Our TED talk for the month explored the ongoing development of ‘a plane you can drive’ - the ‘Terrafugia Transition’- a ‘light sport roadable aeroplane’. The theme of alternative vehicles continued, with Brent introducing us to the electric paddock vehicle he and Pauline researched, imported, assembled and now use on their 170 acre farm. We ventured to the car park behind Aldi to inspect and discuss Brent’s vehicle, some of us taking up Brent’s offer of a test drive (see photos in previous post). It proved quite zippy and responsive to drive – it’s also quiet, which Brent described as a great advantage as it doesn’t disturb the animals on the farm.
Peter Simpson began our April session introducing an article on DRED (Demand Response Enable Device). DRED is an energy demand management device which enables energy suppliers to switch off or reduce the amount of power drawn by devices such as domestic air conditioners at times of peak demand in summer. Brent Bailey then spoke about a visit to Canberra during which he attended a thought provoking seminar on Solar Energy on behalf of Cathy McGowan. Bev raised the ABC’s Law report about legal dilemmas arising from 3D printing and news of 94 year old inventor of the lithium battery John Goodenough's recent release of a new battery. Our TED talk for the month explored the ongoing development of ‘a plane you can drive’ - the ‘Terrafugia Transition’- a ‘light sport roadable aeroplane’. The theme of alternative vehicles continued, with Brent introducing us to the electric paddock vehicle he and Pauline researched, imported, assembled and now use on their 170 acre farm. We ventured to the car park behind Aldi to inspect and discuss Brent’s vehicle, some of us taking up Brent’s offer of a test drive (see photos in previous post). It proved quite zippy and responsive to drive – it’s also quiet, which Brent described as a great advantage as it doesn’t disturb the animals on the farm. Next coffee meeting will be at 10.30 am at Rustik Cafe on Wednesday 26th April. For more information, contact Les Rodgers on 5762 7600
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About 'Tech Talks'Are you reasonably tech savvy; interested in technological developments and keen to continue developing your knowledge base? Then the ‘Tech Talks’ discussion group may be of interest. Monthly sessions include viewing of topical ‘TED Talks’; presentations on topics of interest by class members or guest speakers; shared news of developments across a range of technologies. Topics discussed include developments in science as well as technology.
We hope to attract more interest by having guest speakers. Please note that wide ranging discussion of topics is encouraged. Meeting times2nd Tuesday of month
2pm to 4pm U3A Meeting Room 2 FacilitatorNeville Gibb 0428 858 688
LinksArchives'Tech Savvy Talkers' reports/photos from the Rustik then Northo discussion sessions to end 2019.
Resources from Ian McLeod's 'Making the Most of the Internet' course which preceded Tech Savvy:
MMI webpage Ian's Blog Links and references Categories
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April 2024
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