Being an electronics man I witnessed how powerful this technology became during my career. And I was a believer in its future.
However I once saw a large axial compressor being controlled by a pneumatics controller. This amazed me and I recall someone telling me how good this technology was.
I think it was at the time that analog control in solid state electronics was fairly new. This was a military facility so perhaps they opted for the more established technology of the day.
Yup. Even the old vacuum-actuated timing advance in older petrol engines was not bad tech! It worked amazingly well for the time.
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Then you are sure love this video. Amazing things they had to do to make this engin work at mach 3 to spec.
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What a load of rubbish!!!
Seriously, what school did you go to? We never had that in standard 8, or 9 or 10 
Justin, more seriously, I’m just reading in awe here. Super impressive!!!
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When it comes to schooling… I always think of this interview. Where you did it… matters 
Ouch. 
Apologies … I did not read the whole thread but it looks overly complicated. For me, water heating is best done using direct heat from the sun or, if you have to use electricity, with a heat pump which multiplies the available energy mechanically.
@Scubadude This discussion might interest you: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/366958-What-is-the-cheapest-manner-to-heat-water-from-ambient-temperature-to-55°C
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Please dont give away our age, born free members refer to this as “Grade 10” 
Or Namibians… who switched a few years earlier
now that makes me think of the now very not pc ‘ex unitate vires’ - at present the opposite happens with the government, where more is less and the laws of nature are being ignored, some of them Icarus fan club members cant even get off the tarmac
It would be interesting to know what the OP did after all…
@Corne Any comments??
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Well… This OP should maybe have declared a disclaimer… I am an over thinker to the extent that I become entrapped in all the options. As much as I would have loved to experiment with the geyser element running directly from the panels, I am not prepared to do so at the risk of fire hazards, shocking hazards, investing in infrastructure that may end up not being used and then the biggest hazard: cold showers. Ultimately the solution must be safe and SANS compliant - I know, I know. I also considered the fact that it is winter at the moment. Catering for water heating during a worst-case scenario time, which will represent more or less only about 90 days per year, may not be the best option.
Ultimately, I will probably end up upgrading the 3 kva Multiplus to a 5 kva and invest in a heat pump for the geyser. Currently exploring the impact of hard water on heat pumps first.
PS. (The link on the 4 x 4 forum was very interesting.)
PPS. I really enjoyed the video about the Pratt & Whitney J58 engine. You can really feel the passion, and the pride of the Uncle. You cannot help but share in the nostalgia.
PPPS. I need to acknowledge that I may be a bit biased by unfairly discriminating against solar water heating (all the different types – flat panel, vacuum tubes, open tubes, tied tubes, etc.). I don’t really know why. Maybe due to the unpredictability thereof?
Lastly, thank you to everyone who commented on my original post. As always, the input of the collective triggers thoughts and ideas that would not have occurred otherwise. Once I have implemented a decision I will provide feedback here.
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