[chbot] CHCH Robotics Group, meeting notes 19th Feb 2018

[Mark Atherton]

Hello everyone,

Good turnout, with 21 attendees, $76 collected and placed in the 
Robotics loose-change box.

With thanks on behalf of the group,

Mark Atherton

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Trimble has kindly donated a load of SMD components for the benefit of 
BR05 and Christchurch Robotics members. Main term of donation is that 
none of the parts are for personal education, and never to be sold. As 
was expected, the two banana boxes full of parts caused some interest at 
the meeting. Donations are to benefit our host club, BR05.

Mark A talked briefly about the video series 'RD Works Learning Lab' 
(how to live with a cheap Chinese laser cutter).  He also briefly talked 
about resistive touch-screen technology.

Rudy turned up with his Crypto-Currency mining rig. Hardware was 
populated using a collection of graphics cards. He gave quite a stunning 
and succinct presentation on the whole subject of crypto-currency. 
Thanks Rudy.

Darran brought in his home assembled CNC 3018 mill. Structure was made 
using aluminium extrusions, and a woodpecker controller. The kit arrived 
complete and well packaged. Landed price was US$200. He speaks well of 
the kit.

Darren also demonstrated 3D printing onto fabric, which was quite 
interesting.

Peter Harris brought along some ‘DIY power-banks’, these are units sold 
without Li-Ion cells, which the user populates. He seems reasonably 
happy with his US$4.00 purchase so far.

Stuart showed a video relating to time-of-flight measurements, along 
with some personal anecdotes. ST micro have produced quite an 
extraordinary sensor using IR light. The device can measure a reflective 
surface (face, hall, wall etc.) between a few mm and a couple of metres, 
all for US$3 ea.

Spencer talked about his experiences with modular electrical connectors 
manufactured by Pheonix Contact. He describes the technology as ‘Lego 
for Electricians’.