| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Coordinator: | |
| When: | Monthly on Thursdays 14:00-16:00 Meetings are usually on the first Thursday of the month. |
| Venue: | Member's home |
| Cost: | Voluntary small contribution towards refreshments and consumables. |
Technology: The practical application of scientific knowledge.
Technological progress is relentless, but you don't have to be left behind. Technology can make like easier and provide new hobbies and interests. We are a ‘self help’ group where members share skills and competence to solve specific problems with those who are less able. Many technologies are now within the ability, and pocket, of the amateur; becoming simpler, cheaper and easier to use every day. We have members with experience in computing, electronics, digital crafting, 3D printing, automation, laser cutting, robotics, and much more.
Information technology
Most people only make minimal use of the power of computers, tablets and smartphones. If you lack the confidence to try things and rely on others to fix your problems, we can help,
When assisting members with computer problems, we are conscious that we must be careful to avoid accessing personal or private data on members' digital devices. This document is a supplement to the general ssu3a Safeguarding Policy, that covers I.T. training situations.
Looking ahead
Forthcoming Meetings
Planned meetings are listed below. If you have anything you'd like us to tackle, please get in touch.
Past Meetings
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The main topic of this session was consideration of ways in which the line-following buggy built in the previous session could be improved. We considered two enhancements: 1) To have the option for it follow either a black or white line. This could be done with a simple change-over switch in the motor circuits. 2)…
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We looked at a range microcomputers, then built a project kit to make a line-following robot.
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We explored the practical aspects of wiring domestic electrical fittings, observing standards and safety considerations.
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Solar panels, storage batteries and EV chargers, among other topics.
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In this session we looked at 3 types of motor; rotary, stepper and servo. We looked at the uses of each type and how they are controlled. As a demonstration of the capabilities of motors under computer control, we saw a small demonstration of a device that can make line drawings up to many meters…
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The group explored Computer Aided Design (CAD) software for creating circuit boards. We looked at 'TinyCAD' for laying out schematic circuit diagrams, and then transferred the circuit definition into 'VeeCAD' to create the physical arrange of the components on a circuit board. Finally we saw how the layout can be printed on paper and glued…