[chbot] Notes for Robotics Group meeting, Monday 17th Sept 2018, 6:30pm, 5 Idris Road

[Mark Atherton]

Hello everyone,

It was with some surprise that I recently found out that Dave Jaggar 
(architect for the incredibly popular ARM series of microprocessors) was 
a Christchurch resident. He readily agreed to attend today’s meeting and 
talk about some of his adventures while working on this project.

Enthusiastic turnout with 32 attendees, and lots of huddles-of 
tech-talk. $51 + change (in gold, and flat-money) collected and 
transferred into the BR05 account.

Quick reminder: equipment donations are welcome for the trading table, 
but no CRT based product, printers, toner or items that are likely to be 
a disposal burden. All sales from the trading table should go into the 
brown box on the wall, and are directly for the benefit of our host 
club, NZART Branch 05.

Also, don’t forget that our host club, Branch 05 will be having another 
tech garage-sale on the 24th Nov 2108. Start clearing out your storage 
area for sale, and acquisition.

With thanks on behalf of the group, and extended thanks to Dave Jaggar 
for making this a most memorable evening.

Mark Atherton

============

Mark A started off the evening talking about high resolution laser cut 
MDF gears. Also touched on custom front panels by painting the rear of 
an acrylic sheet with black paint, then laser engraving black paint and 
acrylic. The process is finished off by rear (spray) painting a layer of 
white paint. Also talked about some custom moulded thermally conductive 
electrical insulators (somewhat like SIL pads).

Dave Jagger gave us a talk about his career as architect for the ARM 
series of microprocessors, starting with the very popular ARM7 TDMI. 
Quite an amazing talk, with plenty of detail; he will be welcomed back 
with open arms any time.

Russell Phillips brought in some 3kVA three phase invertor board sets, 
and drivers. He talked about some of his work acquiring associated 
transformers, and experiences with this project.

Richard Jones brought in some home automation, including an ‘automatic’ 
vacuum cleaner to help clean up when the table saw or jig saw starts. He 
also showed an analogue designed lighting control system. Not a 
microprocessor in sign, well done Richard.

Wallace brought along a large, heavy and very agile 3 axis 150mm 
platform (with thick ali plate). Unit is designed as a multi-axis test 
fixture for a couple of companies in Christchurch. Quite a sturdy feat 
of engineering.

Graham A gave us an update on his spark erosion system. The machine is 
making very good progress; he showed some wonderful pieces of work.