<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Folks,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the last meeting we were talking about projects for our "build night" at the end of May.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you're interested in the Raspberry Pi, it's an inexpensive, full-fledged computer about the size of a pack of cigarettes. You can purchase a $75 kit on Amazon that includes everything you need to get started. See <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Complete-Starter-Kit/dp/B01C6Q2GSY/">http://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Complete-Starter-Kit/dp/B01C6Q2GSY/</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The kit comes with a memory card that contains the operating system (a type of Linux), as well as a case and power adapter. The Pi 3 has 4 USB ports (so you can easily connect a keyboard and mouse), an HDMI port (you can plug it into a TV or computer monitor) a network port and built-in wireless ethernet. No tools or soldering is needed to put it together, by the way.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So what can you do with a Raspberry Pi? For one thing, you can run a web browser or email client on it, or even use it as a web server. For Ham Radio, people are using it for digital modes using the FLDIGI application. If you're into Arduino microcontrollers, the Pi can run the development environment. For other ideas, see <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=%22raspberry%20pi%203%22%20ham%20radio">this search</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Changing the subject somewhat, another neat project is a transistor tester, which costs about $25 including case. I've built this, and it's a handy little device that tests transistors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc. The build is fairly easy, but does require a bit of soldering. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tester board: <a href="http://www.banggood.com/DIY-M12864-Graphics-Version-Transistor-Tester-Kit-LCR-ESR-PWM-p-986954.html">http://www.banggood.com/DIY-M12864-Graphics-Version-Transistor-Tester-Kit-LCR-ESR-PWM-p-986954.html</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tester case: <a href="http://www.banggood.com/Supporting-Shell-For-DIY-M12864-Graphics-Version-Transistor-Tester-Kit-p-989949.html">http://www.banggood.com/Supporting-Shell-For-DIY-M12864-Graphics-Version-Transistor-Tester-Kit-p-989949.html</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We can have other projects for Build Night - if you have one, please share it with the group! That way everyone can pick what they are interested in and do it, with (hopefully) some expert help in the room. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Builders - you will need to decide on, and purchase your kit of choice prior to build night, which I believe we have scheduled for Wednesday, May 25.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>73,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Roger N5RWK<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>