ECCS Schematic for Chernobyl RBMK-1000

Even though 2nd generation RBMK reactors do not have a pressure vessel like western nuclear reactors, they have quite interesting systems to handle serious accidents in the coolant loop. Due to a project I’m working on (full dynamic simulation of the power plant) I did some research on how those systems work and painted a new schematic showing those systems.

Continue reading “ECCS Schematic for Chernobyl RBMK-1000”

Project finished

This blog page is part of the Aprilia RS 250 Workshop Diary.


14 years after purchase I finally managed to finish the bike and get it back on the road. The only thing that is not stock are the painted exhausts, the orange chain and the polished footrests, besides that, it should look like it just left the store.

The workshop diary ends with the first pictures outside of any workshop.

The “LD” on the licence plate is the model number, the 95 refers to the start of the series, but this one was sold 1998.

First start, various problems and inspection at testing institute

This blog page is part of the Aprilia RS 250 Workshop Diary.


The project is slowly coming to an end, there are only a few small things that need to be done before registration for public road use. I gave up the original idea of using the motorcycle only as decoration.

Continue reading “First start, various problems and inspection at testing institute”

Exhaust system

This blog page is part of the Aprilia RS 250 Workshop Diary.


The RS 250 was sold in Germany with a catalytic converter. Because of the heat caused by the chemical reaction in the catalytic converter, the system is equipped with heat protection plates and stainless steel silencers. The non-catalytic exhaust system has aluminum mufflers covered with a carbon tube. In Germany, most RS drivers call the default non-catalytic system the “italian exhaust”

Continue reading “Exhaust system”

Halogen and LED retrofit lights compared

Unfortunately, the low and high beam on my Aprilia RS 125 and RS 250, both built in 1998, are not comparable to newer vehicles when it comes to headlight brightness. The question comes up: What can be done to give the RS 125 better lighting? How do Osram Night Breaker or retrofit LED bulbs actually perform? Can they be easily installed?

Continue reading “Halogen and LED retrofit lights compared”