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

Technology - Sunday April 23, 2006, Room RC F

10:30 am to 11:30 am
The Apollo Guidance Computer: Architecture & Operation
by Frank O'Brien, Infoage Science/History Learning Center

Abstract :

Perhaps the single spacecraft component that assured the success of the Apollo lunar missions was its guidance computer. Created in the 1960's when most computers filled an entire room, the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) was small, low power, and included capabilities that are advanced by today's standards. The Infoage Science and Learning Center has acquired an early AGC as part of its History of Computing Technologies collection. We will be discussing the computers hardware and software architecture interfaces and how designers overcame its limitations. Additionally, we will cover the user interface and operations required for a flight from the Earth to the Moon. Attendees will get the opportunity to examine the AGC, its components and review its source code.

Bio :

Frank O'Brien is a volunteer Apollo historian for NASA, primarily as a researcher for the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal, and is co-editor of the Apollo Flight Journal. He was responsible for preparing the Lunar Module Simulator and other artifacts for exhibition at the Cradle of Aviation Museum (Long Island, NY), and is an associate director at the Infoage Science/History Learning Center.

11:40 am to 12:40 pm
What's Next for Robot Hobbyists?
by Steve Dilliplane, Dilliplane Interactive

Abstract :

Robots have fascinated scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technologists since "Rossum's Universal Robots" introduced the term in the early 1920's. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) robot technology has progressed immensely since then. Today's basement-shop inventors, hackers and hobbyists enjoy a rich variety of devices, components and subsystems to feed their creative imaginations. In a modern world dominated by the effects of Moore's Law, how have Asimov's Laws of Robotics fared? This session looks at the past, present and possible future of hobby robotics. Come explore what's available, what people like you are doing with it and how to learn more. Is a hands-on robotics club coming to a library near you?

Bio :

Dilliplane is a robotics mentor in the LEGO Mindstorms/Robolab program at Plainsboro Public Library. He is an IEEE Senior Member.

12:50 pm to 1:50 pm
Podcasting - How to Produce Your Own Podcast
by Michael Smith, Mike Tech Show

Abstract :

Michael Smith will cover: what is a podcast, how to subscribe, topic areas, recording, post production tasks, RSS (What you need to know), hosting your files, marketing (how to get people to listen), can you make money (advertising), and more. See http://miketechshow.com/mybio.htm - for more information.

Bio :

Mike Smith, host of the Mike Tech Show Podcast, works as the Manager of Distributed Computing for a large propane distributor. Mike is a graduate of Drexel University and has been working with computers since the early days of the Texas Instrument's TI-99/4A home computer in 1982. Mike's podcast is about all things technology and computer related. He discusses cool sites, software, and tips and tricks that will make you more productive at home and work. He reviews problems and solutions that he has encountered at home, work, and business consulting that he does in his off-hours.

2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Using the Eclipse Integrated Development Environment
by Barry Burd, Drew University, Department of Mathematics & Computer Science

Abstract :

Eclipse is quickly becoming the tool of choice for people developing programs in Java, C++, and other languages. In addition, Eclipse hosts a variety of "non-geek" applications, including Instant Messaging, Process Scheduling, Business Intelligence Reporting and others. This session introduces you to Eclipse's code development tools, and shows you how to quickly and efficiently develop computer applications.

Bio :

Barry Burd is a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. When he's not lecturing at Drew University, Barry leads training courses for professional programmers in business and industry. He has lectured at conferences in America, Europe, Australia and Asia. He is the author of several articles and books, including "Java 2 For Dummies" and "Eclipse For Dummies" both published by Wiley.