[chbot] Robotics Group meeting, 5 Idris Rd, 6-30pm, Robotics 19 Sept 2022

[Mark Atherton]

Hello everyone,

Good turnout with 22 attendees, and lots of huddles-of tech-talk. $31 + 
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

===========

Mark talked about progress repairing, and learning about the Grass 
Valley digital-video switcher. He also discussed the issue of PCB layout 
congestion, and strategies to deal with the problem. Finally, he talked 
about the Thunderbolt interface, and its relevance with a recently 
acquired baseband-video acquisition unit.

Charlie talked about installing Linux on an Android device. Initial 
investigation included using a VM under Android, and using CHROOT to 
change apparent root directory.

Bevin brought in and demonstrated two 1950s vintage 110V-powered 
electric calculators. Amazing use of several thousand pieces of bent 
sheet-metal.

Andrew Dean talked about further adventures at Code-Breakers, as well as 
keeping the kids at school (where he works) interested in fabrication 
with the help of laser and plasma cutters.

David talked about his working, homemade HF regen RX, and the problem 
with a counterfeit audio amplifier IC.

Graham talked about issues re-creating a spoiler for a Mclaren racing 
car using fiberglass. He talked through various issues when trying to 
produce a fine finish using different-chemistry fillers, and pigments.