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value in memory for later reference. This elapsed time could also be viewed on the display, as well as sent to a printer. M aking a microprocessor timer is really simple. To make the math easy, let’s say we have an oscillator that moves at 256 “clock” cycles per second or 256 hertz. Most oscillators run much faster than this, but we can divide down the clock cycles internally so the extra speed isn’t a problem. We then route this clock signal into what’s called a timer. This timer is nothing more than an up counter. When this up counter gets one full cycle (turns on then off) from the clock oscillator, it increments or adds 1 to the total value from 0-255 (256 total). With a 256 hertz clock signal we know if the timer counts from 0-255, then 1 second has elapsed. So if we want a 5- second delay we can instruct the microprocessor (in code) to let the timer count from 0-255 five times and then stop. We can even slice and dice the timer by instructing the microprocessor to check to see if the timer has equaled or exceeded a certain value. For example, if we want to time 1/10 of a second, we know with this timer 1/10 of a second would be 25.6 timer counts. Timer value 25 or 26 will work here, and we need to decide whether it’s accurate enough for what we’re trying to do. No matter how complex the computer you have working for you, virtually all of them use this method of measuring time. It’s cheap and reliable, and used in literally billions of applications worldwide. No wonder these little computers are everywhere. Britt michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com Storkson cont’d from page 19. Geothermal Energy to Heat Section of Jubilee Pool Compiled by the Editorial Staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Jubilee Pool was opened in a traditional bathing spot at the Battery Rocks near the har- bor at Penzance in Cornwall, United Kingdom, in 1935. The pool is triangular in shape, but has gentle, sleek curves, and high streamlined seawalls terrace up within the interior to close in the structure, making it a pleasant environment in which to swim. Unfortunately, in 2014, the pool suffered massive damage in a winter storm, and it had to undergo major renovations before reopening in 2016. In an effort to further upgrade the pool, plans were announced to make Jubilee the first facility of its kind in the country to be partially heated by geothermal energy. The project will be carried out by industry experts Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) in late September of this year. GEL plans to drill a geothermal well to a depth of around one mile at a drilling site outside the boundary of the pool. The well will supply heat to a new section of the pool, which will be created as part of the project. The proposed heated section will be a rectangular pool in front of the main entrance with a swimming area of over 3000 square feet, and there are also preliminary plans to add hot tubs along the pool’s east terrace. Ryan Law, from GEL said, “Jubilee Pool will be the first deep geothermal heat project in the U.K. for over a quarter of a century. We hope that the project will help to promote both the pool as a destination in itself and deep geothermal en- ergy across Cornwall and beyond.” The use of geothermal energy at the pool will reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. It is hoped the expert- ise gained from the project will be exported elsewhere, giving Cornwall the chance to be a leader in geothermal technology and installation. “Should the project be deliv- ered successfully and realize its full potential, it will help promote the Jubilee Pool and Penzance in a new way, at the forefront of the implementation and use of green tech- nologies,” said Mayor of Penzance Mike Lovegrove. Martin Nixon, chairman of the Friends of Jubilee Pool, shed some light on how the project originated when he said, “My brother Charles initially proposed to me that we should heat a section of the pool with geothermal energy over five years ago, so I’m very excited to see his fantastic idea move closer to reality. I’m confident it will be hugely popular locally and that tourists from around the world will flock to Penzance all-year-round to experience this unique facility.” Editor’s Note: In between our print issues, the WWDR Team prepares an electronic newsletter called E-News Flash . Based on readership, this was the most popular E-News Flash article of the month. Get in on the action and subscribe today at: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com Jubilee Pool overlooking the Battery Rocks, courtesy of Jubilee Pool. 60 MARCH 2017 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® NATIONAL DRILLING ASSOCIATION BUCKEYE CHAPTER 2017 BUCKEYE EXPO May 18, 2017 • Live Drilling Demonstrations • Safety Presentations • Auto Hammer Calibration Services • Great BBQ NDA4U.com/buckeye/events