[chbot] Robotics Group meeting, Monday 20 May 2019, 630pm, 5 Idris Road

[Mark Atherton]

Hello everyone,

Quite a few new faces this evening; welcome.

Enthusiastic turnout with 23 attendees, and lots of huddles-of 
tech-talk. $43 + change (in gold, and flat-money) collected and 
transferred into the robotics loose-change jar (for later banking).

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.

With thanks on behalf of the group,

Mark Atherton

PS thank you Trevor for locking up.

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

William brought in a 3D optical waveguide seven-segment display, based 
entirely on cardboard, LED strips, and hot glue. Quite a clever piece of 
lateral thinking, and fabrication.

Peter brought in his 300V, 3kW modular power supply system (following on 
from the email reflector discussion).

Kerry brought in some ancient-semiconductors, including a 1954 germanium 
device, and one of the first samples of a silicon RF power device.

Bevin started off with quite a stunning description of the latest Intel 
cache-bug. He also brought along some more items from his mechanical 
calculator collection. This month, we were treated to some insight about 
the workings of a 1928 vintage Monroe calculator, as well as a tiny 
Curta hand-held 1957 rotary calculator.

David B talked about his latest purchase – a low cost laser cutter. He 
discussed some of the pitfalls, fixes and upgrades to make the machine a 
little more respectable.

Robin G talked about the latest generation, V low cost component tester 
product.

Volker talked about his latest investigation into Very Low Cost 
Chinese-sourced LED lighting, and associated power supplies. He also 
gave us an update on his coffee-maker project.