[chbot] Robotics Group meeting, 5 Idris Rd, 6-30pm, Robotics 16 May 2022

[Mark Atherton]

Hello everyone,

Good turnout with 22 attendees, and lots of huddles-of tech-talk. $39 + 
change (in gold, and flat-money) collected and transferred into the 
robotics loose-change jar (for later banking).

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, Christchurch 
Amateur Radio Club, NZART Branch 05.

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.

With thanks on behalf of the group,

Mark Atherton

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Mark started the evening talking about an electronic pressure sensor 
from a washing machine (?). A rubber large diaphragm moves under 
pressure, and connects to a ferrite material which affects the 
inductance of a coil. This in turn affects the frequency of a 
tuned-oscillator. So a pressure to frequency convertor; all quite simple 
and well made for consumer electronics.

Mark also mentioned a very interesting interview between Adam Savage, 
and author Mary Roach. The author has written several interesting books 
including Stiff, Bonk, and Packing For Mars. Search for The Talking Room.

Graham brought in three broken solar charger thingies. One is available 
to anyone who can repair all three.

Robin talked about ‘Technology In Agriculture’, a retrospective of his 
walnut-washing machine, along with associated pieces of technology 
associated with his orchard.

David talked about maintenance issues associated with modern Li based 
car batteries (with CPU). He also mentioned his home-made project 
involving 1000 PSI of oxidizer, and associated explosion.

Michael gave us an update on his furnace project, along with the 
home-made trike, and amplifier scrounged from the curbside.

Grahame talked about his Electric Spark Erosion, and home-made clock 
projects.

Andrew talked about the latest craze in 3D printing which helps with 
organising tools and consumables on the bench top.