Events

Obsolete Events Page

This is the old page of EAST Knowledge Events. It is no longer being maintained, but is preserved in case anything links to it.

Please see the new Events page for a list of all events and recaps




Coffee Break #5

What:Coffee Break
Where:Cafe Delirium
308 N Main Ave, Gresham (map)
When:10:00am - Noon, Saturday, November 21st, 2015
Why:Sharing what we know over good coffee

We had a great meeting last month. For this month, we invite you to join us for coffee at Cafe Delirium. If you haven't made it to one of our talks, the coffee breaks provide a nice opportunity to drop by and introduce yourself. We have the room in the back reserved. We're going to hang out for a couple of hours, so feel free to come by, talk shop, show off what you're working on, ask questions and pick each other's brains. We look forward to seeing you there! All are welcome!


A meeting recap.



Meeting #6

Going Back in Time for Some Vintage Howdunit

What:Going Back in Time for Some Vintage Howdunit
Who:Bill Howland
Where:The Meeting Room at the Gresham Library
385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham (map)
When:10:30am - Noon, Saturday, October 24th, 2015
Why:Sharing what we know

Bill Howland will re-introduce us to vacuum tubes and their uses. He will:

  • Give a summary of the origins of vacuum and gas diodes and related thermionic devices
  • Have show-n-tell demonstrations of the earliest and simplest of such devices: The diode

Come and learn something old!

Vacuum tube diodes were put to use in the early days of radio as "detectors", because they were more robust and reliable than crystal, mechanical, and chemical contrivances used for this purpose. With further development, thermionic vacuum and gas diodes advanced to be capable of power rectification with ever greater efficiencies.

Many example devices from the 1930's to 1950's will be available to examine. There will be orange, purple, and blue glows in the demonstrations!

Bill shares some of his projects on his blog: Evil Science Audio


A meeting recap.



Coffee Break #4

What:Coffee Break
Where:Cafe Delirium
308 N Main Ave, Gresham (map)
When:10:00am - Noon, Saturday, September 19th, 2015
Why:Sharing what we know over good coffee

After taking a break over summer, EAST Knowledge is ramping up again with a coffee break. We invite you to join us for coffee at Cafe Delirium. If you haven't made it to one of our talks, the coffee breaks provide a nice opportunity to drop by and introduce yourself. We have the room in the back reserved. We're going to hang out for a couple of hours, so feel free to come by, talk shop, show off what you're working on, ask questions and pick each other's brains. We look forward to seeing you there! All are welcome!




Coffee Break #3

What:Coffee Break
Where:Cafe Delirium
308 N Main Ave, Gresham (map)
When:10:00am - Noon, Saturday, May 16th, 2015
Why:Coffee and sharing what we know

We invite you to join us for coffee at Cafe Delirium. If you haven't made it to one of our talks, the coffee breaks provide a nice opportunity to drop by and introduce yourself. We have the room in the back reserved. We're going to hang out for a couple of hours, so feel free to come by, talk shop, show off what you're working on, ask questions and pick each other's brains. We look forward to seeing you there! All are welcome!


A meeting recap.



Meeting #5

Locating Intrusions Using Fiber Optics

What:Locating Intrusions Using Fiber Optics
Who:Jim Rulla
Where:The Story Room at the Gresham Library
385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham (map)
When:10:30am - Noon, Saturday, April 18th, 2015
Why:Sharing what we know

Interferometers measure distances to within fractions of the wavelength of light. Put a couple of these incredibly sensitive devices on the fence around an airport, and you can not merely detect a would-be intruder — you can locate him. Put a pair on a pipeline, and you can not merely detect nearby digging that could damage the pipe — you can locate its source. You might even be able to detect — and perhaps even locate — leaks in the pipe.

The detection and location mechanisms are fascinating examples of clever engineering. I'll explain how these patented systems work and illustrate new algorithms that improve performance.

A meeting recap.



Coffee Break #2

What:Coffee Break
Where:Cafe Delirium
308 N Main Ave, Gresham (map)
When:10:00am - Noon, Saturday, March 28th, 2015
Why:Sharing what we know and what we're up to

EAST Knowledge is going to try a repeat of our first "Coffee Break". We invite you to join us for coffee at Cafe Delirium. We have the room in the back reserved. We're going to hang out for a couple of hours, so feel free to come by, talk shop, show off what you're working on, ask questions and pick each other's brains. We look forward to seeing you there!


A meeting recap.



Meeting #4

The Evolution of Hardware Design in the Home Lab

What:The Evolution of Hardware Design in the Home Lab
Who:Pat Nystrom
Where:The Computer Lab at the Gresham Library (map)
When:10:30am - Noon, Saturday, February 14th, 2015
Why:Sharing what we know

Pat Nystrom led off our EAST Knowledge series a little over a year ago, and we wanted to bring him back to see what he's been working on. He will be talking about and demonstrating two topics:

  • A dry-film soldermask process which makes home-made circuit boards much friendlier to use
  • An update on the development of his manual pick-place machine
Come and learn something new!

Solder masks are used in electronics manufacturing both to protect copper traces and to keep solder from going where it shouldn't.

Pick and place machines are devices used in electronics manufacturing. They come in various sizes, but they are commonly expensive. Pat is working on something that would be suitable and affordable for enthusiasts or prototype manufacturing.

Meeting recap.



Coffee Break #1

What:Coffee Break
Where:Banaka & Browns Artisan Bakery and Coffee House
835 N Main Ave, Gresham (map)
When:10:00am - Noon, Saturday, November 8th, 2014
Why:Sharing what we know and what we're up to

EAST Knowledge would like to do something a little more relaxed for our next meeting. We invite you to join us for coffee and pastries. We're going to hang out for a couple of hours, so feel free to come by, talk shop, show off what you're working on, ask questions and pick each other's brains. We look forward to seeing you there!


Meeting recap.



Meeting #3

Introduction to IPython Notebook

What:Introduction to IPython Notebook
Who:Charles Stanhope
Where:The Computer Lab at the Gresham Library (map)
When:10:30am - Noon, Saturday, June 14th, 2014
Why:Sharing what we know

Come and learn about IPython Notebook interactive computing environment! An open source project used and developed by a community of scientists and engineers, IPython Notebook is a powerful tool that can save time and effort, and allows you to:

  • Rapidly prototype and explore algorithmic ideas
  • Easily share results
  • Replicate work
  • Freely collaborate
  • Leverage a large body of existing libraries
Charles will introduce and demonstrate IPython Notebook. He hopes to have a live system that can be used by the audience. All you will need is WiFi, a web browser, and some curiosity. So bring a laptop!

Meeting recap.



Meeting #2

Don't Touch That Data!

What:Don't Touch That Data!
Who:Jim Rulla
Where:The Computer Lab at the Gresham Library (map)
When:10:30am - Noon, Saturday, March 8, 2014
Why:Sharing what we know

There's a serious problem: the hardware is spewing out data, but the answer is wrong. It's too late to redesign, and besides, the product ought to work. Another filter and some ad hoc software will have to suffice — until new problems arise.

Sound familiar? If the textbook analysis doesn't apply to your problem, no filter and no software hack will help. The only reliable way to fix the problem is to model it correctly, then solve the model problem.

I will show how incorrect modeling sets back — and in some cases, destroys — product development. The examples:

  • are real,
  • are simple (when solved correctly), and
  • illustrate techniques you can apply to your projects.

The examples include applications from audio, optical, and communications engineering.

The right model is almost always simpler to understand and easier to solve than the wrong models. Come see how you can simplify your project!


Meeting recap.



Meeting #1

Pick and Place Machine for the Tech Enthusiast!

What:Pick and Place Machine for the Tech Enthusiast
Who:Pat Nystrom
Where:The Computer Lab at the Gresham Library (map)
When:10:00am - Noon, Saturday, January 11, 2014
Why:Sharing what we know

Pat will talk about and demonstrate his pick and place machine. It’s a self-funded project that is still in progress, but there’s plenty to show and talk about. Pat will also be interested in feedback and ideas.

Pick and place machines are devices used in electronics manufacturing. They come in various sizes, but they are commonly expensive. Pat is working on something that would be suitable and affordable for enthusiasts or prototype manufacturing.


Meeting notes.