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 - Saturday April 28, 2007, Room RC D

10:15 am to 11:10 am
GPS - How It Works, How To Use It, New Developments
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 Hobbyist of the Year award.

11:20 am to 12:15 pm
Digital Shortwave Broadcasting
John DeGood, Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories

Abstract :

Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) is an open standard digital radio system for shortwave, AM/medium wave, and long wave. DRM offers clear, near-FM quality audio without the interference, noise, and fading normally associated with shortwave broadcasts. DRM transmissions can also integrate data and text. The DRM signal is designed to fit in existing broadcast band plans. It has been endorsed by the ITU, IEC and ETSI. On June 16, 2003, leading shortwave broadcasters simultaneously started live, daily DRM transmissions. This presentation will introduce the DRM standard and technology, and compare DRM to alternative digital broadcast systems. Reception of DRM signals using a software radio application on a personal computer will be demonstrated. How to modify existing shortwave receivers for DRM reception will be reviewed. Future trends in DRM, and digital broadcasting in general, will also be discussed.

Bio :

John DeGood is a researcher 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 (callsign NU3E) and is Secretary of the David Sarnoff Radio Club.

12:25 pm to 1:20 pm
Advanced Wireless Monitoring -- The History and Evolution of M2M, Wireless Telematics and Telemetry Services
Joe Jesson, General Electric

Abstract :

The merger of wireless telematics and location-based GPS tracking services has created a new growth industry specializing in the tracking of mobile objects such as locomotives, ships and automobiles. Joe will explain and demonstrate this state-of-the-art technology, and provide technical details on the architecture of a global wireless tracking services. Are you worried about being tracked? He will discuss the state-of-the-art time-of-flight and RSSI location methods.

Bio :

Joe Jesson is Chief Technologist for the GE Asset Intelligence business and has had technical management experience for Motorola, Oak Technology, and BP Amoco. Joe has multiple patents for RF, Switch, and Software innovations. He holds a Master's degree from DePaul.

1:30 pm to 2:25 pm
iTunes for iDiots
David Ciotti, The College of New Jersey

Abstract :

Everything you always wanted to know about iTunes 7 for Mac and PC including downloading, ripping, burning, converting, transferring, but were afraid to ask.

Bio :

David Ciotti works for the School of Engineering at The College of New Jersey. He has been the Macintosh Technical support for Mercer County Community College and has taught Troubleshooting and Maintaining your Macintosh for CompuMaster.

3:40 pm to 4:35 pm
VoIP (Voice Over IP) Demystified
Joe Budelis, Persimmon Telecommunications

Abstract :

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) - the future of voice phone service? This presentation will discuss what VoIP offers and what it can do for you. After a little history, pros and cons of some current implementations will be indicated. Functionality, mobility, equipment needs and drawbacks will be addressed. At the very least, from this presentation, you will learn what to look for before you decide to go with a VoIP service.

Bio :

Joe Budelis performed IT or Business consulting with such diverse assignments as Senior Financial Analyst, SAS Data Analyst, Business InfraStructure Manager and Data Base Administrator. Currently, Joe assists businesses to find cost-effective Telecommunications solutions; primarily consulting on, and selling, such services as T1 and DS3 voice and data, high speed internet access and VoIP phone service. For more information see his blog at http://persimmontelecom.blogspot.com/. Joe has a PhD from Harvard in Decision and Control.