Hardware - Saturday April 28, 2007, Room RC F
10:15 am to 11:10 am
Controlling the World with PICs
Paul Bergsman, Author and Independent Consultant
Abstract :
Microchip manufactures produce small, stand-alone, microcontrollers called ?PICs?. They are very inexpensive and widely available. These vesicle chips can be configured as a tachometer, frequency counter, matrix-keypad decoder, tone generator, stepping motor controller, servo motor controller and lots more. Paul Bergsman uses slides and live demonstrations to explain PIC operations.
Bio :
Paul Bergsman is the author of "Controlling The World With Your PC", and was a Technology-Education teacher in the Philadelphia Public Schools for 25 years and he taught for the Community College of Philadelphia. He chaired the PACS Engineering SIG and has been and active supporter of TCF for over 10 years. He relaxes with folk music, folk dancing, amateur radio (N3PSO), cycling, or a good game of chess.
11:20 am to 12:15 pm
Rolling Your Own PC-Boards
Paul Bergsman, Author and Independent Consultant
Abstract :
In the old days the amateur or student drew the circuit-board artwork, made a negative, made a positive of the negative, placed the positive over a photo-etch solution covered PC-board, exposed the PC-board to light, and then used a chemical solution to etch the PC-board. The process was later simplified by printing computer generated artwork on a plastic transparency, and then transferring the image to a PC-board for etching. On average, the transparency transfer is successful about one out of every three times. Now there is a simple, and reliable, method for transferring your computer generated artwork to a PC board. This method works every time. The talk includes a description of commercial freeware useful in drawing a circuit [OrCad, Eagle, and Electronic Workbench], testing a circuit [PSpice and Electronic Workbench], and creating the PC board artwork [OrCad and Eagle].
Bio :
Paul Bergsman is the author of "Controlling The World With Your PC", and was a Technology-Education teacher in the Philadelphia Public Schools for 25 years and he taught for the Community College of Philadelphia. He chaired the PACS Engineering SIG and has been and active supporter of TCF for over 10 years. He relaxes with folk music, folk dancing, amateur radio (N3PSO), cycling, or a good game of chess.
12:25 pm to 2:25 pm
Microcomputer Based Electronics Using the C Stamp? (Workshop)
Orlando Hernandez, The College of New Jersey
Abstract :
This talk describes the usage of the C Stamp microcomputer platform, and it concentrates on how to conduct and develop electronics projects. C Stamp modules are very affordable and capable microcomputers (self contained single chip computers) that are designed for use in a wide variety of projects. The talk presents hardware aspects of the C Stamp, as well as programming, various input/output techniques, and functional commands available to make project development most rewarding; all with professional tools, and with a focus on Digital Control, Signal Processing, and Mechatronic applications.
Bio :
Orlando J. Hernandez received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University in 2002. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the Director of the National Science Foundation sponsored Image Processing & Understanding Lab, and the Computer Architecture & VLSI Lab at The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey.
3:40 pm to 4:35 pm
Computer Operator?s Care and Feeding
Irene McShane, ACGNJ
Abstract :
The same as the human body, computers and software no longer come with a printed manual. Adverse results are possible from the most beneficial activities, much less spending hours at a computer screen. Irene McShane will discuss potential effects of computer living on the body and offer tips for users and persons who care for the user. The session will be interactive and guilt free.
Bio :
Irene McShane is a registered Nurse and registered Dietitian.