Yet another introduction

[Julie Brandon]

Hi folks

Yes, another intro!

Had an interest in computers and coding since childhood (illness meant a lot of time indoors and books only went so far.) Went on to do a degree in Computer Systems Engineering and did an industrial year with IBM but, since then, have only been engaged with tech at a fun/hobby level.

After another period of illness, recently got back into electronics: finally learning the subject that was half of the degree I somehow got a qualification in all those years ago. ;) My goodness, it's SO much easier to learn now too, so many helpful and free resources (or is it just the lack of pressure now?)

My interests relevant to this subject are- basic electronics, repairing, reusing/repurposing, doing stuff on tight budgets, Raspberry Pi, Arduino (a bit), and computers in the general sense (although not coding these days, just OSS debugging and the odd script is about as much as I do now - I used to love low level, assembler and C.)

Live in Derby but no car and health problems that can complicate getting out and about, so a bit of a hermit at present - does mean that I probably wouldn't be able to make many meet ups now you've moved from the Silk Mill, but time will tell!

Feel a bit alone these days with my techie, especially electronics, interests, and don't pursue them as much as I I could be doing because of that, so could do with getting to know some local electronicsy people. :)

Warm regards
Julie
Xxx

[Tony Brookes]

Hi Julie

Welcome - and you might like the new place we’ve moved to if we can work out a way of you getting there…..

We now meet at the Radio Communications Museum of Great Britain, 16 Sawley Park, just off Nottingham Road by the Pentagon Island. DE21 6AS. Sawley Park is a new small industrial estate which Google does know has a road built in it yet….Let us know if you can get there or need a lift & we’ll see what we can do. If not we must be able to set something up (no idea what yet).

Electronics has certainly got so much easier to dabble with since I tried to learn it. The people at the Radio museum are just about to start running an electronics club for those who find code club not what they want to do  to give an avenue for them to get involved with electronics. It’s aimed at those up to 15 I think.

The museum isn’t yet open, but there’s already a lot going on and we had a code club meeting there the other Saturday for the adults from the area who need to get together and share ideas.

Hope this helps

Tony

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[Julie Brandon]

Hi Tony

So sorry it's taken me *so* long to get back to you; I got lost in a mixture of health stuff and two other things I'm involved in (International Women's Day Festival - a biggie this year 'cos of the 100 years of votes for women, and also In2 Derby Radio - a new non profit run by volunteers community radio station we're trying to grow.)  But mainly, let's be honest, anxiety about attending something new and meeting new people.  :D

A few questions-

1. Are the weekly meetings still happening?  Same place/times?  Can I really just turn up?  I'm a bit nervous.  LOL.  Would it be better to have a specific date for me to aim to come along?  (I'll cab it, it's so very very near to me really.)

2. If I came along, do anyone of you have a calibrated or a known-fairly-accurate meter I could use to calibrate/check my little 2.5V reference source?

3. Relating to In2 Derby community radio.  Currently it's Internet only, although quite popular, and might not be Internet only in the future (I'm not sure how much I'm allowed/supposed to be saying.)  We're lucky to have a nice group of people, a mix of experience of on air talent, some techies, some very well connected people w.r.t. local community organisations and information, and a growing bunch of volunteers.  It's all a bit Heath Robinson currently, but with things moving forwards, we're desperately trying to find a cheap, sustainable location to put up two small studios.  Given the name of the museum with which you are associated I'm guessing there may be quite a few of you who are interested in radio too?  So, PLEASE give me a shout if you can think of anywhere that might be practical to house the two studios OR if you might like to get involved?

Anyway... the meetings, I really need to get my bottom into gear and push myself to come along soon.  I'm enjoying doing more and more electronics at home but it's really quite a lonely activity!  Go on, when should I be brave and come along?  :)

Warm Regards

Julie

[Tony Brookes]

Hi Julie

I keep remembering John Lennon’s saying: Life it what happens whilst you’re making plans!

The weekly meetings are still happening, and every other week there is now a project meeting for our High Altitude Balloon project (see our website for a short blog on this for details). If you want to see me I’ll be there tomorrow from 6pm. I’ll let you ask the radio people there as they will know what’s available. They also have a good Internet connection. 

I have no idea about the accuracy of the test gear there, but there is so much of it (trust me you must visit the place once) it has to be seen. I suspect some of it is very accurate but I don’t think anything has any in date calibration certificates. 

Why not just do it and turn up tomorrow evening. If you drink tea or coffee it’s likely one of us will make you a cup if needed.

Tony

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[Julie Brandon]

Good plan.

Hopefully be there this evening! :)