I was talking to Brian (@MicroNut) yesterday, and we decided that we wanted to have a get together/meetup some time soon. We were thinking maybe the end of summer/early fall, time frame (Aug, Sep, Oct.) How does that sound to you guys.
I have several projects that I wanted to show off, and maybe get some input/help from you guys. The idea would be to have something kind of like Jeff (@OldBitCollector) used to do with his Unofficial Propeller Expos; kind of an informal show-and-tell, or just gathering together to have some fun.
Brian is looking at some possible meeting places near his place (near Meadville, PA - about an hour south of Erie, PA, and about two hours north of Pittsburgh.) Meanwhile I will look around the Pittsburgh area (I live about an hour east of Pittsburgh) to see what I can find available for a meeting room to rent.
Is there any interest in a meetup? How would you feel about traveling to the 'Burgh, or Erie (or in between) for a get together? Anyone have any comments/input (as Johnny Five says: need input. :P )
Quote from: granz on Apr 28, 2025, 06:25 PMI was talking to Brian (@MicroNut) yesterday, and we decided that we wanted to have a get together/meetup some time soon. We were thinking maybe the end of summer/early fall, time frame (Aug, Sep, Oct.) How does that sound to you guys.
I have several projects that I wanted to show off, and maybe get some input/help from you guys. The idea would be to have something kind of like Jeff (@OldBitCollector) used to do with his Unofficial Propeller Expos; kind of an informal show-and-tell, or just gathering together to have some fun.
Brian is looking at some possible meeting places near his place (near Meadville, PA - about an hour south of Erie, PA, and about two hours north of Pittsburgh.) Meanwhile I will look around the Pittsburgh area (I live about an hour east of Pittsburgh) to see what I can find available for a meeting room to rent.
Is there any interest in a meetup? How would you feel about traveling to the 'Burgh, or Erie (or in between) for a get together? Anyone have any comments/input (as Johnny Five says: need input. :P )
I'll say sounds like fun after I recover from PAIN!!..... Tooth removal 4/22, was a hard pull n had to remove in parts.., yes still hurts, bagel chip + sore socket =
INSTANT N LOTTA PAIN!!!! But back to the other, does sound like fun, hope van can make it ok.
Quote from: granz on Apr 28, 2025, 06:25 PMIs there any interest in a meetup? How would you feel about traveling to the 'Burgh, or Erie (or in between) for a get together? Anyone have any comments/input (as Johnny Five says: need input. :P )
Erie would be the easiest for me, since I live in central NY. Granz, would you be bringing the missus? I feel like if I took a long trip, I would be bringing mine with me. We'd want to see some sights while we were out and about.
One final thing...Valerie reminded me that there are three dates around that time-span that we won't be available:
Weekend of August 2nd.
Weekend of August 29th.
Weekend of September 20th.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Apr 29, 2025, 09:05 AMGranz, would you be bringing the missus? I feel like if I took a long trip, I would be bringing mine with me. We'd want to see some sights while we were out and about.
Great idea! If Valerie were to go, then Marilyn would be much more likely to go, also.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Apr 29, 2025, 09:05 AMOne final thing...Valerie reminded me that there are three dates around that time-span that we won't be available:
Weekend of August 2nd.
Weekend of August 29th.
Weekend of September 20th.
OK, we are also planning a trip, or two, ourselves. That is part of the purpose of this thread (the other being "is there interest"?)
Of course I'm interested. I'm probably the most centrally located one that would come (40 miles south of Erie along I79) so anywhere would work for me. I also have 2 friends in Erie I meet monthly (granz has met them) that would probably be interested as well. Of the weekends you listed Sept 20th is best for me. If this does take place in Erie, where I grew up, I know some points of interest and some good local restaurants. Since I moved away 25 years ago I don't know of a good place to meet there but I will ask my friends and family in Erie for suggestions if that is the decided location. Also any location with a Micro Center nearby works for me :)
Quote from: MicroNut on Apr 29, 2025, 06:34 PMOf the weekends you listed Sept 20th is best for me.
I apologize if I caused any confusion. Those weekends I listed are the ones I an
not available.
oops!!! I misread that! I cannot do the following weekends 7/19, 7/28, 8/2.
So, what are we thinking on this? Are there any ideas on actual dates / places knowing the dates some of us are unavailable?
I need to know too so i can put in time off req.
[quote athor=JKnightandKARR link=msg=1885 date=1748024945]I need to know too so i can put in time off req.[/quote]
I'm hoping we can do it on a weekend to reduce my need to do that. Also, @granz, have you asked the missus if she's joining us? Valerie is coming with me, either way.
Quote from: Chris Savage on May 23, 2025, 01:19 PMSo, what are we thinking on this? Are there any ideas on actual dates / places knowing the dates some of us are unavailable?
I must admit that it had slipped my mind - sorry about that.
@MicroNut, any word about a meeting place? Dates and times that it is available?
I guess that, in case Brian cannot find any place, I'll go ahead and start trying to find a place, but it'll probably be closer to Pittsburgh.
Quote from: Chris Savage on May 23, 2025, 02:40 PMI'm hoping we can do it on a weekend to reduce my need to do that.
Yes, I think that the only way to do this will be on a Saturday. Being retired, I can do weekdays, but most people would have difficulty with that.
Quote from: Chris Savage on May 23, 2025, 02:40 PMAlso, @granz, have you asked the missus if she's joining us? Valerie is coming with me, either way.
I just asked Marilyn, but she is not sure right now.
Quote from: granz on May 23, 2025, 04:39 PMI guess that, in case Brian cannot find any place, I'll go ahead and start trying to find a place, but it'll probably be closer to Pittsburgh.
Does this mean Erie is out?
Quote from: granz on May 23, 2025, 04:39 PMI just asked Marilyn, but she is not sure right now.
Okay.
Quote from: Chris Savage on May 23, 2025, 07:16 PMDoes this mean Erie is out?
No, it just means that I will be looking for places closer to Pittsburgh (as well as further north,) while Brian (and anyone else who can lend a hand) looks closer to his place. BTW, he does not live in Erie, but about forty miles south - he will be looking in Erie, and nearer to his home.
Quote from: granz on May 23, 2025, 07:42 PMNo, it just means that I will be looking for places closer to Pittsburgh (as well as further north,) while Brian (and anyone else who can lend a hand) looks closer to his place. BTW, he does not live in Erie, but about forty miles south - he will be looking in Erie, and nearer to his home.
Erie is ~200 miles drive for me. Pittsburgh adds ~100 miles to that.
Quote from: Chris Savage on May 23, 2025, 08:12 PMErie is ~200 miles drive for me. Pittsburgh adds ~100 miles to that.
OK, but it adds an additional 100 miles for Joe, and me. Although, it is less than 100 miles total for me to get up to Erie; so maybe that is where we should look.
Quote from: granz on May 23, 2025, 08:53 PMOK, but it adds an additional 100 miles for Joe, and me. Although, it is less than 100 miles total for me to get up to Erie; so maybe that is where we should look.
I don't know exactly where everyone lives, but I was hoping we could find a place to meet up that was roughly equal for each of us. If we get to where we're sharing person details, please start a group chat via TXT messaging.
I live about 30 min east of Columbus, OH
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on May 24, 2025, 09:02 AMI live about 30 min east of Columbus, OH
How many miles to Erie from your place? Also, are you bringing your wife as well?
Google Maps says that I am 245 Km (about 150 miles) from Erie, PA. That should be about a three-and-a-half hour drive - although with my back, I need to take a break every hour or so. So, that would work out to be about four to five hours. We should probably get a motel then. I would think that around noon for a start time, and maybe just before dinner for quitting time. Then we could move to my motel room, for more talking, if we wanted to.
I also checked, and it is about 200 Km (about 120 miles) for my son, Peter, who lives in Cleveland. It would be nice to have him there.
It turns out that Joe lives a bit farther than you, Chris - about 362 Km (or about 240 miles.) We're just too spread out - we all need to move closer together. ;D
Quote from: Chris Savage on May 24, 2025, 04:52 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on May 24, 2025, 09:02 AMI live about 30 min east of Columbus, OH
How many miles to Erie from your place? Also, are you bringing your wife as well?
Just over 200 miles n idk. Depends if she has the weekend off or not
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on May 24, 2025, 06:15 PMJust over 200 miles n idk. Depends if she has the weekend off or not
I was just asking trying to determine how many people will be there. I am trying to come up with group dinner plans. Trying to decide just how
ambitious that is.
Quote from: Chris Savage on May 24, 2025, 07:47 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on May 24, 2025, 06:15 PMJust over 200 miles n idk. Depends if she has the weekend off or not
I was just asking trying to determine how many people will be there. I am trying to come up with group dinner plans. Trying to decide just how ambitious that is.
Nada wrong with that.
Sorry it has been busy here. I haven't been able to talk to my contact at the coin club about rental info on the room at Active Aging. The building is located in downtown Meadville 35 miles south of Erie. I did find out the room can be subdivided into 3 sections and you can rent one section. It is only available when Active Aging doesn't have activities that use the room. The website for contact info is https://activeaging.org (https://activeaging.org/)
As for Erie I recommend Blasco Library erielibrary.org (https://erielibrary.org). They have study rooms that probably be big enough. They also have a bigger meeting room. I did go to a computer meetup in one a couple of years ago. You need to book 30 days in advance. I know the large meeting room is only open to Erie county residents. I'm not sure about the study rooms. If so I have two friends, Terry and Jim, who have gone to most of Jeff Ledger's expos that are residents and may be able to help. The library is located along Erie Bay at Dobbin's Landing. There is some major road work nearby that will be going on for the next 2 years that maybe a little bit of a headache.
Just rechecked the site. The study rooms are a bit small. Only up to 5 people but are free to use with reservations.
Thanks Brian, yeah the study rooms are pretty small. Could you ask Terry and/or Jim if they could check into the price for one of the bigger rooms, please? I'm guessing about a dozen, or so, people. Also, I want to invite Land Boards to come, and bring some of their products, so we would need to not have any prohibition against buying/selling - Pittsburgh libraries do not allow commerce on site.
I am planning on staying overnight, and we usually stay at Comfort Inns. There are a few in the Erie area, so I will be calling them to ask about using their conference/meeting rooms.
Room 219 sounds like the best fit. It should be $50 for 7 reservations in one year. If they determine it is for commercial use it''l be a one time $200 fee. I'm attaching the policy for the room. I will be seeing Terry and Jim the second Tuesday in June and I'll discuss it with them. They may also have other suggestions.
Quote from: MicroNut on May 30, 2025, 05:17 PMRoom 219 sounds like the best fit.
I saw that room earlier, the twenty person capability seems to be a good fit, but it only holds three tables. I was hoping that each of us could bring projects/products to show off. That would require more than three tables (maybe many more, if more people decide to show up; I'm reminded of Jeff's Unofficial Propeller Expo - he expected about a half dozen, and nearly one hundred showed up.)
Quote from: MicroNut on May 30, 2025, 05:17 PMIt should be $50 for 7 reservations in one year. If they determine it is for commercial use it''l be a one time $200 fee. I'm attaching the policy for the room. I will be seeing Terry and Jim the second Tuesday in June and I'll discuss it with them. They may also have other suggestions.
What does that mean, do we need to commit to seven reservations (big trouble) or no more than seven reservations (no trouble) in a year?
Yeah, I am alittle confused by that as well.
Sorry for the confusion. The wording in the pdf sounds like the $50 fee covers the entire year and entitles us to up to 7 reservations.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 01, 2025, 08:21 PMSorry for the confusion. The wording in the pdf sounds like the $50 fee covers the entire year and entitles us to up to 7 reservations.
OK, that would fit into the "no troubles" category.
However we still have the room-size issue. Have you seen the room? Would about 6 to 12 people be able to fit a table to show off their project/products?
No I haven't been in it but the here is the description from the website "Room 219 is located on the second floor of the Blasco Library. This facility accommodates 25 people comfortably."
Would you mind asking one of your Erie-based friends (preferably one familiar with the UPE model) to take a look at it for half dozen, or so, tables?
I talked to my friends Terry and Jim last night. Jim is very interested in getting involved with this. He actually flew out to the expo that Parallax had at California. Hopefully he'll join the forum. I pmed Granz with his contact info. Jim may have a better idea of a good meeting place. There was talk of having a vendor at the meetup and I believe the library would rent the room at the commercial rate of $200 for that reason.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 11, 2025, 08:14 PMI believe the library would rent the room at the commercial rate of $200 for that reason.
This is a library in Erie, PA? Just trying to gain some clarity.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 11, 2025, 08:14 PM...I pmed Granz with his contact info. ...
Got it, thanks Brian, I'll email him later today.
Yes it is Blasco Library in Erie PA.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 12, 2025, 12:25 PMYes it is Blasco Library in Erie PA.
Asking this since it is within the library...are we allowed to have food there?
Is there any kind of date yet?
Well, better late than never. I got the email off to Jim.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 02, 2025, 07:53 AMNo I haven't been in it but the here is the description from the website "Room 219 is located on the second floor of the Blasco Library. This facility accommodates 25 people comfortably."
I just noticed this - is there an elevator (or at least an escalator)? I have enough troubles getting myself up stairs, I'm not sure that I could take a bunch of projects/components/stuff up stairs.
I also just sent a Tindie PM to Land Boards (https://land-boards.com/blwiki/index.php?title=Main_Page) notifying them about our meetup, and inviting them to come meetup, and to join Savage Chats. Hopefully they will be able to attend (I've seen a lot of stuff on their store that looks good - oh no, I'm about to go broke. ;D )
Quote from: granz on Jun 13, 2025, 12:56 PM(I've seen a lot of stuff on their store that looks good - oh no, I'm about to go broke. ;D )
Yeah, the missus just hinted at me that our checkbook is getting a bit slimmer in the "recreational spending" area. :-[
Quote from: granz on Jun 13, 2025, 12:37 PMQuote from: MicroNut on Jun 02, 2025, 07:53 AMNo I haven't been in it but the here is the description from the website "Room 219 is located on the second floor of the Blasco Library. This facility accommodates 25 people comfortably."
I just noticed this - is there an elevator (or at least an escalator)? I have enough troubles getting myself up stairs, I'm not sure that I could take a bunch of projects/components/stuff up stairs.
I'd be more then willing to help get stuff moving for ya, but anymore alot of placed have elevators.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 13, 2025, 01:06 PMQuote from: granz on Jun 13, 2025, 12:56 PM(I've seen a lot of stuff on their store that looks good - oh no, I'm about to go broke. ;D )
Yeah, the missus just hinted at me that our checkbook is getting a bit slimmer in the "recreational spending" area. :-[
Known to me ALL TOO WELL...... :'(
Yeah, that is (partly) why I am selling some of my old stuff. ;)
Quote from: granz on Jun 13, 2025, 02:51 PMYeah, that is (partly) why I am selling some of my old stuff. ;)
My "shop" on Savage///Circuits will be live soon (after I get my photo booth set up). Lots of stuff that needs a new home. Plus some merch for supporters of the site.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 13, 2025, 03:16 PMPlus some merch for supporters of the site.
Sounds good - let us know when you get your Savage merch up.
Quote from: granz on Jun 13, 2025, 03:44 PMSounds good - let us know when you get your Savage merch up.
Very soon...perhaps this weekend (by Sunday). Just need a few photos, but have a mess to clear to have the room to take the photos. Preview here (https://savagechats.com/index.php?topic=407.0).
By the way, the reason I was asking about food is I was trying to see if I could hook us up with some sheet pizzas locally and it that would be allowed at the library community room. Also, I need to check out the local pizza places. ;D
Nice!
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 13, 2025, 04:00 PMBy the way, the reason I was asking about food is I was trying to see if I could hook us up with some sheet pizzas locally and it that would be allowed at the library community room. Also, I need to check out the local pizza places. ;D
Yeah, I asked Jim to look into that when he checks out the room. I also mentioned that we would like to purchase/trade, and to make sure that commerce is allowed.
Also, some people (like Marilyn) don't really care for pizza, so if you could have other options that would be great. Thanks.
Quote from: granz on Jun 14, 2025, 05:21 AMAlso, some people (like Marilyn) don't really care for pizza, so if you could have other options that would be great. Thanks.
So, most pizza places also have chicken wings. Does she like those? I'd have to see what is available. Our local pizza places have pasta, subs, chicken tenders, etc. I mean, we could do a lunchmeat, cheese tray with some garlic Tuscan bread or something.
I hope Jim can give you the info you need from the library. If not I will be in the area this weekend. Pizza?? I'm not sure about food there but Erie is an Italian town. It seems like there is a pizza place on every street corner so that won't be difficult. Probably Barbato's or Valerio's pizzas are the best and they both have multiple locations.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 14, 2025, 09:21 PMSo, most pizza places also have chicken wings. Does she like those? I'd have to see what is available. Our local pizza places have pasta, subs, chicken tenders, etc. I mean, we could do a lunchmeat, cheese tray with some garlic Tuscan bread or something.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 17, 2025, 08:02 AMI hope Jim can give you the info you need from the library. If not I will be in the area this weekend. Pizza?? I'm not sure about food there but Erie is an Italian town. It seems like there is a pizza place on every street corner so that won't be difficult. Probably Barbato's or Valerio's pizzas are the best and they both have multiple locations.
It's not that she hates pizza, just that she doesn't care for it. If we do get pizza, please make sure that at least one has "everything" (not anchovies or hot peppers,) though.
There is a site, Joe's Computer Museum (https://jcm-1.com/ (https://jcm-1.com/),) where he has a shop which sells (among other things) a tiny (Pico :D ) 128K Macintosh Computer (https://jcm-1.com/product/picomicromac/.) This is a $25 Mac! I just ordered one to play with, as it looks really cool, and of course, I don't have enough irons in the fire already. ::)
Anyway, I also mentioned our meetup, and asked him if he (or associates) would be interested in joining us (and of course bringing some of his stuff. ;D )
Quote from: granz on Jun 18, 2025, 05:46 PMThere is a site, Joe's Computer Museum (https://jcm-1.com/ (https://jcm-1.com/),) where he has a shop which sells (among other things) a tiny (Pico :D ) 128K Macintosh Computer (https://jcm-1.com/product/picomicromac/.) This is a $25 Mac! I just ordered one to play with, as it looks really cool, and of course, I don't have enough irons in the fire already. ::)
Anyway, I also mentioned our meetup, and asked him if he (or associates) would be interested in joining us (and of course bringing some of his stuff. ;D )
That's funnier then hell!! That place is flat out 30 min from me!! Lol
On side note to anyome, is there any kinda date yet? Logging info?
Angela usually has every other weekend off, i just need to know so i can check with her
Not yet. Tomorrow, I'll go through the calendar and pick a couple saturdays.
Okay, so far we have the following Saturdays for August and September:
- 02 Aug - Not good for Brian & Chris
- 09 Aug
- 16 Aug
- 23 Aug
- 30 Aug - Not good for Chris
- 06 Sep
- 13 Sep
- 20 Sep - Not good for Chris
- 27 Sep
Any of those days are OK for me. We have a monthly meetup on Saturdays, but they are scheduled each previous month, and are pretty much up to my schedule. So,
I am thinking that the 23rd of Aug, or the 6th of Sept would be best. Any thoughts, or anyone else have any days which would not work?
I just posted a notice about our meetup in the PicoCalc forum (https://forum.clockworkpi.com/c/picocalc/31 (https://forum.clockworkpi.com/c/picocalc/31).) I have no idea how many people are in the region - but then again, the Unofficial Propeller Expos drew people from California. :o
I did mention that they would need to register with Savage///Chats, but also said that anyone who didn't want to register here could just PM me there and let me know.
Quote from: granz on Jun 21, 2025, 10:31 AMOkay, so far we have the following Saturdays for August and September:
- 02 Aug - Not good for Brian & Chris
- 09 Aug
- 16 Aug
- 23 Aug
- 30 Aug - Not good for Chris
- 06 Sep
- 13 Sep
- 20 Sep - Not good for Chris
- 27 Sep
Any of those days are OK for me. We have a monthly meetup on Saturdays, but they are scheduled each previous month, and are pretty much up to my schedule. So, I am thinking that the 23rd of Aug, or the 6th of Sept would be best. Any thoughts, or anyone else have any days which would not work?
Weekend of 9/13 & 9/14 I am on vacation
Okay, so now we have the following updated schedule:
- 02 Aug - Not good for Brian & Chris
- 09 Aug
- 16 Aug
- 23 Aug - Possible second choice?
- 30 Aug - Not good for Chris
- 06 Sep - Possible first choice?
- 13 Sep - Not good for Joe
- 20 Sep - Not good for Chris
- 27 Sep
Still looking good for the 23rd of Aug, or the 6th of Sept. Labor day is 01 Sept, and that weekend is out because of Chris' schedule - thanks Chris, I had not thought of that weekend until now. Labor Day weekend would probably not be good any way.
I'm leaning towards September sixth for the first choice, and August twenty third for the second choice. Any more input?
Quote from: granz on Jun 21, 2025, 03:12 PMStill looking good for the 23rd of Aug, or the 6th of Sept. Labor day is 01 Sept, and that weekend is out because of Chris' schedule - thanks Chris, I had not thought of that weekend until now. Labor Day weekend would probably not be good any way. I'm leaning towards September sixth for the first choice, and August twenty third for the second choice. Any more input?
Those dates sound good for me. Just waiting on further input to see how it all works out.
Quote from: granz on Jun 21, 2025, 03:12 PMOkay, so now we have the following updated schedule:
- 02 Aug - Not good for Brian & Chris
- 09 Aug
- 16 Aug
- 23 Aug - Possible second choice?
- 30 Aug - Not good for Chris
- 06 Sep - Possible first choice?
- 13 Sep - Not good for Joe
- 20 Sep - Not good for Chris
- 27 Sep
Still looking good for the 23rd of Aug, or the 6th of Sept. Labor day is 01 Sept, and that weekend is out because of Chris' schedule - thanks Chris, I had not thought of that weekend until now. Labor Day weekend would probably not be good any way.
I'm leaning towards September sixth for the first choice, and August twenty third for the second choice. Any more input?
You misunderstood. I'm free that weekend, so maybe I can do it.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Jun 21, 2025, 11:58 PMYou misunderstood. I'm free that weekend, so maybe I can do it.
So, you want us to have the meetup
on the thirteenth?
Just saying that I already have that weekend off, I "might be able todo other dates, just gotta put request in for it.
So, now it looks like this:
- 02 Aug - Not good for Brian & Chris
- 09 Aug -
- 16 Aug -
- 23 Aug - Possible second choice?
- 30 Aug - Not good for Chris
- 06 Sep -
- 13 Sep - Preferred for Joe Possible first choice?
- 20 Sep - Not good for Chris
- 27 Sep -
Anyone else want to chime in? For scheduling purposes, we should firm up a date pretty soon. That way we can all start preparing.
Also, is anyone interested in speakers? I could do one on the Pico, and PicoMite BASIC, or some other topics. Is anyone interested in this kind of topic? Or, maybe just a few five-minute show off sessions for people to show off what projects they have going?
Ironically, September 13th is a geek holiday. Day of the Programmer.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 22, 2025, 05:06 PMIronically, September 13th is a geek holiday. Day of the Programmer.
Well, I guess that clinches it - 13 September it is! Any other thoughts?
By the way, if interested in this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmer%27s_Day (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmer%27s_Day). It's an interesting (short) read.
Quote from: granz on Jun 22, 2025, 07:35 PMWell, I guess that clinches it - 13 September it is! Any other thoughts? By the way, if interested in this:
Thanks for sharing the link. I didn't have it handy, but on that day my website will show a banner that links to that same article. I have a lot of Geek holidays programmed in. When they come up, clicking on them takes you to an informational page, usually on Wikipedia.
So, just because so much has been shared and passed, what is the meeting place and time? I literally just have Erie, PA in my calendar.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 22, 2025, 10:30 PMSo, just because so much has been shared and passed, what is the meeting place and time? I literally just have Erie, PA in my calendar.
So, you literally just have Erie in your calendar because all that we have is 13 Aug, and in/near Erie. We're still looking for a place, maybe the library. Jim hasn't been feeling well, and thinks that he may be able to get to the library this week. As for the time, I'm hoping to start about noon, and go until late afternoon or early evening (5:00 to about 7:00 or 8:00.) We are still looking for input.
So far, the only ones who have shown interest are Brian, Chris, Joe, Jim and me, along with three wives.
I have invited Joe's Computer Museum and Land Boards, but have not had any response from either of them. If any of you know any other businesses in our field, that are in the Western PA, Western NY, Eastern OH or Northern WV region, please invite them. I guess anyone from anywhere is welcome.
We are also missing substance. I have not had any responses about what we would like to see. Does anyone want any history speeches, any show-and-tells, any tutoring sessions, what?
Sept 13th works for me.
Quote from: granz on Jun 23, 2025, 07:58 AMSo, you literally just have Erie in your calendar because all that we have is 13 Aug, and in/near Erie.
I think you meant, 13 Sep? :P
Quote from: granz on Jun 23, 2025, 07:58 AMWe're still looking for a place, maybe the library. Jim hasn't been feeling well, and thinks that he may be able to get to the library this week. As for the time, I'm hoping to start about noon, and go until late afternoon or early evening (5:00 to about 7:00 or 8:00.) We are still looking for input. So far, the only ones who have shown interest are Brian, Chris, Joe, Jim and me, along with three wives.
Okay, with 5 pages of information, I wasn't sure if I missed something important. If I was still running vBulletin, we would have had an info age that we kept updating and everything would be in a fixed place. ;)
Quote from: granz on Jun 23, 2025, 07:58 AMWe are also missing substance. I have not had any responses about what we would like to see. Does anyone want any history speeches, any show-and-tells, any tutoring sessions, what?
I haven't really given it much thought since it's only part of one day. I'll really have to think about that. I'll bring my laptop and whatever project(s) I plan to show. I guess I could demo something new I am working on. Hoping to have a couple of things published before then, so we'll see what's on the block at that point. Valerie and were thinking about getting a motel in the area. I don't want to drive there and back in the same day.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 23, 2025, 08:21 AMI think you meant, 13 Sep? :P
OUCH! :o Yes, thanks for that correction. Also, 13 Sept gives a bit more time to set up.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 23, 2025, 08:21 AMQuote from: granz on Jun 23, 2025, 07:58 AMWe're still looking for a place, maybe the library. Jim hasn't been feeling well, and thinks that he may be able to get to the library this week. As for the time, I'm hoping to start about noon, and go until late afternoon or early evening (5:00 to about 7:00 or 8:00.) We are still looking for input. So far, the only ones who have shown interest are Brian, Chris, Joe, Jim and me, along with three wives.
Okay, with 5 pages of information, I wasn't sure if I missed something important. If I was still running vBulletin, we would have had an info age that we kept updating and everything would be in a fixed place. ;)
Quote from: granz on Jun 23, 2025, 07:58 AMWe are also missing substance. I have not had any responses about what we would like to see. Does anyone want any history speeches, any show-and-tells, any tutoring sessions, what?
I haven't really given it much thought since it's only part of one day. I'll really have to think about that. I'll bring my laptop and whatever project(s) I plan to show. I guess I could demo something new I am working on. Hoping to have a couple of things published before then, so we'll see what's on the block at that point.
Yeah, I'll bring, at least, one laptop/notebook. I'm still proud of my
Dev Notebook (https://zappbots.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=327&sid=36448f8452b71529a60f7b2f2b975aed (https://zappbots.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=327&sid=36448f8452b71529a60f7b2f2b975aed),) and will bring that to show off. I also have some other stuff to demo. I may also bring some of the products from my old store to give away.
Maybe I could bring some stuff to do a door prize. Jeff (@OldBitCollector) used to do a fund-raising raffle at the
Unofficial Propeller Expos, would anyone be interested in something like that, and what charity would we want to help out (maybe the
Computer Widows Assistance Fund for our wives. ;D )
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 23, 2025, 08:21 AMValerie and were thinking about getting a motel in the area. I don't want to drive there and back in the same day.
Yeah, we will be getting a motel, also. I don't do as well driving in the dark as I used to (getting old is a pain. :P )
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 23, 2025, 08:07 AMSept 13th works for me.
Sounds great to me - more confirmation that we have the right date.
Quote from: granz on Jun 23, 2025, 08:45 AMI may also bring some of the products from my old store to give away. Maybe I could bring some stuff to do a door prize.
I will bring some giveaways as well, though my stock isn't what it used to be. Perhaps a raffle prize.
Quote from: granz on Jun 23, 2025, 08:45 AMYeah, we will be getting a motel, also. I don't do as well driving in the dark as I used to (getting old is a pain. :P )
#Amen
Perhaps we can get breakfast the next morning somewhere.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 23, 2025, 09:21 AMPerhaps we can get breakfast the next morning somewhere.
I would like that.
Quote from: granz on Jun 23, 2025, 07:58 AMI have invited Joe's Computer Museum and Land Boards, but have not had any response from either of them.
Well, I got a response from Joe, unfortunately he is not able to make it this time. I still plan on bringing my Pico Micro Mac to show off. I will also give the URL for ordering one, in case anyone is interested.
Quote from: MicroNut on Apr 29, 2025, 06:34 PMSince I moved away 25 years ago I don't know of a good place to meet there but I will ask my friends and family in Erie for suggestions if that is the decided location. Also any location with a Micro Center nearby works for me :)
I have not gotten any further reply from Jim (beyond that he was in a lot of pain.) Have you gotten any ideas from any of your Erie contacts?
I've spent about 10-20 hours so far trying to find some place to meet in Erie. It's truly disturbing (and more than somewhat discouraging) to find out how many
ERIE, PA Meeting rooms are in Toronto, New York City, Chicago, Miami, Houston, Dallas, and other places around the world. >:( Still waiting on replies from several of the places.
Marilyn reminded me that you had mentioned the possibility of using your church building in our first call about this. Could you check and see if that is a possibility. We should be able to pay a fee, if they need.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 17, 2025, 08:02 AMI hope Jim can give you the info you need from the library. If not I will be in the area this weekend. Pizza?? I'm not sure about food there but Erie is an Italian town. It seems like there is a pizza place on every street corner so that won't be difficult. Probably Barbato's or Valerio's pizzas are the best and they both have multiple locations.
Any input from your visit?
@granz, how solid do you think we are on the date (Sep 13)? We'd like to book ASAP if we're sure of the area / date as we've previously found ourselves without reasonable lodging when not booking sufficiently ahead of time.
I wonder if @zappman wants to drive 6 hours to meet up with us? ;)
P.S. - No pressure or anything. :P
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 25, 2025, 07:27 AM@granz, how solid do you think we are on the date (Sep 13)? We'd like to book ASAP if we're sure of the area / date as we've previously found ourselves without reasonable lodging when not booking sufficiently ahead of time.
I wonder if @zappman wants to drive 6 hours to meet up with us? ;)
P.S. - No pressure or anything. :P
I'd also like to know whats needed to pay.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 25, 2025, 07:27 AM@granz, how solid do you think we are on the date (Sep 13)? We'd like to book ASAP if we're sure of the area / date as we've previously found ourselves without reasonable lodging when not booking sufficiently ahead of time.
I think that we can nail it down soon. Let's say that if no one has any objection to 13 Sept 25 by this coming Monday (30 Jun 25) we'll call it locked in. Unfortunately, I still don't have a location - see above.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 25, 2025, 07:27 AMI wonder if @zappman wants to drive 6 hours to meet up with us? ;)
P.S. - No pressure or anything. :P
I didn't realize that ZappMan lived in our general region. Hopefully he can make it - I would love to meet up with him.
Quote from: granz on Jun 24, 2025, 03:52 PMMarilyn reminded me that you had mentioned the possibility of using your church building in our first call about this. Could you check and see if that is a possibility. We should be able to pay a fee, if they need.
I forgot that I was not addressing this directly to @MicroNut, so this was for Brian.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Jun 25, 2025, 10:32 AMI'd also like to know whats needed to pay.
Are you talking about the motel and meals?
I am hoping to be able to pay for the venue - and, of course, some new toys for me to play with. :P If anyone wants to help, I won't turn it down, though (cash, or NEC PC8500, or Bondwell 2 - the CP/M 2.0 version or Commodore SX-64 accepted. :P )
Quote from: granz on Jun 25, 2025, 11:00 AMQuote from: Chris Savage on Jun 25, 2025, 07:27 AM@granz, how solid do you think we are on the date (Sep 13)? We'd like to book ASAP if we're sure of the area / date as we've previously found ourselves without reasonable lodging when not booking sufficiently ahead of time.
I think that we can nail it down soon. Let's say that if no one has any objection to 13 Sept 25 by this coming Monday (30 Jun 25) we'll call it locked in. Unfortunately, I still don't have a location - see above.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 25, 2025, 07:27 AMI wonder if @zappman wants to drive 6 hours to meet up with us? ;)
P.S. - No pressure or anything. :P
I didn't realize that ZappMan lived in our general region. Hopefully he can make it - I would love to meet up with him.
No, I won't be able to attend. A drive of 6 hours or more (each way) is way to much for me.
Quote from: zappman on Jun 25, 2025, 11:58 AMNo, I won't be able to attend. A drive of 6 hours or more (each way) is way to much for me.
We had to make the offer though. You would have been more than welcome. I just don't get out much these days, so when an opportunity presents itself, I'm more inclined to try if it isn't too far away.
We've (the wife and I) got some upcoming concerts this summer in Niagara Falls and Syracuse. Places I wouldn't just drive to on a whim. But for these concerts, we're doing it.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 25, 2025, 12:06 PMQuote from: zappman on Jun 25, 2025, 11:58 AMNo, I won't be able to attend. A drive of 6 hours or more (each way) is way to much for me.
We had to make the offer though. You would have been more than welcome.
Agreed. I hope to meet you some day, face-to-face.
Quote from: granz on Jun 25, 2025, 11:00 AMUnfortunately, I still don't have a location - see above.
Well, I reached out to six volunteer fire companies that have Social Halls, in Erie, this morning. We shall see if I get any responses. So far, it hasn't been looking too good.
Quote from: granz on Jun 25, 2025, 11:00 AMUnfortunately, I still don't have a location - see above.
Using Expedia, I tried to find Hotels with a conference room, but then from the list I see no mention of it, so not sure. Guess I will have to call and verify. I was thinking of, perhaps getting a room at a place that has a usable conference room.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 25, 2025, 01:02 PMQuote from: granz on Jun 25, 2025, 11:00 AMUnfortunately, I still don't have a location - see above.
Using Expedia, I tried to find Hotels with a conference room, but then from the list I see no mention of it, so not sure. Guess I will have to call and verify. I was thinking of, perhaps getting a room at a place that has a usable conference room.
Yeah, that was my first thought. I have reached out to several motels with conference rooms (I was thinking that I may stay at the motel on Friday night so that I could start setting up on Saturday morning before we meet.) Still waiting on responses (unfortunately, I didn't think of logging my contacts until this morning.) I'll be looking into VFW & Am Legion halls tomorrow.
Quote from: granz on Jun 24, 2025, 03:52 PMI've spent about 10-20 hours so far trying to find some place to meet in Erie. It's truly disturbing (and more than somewhat discouraging) to find out how many ERIE, PA Meeting rooms are in Toronto, New York City, Chicago, Miami, Houston, Dallas, and other places around the world. >:( Still waiting on replies from several of the places.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 25, 2025, 01:02 PMUsing Expedia, I tried to find Hotels with a conference room, but then from the list I see no mention of it, so not sure. Guess I will have to call and verify. I was thinking of, perhaps getting a room at a place that has a usable conference room.
I didn't use Expedia specifically, but using other search sites like that is what gave me the frustration that I mentioned earlier. How in the world do those search things ignore the location, so that Erie, PA is all over the country (and the world.) I could almost see it if they found Erie, IL (where my Father-In-Law lived, about 200 miles due west of Chicago,) but they didn't even get that. >:(
One of the search sites (Travel Week) told me that one of the Erie Comfort Inns (our first choice in motels) had a meeting room. I called that motel, and after waiting for twenty minutes (!) they told me that they did not even have a meeting room. More frustration! Aargh!
@ZappMan, would it be all right for me to post about this in your site?
Quote from: granz on Jun 25, 2025, 03:21 PM@ZappMan, would it be all right for me to post about this in your site?
Yes, it would be OK 8)
Quote from: granz on Jun 25, 2025, 11:16 AMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Jun 25, 2025, 10:32 AMI'd also like to know whats needed to pay.
Are you talking about the motel and meals?
I am hoping to be able to pay for the venue - and, of course, some new toys for me to play with. :P If anyone wants to help, I won't turn it down, though (cash, or NEC PC8500, or Bondwell 2 - the CP/M 2.0 version or Commodore SX-64 accepted. :P )
Anything in general. Being low income, gotta plan.
Quote from: granz on Jun 25, 2025, 11:16 AMI am hoping to be able to pay for the venue - If anyone wants to help, I won't turn it down, though
I can assist. Of course, we need to
find something first. LOL
P.S. - Request - please bring a couple more of those tablets. ;)
Quote from: zappman on Jun 26, 2025, 09:29 AMQuote from: granz on Jun 25, 2025, 03:21 PM@ZappMan, would it be all right for me to post about this in your site?
Yes, it would be OK 8)
Great, thanks.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Jun 26, 2025, 10:56 AMAnything in general. Being low income, gotta plan.
Save up all your pennies from your allowance, and your paper route. ;D
More seriously, I am selling off some of my stuff to raise money for this trip. You may want to look around for stuff to sell. I've gotten a
huge amount of stuff by dumpster diving (AKA garbage picking.) You can find lots of stuff in dumpsters at colleges, and if you can find an e-waste site that will let you pick through it, you can find a bunch of good stuff there. I have gotten a couple dozen laptops/notebooks, over a hundred tablets (more than just that one haul,) phones/phablets, a nice video camera, an entire Canon digital SLR outfit (including case,) a nice oscilloscope w/ probes, the TRS-80 CoCo set, working LCD monitors, and hundreds of cables/power supplies/etc. Just today, I picked up a whole mess of old 120GB tapes which fit an old tape drive that I purchased a couple weeks ago. There was even another old HP oscilloscope which just needed a good cleaning. Most of that stuff could be sold on eBay - even if only for twenty dollars; five of those sales will give you a hundred bucks to use for things like that.
Offices are getting rid of stuff that is just a bit old, just because they upgrade, or close one/some offices. My main computer is a nice ThinkPad that came with Windows 10, and had 64GB of RAM, already in it; and my "netbook" is another nice ThinkPad with 8GB already in it. Both of those came from e-waste, and could easily fetch $50 or so on ebay. While I was there today, a woman came in dumping stuff from an office that her company was shutting down - and yes, I got some good stuff from her box.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 26, 2025, 11:26 AMI can assist. Of course, we need to find something first. LOL
Yes, it is getting pretty frustrating. Just today, I had three rejections for no availability - it seems like there must be something big going on in Erie that weekend.
@MicroNut, have you gotten anywhere with your church?
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 26, 2025, 11:26 AMP.S. - Request - please bring a couple more of those tablets. ;)
Absolutely; I had already planned on bringing several of them with me.
Quote from: granz on Jun 26, 2025, 03:30 PMQuote from: zappman on Jun 26, 2025, 09:29 AMQuote from: granz on Jun 25, 2025, 03:21 PM@ZappMan, would it be all right for me to post about this in your site?
Yes, it would be OK 8)
Great, thanks.
Done, thanks again.
Quote from: granz on Jun 26, 2025, 03:45 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Jun 26, 2025, 10:56 AMAnything in general. Being low income, gotta plan.
Save up all your pennies from your allowance, and your paper route. ;D
More seriously, I am selling off some of my stuff to raise money for this trip. You may want to look around for stuff to sell. I've gotten a huge amount of stuff by dumpster diving (AKA garbage picking.) You can find lots of stuff in dumpsters at colleges, and if you can find an e-waste site that will let you pick through it, you can find a bunch of good stuff there. I have gotten a couple dozen laptops/notebooks, over a hundred tablets (more than just that one haul,) phones/phablets, a nice video camera, an entire Canon digital SLR outfit (including case,) a nice oscilloscope w/ probes, the TRS-80 CoCo set, working LCD monitors, and hundreds of cables/power supplies/etc. Just today, I picked up a whole mess of old 120GB tapes which fit an old tape drive that I purchased a couple weeks ago. There was even another old HP oscilloscope which just needed a good cleaning. Most of that stuff could be sold on eBay - even if only for twenty dollars; five of those sales will give you a hundred bucks to use for things like that.
Offices are getting rid of stuff that is just a bit old, just because they upgrade, or close one/some offices. My main computer is a nice ThinkPad that came with Windows 10, and had 64GB of RAM, already in it; and my "netbook" is another nice ThinkPad with 8GB already in it. Both of those came from e-waste, and could easily fetch $50 or so on ebay. While I was there today, a woman came in dumping stuff from an office that her company was shutting down - and yes, I got some good stuff from her box.
So far, I my area, I can't locate and E-Waste sites. I just got a credit card, so can probly just use that
First of all I apologize for the late response. I didn't check the library since I assumed Jim was checking it out and I didn't hear otherwise. I know the road to the library is under major construction for a round about for the next 2 years so it is difficult to get to.
Since you mentioned churches that may work. My church is looking into doing activities that will be open to the local community for outreach. So it is possible as long as we open it to the local community, have one of the leaders (an elder) of the church present and approval from our elders. It just so happens I am an elder and on the outreach committee. There is an elder meeting this Wednesday and I will discuss it with them then. The date is an issue though. September 14th is when we have our Children's Festival which is our biggest outreach activity and having this on the 13th would be too disruptive to the festival. It would be in Meadville which is 40 miles south of Erie on Interstate 79. There are 3 or 4 motels in the area.
My church does have a large meeting area. We have an annual Thanksgiving dinner there and had up to 300 people so we have plenty of tables. Food is no problem as long as we leave the room as we found it and there is no alcoholic beverages. Also no gambling but I will see if we will permit raffles. I don't see any problems with vendors being there. So if I get approval we would need to do another date and we would need to do setup and cleanup.
Okay, so, are we open to another date?
Ok, today I talked to one other elder, who repairs computers, and the church janitor. They are both ok with it and I will be talking to the other 2 elders and the minister Wednesday. So if I get the green light and a list of possible dates I'll check with the church secretary about availability since it is used for parties and receptions for the church membership. Those are very infrequent so it should be open. Also I'll post a few pictures and find the dimensions. My guess on the size is it is about 3/4 the size of a basketball court without the bleachers. There is a small kitchen off of it, bathrooms, most of it has a rug and one corner is wood floor and a area for coffee. It is also at the main entrance so there is no need to use any other part of the building.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 28, 2025, 10:57 PMMy church is looking into doing activities that will be open to the local community for outreach. So it is possible as long as we open it to the local community, have one of the leaders (an elder) of the church present and approval from our elders.
That sounds great; I like the idea of inviting the local community - more people to enjoy the show-and-tell. :D Would you be able to put out the word that we will show off to the local community, but also welcome others from the community who would like to show off their projects, and do some buying/selling/trading? (Who knows, maybe we will end up with some more friends on Savage///Chats to talk about our hobby. :) )
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 29, 2025, 04:26 PMOk, today I talked to one other elder, who repairs computers, and the church janitor. They are both ok with it and I will be talking to the other 2 elders and the minister Wednesday. So if I get the green light and a list of possible dates I'll check with the church secretary about availability since it is used for parties and receptions for the church membership. Those are very infrequent so it should be open. Also I'll post a few pictures and find the dimensions. My guess on the size is it is about 3/4 the size of a basketball court without the bleachers. There is a small kitchen off of it, bathrooms, most of it has a rug and one corner is wood floor and a area for coffee. It is also at the main entrance so there is no need to use any other part of the building.
That size fellowship hall sounds pretty good. We'll await your report after the meeting.
Are there any folding tables and chairs, or will we need to bring our own?
Also, please find out how much it will cost us to rent the fellowship hall. Something else, you mentioned earlier that there is a no gambling policy, and that you were going to see if the raffle would count as gambling; could you check into whether door prizes are considered gambling, too?
Okay, according to
Blackjack and the Law (1st ed.) in the
Wikipedia article on gambling (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling)) gambling includes payment for the chance, random chance and payout. So, maybe it would be safer to just not have a raffle. Door prizes would not qualify as gambling since there is not going to be any cost to get in and no random chance to win. Even if we have random chance at winning some of the door prizes, there is no cost to the players. I would have to agree with your Church's policy against gambling though - whatever it is (we do want to be polite guests.) So, please check with your governing body to see what they think.
Last night, Brian (@MicroNut) told me that we are approved for renting his Church's fellowship hall. All that we need to do now, is for me to send him the money.
So, it looks like we are on for 13 Sept, and that we have a place. This will be a bit further for Chris, but it is considerably less money. Hopefully, he can send us the specifics soon.
Quote from: granz on Jul 03, 2025, 11:33 AMSo, it looks like we are on for 13 Sept, and that we have a place. This will be a bit further for Chris, but it is considerably less money. Hopefully, he can send us the specifics soon.
Yeah, I would need an address so I can reserve a hotel / motel in time.
As Granz mentioned it was approved with the following conditions
1. The church is NOT available September 13th due to our children's carnival
2. The cost for janitorial services is a $100 donation that can be collected the day of the event
3. The duration can be all day.
4. A leader of the church (me) must be present
5. This is to be open to the church and community.
6. Food can be brought in but supplies such as plates, etc, must be provided by the group hosting the event.
7. The arrangement of tables can be moved but must be put back in place at the end of the event. Also additional folding tables are available.
8. Vendors are allowed.
9. Raffles, requiring a purchase, are not allowed. Door prize giveaways are allowed.
10. Access to other rooms besides the kitchen and bathroom under supervision only.
Address
First Christian Church
503 N. Main Street Ext Meadville, PA 16335
Web Site: www.fcc1.org
Meadville is a small city of approximately 30,000. It has most of the major chain stores and pizza parlors including many local stores. There are also some motels in the area.
I have pictures but when I put a link to my dropbox I cannot post with the link. I get a java must be enabled message.
So, back to finding a date. Right now it looks like this:
- 02 Aug - Not good for Brian & Chris
- 09 Aug -
- 16 Aug -
- 23 Aug -
- 30 Aug - Not good for Chris
- 06 Sep - Possible first choice?
- 13 Sep - NOT AVAILABLE FOR BRIAN'S CHURCH
- 20 Sep - Not good for Chris
- 27 Sep - Possible second choice?
For scheduling purposes, we really need to firm up a date pretty soon. That way we can all start preparing.
How does the 6th, or the 27th, of September look for everyone? @Brian, are any of those dates unavailable for your Church?
Those 2 dates are good for me. I will contact the church secretary on Monday to see if those dates are open.
Here is a link to the pictures https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ealh1x10em6ofbwhtyx2u/church.zip?rlkey=6qnydrrdu1drpvniqnh58cnvs&dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ealh1x10em6ofbwhtyx2u/church.zip?rlkey=6qnydrrdu1drpvniqnh58cnvs&dl=0)
Stop the presses! Big news!!!! My memory is going bad. I was TOTALLY wrong on the weekend of the Children's Festival. It is the 6th so Sept 13th should work after all. I will confirm that next Monday with the church secretary and will book the room if it is open. I apologize for any inconvenience my bad memory caused. Stay tuned on Monday for the news.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 03, 2025, 04:31 PM...so Sept 13th should work after all.
So, once again, it looks like we will be meeting up on the 13th of September. Provided the Church's schedule is open for then.
Holiday Inn Express, Meadville (https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/meadville/mdvpa/hoteldetail, 814-724-6012) is only 1.2 miles, and three minutes drive away from the church. I think that I will be reserving a room for Marilyn and I as soon as Brian confirms the date.
Bad news... I called the church and the room is already booked for the morning of September 13th. The 6th is booked all weekend. I need to check with my wife about the 27th since we may be out of town on vacation.
I'm free the 27th and the church is open all day the 27th of September. Will that work for everyone?
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 07, 2025, 10:16 PMI'm free the 27th and the church is open all day the 27th of September. Will that work for everyone?
It works for us. Please confirm the date and time when everyone else checks in and we will reserve a hotel / motel. Thanks!
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 07, 2025, 10:16 PMI'm free the 27th and the church is open all day the 27th of September. Will that work for everyone?
That will work for us, as well.
Who else was planning on coming? I want to make sure we get everyone's ok before confirming.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 08, 2025, 10:48 AMWho else was planning on coming? I want to make sure we get everyone's ok before confirming.
Pretty sure @JKnightandKARR was planning on coming. He'll have to confirm the date.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 08, 2025, 11:03 AMQuote from: MicroNut on Jul 08, 2025, 10:48 AMWho else was planning on coming? I want to make sure we get everyone's ok before confirming.
Pretty sure @JKnightandKARR was planning on coming. He'll have to confirm the date.
Just gotta put it in for reqest off
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 08, 2025, 10:48 AMWho else was planning on coming? I want to make sure we get everyone's ok before confirming.
Any word from Terry, or Jim?
Also, if the girls are going to do some girls' day thing, we should probably get an idea of how many women are going to be attending.
My son, Peter, is interested in going, and his fiance, Ashley, is also planning on going, but we will have to confirm the date with them. I just texted them; should know sometime soon - they cannot always respond while at work.
Quote from: granz on Jul 08, 2025, 01:08 PMwe should probably get an idea of how many women are going to be attending.
Valerie is coming with me. So, do we have the date finalized then? I assume MicroNut needs to confirm we're booked first?
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 07, 2025, 10:16 PMI'm free the 27th and the church is open all day the 27th of September. Will that work for everyone?
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 08, 2025, 01:13 PMQuote from: granz on Jul 08, 2025, 01:08 PMwe should probably get an idea of how many women are going to be attending.
Valerie is coming with me. So, do we have the date finalized then? I assume MicroNut needs to confirm we're booked first?
It looks like we are pretty much set on the 27th of Sept for our meetup. I have it in my calendar, and have notified Peter, Ashley and Marilyn. Let's try to keep it steady; a couple more confirmations and I will go ahead and reserve my hotel room. My plan is to arrive on Friday, so that I can get to the church early on Saturday to set up. We will then stay Saturday night, and leave early Sunday afternoon. Are we still thinking about getting together for breakfast/brunch on Sunday (the after-party :P )"
So, @MicroNut, when can I send you the money for the janitorial service?
Quote from: granz on Jul 08, 2025, 01:08 PMMy son, Peter, is interested in going, and his fiance, Ashley, is also planning on going, but we will have to confirm the date with them. I just texted them; should know sometime soon - they cannot always respond while at work.
I just got a text from Peter - the 27th will work for them.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 03, 2025, 03:51 PMAs Granz mentioned it was approved with the following conditions
...
5. This is to be open to the church and community.
...
Will you be posting this in your Church's bulletin (maybe a couple weeks ahead to get better turnout)?
Also, how does the Church want us to be "open to the community"? Should we put a notice in a Meadville newspaper, or can we request putting up a sign in your local library? Will just word-of-mouth do for that requirement (with which I totally agree - the more the merrier.) Can you think of any other ways that we can publicize this?
I'll confirm it tomorrow. I'll post it sometime tomorrow late morning. I just talked to Terry and Jim and Jim said he should be able to make it. Terry hasn't said he would come.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 08, 2025, 09:14 PMI'll confirm it tomorrow. I'll post it sometime tomorrow late morning. I just talked to Terry and Jim and Jim said he should be able to make it. Terry hasn't said he would come.
Any comments about Terry's, Jim's or your wives?
I just reserved Saturday September 27th at the church for us. Just let me know the timeframe. I have a key so I'll be in charge of opening and closing the church. If there are any questions about what is available for lodging, food, stores, etc. in Meadville either PM me or post on this thread and I'll answer it.
I didn't think of asking about Jim or Terry's wives. I'll check with them. Mine probably will only be at the church briefly to take care of setting up the media presentation for Sunday's service.
I was thinking depending on the number of people if we all donate a share of the $100 donation since it isn't required up front. I'll get it to the janitor the next day.
Also granz, from a previous post I see you have an artistic eye. If you can do a flyer sometime within a month of the activity that would be great. I'll use it on the church's website, bulletin and newsletter and post it at the church and at a couple of stores in the area.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 09, 2025, 09:52 AMI was thinking depending on the number of people if we all donate a share of the $100 donation since it isn't required up front. I'll get it to the janitor the next day.
Just let me know my share and I will send it via PayPal, Venmo or check. I'm still looking into contributing to food and / or snacks.
I prefer checks. I don't have any accounts with PayPal, Zello or Venmo. I also will be wiling to help with snacks and food.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 09, 2025, 10:14 AMI prefer checks. I don't have any accounts with PayPal, Zello or Venmo. I also will be wiling to help with snacks and food.
Since the date has been locked in, we should start a list of snacks / drinks so we're not all bringing the same thing.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 09, 2025, 10:29 AMQuote from: MicroNut on Jul 09, 2025, 10:14 AMI prefer checks. I don't have any accounts with PayPal, Zello or Venmo. I also will be wiling to help with snacks and food.
Since the date has been locked in, we should start a list of snacks / drinks so we're not all bringing the same thing.
So Sept 27/26?
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 09, 2025, 09:52 AMAlso granz, from a previous post I see you have an artistic eye. If you can do a flyer sometime within a month of the activity that would be great. I'll use it on the church's website, bulletin and newsletter and post it at the church and at a couple of stores in the area.
I never thought of myself as being artistic, other than CAD, and coding, but I guess that I am a bit artistic.
PDF draft of a flier has been sent to Chris by PM. Since it includes pics, logo and name, of Savage///Circuits, I don't want to post it until Chris approves it. (I really should not need to get approval for the images of GranzTronix, LLC - if you can't plagiarize yourself, who can you plagiarize? :P )
Sounds good granz. I booked the room at the church for the 27th. I can look into the evening of the 26th for setup and maybe a get together at a local restaurant. Perkins Restaurant, specializing in breakfast foods, (next to the Holiday Inn) has a backroom for big groups but I'm not sure if they do walk ins or we need to rent it. Also there is Hoss's Steak house nearby and they do large groups as well.
It's not local (20 miles away) there is an Amish style restaurant that does family style dinners for groups of 25 or more with reservations.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 09, 2025, 04:22 PMSounds good granz. I booked the room at the church for the 27th. I can look into the evening of the 26th for setup and maybe a get together at a local restaurant. Perkins Restaurant, specializing in breakfast foods, (next to the Holiday Inn) has a backroom for big groups but I'm not sure if they do walk ins or we need to rent it. Also there is Hoss's Steak house nearby and they do large groups as well.
It's not local (20 miles away) there is an Amish style restaurant that does family style dinners for groups of 25 or more with reservations.
Either Perkins, or Hoss's, would do - the 20 miles for the Amish place sounds a bit far, especially after traveling from Greensburg. Maybe the Perkins would be best, since I (and others) will probably be staying at the Holiday Inn. Also, the breakfast (for the "after-party") sounds like a great idea.
Could you look into reserving the room there, please?
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 03, 2025, 04:31 PMHere is a link to the pictures https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ealh1x10em6ofbwhtyx2u/church.zip?rlkey=6qnydrrdu1drpvniqnh58cnvs&dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ealh1x10em6ofbwhtyx2u/church.zip?rlkey=6qnydrrdu1drpvniqnh58cnvs&dl=0)
@MicroNut, A few questions:
- Are the two classroom pics (Class Room.jpg & Class Room 2.jpg) different views of the same room?
- In Main Entrance.jpg it looks like the accordion door on the right is to (one of) the classroom(s). Can the accordion door be opened so that entrance area can be part of the expo area?
- In Meeting Area.jpg there is another accordion door in the rear of the photo. Does that open to the classroom?
- What is the size of the largest room, with all accordion doors open (that are allowed to be open)?
- What are the dimensions of that largest room?
- Can multiple areas (I.E. both classrooms - if there are two) be used for the expo?
Thanks
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 09, 2025, 09:52 AMAlso granz, from a previous post I see you have an artistic eye. If you can do a flyer sometime within a month of the activity that would be great. I'll use it on the church's website, bulletin and newsletter and post it at the church and at a couple of stores in the area.
Here is a picture of the flier that I currently have:
(https://files.granzeier.com/Downloads/SavageCircuits/Meetup%20Flier%202005.jpg)
and here is the full-sized (8.5" x 11") PDF file for that:
https://files.granzeier.com/Downloads/SavageCircuits/Meetup Flier 2005A.pdf (https://files.granzeier.com/Downloads/SavageCircuits/Meetup%20Flier%202005A.pdf)
Please let me know what you think about how it looks, any errors, etc.
There is only one class room and 3 sides of it is the accordion separators. That whole area can be opened for use. As you come into the main entrance the classroom is immediately to the left then to the right a small storage room. Further down on the left is the kitchen, double doors to the lower level and another set of double doors to the worship area. if you go straight from the main entrance the coffee area is to the right on the opposite side. The door straight ahead on the opposite side from the main entrance is the janitorial room with the Women's room on the right and the Men's on the left. I'll ask the Building and Grounds committee if they have a blueprint and I'll crop out the room and post it here. For security reasons I cannot post the whole floor plan.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 10, 2025, 09:20 AM...I'll ask the Building and Grounds committee if they have a blueprint and I'll crop out the room and post it here. For security reasons I cannot post the whole floor plan.
A layout of the room(s) would be great. By all means, let's not start off with a security violation (not a great way to start a relationship with your Church. :P )
Quote from: granz on Jul 10, 2025, 09:18 AMQuote from: MicroNut on Jul 09, 2025, 09:52 AMAlso granz, from a previous post I see you have an artistic eye. If you can do a flyer sometime within a month of the activity that would be great. I'll use it on the church's website, bulletin and newsletter and post it at the church and at a couple of stores in the area.
Here is a picture of the flier that I currently have:
(https://files.granzeier.com/Downloads/SavageCircuits/Meetup%20Flier%202005.jpg)
and here is the full-sized (8.5" x 11") PDF file for that:
https://files.granzeier.com/Downloads/SavageCircuits/Meetup Flier 2005A.pdf (https://files.granzeier.com/Downloads/SavageCircuits/Meetup%20Flier%202005A.pdf)
Please let me know what you think about how it looks, any errors, etc.
Looks good. Will put in 9/27 & 9/28
Just a curiosity; the filename is, "Meetup Flier 2005A.pdf", so is the 2005 significant? My brain expects to see 2025.
:-\
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 10, 2025, 10:35 PMJust a curiosity; the filename is, "Meetup Flier 2005A.pdf", so is the 2005 significant? My brain expects to see 2025.
:-\
Yeah, the difference is that 2025A includes the QR code. After I created it (and the one that I PMed to you) I realized that lots of people would rather just snap a picture of a QR code, so I added that. I just hate to delete old stuff - thus my need for 500 trillion petabyte drives. :o ;D
Quote from: granz on Jul 11, 2025, 06:41 AMYeah, the difference is that 2025A includes the QR code. After I created it (and the one that I PMed to you) I realized that lots of people would rather just snap a picture of a QR code, so I added that. I just hate to delete old stuff - thus my need for 500 trillion petabyte drives. :o ;D
Gotcha! 8)
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Jul 10, 2025, 09:54 PMLooks good. Will put in 9/27 & 9/28
I'm not sure what you mean about "put in" 9/27 & 9/28...
Do you mean that you want to put out the fliers on those two dates? That would be pretty late. I'm not sure that fliers around your place would work anyway - unless you know of hacker-spaces, or maker-spaces, or whatever, that would post them. Some of those types may be willing to go - that would be cool.
Before anyone puts out these fliers, we should be in agreement that these are the fliers that we want (or at least make sure that I did not put any errors in them.)
Any comments from anyone?
Quote from: granz on Jul 11, 2025, 12:42 PMBefore anyone puts out these fliers, we should be in agreement that these are the fliers that we want (or at least make sure that I did not put any errors in them.) Any comments from anyone?
Looks fine to me.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 11, 2025, 12:59 PMLooks fine to me.
Thanks, I'll wait a bit more for any further comments, then (if nothing is wrong/needs updated) we can start putting these out.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 10, 2025, 10:35 PMJust a curiosity; the filename is, "Meetup Flier 2005A.pdf", so is the 2005 significant? My brain expects to see 2025.
:-\
Oops! I missed that I was 20 years off! :o Did someone get a time machine so that we can go back to 2005 to have our pre-2025 show? :P
I misnamed the files, that was easy to fix. 8) Fortunately, the sign is correct, in spite of being 20 years early (had to go back and look at the PDF to check for correct year. ;) It is correct.)
Quote from: granz on Jul 11, 2025, 12:39 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Jul 10, 2025, 09:54 PMLooks good. Will put in 9/27 & 9/28
I'm not sure what you mean about "put in" 9/27 & 9/28...
Do you mean that you want to put out the fliers on those two dates? That would be pretty late. I'm not sure that fliers around your place would work anyway - unless you know of hacker-spaces, or maker-spaces, or whatever, that would post them. Some of those types may be willing to go - that would be cool.
No, requesting the days off.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Jul 11, 2025, 06:14 PMNo, requesting the days off.
Ohh, okay, sorry.
Yeah, let's solidify that date. I'll put in my reservation at the motel either tomorrow, or Monday.
Quote from: granz on Jul 11, 2025, 10:04 PMYeah, let's solidify that date. I'll put in my reservation at the motel either tomorrow, or Monday.
Well Gentlemen, I
hope that date is solidified. All my options for hotels / motels for a reasonable rate have been getting booked over the last week or two and no longer have that date available. I found one today and booked it, only to realize it
can't be cancelled. :o
I'm committed to September 27th in PA. :-X
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 12, 2025, 09:35 PMQuote from: granz on Jul 11, 2025, 10:04 PMYeah, let's solidify that date. I'll put in my reservation at the motel either tomorrow, or Monday.
Well Gentlemen, I hope that date is solidified. All my options for hotels / motels for a reasonable rate have been getting booked over the last week or two and no longer have that date available. I found one today and booked it, only to realize it can't be cancelled. :o
I'm committed to September 27th in PA. :-X
i may have to do some searching near by..
Granz, I get "site cannot be reached" trying to download the flyer. The date is locked in. Being a church if there is a need to do a funeral that day it would circumvent our use of the room. Hopefully that won't happen. If that was the case we could use the classrooms in the lower level but then we wouldn't have one open area. The layout there is 5 rooms with bathrooms and a side entrance. Two rooms have a 30 person occupancy and 1 larger youth room with a small stage and 2 smaller class rooms.
I'll get the layouts after this week. I'm very busy organizing the annual church picnic for next Sunday.
What day do you want to use the room at Perkin's and how many people do we need to plan for? Once I get that info I'll look into getting the room.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 13, 2025, 09:42 PMGranz, I get "site cannot be reached" trying to download the flyer.
Let's see if this works:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J3aC7cLa2dMpQW6rD56adv35exalzWrV/view?usp=drive_link
*Did a preview* Well, that was pretty easy, and it even worked. Never shared a file from Drive, so, I'm glad that worked.Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 13, 2025, 09:42 PMThe date is locked in. Being a church if there is a need to do a funeral that day it would circumvent our use of the room. Hopefully that won't happen. If that was the case we could use the classrooms in the lower level but then we wouldn't have one open area. The layout there is 5 rooms with bathrooms and a side entrance. Two rooms have a 30 person occupancy and 1 larger youth room with a small stage and 2 smaller class rooms.
I'll get the layouts after this week. I'm very busy organizing the annual church picnic for next Sunday.
It seems like that should work. We are planning on coming up on Friday, and should be able to get to the Church building by mid-morning for setup. That should give us a couple hours to set up. We can be adaptable if necessary.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 13, 2025, 09:42 PMWhat day do you want to use the room at Perkin's and how many people do we need to plan for? Once I get that info I'll look into getting the room.
I was thinking of just using it in the evenings for dinners, and Sunday morning for our "after party." We probably wouldn't even need the room, it just might be a bit nicer (quieter for us.) I have no idea how many people would attend, but probably just Chris, Joe, You and myself, along with our wives. So, maybe half a dozen to a dozen, or so?
Quote from: granz on Jul 14, 2025, 08:01 AMI was thinking of just using it in the evenings for dinners, and Sunday morning for our "after party." We probably wouldn't even need the room, it just might be a bit nicer (quieter for us.) I have no idea how many people would attend, but probably just Chris, Joe, You and myself, along with our wives. So, maybe half a dozen to a dozen, or so?
Val and I are game. Neither of us can recall how many years it's been since we've even
seen a Perkin's restaurant.
Yesterday, a friend at Church told me about a guy who is setting up a computer museum in the Pittsburgh area. I have contacted him and invited him to the meetup. I asked for a meeting with him to discuss our meetup, and other stuff. It will be cool if we can get an actual museum (they have been active for several years, but are just relocating to the 'Burgh for more space for their exhibits) to show at our meetup.
Quote from: granz on Jul 14, 2025, 08:01 AMLet's see if this works:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J3aC7cLa2dMpQW6rD56adv35exalzWrV/view?usp=drive_link
*Did a preview* Well, that was pretty easy, and it even worked. Never shared a file from Drive, so, I'm glad that worked.
Of course, nothing ever goes exactly as planned. I sent this link to the guy who is setting up the museum, and just got a notice from Drive that someone was trying to access it. Apparently, when I put something on Drive, and then get a link to share it, the document is locked up, and I need to make it publicly available. It is now a public document; sorry if anyone had troubles downloading the flier.
Quote from: granz on Jul 14, 2025, 04:40 PMOf course, nothing ever goes exactly as planned. I sent this link to the guy who is setting up the museum, and just got a notice from Drive that someone was trying to access it. Apparently, when I put something on Drive, and then get a link to share it, the document is locked up, and I need to make it publicly available. It is now a public document; sorry if anyone had troubles downloading the flier.
When I tried it from here (work), it wanted me to sign in to my Google account, which I didn't do. It does open up now though.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 14, 2025, 05:31 PM...It does open up now though.
Good to hear, thanks for letting me know.
Well, our motel reservation is made. We will be staying at the Comfort Suites in Edinboro.
Granz, the flyer looks great. Chris, I agree that reserving the backroom Perkins might be overkill I know Perkins has at least 2 tables that can seat 8 people in the general area. I'm glad everyone is getting rooms. BTW Edinboro does have a Perkins too. There is an excellent restaurant midway between Meadville and Edinboro on Rt 19 called The Venago Valley Inn. It is also about 15 minutes from the church. It is one of my favorite places. Good food and the prices aren't too high.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 15, 2025, 06:18 PMEdinboro does have a Perkins too. There is an excellent restaurant midway between Meadville and Edinboro on Rt 19 called The Venago Valley Inn. It is also about 15 minutes from the church. It is one of my favorite places. Good food and the prices aren't too high.
Thanks for the input. We can decide when we get there.
Will we be able to unload some of our stuff at the Church on Friday evening/afternoon?
Also, how are the rooms/areas set for electricity, and WiFi?
Quote from: granz on Jul 15, 2025, 09:40 PMAlso, how are the rooms/areas set for electricity, and WiFi?
If there's no Wi-Fi, I may have a backup plan for myself. But I'm not sure it would work for all. Most modern cell phones can be a personal hot-spot. I have unlimited data, so as long as I have access to a 4G / 5G cell tower, I can
get by. It would be nice to have a dedicated Wi-Fi though.
Set up would have to be in the evening (after 5) since I work until 4:30. The 19th is open for set up. It does need to be cleaned up on the evening of Sept 20th for church and classes the next day. The church does have a guest wifi account we can use. I'll get the credentials for it. The room has a couple of power receptacles. If anyone can bring some extension cords and power strips it would make setup easier since the receptacles are spaced pretty far apart except in the coffee area.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 16, 2025, 09:51 AMSet up would have to be in the evening (after 5) since I work until 4:30. The 19th is open for set up. It does need to be cleaned up on the evening of Sept 20th for church and classes the next day. The church does have a guest wifi account we can use. I'll get the credentials for it. The room has a couple of power receptacles. If anyone can bring some extension cords and power strips it would make setup easier since the receptacles are spaced pretty far apart except in the coffee area.
I was planning on bringing about 10 50', and 5 100' cords with multi-outlet power strips for each one. That should cover our power needs (hopefully.)
Talking about that, do you have space at your house, so that I can have stuff sent to you, like those electrical items, plus the paper plates, napkins, etc.? Would you mind holding on to that stuff for me?
Brendan, the curator/founder of the museum is meeting with me in about an hour-and-a-half for dinner, and chat. We'll be talking about his museum, and about the meetup (plus other things that us hackers like to discuss. ;D )
I'll post an update after dinner.
Granz- Sure I can hold some stuff for you.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jul 17, 2025, 07:52 AMGranz- Sure I can hold some stuff for you.
Thank you, I'll start shipping stuff to you. I'll have it addressed to "Savage Meetup" so you will know what it's for.
In the thread about a new project (https://savagechats.com/index.php?topic=444,) I mentioned a contest involving a tiny breadboard dev kit doing a demo. The prize would be the dev kit, and a small collection of additional components.
Any thoughts on offering contests, like that. In accordance with the Church's prohibition against gambling, there would be no fee to enter the "contest" nor would it involve chance (other than the chance of someone knowing Morse code. ;) )
Quote from: granz on Jul 29, 2025, 12:30 PMAny thoughts on offering contests, like that. In accordance with the Church's prohibition against gambling, there would be no fee to enter the "contest" nor would it involve chance (other than the chance of someone knowing Morse code. ;) )
What about Wheel of Names (https://wheelofnames.com/)?
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 29, 2025, 04:17 PMWhat about Wheel of Names (https://wheelofnames.com/)?
I'm not sure what that does. I clicked on the wheel to spin it, and it just spun around and then stopped on one of the names, and popped up a window saying that that name won. Is that a fancy way of choosing a name out of a hat?
Quote from: granz on Jul 30, 2025, 06:51 AMI'm not sure what that does. I clicked on the wheel to spin it, and it just spun around and then stopped on one of the names, and popped up a window saying that that name won. Is that a fancy way of choosing a name out of a hat?
That's exactly what it does. You put the names of all the people in the "raffle" in the box to the right, then click the wheel. That's what I used to do for the monthly prize giveaway on Savage///Circuits back in the day. I used an online random generator.
Well, specifically, I used random.org (https://www.random.org/), because I had to choose from the replies to a thread, which were numbered from 1-n. So I would just set, "Max" to the highest reply number and click generate. No fuss, no muss, no bias.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 30, 2025, 07:23 AMQuote from: granz on Jul 30, 2025, 06:51 AMI'm not sure what that does. I clicked on the wheel to spin it, and it just spun around and then stopped on one of the names, and popped up a window saying that that name won. Is that a fancy way of choosing a name out of a hat?
That's exactly what it does. You put the names of all the people in the "raffle" in the box to the right, then click the wheel. That's what I used to do for the monthly prize giveaway on Savage///Circuits back in the day. I used an online random generator.
Well, specifically, I used random.org (https://www.random.org/), because I had to choose from the replies to a thread, which were numbered from 1-n. So I would just set, "Max" to the highest reply number and click generate. No fuss, no muss, no bias.
That random number generator seems like it would work great for that purpose, but I'm thinking that spending the extra time (or tying up a computer/laptop/tablet and person) to enter all the names, might take too much. For random stuff, maybe the old fill out a card, and then put it into a "hat" would work. Of course you can do whatever you want at your table.
Maybe for the door prize(s) using cheap raffle tickets and your random.com would work. Should someone who won one of the prizes be removed from consideration for another door prize? Probably. In that case, we should use the "pull a name out of the hat" thing; that way the person would automatically be removed from consideration for additional prizes.
I'm also thinking that a small door prize, where everyone who attends would get one, would be nice. For that we would need an estimate of how many might attend.
Quote from: granz on Jul 30, 2025, 04:36 PMI'm also thinking that a small door prize, where everyone who attends would get one, would be nice. For that we would need an estimate of how many might attend.
I have a box of new old stock ultrasonic sensors. What about that?
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 30, 2025, 05:20 PMQuote from: granz on Jul 30, 2025, 04:36 PMI'm also thinking that a small door prize, where everyone who attends would get one, would be nice. For that we would need an estimate of how many might attend.
I have a box of new old stock ultrasonic sensors. What about that?
That would be great for us old hands, but people who are brand new to electronics/microcontrollers may not have a use for those. We need to noodle this a bit.
I was thinking of something that has a microcontroller on it, or maybe a blinky 555 thing. It should be something usable (when I was in the USAF Basic Electronics course, our soldering class soldered together an astable multivibrator board - a cool demo.) Another thing that I was thinking of was like a Digispark ATtiny-85 arduino:
(https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S80d3ee6987b04d0db7eefc405141d50aU.jpg)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806456527791
The best price that I have found for these is $2.98 with free shipping for over $10. So, buying about 20 would be about $60. Add in about $20 for a tiny breadboard (about $1 each) would boost it up to $80.
Aliexpress has Tiny-88 boards, similar to the Arduino Nanos:
(https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S8696607e1e074082b6beb2ffc0505bb9q.jpg)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803841319037.html
These run $2.02 each, so twenty of these would be $40.20 (discount for over qty 10), with the shipping price of $4.73, for a total of $44.93. Another $20 for the tiny breadboards (I checked, the Tiny-88 board has 15 pins per side, and the breadboard has 17 pins per side) and it is up to $65 for twenty.
We would need to come up with a web site, or a document, to get people started with whichever of these we choose.
We should add a few LEDs, a speaker and pushbutton to each - I have bunches of those. I'm willing to put up for twenty of these, but what if we have more people? Maybe we could use your ultrasonic sensors, and ask the people who come in which they would prefer (or if they are experienced with microcontrollers then put them in for the ultrasonic sensors, and the Tiny-88 if not.)
It still comes down to how many people are we expecting...
The first link doesn't work?
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 30, 2025, 11:01 PMThe first link doesn't work?
That is strange, it worked last night.
It turns out that I forgot to include the
.html at the end of the link.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806456527791.html
Okay, one of the Tiny-88 boards is on order. We shall see how those work out for this purpose.
One other thing that I missed earlier - these require USB cables. As usual, Aliexpress has them pretty cheap - just over 38 cents each in quantities of 100. The thing is that I cannot tell from the pictures of the Tiny-88 board if it uses USB-mini, or USB-micro. So, I'll wait to see which connector is on the board that I receive. That cable, as cheap as it is, still adds an additional $40 to the total (although, I will only use a small part of that order for these prizes.) But, the Tiny-88 has much more I/O than the Tiny-85, so that may be the way to go.
Quote from: granz on Jul 30, 2025, 06:02 PMMaybe we could use your ultrasonic sensors, and ask the people who come in which they would prefer (or if they are experienced with microcontrollers then put them in for the ultrasonic sensors, and the Tiny-88 if not.) It still comes down to how many people are we expecting...
Whatever you end up with, I probably have enough of these sensors to add one to each package. I feel like I should send you one so you can get some example code ready? I will try to get an exact count on these in the next couple of days.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 31, 2025, 04:56 PMWhatever you end up with, I probably have enough of these sensors to add one to each package. I feel like I should send you one so you can get some example code ready? I will try to get an exact count on these in the next couple of days.
That sounds good - thank you.
Anything I can help with??
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 01, 2025, 12:04 PMAnything I can help with??
Maybe, do you have any thoughts on a door prize? We need things that are useful for beginners in electronics, but are very low cost. Also helpful would be bigger/more expensive items that we could "raffle" off.
Quote from: granz on Aug 01, 2025, 02:02 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 01, 2025, 12:04 PMAnything I can help with??
Maybe, do you have any thoughts on a door prize? We need things that are useful for beginners in electronics, but are very low cost. Also helpful would be bigger/more expensive items that we could "raffle" off.
I can probly get something like one of those learn arduino kits with book or something like that?
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 01, 2025, 12:04 PMI can probly get something like one of those learn arduino kits with book or something like that?
That might be a good thing for single give-away.
I've been looking over that Tiny-88 Dev Board, that I ordered. Amazon has the same thing for a little bit more, but it can be delivered in one, or two, days. Maybe.
In checking out that Amazon offer, several of the reviewers mentioned that it is a bit of a pain because it is not actually covered in the Arduino IDE. You need to download new board definitions, ironic since some of the original Arduinos used the ATtiny 88 chips. ::)
So, in the interest of making it easier for newbies, maybe a real Arduino (Nano) would be a better choice. My Tiny-88 board is still on order, and I will check it out when it arrives, but...
In anticipation of changing, I found the following Amazon sale:
https://www.amazon.com/ATmega328P-Compatible-Controller-Microcontroller-Development/dp/B0DG8VYRJY
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71X2ZHvJiLL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
$3.37 each, in qty of 8. So, 24 would be $81, plus USB cables.
At least with a board (the Nano) that is popular, and "natively" supported in Arduino IDE, there will be less trouble for beginners. Also, I believe that the Arduino bootloader (which is already loaded on Nanos) is supported by BASCOM-AVR, which allows development in beginner friendly BASIC. Also, there is a free, trial, version of BASCOM-AVR, so it would be great in that way, too.
Quote from: granz on Aug 01, 2025, 04:14 PMSo, in the interest of making it easier for newbies, maybe a real Arduino (Nano) would be a better choice. My Tiny-88 board is still on order, and I will check it out when it arrives, but...
Ironically, there's an Arduino library for those ultrasonic sensors. ;)
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 01, 2025, 04:47 PMIronically, there's an Arduino library for those ultrasonic sensors. ;)
Not the least bit surprised. One of the big advantages to the Arduino world is the amazingly huge library. There are libraries for almost anything (maybe even for a Boeing 747. ;D )
That is one of the big reasons for my considering Arduino for the give-aways. I still think that the PicoMite is the best for beginners, but there is more software, and support, available for the Arduino.
Raffle tickets on order.
https://www.amazon.com/LIKED-Raffle-Tickets-Raffles-Carnival/dp/B0D2CVHW1D
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71QnweLdsNL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Two hundred tickets for only $1.99 + tax, total.
I will be surprised if we get 100 people (plus completely overwhelmed.) So, what I was thinking was give each person two tickets when they arrive, one is for the biggie prize (whatever we decide that is,) and the other ticket goes into a box in front of the "lesser" prize that they would like to win - each of the other prizes would be displayed on a table with a ticket box in front of it. Am I making myself clear on this? :-\
Over on ZappBot's forum, Zappman had this to say:
Quote from: zappmanI am trying to think of something you could giveaway that a child could use, I believe that you will find some children present at the meetup.
Also, when you are promoting the Meetup, you might want to suggest that attendees bring a laptop computer.
Excellent points. I have an old back-pack in which I keep several Dollar Tree toys (I call it my "Grandpa Bag".) This is for giving out when there are kids who get bored (like at a restaurant when the grown-ups want to talk after dinner.) These toys often keep the kids amused (and quiet) for several minutes so the adults can keep talking. Something like that may be good for the younger children.
Also, bringing a laptop/notebook/tablet is a great idea. I'm envisioning that most of us will have a table to show off our projects, and a computer would be important for that.
This trying to find give-away gifts is getting a bit discouraging, this feature creep keeps dragging the price up.
Can anyone think of a very simple dev kit, which would have just enough to pique a beginner's curiosity (without being too complex,) but only cost a couple dollars? Currently, I am looking at between $5-$10 each, and cannot afford very many of those. If I can come up with something for ~$2, then I could bring about 50 of those for give-aways.
the only thing I know of is stuff the basic components... other then that, idk short of I got a few diff electronics books on pdf.
Quote from: granz on Aug 02, 2025, 06:38 AMThis trying to find give-away gifts is getting a bit discouraging, this feature creep keeps dragging the price up.
Can anyone think of a very simple dev kit, which would have just enough to pique a beginner's curiosity (without being too complex,) but only cost a couple dollars? Currently, I am looking at between $5-$10 each, and cannot afford very many of those. If I can come up with something for ~$2, then I could bring about 50 of those for give-aways.
https://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.the-new-header_fy23_pc_search_bar.keydown__Enter&tab=all&SearchText=Christmas+Ornament++soldering+kit (https://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.the-new-header_fy23_pc_search_bar.keydown__Enter&tab=all&SearchText=Christmas+Ornament++soldering+kit)
Quote from: zappman on Aug 02, 2025, 01:36 PMhttps://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.the-new-header_fy23_pc_search_bar.keydown__Enter&tab=all&SearchText=Christmas+Ornament++soldering+kit (https://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.the-new-header_fy23_pc_search_bar.keydown__Enter&tab=all&SearchText=Christmas+Ornament++soldering+kit)
That may be a good idea. I forget, are you going to the meetup? If you are, would you mind running a soldering seminar/class?
Sorry, it is too far for me to drive there and back, so I can't attend.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jul 31, 2025, 04:56 PMWhatever you end up with, I probably have enough of these sensors to add one to each package. I feel like I should send you one so you can get some example code ready? I will try to get an exact count on these in the next couple of days.
So I counted up the ultrasonic sensors today and I have 21 of them ready to send you. 20 for the giveaways with the controllers, and one for you to make some example code, if you want.
20250803_175501.jpg
rs_ultrasonic_03.jpg
Quote from: granz on Aug 02, 2025, 06:38 AMIf I can come up with something for ~$2, then I could bring about 50 of those for give-aways.
Just my opinion, but I don't see us getting anywhere near 50 people. We'll be lucky to get the expected 20 people. We don't even have 20 members here on Savage///Chats. Hopefully, doing this thing, documenting it and word of mouth, in the future it will get bigger and be a bigger thing. See my previous message regarding the 20 sensors I am sending to you. I don't have 50, so before I send them, let me know if you're doing 50.
I don't think giveaways would be a problem. We had a men's dinner one time and the speaker had a giveaway and no one complained so your fine Granz. The issue is when you ask for money to win money like a 50/50 or raffle. So we tend to steer clear of that since it is questionable.
Quote from: zappman on Aug 02, 2025, 01:36 PMhttps://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.the-new-header_fy23_pc_search_bar.keydown__Enter&tab=all&SearchText=Christmas+Ornament++soldering+kit (https://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.the-new-header_fy23_pc_search_bar.keydown__Enter&tab=all&SearchText=Christmas+Ornament++soldering+kit)
ZappMan, your post reminded me of a flashlight project that I saw many years ago (https://www.instructables.com/Instructables-Robot-Paper-LED-Flashlight/ (https://www.instructables.com/Instructables-Robot-Paper-LED-Flashlight/).) I posted about making several of these for a club that I had started at our local library (see my comment, third comment down.) Several years ago, I had three of my granddaughters make these flashlights - it was a great success. A hundred of these could be made for very cheap. That might be a better way to go.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 03, 2025, 10:02 PMJust my opinion, but I don't see us getting anywhere near 50 people. We'll be lucky to get the expected 20 people. We don't even have 20 members here on Savage///Chats. Hopefully, doing this thing, documenting it and word of mouth, in the future it will get bigger and be a bigger thing. See my previous message regarding the 20 sensors I am sending to you. I don't have 50, so before I send them, let me know if you're doing 50.
You may be right, but I want to be prepared in case the fliers, and other advertising, bring in more than we expect. My idea for the flashlight - see my reply to ZappMan, above - should take care of the "everyone gets a prize" items. I still have several items, like the dev kits that I have been mentioning, that I will be bringing for additional give-aways, or for sale.
It may be best if you keep those sensors at your table and figure out your own give away scheme (contest, just hand out, etc.)
Quote from: MicroNut on Aug 04, 2025, 07:55 AMI don't think giveaways would be a problem. We had a men's dinner one time and the speaker had a giveaway and no one complained so your fine Granz. The issue is when you ask for money to win money like a 50/50 or raffle. So we tend to steer clear of that since it is questionable.
That's pretty much what I figured. I fully support your Church's prohibition against gambling, so no troubles.
My purpose for the "everyone gets one" items is that I want everyone who attends to be encouraged to get into the "Maker" ecosystem. The more people who get into engineering (even on a small scale) the better off our country (world?) will be. For that, I'm willing to pump a bit of money into it. Also, I'm at the point in my career, like the doctors in the Hippocratic Oath:
Quote from: Hippocrates of Kos - (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath")to teach them this art, if they want to learn it, without fee or indenture; to impart precept, oral instruction, and all other instruction to my own sons, the sons of my teacher, and to indentured pupils who have taken the Healer's oath
Where I feel the need to pass on my trade to
my own sons, the sons of my teacher, and to indentured pupils.
See my tagline.
Quote from: granz on Jul 08, 2025, 01:08 PMQuote from: MicroNut on Jul 08, 2025, 10:48 AMWho else was planning on coming? I want to make sure we get everyone's ok before confirming.
Any word from Terry, or Jim?
Also, if the girls are going to do some girls' day thing, we should probably get an idea of how many women are going to be attending.
Chris, any word from Valery about the women's meetup?
I have that cheap Logic Analyzer I can donate with a USB with software. Since I got that Rigol scope with the Logic kit I don't need the other one.
Quote from: granz on Aug 04, 2025, 08:42 AMIt may be best if you keep those sensors at your table and figure out your own give away scheme (contest, just hand out, etc.)
Oh, okay, I thought you were going to bundle them with a microcontroller. I guess I misunderstood.
Quote from: granz on Aug 04, 2025, 09:00 AMChris, any word from Valery about the women's meetup?
I feel like my memory must be going...I apologize. Was I supposed to get some information from her? My last memory was that someone was going to be driving your car and the women were going to go do something. I mentioned that to Valerie, but there's been nothing new since then, unless I missed a post.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 04, 2025, 09:56 AMOh, okay, I thought you were going to bundle them with a microcontroller. I guess I misunderstood.
No, I don't think that you misunderstood. It's just that it will be more affordable to put together 50-100 flashlight kits than 20 microcontroller kits (if 20 will even be enough.) So, after ZappMan's suggestion lead me to remember the flashlights, I thought that those would be better, and I could do less of the dev kits. Then you could offer your sensors to people who already have some kind of development system, or who get one from me. We can either offer our stuff for free, sell for extremely low cost, or just sell for a fair price.
Quote from: granz on Jun 22, 2025, 03:56 PMAlso, is anyone interested in speakers? I could do one on the Pico, and PicoMite BASIC, or some other topics. Is anyone interested in this kind of topic? Or, maybe just a few five-minute show off sessions for people to show off what projects they have going?
Still thinking of this. Would some kind of teaching/showoff speeches be of interest? Would anyone else be interested in standing (or sitting) in front of people to talk about their hobby?
Quote from: granz on Aug 01, 2025, 04:14 PMI've been looking over that Tiny-88 Dev Board, that I ordered. Amazon has the same thing for a little bit more, but it can be delivered in one, or two, days. Maybe.
In checking out that Amazon offer, several of the reviewers mentioned that it is a bit of a pain because it is not actually covered in the Arduino IDE. You need to download new board definitions, ironic since some of the original Arduinos used the ATtiny 88 chips. ::)
So, in the interest of making it easier for newbies, maybe a real Arduino (Nano) would be a better choice. My Tiny-88 board is still on order, and I will check it out when it arrives, but...
In anticipation of changing, I found the following Amazon sale:
https://www.amazon.com/ATmega328P-Compatible-Controller-Microcontroller-Development/dp/B0DG8VYRJY
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71X2ZHvJiLL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
$3.37 each, in qty of 8. So, 24 would be $81, plus USB cables.
At least with a board (the Nano) that is popular, and "natively" supported in Arduino IDE, there will be less trouble for beginners. Also, I believe that the Arduino bootloader (which is already loaded on Nanos) is supported by BASCOM-AVR, which allows development in beginner friendly BASIC. Also, there is a free, trial, version of BASCOM-AVR, so it would be great in that way, too.
Well, the Arduino Nanos have arrived. I will be checking them out in the near future.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 04, 2025, 09:43 AMI have that cheap Logic Analyzer I can donate with a USB with software. Since I got that Rigol scope with the Logic kit I don't need the other one.
Joe, that would be great. Thanks for the offer. Bring it with you, and you can decide where it should go.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 04, 2025, 09:58 AMQuote from: granz on Aug 04, 2025, 09:00 AMChris, any word from Valery about the women's meetup?
I feel like my memory must be going...I apologize. Was I supposed to get some information from her? My last memory was that someone was going to be driving your car and the women were going to go do something. I mentioned that to Valerie, but there's been nothing new since then, unless I missed a post.
Hmm, maybe it's my memory that is going. I thought that you had said that Valerie was going to do some shopping, or other girl-type stuff. Is it possible that when we talked on the phone, we mentioned that? If I recall correctly, it was when we were still thinking of having the meetup in Erie.
Brian, I remember that your wife will not be there, but could you ask her if she can recommend some places that women would be interested in visiting? That would help the women (at least those who are not interested in our hobby) feel more comfortable.
Quote from: granz on Jun 23, 2025, 04:10 PMI have invited Joe's Computer Museum and Land Boards, but have not had any response from either of them.
Still nothing yet from Land Boards, so I sent them another message. Hopefully one, or more, of them can attend (and bring some stuff to sell.)
Quote from: granz on Aug 04, 2025, 04:30 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 04, 2025, 09:43 AMI have that cheap Logic Analyzer I can donate with a USB with software. Since I got that Rigol scope with the Logic kit I don't need the other one.
Joe, that would be great. Thanks for the offer. Bring it with you, and you can decide where it should go.
I will do that.
Quote from: granz on Aug 04, 2025, 04:39 PMHmm, maybe it's my memory that is going. I thought that you had said that Valerie was going to do some shopping, or other girl-type stuff. Is it possible that when we talked on the phone, we mentioned that? If I recall correctly, it was when we were still thinking of having the meetup in Erie.
We're going to have to try another call. When we last spoke you got a call and when you called me back I was in the store, so we didn't finish our conversation. Perhaps I can give you a call tomorrow on my way home from work?
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 04, 2025, 10:53 PMWe're going to have to try another call. When we last spoke you got a call and when you called me back I was in the store, so we didn't finish our conversation. Perhaps I can give you a call tomorrow on my way home from work?
Yeah, I have some appointments in the morning, but should be home by 1:00PM. I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Quote from: granz on Aug 05, 2025, 06:37 AMQuote from: Chris Savage on Aug 04, 2025, 10:53 PMWe're going to have to try another call. When we last spoke you got a call and when you called me back I was in the store, so we didn't finish our conversation. Perhaps I can give you a call tomorrow on my way home from work?
Yeah, I have some appointments in the morning, but should be home by 1:00PM. I'll talk to you tomorrow.
I noticed that you did not call. Is that because you noticed that I screwed up on the date? ::)
Sorry about that - I got your message this morning, and did not pay attention to when it was sent. We just got back from the car dealership (getting a new key -
$375 for a single duplicate key!?!?!?!. :'( Thank god that it was covered under our warrantee.) After that we met up with our daughter, her kids and our son's two girls (they are more like sisters than cousins.) It was great, but exhausting ; stay away from Chuck-E-Cheese, unless absolutely necessary - too noisy. ;)
We can try again tomorrow - Wednesday - 06 August 2025 (just so I make sure that I have the right date ::) ), if that is okay with you.
Quote from: granz on Aug 05, 2025, 05:31 PMI noticed that you did not call. Is that because you noticed that I screwed up on the date? ::)
I haven't left work yet. Leaving in about 25 minutes or so. But, I can call tomorrow if you like.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 05, 2025, 05:34 PMQuote from: granz on Aug 05, 2025, 05:31 PMI noticed that you did not call. Is that because you noticed that I screwed up on the date? ::)
I haven't left work yet. Leaving in about 25 minutes or so. But, I can call tomorrow if you like.
Yeah, I'm still pretty racked (my grandson is too much like his grandpa. Rowdy! ;D )
I'll be getting the dimensions for the room tomorrow. I too would be surprised if we get over 20 people. Now if this had to deal with hunting we would really pack people in :). If you set up tables I would say anything over 50 people would get a little crowded. I plan on putting up posters soon in a couple of places. I'll announce it at my coin club as well.
.
I do plan on getting 3 dozen donuts for the morning and donate $25 towards the expenses I don't plan on doing any talks or have a table. I just plan on coming with my lap top and enjoy the fellowship of fellow electronic enthusiasts.
If the women are interested in shopping there is a large outlet plaza with over a 100 stores and plenty of restaurants in Grove City 30 minutes south on I79.
If there is any other way I can help, let me know.
In 2 weeks our county fair is happening and I'm helping with a group with one of the buildings and I'll see if they will allow me to place one poster at the exit. I'll also have it advertised at the church and I'll ask some friends that have contacts for places for the poster and put it up on facebook.
[MicroNut] Thanks for the advertising, and also for the ideas for the women. Marilyn doesn't really like shopping a lot, but she does enjoy being with other women, so...
Quote from: granz on Aug 05, 2025, 05:58 PMYeah, I'm still pretty racked (my grandson is too much like his grandpa. Rowdy! ;D )
Okay, I will be out around 6P, so I will call you then.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 06, 2025, 08:33 AMQuote from: granz on Aug 05, 2025, 05:58 PMYeah, I'm still pretty racked (my grandson is too much like his grandpa. Rowdy! ;D )
Okay, I will be out around 6P, so I will call you then.
Sounds good. Talk to you this evening.
Ok the room size is 88x38 feet. Sorry I don't have the layout. The blueprints the church has is very faded and difficult to scan. The room is basically a rectangle with the one classroom with the folding partitions taking up about 1/2 of the room. One thing I would like during the setup is to put tables in front of the doors leading to the other areas of the church to act as barriers.
Quote from: MicroNut on Aug 06, 2025, 09:34 PMOk the room size is 88x38 feet. Sorry I don't have the layout. The blueprints the church has is very faded and difficult to scan. The room is basically a rectangle with the one classroom with the folding partitions taking up about 1/2 of the room.
That is all right, the size seems pretty decent. We should be able to work with it.
Quote from: MicroNut on Aug 06, 2025, 09:34 PMOne thing I would like during the setup is to put tables in front of the doors leading to the other areas of the church to act as barriers.
That is a good idea. Better not to have people wandering around where they don't belong.
I got one of the flyers up at a booth at our county fair. I'll see about posting others around town.
My friend Jim will probably have a table as well. He is going through chemo so he may not be up to it but is planning on being there if he can.
I'm thinking of bringing my 2 DOS laptops, and hooefully my Gizmo Pi based system.
I sent a message to Gannon University's MakerSpace (https://makerspace.gannon.engineering/ (https://makerspace.gannon.engineering/),) hopefully some of their members will be able to attend.
This past week I posted the flyer at a local grocery store, the community boards at the downtown mall and on the FYI Crawford County Facebook group, the facebook page for activities in the Meadville area and surrounding county. I'll be posting this week at work and the church. Looking forward to meetup.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 07, 2025, 02:32 PMThis past week I posted the flyer at a local grocery store, the community boards at the downtown mall and on the FYI Crawford County Facebook group, the facebook page for activities in the Meadville area and surrounding county. I'll be posting this week at work and the church. Looking forward to meetup.
Sounds great - hopefully we can get a reasonable turnout, and several people will join this forum.
I hope I am still able to come... My van has a bad power steering hose, having MEGA hard time trying to get it fixed..., and so far, Angela is not sure if she can get the time off or not...
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 11, 2025, 12:20 PMI hope I am still able to come... My van has a bad power steering hose, having MEGA hard time trying to get it fixed..., and so far, Angela is not sure if she can get the time off or not...
Bummer, hopefully everything will work out, and the two of you will be able to show up. I will be sad if you miss it.
Quote from: granz on Sep 11, 2025, 05:17 PMBummer, hopefully everything will work out, and the two of you will be able to show up. I will be sad if you miss it.
That makes two of us. :(
Quote from: Chris Savage on Sep 11, 2025, 10:25 PMQuote from: granz on Sep 11, 2025, 05:17 PMBummer, hopefully everything will work out, and the two of you will be able to show up. I will be sad if you miss it.
That makes two of us. :(
Me too.
Brian:
Items ordered:
- 50 ea Disposable coffee cups, 16 oz
- 100 ea Plastic drinking glasses, 16 oz
- 300 ea Plastic knives, forks and spoons (100 ea)
- 400 ea Paper napkins
- 100 ea Paper plates, 10"
- 10 ea Extension cords, 25-foot, 3 outlets
They should all arrive at your house on this Tuesday. (I gave them your phone number in case they have troubles finding your place.)
Everyone: is there anything else that you can think of that I missed? Also, if anyone is bringing stuff to show off, and they think that they will need more than the three outlets, please bring a (or some) power strip(s). Also, keep in mind the power availability - we do not need anyone to show off their DIY multi-ton steel-melting electric arc furnace. :P Please keep it to lowish-power, or battery, operation.
WHAT!!! I can't bring my electric arc furnace :). Actually they are replacing the furnace at the church so that can be a substitute.
Since we are starting at noon I won't be bringing donuts but I'm willing to get soft drinks, chips, chip in for pizza or whatever else is needed. for soft drinks let me know your preferences. We will have access to the refrigerator. I plan on being at the church Friday evening around 6-9 and Saturday morning at 9 AM for setup.
Pizza Places
---------------
Little Ceasers
Dominoes
Pizza Hut
Restaurants
--------------
Applebees
Cracker Barrel
Perkins
Hoss's Steak House
Burger King
Wendy's'
Mc Donald's
Subway
Taco Bell
Tim Hourton's
Dunkin Donuts
We also have a few good local pizza places, restaurants and sub shops if you want to try anything different.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 14, 2025, 09:04 PMWHAT!!! I can't bring my electric arc furnace :). Actually they are replacing the furnace at the church so that can be a substitute.
Oh sure, you can bring it, we just don't need to see you show it off - unless, of course, you are the one paying the Church's electric bill. You will also need some slightly heavier-duty extension cords. ;D
You should be getting the stuff on Tuesday. Please check it and make sure that everything on the above list is present. Thanks.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 14, 2025, 09:04 PMPizza Places
---------------
Little Ceasers
Dominoes
Pizza Hut
I'm a HUGE fan of the original Pizza Hut / Little Caesar's. It's hard to find good ones anymore. But, my question is, do they deliver to the church?
EDIT: I will have to check the distance...
@MicroNut, I got an email saying that the items from Amazon were delivered about 2:00PM today. Could you please confirm?
Granz, I got two boxes but did not open them. If you want me to I'll open them and check.
Chris, All the pizza places I mention are within 4 miles and Little Ceasears does deliver to the church.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 16, 2025, 10:49 PMChris, All the pizza places I mention are within 4 miles and Little Ceasears does deliver to the church.
Thank you. I will be partaking in some pizza. I can also provide pizza for members who attend.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 16, 2025, 10:49 PMGranz, I got two boxes but did not open them. If you want me to I'll open them and check.
Yes, please do open them. I usually, but not always, get my entire shipment as ordered. I need to know if we got everything while there is still time to get things fixed if we are missing anything.
Granz, Everything in your order is there.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 17, 2025, 05:28 PMGranz, Everything in your order is there.
Fantastic! Meetup, here we come! ;D
I actually noticed, while shopping yesterday, that I had not included any duct tape for taping down the extension cords. Two bright red (warning color) rolls of duct tape into our shopping cart, and that mistake is taken care of.
Thanks, Brian.
Granz, I'm not sure about the duct tape. Most of the room is carpeted which make it hard to stick duct tape too.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 17, 2025, 08:28 PMGranz, I'm not sure about the duct tape. Most of the room is carpeted which make it hard to stick duct tape too.
I've used duct tape on carpeting before, but if it gives us any troubles, we will just have to find a different way.
Apparently, Marilyn will not (as in, when I told someone at our grandson's birthday party yesterday that she would be driving, she said "I absolutely WILL NOT be driving," :o to the outlet mall. She doesn't like driving, and has not driven for over three years. I asked her what she will be doing, and she said that she will stay at the motel and go swimming.
So, I guess that Val, and Angie, can join her at the motel.
Joe, do you have your reservation already?
Looks like everything is a go for next weekend. There was a passing of one of our members last Monday but they did the funeral last Friday. There is plenty happening next Saturday but none of it is at the church. I just did a quick walk through and there is 3 outlet pairs 15' apart on one side, 4 outlet pairs 3' apart on the coffee counter and one outlet pair just inside in the hallway to the sanctuary. There may be others but they are blocked. I'll be bringing 2 of my own power strips and 3 25' heavy duty extension cords.
As for refreshments, since Chris said he would handle pizza, I'll get the soft drinks, water, chips, dip and salsa. I don't think Little Ceaser's delivers but they are only 2 miles away. Most of the others deliver. Poppa John's just opened here and I forgot to list Vochelli's pizza.
I don't have any projects to show off but I plan on bringing my FPGA boards with some interesting projects I found. One is a complete Propeller 1 with port B being used for driving 7 Segment displays. I'll probably bring some other boards as well.
.
I'll be there 6-9 Friday and 9 AM Saturday morning for setups If there is anything else I can do let me know.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 21, 2025, 08:29 PMLooks like everything is a go for next weekend. There was a passing of one of our members last Monday but they did the funeral last Friday. There is plenty happening next Saturday but none of it is at the church.
Sounds like this is going to happen.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 21, 2025, 08:29 PMI just did a quick walk through and there is 3 outlet pairs 15' apart on one side, 4 outlet pairs 3' apart on the coffee counter and one outlet pair just inside in the hallway to the sanctuary. There may be others but they are blocked. I'll be bringing 2 of my own power strips and 3 25' heavy duty extension cords.
Seems like enough outlets. In that Amazon package that you received, there should be ten 25' multi-outlet (three outlets per cable) extension cords. So we should be covered for electricity for all the tables.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 21, 2025, 08:29 PMAs for refreshments, since Chris said he would handle pizza, I'll get the soft drinks, water, chips, dip and salsa. I don't think Little Ceaser's delivers but they are only 2 miles away. Most of the others deliver. Poppa John's just opened here and I forgot to list Vochelli's pizza.
That should do for meals/snacks. I suggest one table be set aside for food. We should keep an eye out to see about meals; should we offer meals/snack to everyone, or only to the presenters? That will help us prepare for next year. The
Tandy Assembly (https://www.tandyassembly.com/) that I attended last year had a dinner on Friday night for the presenters, and on Saturday/Sunday everyone provided/found their own food - let's think about that for next year, especially if a lot of people show up this coming weekend.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 21, 2025, 08:29 PMI don't have any projects to show off but I plan on bringing my FPGA boards with some interesting projects I found. One is a complete Propeller 1 with port B being used for driving 7 Segment displays. I'll probably bring some other boards as well.
That sounds like a pretty cool project; but maybe only us electronics fans will be able to appreciate creating a Propeller 1 inside an FPGA. Depending on what you do with the Prop driving the 7-segment displays, that might still interest the general public.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 21, 2025, 08:29 PMI'll be there 6-9 Friday and 9 AM Saturday morning for setups If there is anything else I can do let me know.
We should be getting to the motel about mid-afternoon, and be to the Church building between about 5:00 and 6:00
Thanks again for getting this set up.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 14, 2025, 09:04 PMWHAT!!! I can't bring my electric arc furnace :).
This is getting exciting; I'm looking forward to seeing your arc furnace. My mothers two brothers both worked in a steel mill in Youngstown. If I remember right they were firemen, feeding the fires. How hot does it get outside your furnace? :P ;D
I've got a folding table for the event, plus I am packing up my laptop and some parts / tools to show off the Secret Project (https://savagechats.com/index.php?topic=319.0) that nobody was able to guess on. It will be revealed only to those in attendance at the event. On my return, I will be prioritizing it's completion. 8)
There should be enough tables, but bring yours if you want.
I'll bring a few different dev kits, some give-away stuff, and one (or more) retro computers. Maybe some other stuff, too.
Quote from: granz on Sep 24, 2025, 10:15 AMThere should be enough tables, but bring yours if you want.
I guess I missed that. I thought we needed to bring our own tables. Well, that saves some room in my car! :-[
Quote from: Chris Savage on Sep 24, 2025, 10:28 AMQuote from: granz on Sep 24, 2025, 10:15 AMThere should be enough tables, but bring yours if you want.
I guess I missed that. I thought we needed to bring our own tables. Well, that saves some room in my car! :-[
Yep, glad that I could help. Now you can bring more stuff to show off. ;D
Quote from: granz on Sep 24, 2025, 12:11 PMYep, glad that I could help. Now you can bring more stuff to show off. ;D
Sounds like a plan! 8)
Just thinking out loud...in order to make sure I bring what I mean to bring, I need to make a list.
- Wifey / Me
- Windows Development PC
- Power Supply
- Battery Banks / Charger
- Secret Project / Parts
- Extra Parts / Wires
- Giveaway Items
- Demos
Quote from: Chris Savage on Sep 25, 2025, 01:18 PMJust thinking out loud...in order to make sure I bring what I mean to bring, I need to make a list.
- Windows Development PC
- Power Supply
- Battery Banks / Charger
- Secret Project / Parts
- Extra Parts / Wires
- Giveaway Items
- Demos
- Me / Wifey
I'm thinking that number 8. is the most important. ;)
I'm bringing:
1. De0-Nano FPGA Board
2. De10-Lite FPGA Board with a Propeller Soft core
3. Adafruit PyBadge with a maze game I'm working on
4. A MakeBlock Robot with a PI Zero W camera - It has been sitting around for a while and is not complete. My plans are to use the camera through WiFi and control the robot using it's wifi feature.
5. PPDB just in case we talk about Propellers
6. 1802 Elf II - for display (not working) - a gift from Granz
Me n the wife coming! Bringing:
-Project Gizmo
-PPDB & PDB per Granz req.
-Z-Star EX
-Green 753
-Gotta find my old logic analyzer
-Maybe my Rigol scope to get tips using n understanding.
My Acer Nitro 5 n software + laptop drives to try n figure out why Z-Star giving fits on optional drives.
Quote from: granz on Sep 25, 2025, 01:33 PMI'm thinking that number 8. is the most important. ;)
Yeah, in fact, I'm sure I put those in the wrong order, in more than one way! LOL
...let me fix that!
Quote from: Chris Savage on Sep 25, 2025, 04:38 PMQuote from: granz on Sep 25, 2025, 01:33 PMI'm thinking that number 8. is the most important. ;)
Yeah, in fact, I'm sure I put those in the wrong order, in more than one way! LOL
...let me fix that!
Just before his wifey sees it. Lol
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 25, 2025, 08:00 PMQuote from: Chris Savage on Sep 25, 2025, 04:38 PMQuote from: granz on Sep 25, 2025, 01:33 PMI'm thinking that number 8. is the most important. ;)
Yeah, in fact, I'm sure I put those in the wrong order, in more than one way! LOL
...let me fix that!
Just before his wifey sees it. Lol
LOL, Yeah! Good save, Chris. :P
Quote from: granz on Sep 25, 2025, 08:22 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 25, 2025, 08:00 PMQuote from: Chris Savage on Sep 25, 2025, 04:38 PMQuote from: granz on Sep 25, 2025, 01:33 PMI'm thinking that number 8. is the most important. ;)
Yeah, in fact, I'm sure I put those in the wrong order, in more than one way! LOL
...let me fix that!
Just before his wifey sees it. Lol
LOL, Yeah! Good save, Chris. :P
Death comes upon swift wings to the man who pisses off the wife. Lol
Even though I'm local I packed up my car with granz's stuff, snacks, drinks then I started clearing out my work room and had to stop before I needed a u-haul! :) So I'm coming with a box full of miscellaneous development boards to show anyone who is interested. One of the most interesting ones is one of OBC's last Propeller boards. It paired the Propeller with a Microchip microcontroller running Micromite basic. Looking forward to meeting all of you!
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 25, 2025, 09:08 PMEven though I'm local I packed up my car with granz's stuff, snacks, drinks then I started clearing out my work room and had to stop before I needed a u-haul! :) So I'm coming with a box full of miscellaneous development boards to show anyone who is interested. One of the most interesting ones is one of OBC's last Propeller boards. It paired the Propeller with a Microchip microcontroller running Micromite basic. Looking forward to meeting all of you!
I remember the Propeller MicroMite, OBC actually gave me one, but I never got it working. That was very much a pity, but the PicoMite is a direct descendant of that MicroMite. MM-BASIC is indeed a very powerful language, and includes a huge amount of built-in drivers for LCDs, keypads, sensors, PWM devices, and so much more.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 25, 2025, 09:08 PMDeath comes upon swift wings to the man who pisses off the wife. Lol
LOL, I don't know about death, but it is definitely better to not tick off the wife.
Plus, as the Bible says, the two have become one; so when my wife loses, I lose - and when my wife wins, I win. Marilyn has been my best friend for over 45 years, and I enjoy keeping her happy.
Quote from: granz on Sep 26, 2025, 06:35 AMPlus, as the Bible says, the two have become one; so when my wife loses, I lose - and when my wife wins, I win. Marilyn has been my best friend for over 45 years, and I enjoy keeping her happy.
Isn't it so interesting that, many years ago when I was less wise, I didn't realize the satisfaction of taking care of my wife, of doing things for her. Making her happy makes me happy and she feels the same. If we only knew and / or realized these things when we were younger.
I'm blessed to have found this happiness twice in my life. With Valerie and I both being widows, it is very much apparent that we never know how much time we have here, and so our goal is always to make the best of it. Sunday after breakfast, we're going on a train ride in PA. We're going to enjoy and relax before heading home.
Chris, is that the Titusville Train ride? I did a fall one a couple of years back. It is a nice relaxing ride.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 26, 2025, 10:00 AMChris, is that the Titusville Train ride? I did a fall one a couple of years back. It is a nice relaxing ride.
Yes, Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad (https://octrr.org/)
I've found that Logic Analyzer I got years ago, and downloaded n tested 2 diff Saleae software for it. The one in the zip file didn't work, then again, maybe I did something wrong, but the Logic 2 exe file it did function. I'll connect it later after work and test it with my Rigol Scopes signal gen function.
Quote from: granz on Sep 26, 2025, 06:35 AMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 25, 2025, 09:08 PMDeath comes upon swift wings to the man who pisses off the wife. Lol
LOL, I don't know about death, but it is definitely better to not tick off the wife.
Plus, as the Bible says, the two have become one; so when my wife loses, I lose - and when my wife wins, I win. Marilyn has been my best friend for over 45 years, and I enjoy keeping her happy.
I know but atleast it sounded good. ROTF
Myself and my friend Terry Lukas are planning on coming. What do I need to do to register for a small table?
Quote from: Jim Fouch on Sep 26, 2025, 03:11 PMMyself and my friend Terry Lukas are planning on coming. What do I need to do to register for a small table?
I'm inclined to defer to MicroNut or Granz on this, but I think if you just show up tomorrow morning, perhaps by 11A, you should be good to go.
That logic analyzer, I just tested with Logic 2 and my Rigol DS1104Z, all channels functional!
Quote from: Chris Savage on Sep 26, 2025, 11:27 PMQuote from: Jim Fouch on Sep 26, 2025, 03:11 PMMyself and my friend Terry Lukas are planning on coming. What do I need to do to register for a small table?
I'm inclined to defer to MicroNut or Granz on this, but I think if you just show up tomorrow morning, perhaps by 11A, you should be good to go.
Yes, we still have tables available.
We had a great meetup today. It was nice meeting you all! We'll have to do this again! Here are two photos:
20250927_180141.jpg
Here's the forum members at the meetup.
20250927_190246.jpg
Here's the guys (and their ladies) at dinner after the meetup!
Quote from: Chris Savage on Sep 27, 2025, 09:02 PMWe had a great meetup today. It was nice meeting you all! We'll have to do this again! Here are two photos:
20250927_180141.jpg
Here's the forum members at the meetup.
20250927_190246.jpg
Here's the guys (and their ladies) at dinner after the meetup!
Was fun! Outta do occasional virtual stuff on messenger.
It was a good time. I'm glad to have met all of you!!!! Counting down to August 29th 2026 for the next one :). JKNight, that is an awesome idea! Hopefully Chris can set up a chat room. I remember OBC had one and there were about 5 people that got on it weekly for about an hour. I've lost track of them all over time. It would be great to talk with people that wouldn't give me a glassy stare when I go "geek".
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 28, 2025, 05:22 PMIt was a good time. I'm glad to have met all of you!!!! Counting down to August 29th 2026 for the next one :). JKNight, that is an awesome idea! Hopefully Chris can set up a chat room. I remember OBC had one and there were about 5 people that got on it weekly for about an hour. I've lost track of them all over time. It would be great to talk with people that wouldn't give me a glassy stare when I go "geek".
Likewise!
Can always repurpose my Discord group that I don't use. Can do chat n type, pics ect on there, no video though..
It was a great weekend (in spite of the car troubles, and losing the boot partition of my main computer. :( )
Early thoughts about next year: I brought way too much stuff. Next year, I think that I will bring one work-in-progress project and one completed project. One large-sized brief case, or small suit case, should be enough.
Also, as I am still hoping for some locals interested in starting in making/computing/electronics/programming, so I will probably also bring some small give-aways, but nothing like the Arduino dev boards that I made.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 27, 2025, 09:28 PMWas fun! Outta do occasional virtual stuff on messenger.
I like this idea. Once a month we do a family chat on Messenger. It's usually on a Sunday evening at 8P here and 5P on the west coast. We use Messenger because, not only can we all see / hear each other, but we can share photos and even applications. I have used Messenger to remotely repair my wife's computer. This week I will set something up. But in the interim, we should make sure everyone that went has / uses Messenger, has a camera on their PC and choose a day and time of month to do this once a month.
P.S. - Using Facebook Messenger does not require being friends on Facebook. Messenger is a separate app and you can communicate without being friends. I would probably use the Savage///Circuits account.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Sep 28, 2025, 09:52 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 27, 2025, 09:28 PMWas fun! Outta do occasional virtual stuff on messenger.
I like this idea. Once a month we do a family chat on Messenger. It's usually on a Sunday evening at 8P here and 5P on the west coast. We use Messenger because, not only can we all see / hear each other, but we can share photos and even applications. I have used Messenger to remotely repair my wife's computer. This week I will set something up. But in the interim, we should make sure everyone that went has / uses Messenger, has a camera on their PC and choose a day and time of month to do this once a month.
P.S. - Using Facebook Messenger does not require being friends on Facebook. Messenger is a separate app and you can communicate without being friends. I would probably use the Savage///Circuits account.
I'll need a camera...... and mic.... my Blue Yeti Nano https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/shop/p/yeti-nano-usb-microphone (https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/shop/p/yeti-nano-usb-microphone) bit the dust..... >.<
Edit: I was wrong, guess Discord can do video and screen share... Shows how long been since I've done anything on my group, or whatever it's called...
For testing purposes, perhaps this coming weekend, who has a webcam and uses FB Messenger that would like to help me test things?
Quote from: Chris Savage on Sep 29, 2025, 12:04 PMFor testing purposes, perhaps this coming weekend, who has a webcam and uses FB Messenger that would like to help me test things?
i can ove my phone or tablet
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 29, 2025, 02:25 PMi can ove my phone or tablet
Okay, well sometime this week I may have you help me test things.
For everyone who went to the event; I've been giving some thought to how the day seemed to just get by us. I think similar to the way the Unofficial Propeller Expos went, perhaps we should set up a kind of calendar of events so that everyone gets a chance to see the projects / demos that everyone else has. I didn't really get a chance to see all of what everyone brought.
I kind of got everyone together for my secret project, but later I was thinking that would have been cool if we each had a time slot dedicated to showing what we brought so everyone could get a fair chance. What do you all think of this?
Sounds great!!! Next time I'll bring something to show :) . Chris, your suggestion and looking into doing chats got me brainstorming (which is dangerous with all the lightning bolts). Is it possible to show videos in chats? I was thinking we could also do a virtual meetup sometime next year so any member of the forum that is too far away can do a video of their projects and show them at the virtual meetup. I'll bring the virtual snacks!
Quote from: Jim Fouch on Sep 26, 2025, 03:11 PMMyself and my friend Terry Lukas are planning on coming. What do I need to do to register for a small table?
It was nice meeting both of you in person. Feel free to post the stuff you're selling in the appropriate forum.