TCF 2008 Activities and Events | Post TCF Talks and Forums information - New 4/28/08 | Press Release | Articles | Keynote Speaker | Banquet | Robotic and Electronic Contests | Professional Conference | Talks and Forums on 4/26 & 4/27 | Amateur (Ham) Radio and License Testing | Dates, Hours, Directions, Transportation, Restaurants and Hotels | Downloads |

TCF 2008 Official Contributors

About TCF | History of The Festival | Past Keynote Speakers | Videos | Hobbyist of the Year | Founders | Steering Committee | Sponsors

Prior Years Events

(TCF 2007) | Professional Conference | Keynote Speaker | Poster Sessions | Banquet Speaker | Talks and Forums on Saturday | Talks and Forums on Sunday | Amateur (Ham) Radio and License Testing | Dates and Location | Downloads

(TCF 2006) | Press Release | Professional Conference | Keynote Speaker | Featured Speakers | Poster Sessions | Talks and Forums

Hardware - Saturday April 22, 2006, Room RC F

10:15 am to 11:10 am
Making Printed Circuit Boards
by Paul Bergsman, Consultant

Abstract :

Over the years, Paul Bergsman has developed a very inexpensive process for producing professional quality printed circuit boards. He uses non-crippled commercial "demo" software to 1) draw the circuit, 2) analyze the circuit, and 3) create the printed circuit board artwork. Mr. Bergsman has also developed several simple methods for reliable transfer of artwork to printed circuit boards.

Bio :

Paul Bergsman is the author of "Controlling the World with Your PC", and was a Technology-Education teacher for La Salle College High School. Paul also operates a small business, which designs and manufactures printed circuit boards, and he occasionally teaches part time for the Community College of Philadelphia. He relaxes with folk music, folk dancing, amateur radio (N3PSO), cycling, or a good game of chess.

11:20 am to 12:15 pm
Introduction to Embedded USB Development
by John DeGood, Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories

Abstract :

Once derisively referred to as the "Useless Serial Bus", today the Universal Serial Bus is ubiquitous, replacing legacy serial, parallel, joystick, mouse, keyboard, and even audio ports. Many hobbyists and experimenters, unfamiliar with the intricacies of USB, have become frustrated as the legacy ports previously used to interface their projects disappear from modern PCs. This presentation will describe how to develop your own custom USB devices, with an emphasis on free or inexpensive hardware and software development tools. An end-to-end example will be presented using hardware and firmware from the Microchip PIC family of USB microcontrollers, and host drivers and application software for both Windows and Linux.

Bio :

John DeGood is a member of the engineering staff at the Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories in Cherry Hill. He previously performed networking and computing research at Sarnoff Corporation and developed analytical instruments at Hewlett-Packard (now Agilent). John is active in the local chapters of ACM and the IEEE Computer Society. He holds an Extra Class amateur radio license (call sign NU3E) and is Secretary of the David Sarnoff Radio Club.

12:25 pm to 1:20 pm
Controlling the World with PICs
by Paul Bergsman, Consultant

Abstract :

Microchip manufacturers produce small, stand-alone, microcontrollers called "PICs". They are very inexpensive and widely available. These vesicle chips can be configured as a tachometer, frequency counter, matrix-keypad decoder, tone generator, stepping motor controller, servo motor controller and lots more. Paul Bergsman uses slides and live demonstrations to explain PIC operations.

Bio :

Paul Bergsman is the author of "Controlling The World With Your PC", and was a Technology-Education teacher for La Salle College High School. Paul also operates a small business, which designs and manufactures printed circuit boards, and he occasionally teaches part time for the Community College of Philadelphia. He relaxes with folk music, folk dancing, amateur radio (N3PSO), cycling, or a good game of chess.

1:30 pm to 2:25 pm
Antique Computing for Fun and Education
by Evan Koblentz, Mid-Atlantic Retro Computing Hobbyists (MARC H)

Abstract :

The "vintage computing" hobby is booming around the world. MARC H is a regional club devoted to fostering the hobby and preserving history. We're currently constructing a computer museum and we're hosting a major antique computing show in May 2006. Come to this lecture to learn all about the hobby and how you can get involved.

Bio :

Evan Koblentz is president of MARC H (http://www.marchclub.org) and is editor of the two year old Computer Collector Newsletter(http://news.computercollector.com).

:40 pm to 4:35 pm
GPS - How It Works, How To Use It, New Developments
by Cass Lewart, Freelance writer

Abstract :

The Global Positioning System (GPS) provides navigational information for pilots, boaters, surveyors and hikers alike. An explanation of how GPS works and how triangulation is performed will be presented. A comparison of features found in various GPS receivers and their relative cost and importance will be discussed. Also explained will be the interface between a GPS receiver and a laptop or a PDA, and the importance of using a compass in conjunction with a GPS when hiking. Current GPS software and new GPS developments such as the Wide Area Augmentation System will be included. Cass will also talk about his favorite pass time - geocaching.

Bio :

Cass Lewart is an electrical engineer and a long time computer hobbyist. He is the author of 10 books and numerous articles relating to personal computers, database programming and data communication. His most recent book "The Ultimate Modem Handbook" was published by Simon and Schuster. Cass is also a recent recipient of the ACGNJ Amateur of the Year award.