Fwd: Re: Tuesday night tech net

[Nan and Sandy Sanders]

>Topics  for discussion on Tuesday night  Tech Net:
>
>First Topic:  Computers
>1.  Programming and computers are now a fundamental part of any 
>active amateur experimenter toolbox.
>      Should questions demonstrating a basic knowledge of 
> programming be included in new license exams?
>2.  The Arduino is a simple and well known processor with a very 
>wide variety of accessory chips, boards and sensors.
>      I believe it might be close to a standard for experimenters 
> and therefore, shouldn't hams know more about it?
>3. The pioneers of the new makers movement have enlisted children 
>with ages as low as 11 to assemble and
>      write computer code for the Arduino - Their projects 
> incorporate Wifi, Twitter connections and other
>      short range communications, all by incorporating modules 
> designed for use with the Arduino.  There
>      is a sense of excitement at these Maker's meeting and the 
> movement grows.  Why has our hobby not
>      tapped into this or learned from its successes?
>4. The SCRATCH language was designed to teach grade school children 
>to program.  It has become very
>     popular with beginners, who continue to use it for more complex 
> projects such as programming a robot.
>     Can it be used for amateur radio projects?
>
>More on SCRATCH is here:
>
>http://scratch.mit.edu
>
>On the above page an example SCRATCH program is shown top right.  It 
>is graphical using snap and click shapes to program.  A variant
>  (SCRATCH 2) can read sensors and command external actuators and motors.
>
>5.  These tools lower the entry cost to experiment and have fun with 
>electronics and computers. How would
>      you tell a beginner that you can have fun in amateur radio?
>
>
>Second Topic: Frequency and Clock calibration for the Andre Frequency Hopper
>Background:  Andre K has developed a oscillator for the modular 
>frequency hopping
>scheme which use the Analog devices AD9850 (see below) commanded by an
>Arduino.   A consumer grade oscillator at 125Mhz is divided down to 
>the five Mhz
>range.   The 9850 can change frequency many times a second by sending it
>new divisors at a rapid rate.
>
>http://www.analog.com/static/imported-files/data_sheets/AD9850.pdf
>
>Reference: See several previous issues of AMRAD Newsletter
>
>  Assuming two or more stations using this type of FH scheme wish to 
> communicate.
>1.  What is a very simple way for all stations to ensure they are on 
>the same "home" frequency?
>We define a home frequency or channel as an arbitrary channel or 
>frequency where all station
>listen prior to switching to hopping mode, a frequency where they 
>receive whatever "go" signal will be sent
>and where they return and wait in case they loose synchronization.
>The Andre approach emphasizes simplicity and while there are plenty 
>of advanced schemes available
>we are searching for a very simple one that doesn't require a big 
>jump in complexity.
>
>
>Third Topic:  Round Table discussion. Describe your current Project.
>In this action of the net we let participants discuss the "ins" and 
>"out" of projects they are working on.
>
>For example:  I am working on building the Andre FH system 
>Oscillator module.  I've got
>an Arduino with the development software and have the 9850 on order. 
>Tinkering so far is with the
>programming for the oscillator.  Next few modules should include a 
>DC receiver and an RF amplifier.
>Goal is to get a very simple set of modules that "anyone" can snap 
>together and make one or two
>of these to play around with on the bench.
>
>
> > Tech Net meets every Tuesday (so far) at 8 PM  EST via 21/81 
> repeater in the NVA area or on echo link using
> > > the W4CIA-R conference point.   Sandy WB5MMB is conference facilitator
> > >