[XCSSA] XCSSA Meeting: Christmas Lights, Confetti Canons, Robots and Rockets! Monday 7pm

[Tweeks]

                Xotic Computer Systems of San Antonio *
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       http://xcssa.org/archives/XCSSA_2010-02-15.html#NEXT

Hey all.. 

Holy Cow!  What a HUGE set of killer presentations this month!  I hope that we 
have enough time in just three hours! (7-9pm)

In a nut shell, we have:
  #  TWO Über Christmas light automation live demos
  # A demo of "The Fiestamobile" with computer controlled lights 
    and confetti canons!
  # Autonomous gaming robots
  # And possibly even some high powered rocketry (and Linux repairs)


First up...

# Christmas Light Automation DIY Overview, By: Charles Strang
Charles returns in 2010 to show us updates to his ever popular Christmas Light 
Automation setup using various computers, microcontrollers, and switching 
controller boards! Very cool. If you remember his 2009 presentation and 
video, well now he has even more to show and more videos!

  # Light controller comparison
  # Sequencing software comparison
  # Demo of pseudo RGB "mega" tree
  # Demo of Aurora and LightshowPro sequencing software
  # Display and demo of d-light AC-8 and AC-16 controllers
  # Display and demo of FM transmitter
  # Display and demo of wireless speakers
  # Update on the Xmas sign (bigger brother to the pong display by Frederik)
  # Christmas 2010 Plans

Should be a really cool session!
See the web site for links and videos!
	http://xcssa.org/archives/XCSSA_2010-02-15.html#NEXT


Next Up! Bring Eye Protection for...

# Off The Shelf, Christmas Lights Automation Made Easy, , By: Matt Grooms
Matt, famous for his fully computer linked "Fiesta Mobile", and mini-ITX 
dashboard computer hacks, is going to be going the "off the shelf" route with 
his lighting automation presentation, as opposed to Charles DIY setup. Matt 
is planning to review:
  # The LOR1602MP3 Light Controller + MP3 Director
  # 16 channel DC controller (CBT16D)
  # Showtime II software
  # The Fiestamobile and demo the confetti cannons(!!!)
Links for most all devices above at:
	http://xcssa.org/archives/XCSSA_2010-02-15.html#NEXT

This session will be a "blast"! Literally! :)


# 2010 FRC Robot Games, Breakaway Robot Presentation, By: Fredrik
Not exactly sure what Fredrik has in store for us.. but it's always a hoot! I 
think this time he's going to go over his Breakaway robot for the 2010 FRC 
competition. Here's a preview of the game that I found on YouTube. Wow!
	(again.. on http://xcssa.org/archives/XCSSA_2010-02-15.html#NEXT )

And we all know that Fredrik's robots are always show stoppers!


# Broken Linux Box Repairs and High Power Rocketry
An XCSSA and Linux newbie is reportedly bringing in his Linux box for some 
software trouble shooting. So if any of you have the time, please bring your 
diagnostic hats (and tools) so that we can help our new found friend out with 
his setup! The person bringing his setup in also happens to be one of my High 
Power Rocketry friends, and since I'm a big HPR geek, there may be some 
rocket-talk going on too. :) 


This is going to be a really killer night!  Don't miss it!
Hope to see you there!

Tweeks
President of XCSSA.ORG