answers (no graphs, words, etc.) No other answer key available for purchase. You would think by the Sixth Edition the author's would have perfected a student friendly text.



5. super fast shipping, excellent product, just like it said "like new" all it needs is the plastic wrap to be considered new. its like they never opened it to read the book! Thanks a lot Amazon!

1 comments about An Introduction to Continuum Mechanics (Classroom Resource Materials).

1. I have no background in Continuum Mechanics. However, due to my research project, I needed to understand more about Solid Mechanics, Hyper-elastic materials, etc. To truly understand those topics, one needs to know something about Continuum Mechanics. This book served as the perfect book for my initial learning. I was able to pick up most of what I need within a few weeks.
   
   Perfect book for learning Continuum Mechanics.

1 comments about Project Management Workbook and PMP/CAPM Exam Study Guide , 9th Edition.

1. I purchased this book new and it was promptly delivered. This is a super helpful tool for those who are seeking to become PMP certified. Highly recommended.

2 comments about Management of Technology : Managing Effectively in Technology-Intensive Organizations.

1. For a textbook on what is a fairly dry subject this is surprisingly readable, with complex ideas discussed in a lucid and informative manner. The author addresses a wide range of topics under the umbrella of Management of Technology, from theories of motivation to the Request for Quote process, along the way covering project organization, the impact of new technology and tools for planning and controlling project work. Many references are provided for further study, should the reader wish to delve deeper into the academic underpinnings of the book.
   
   Particular highlights are sections on motivation of technology specialists, organizing for project work (with emphasis on the plusses and minuses of matrix approaches) and project management tools. The discussion on why project managers don't use all the tools available is especially thought provoking.
   
   There is some padding (the chapters on managing environmental quality and using consultants don't add much) and too many typos, some of which do change the author's meaning, but overall this will be a useful reference for anyone who manages engineers and scientists or is studying engineering management.



2. This book has little to recommend it in my opinion.
   
   He needs an editor--badly. It has a multiplicity of typos, which I find distracting. He defines jargon with more jargon. He cites his own work more than anyone else's. It's information-like but not really informative. When I finish reading a chapter, I don't feel like I've gotten one solid idea out of it. [Unfortunately I have to read it for a class I'm taking.]
   
   The design of the book adds to its lack of readability.
   
   The stories at the beginning of each chapter are interesting but he didn't write them.
   
   My advice: Save your time and money. Approach management from the standpoint of commonsense and treat your employees the way you would want to be treated.

5 comments about Fundamentals Of Dimensional Metrology.

1. This book has been required for a Dimensional Metrology class at Palomar College for the last ten years. This course is required for students seeking an AA in Quality Assurance Technology, or Quality certification. Though not a definitive guideline for the science of measurement, it seems to be the best text available.

   Although there is an abundance of illustrations most are outdated and from the sixties. The field of Metrology has changed substantially and this text has not been revised accordingly. The questions and answer choices that follow each chapter are ambiguous in nature and need to reflect current issues. I would like to see more alignment with the ASQ CMI body of knowledge, inclusion of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, and revision of the statistics chapter to include Gage R&R and various continuous improvement tools (cause and effect diagrams, run charts, process capability, trend charts, check sheets, etc.). The QS 9000 guidelines and newer calibration standards should also be referenced.

   Let's see a major overhaul with the next issue.




2. This book would be useful to any machinist, but it is specifically written for the dimensional calibration technician, a wealth of practical, useful information. Thanks.



3. I have been reading this book for a class. I must say that this book is not as detailed as I would like it to be. I am an engineer and my expectation was that when a statement is made details would be provided to backup the statements. And the figures in the book are not easy to understand quickly. There must be a better book out there.



4. As an ASQ certified Mechanical Inspector and Quality Technician, I would like to say that; This text is a fine resource for any person working in the metrology field. It covers a wide range of topics and is well worth having. Written in a style that is both informatve AND interesting. I was well pleased with this book.



5. As an ASQ certified Mechanical Inspector and Quality Technician, I would like to say that; This text is a fine resource for any person working in the metrology field. It covers a wide range of topics and is well worth having. Written in a style that is both informatve AND interesting. I was well pleased with this book.

5 comments about Creating Cool MINDSTORMS NXT Robots (Technology in Action).

1. I have been waiting for this book even before it was wrtitten because I have wanted to build JohnNXT5 ever since I saw it posted on the Internet. This book is probably the best book so far for the Mindstorms NXT robotic system. I have purchased most of the books available for the NXT. I like Jim Kelly's books too, but this one has moved from wheels to robots that use tracks to get around and walk. It is well written and well illustrated even though the building instructions aren't in color. The author has a sense of humor as well as being well versed in the NXT system. I like the fact that he continues to refine and redevelop his creations and try to make them the best they can be. I hope to see more books from him, especially one covering the Rubic Cube solver. I congratulate the author for a job well done and highly recommend the book to all robotic nthusiasts.



2. Hi,
   
   One of the better books at this moment for the Lego Mindstorms NXT robotic set. This book is clearly written and despite the black and white images, the building instructions are also very clearly written.
   
   This book is obviously written by people who know what they are doing and motivated to reach the highest standards.
   
   After a short program in the Nxt-G programming language, they started to use the NXC programming language for the rest of the book. What makes this book so outstanding, everything is very well documented and everything is explained in great detail.
   
   This is also an easy and pleasant to read book. And many times you find here what is missing in other books. For me, esspecially the introduction of NXC was very usefull. I wanted to use C for a long time, but I did not found the answers I was searching. This book takes its time to show you the mechanics behind th programming language. It teaches you clearly how to construct event tables and how you can visualise the design process, structuring your thaughts.
   
   Also the walking models are very interesting. It gives you a clearly understanding about the problems of let a robot succesfully walk.
   
   What I do missing is coverage of the acceleration, gyroscopic and compass sensors. It should be nice if those sensors also where covered in this book. But it is almost impossible to cover everything and an author has to draw a line.
   
   The projects are well choosen and all very interesting. Personally Quasimodo I find the less interesting robot. While NXT AT-ST is in my opinion a very nice project to understand a walking robot. But I have to be honest, at this moment I am building the AT-ST robot. I did not have the time to build the other robots. Nevertheless, I took a quick look and i found the other projects also very impressive.
   
   This book is a must have for every serious Lego Mindstorms NXT builder. You definatelly will refer back when building your own creations. I gave it five stars because it is well deserved.
   
   Congratulations for the author and everybody worked behind the scenes of this book. A job very well done!
   
   I wish you all very much reading and building pleasure. This book will surely touch your creativity and imagination.
   
   Friendly greetings,
   
   Bad_Wolf



3. I've been waiting for more than 2 months to get this book. Finally I got it from amazon a few days after the book released.
   
   I have 8 NXT book, nothing is as details as Daniele's Book. The best NXT book so far.
   
   There are 6 robots describes in this book. From the concept and then step-by-step assembly it and even the guide line to program it. So you not only able to build the robot, but also teach you how it works.
   
   The cream-of-the-soup of this book of course is the JohnNXT ...... About 1/3 of the book focus on this great Robot. If you plan to build JohnNXT, this is the only book you need.
   
   I'm really impressed with Daniele, I cant wait to the next book "Lego Rubik Utopy (LRU)".



4. If you're searching for some exciting NXT projects and ideas--or would simply like to build JohnNXT, a replica of the famous Johnny 5 robot--you will enjoy Daniele Benedettelli's book Creating Cool MINDSTORMS NXT Robots. The book presents helpful ideas that you can use in your own inventions and carefully integrates them in a variety of robots with detailed building instructions. In fact, these very features are why I've given the book five stars: challenging robot projects, excellent discussions of useful concepts and ideas, and exceptional building instructions.
   
   Most of the robots seem intended for more advanced users looking for a challenge; in other words, these are generally more complex robots. For example, there are several walking robots--including three bipeds (two-legged robots), one of the most difficult types of robots to create. And with the exception of the massive, multi-NXT robot "JohnNXT" (chapter 8) and a remote control (chapter 9), you can build all the robots from the parts in a single retail LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT set. All the programming in the book is done in NXC (Not eXactly C), an unofficial text-based language with a C-like syntax.
   
   Along the way you'll find in-depth explanations of robotics concepts and helpful descriptions of the robots. Besides an entire "theory chapter" on building biped robots (chapter 1) and another such chapter on finite state machines (chapter 3), the robot chapters themselves include explanations of concepts such as hysteresis, writing a multitask program, and quadruped (four-legged) walking as well as information on the robots' functionality and history. The author also does a good job of presenting and explaining the programming. Although prior NXC experience is helpful, such experience is not required.
   
   The BIs (building instructions) are outstanding, which is important since they are a major part of the book. The author used advanced BI techniques, including complete electrical cables and callouts, and Ldglite to render the images, creating BIs that are remarkably "LEGO-like." I found that the BIs were generally very easy to follow even though many of the steps were complex. Such clarity is invaluable for a book that is filled with building instructions.
   
   I admit that I didn't build the famed JohnNXT robot. Why? For starters, I don't have all the necessary pieces! All the same, I'm glad to see that the author included the robot because a number of readers will want tackle this enormous project.
   
   In conclusion, this book is ideal for you if you're a more experienced NXT user looking to broaden your robotic horizons--while having lots of fun. Nevertheless, even if you're new to the NXT set, you would still enjoy the book. Either way, after working through the projects and grasping the concepts, you should be well-equipped to create your very own cool NXT robots.



5. I bought this book for my grandson's 11th birthday. He is thrilled with the book and is trying to learn the code. We thought the program for each robot was available to just download from the internet, but we couldn't find such an easy method. He will have to type in the code from the book himself which will help in the learning process. At this point in time, though, this programming may be a bit too complex for him.

3 comments about Small Gas Engine Repair.

1. This book is very in-depth. From beginning to end it describes types of engines, troubleshooting,and individual engine components or systems. The book is certainly not a book for someone that does not already have a working knowledge of engines. The tech information and drawings are very confusing. There is little doubt that Mr. Dempsey knows all about engine repair. It is not a book for the average person that wants to learn to repair a lawn mower. If the author's intention was to provide a teaching text--in my opinion, he missed the mark.



2. This is an excellent book all the way through. Great diagrams and explanations on how to repair most small engines. Well written and very useful to the DIY repairman.
   
   However,
   
   If you're looking for a book that shows you how to change a spark plug, this is not the book for you. There are much better books out there for beginners and light tinkerers.
   
   This book assumes that not only are you mechanically proficient and have the tools to repair it yourself but also posess a basic understanding of how small engine mechanisms work already or can figure it out without too much effort.
   
   Not to say the average homeowner won't find it useful, but the author doesn't go in-depth or hold your hand through what should be moderately simple procedures for someone with basic experience in mechanical repair.
   
   That's what makes this either a good book or a bad book. If you know or can stumble your way around engines, this is a great book that gives you the information you need to properly repair many different models and makes.
   
   If you're someone whose lawnmower broke down last weekend and you thought it might be fun to fix it yourself but you don't have a lot of tools or experience on repairing engines then there are probably some better books out there.
   
   I like this book simply because the author doesn't waste any time (or paper) explaining things that you should already know. Think of it like Small Engine Repair 201 instead of Small Engine Repair 101.
   
   I'll probably hang onto this book for as long as I have small gas engines I may need to repair since it makes such a great reference book.
   
   --James



3. This is the best book for troubleshooting that I have seen. There are nice flow charts that really help you to decide where to look. The text is well written and the drawings are clear. You don't even have to read between the lines to understand that an experienced mechanic has written this one. It doesn't just say "remove the flywheel", it tells you how to remove the flywheel. Recommended.