[chbot] Robotics Group meeting, Monday 16 Mar 2020, 6:30pm, 5 Idris Road

[Mark Atherton]

Hello everyone,

Given the viral threat, really wasn't too sure how this evening was 
going to turn out, but we had a good time with several new faces, and 18 
attendees.

Lots of pre-talk tech-chat, we collected $18 + change (in gold, and 
flat-money) which has been 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.

Thank you everyone for managing the sign-in sheet and using the 
elbow/feet greetings without complaint.

With thanks on behalf of the group,

Mark Atherton

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

Mark talked about some of his continuing adventures dealing with 
mechanical fabrication when trying to pass electricity into a 
high-vacuum (4 x 10-6 Torr) environment. Surprising amount of interest 
in this odd(er) project.

William brought along his homemade 8-bit machine and associated Arduino 
based SD card boot loader. He also demonstrated his large format (57mm x 
154mm) 7 segment LED thermometer. Larger format display projects are on 
the way ...

Russell talked about his 1965 vintage home-made ribbon microphone, and 
tape recorder. Quite a task back in the day, and it sound like the whole 
project worked well. Congratulations.

Jeffrey introduced some of his 3D printed projects, including some high 
quality home-made tracks. The tracks were designed to go on 
tracked-wheel model vehicles and were made by injecting a mix of 
high-acid silicone sealant mixed with flour into 3D printed formers then 
left for 24 hours to cure. Stunningly good outcome.