Web Site Redevelopment
Melbpc Website Brief Review – Upgraded Melbpc User Group Website Meeting needs of evolving functions & roles of club. Encourage new Members Modern Design / easier management / well documented. Better and easier future upgrade path Emphasis on events, what is happening, and their management Improved method of providing user feedback and User support...
Why does AI cost so much to develop by CoPilot
Why does AI cost so much to develop by CoPilot In one line: AI costs so much to develop because it burns enormous amounts of compute, data, talent, and infrastructure—far beyond what most software has ever required. Here’s the deeper breakdown, George, with the real reasons the price tag goes stratospheric. 🧠 1. Training requires...Continue reading→
Monthly Meeting June 2026
Monthly Meeting 3rd June 2026 This will be run as a “hybrid” meeting, meaning we will be in person in the Borrett Room at the club but also opening it up to members via Zoom. Click here a little before 7pm to join the meeting on Zoom or make sure you have secured your raffle tickets at the door and...Continue reading→
Saving things from landfill – A Repair Cafe Example
Getting the Moorabbin Repair Revolution started. Saving our wallets, saving our planet—One Repair at a Time. Got something that’s broken or just not working right? We are getting going with a Repair Cafe that might help. Member Mic had just such a challenge come his way. Fixing a defective automatic jar opener… I was given...Continue reading→
Making light work of things
Upcycling Innovation: From Power-Hungry to Eco-Friendly Our members don’t just use technology—they rethink it. When our club received a donation of old halogen spotlights, we faced a dilemma. They were massive energy hogs (drawing up to 500W!) and the yellow light was a nightmare for detailed maker projects. Instead of letting them head to the...Continue reading→
Re-purpose an old Dolphin torch
Continuing on with our maker theme, member Chris being a dedicated hobbyist, has decided to rejuvenate an old Dolphin torch to use re-chargeable batteries that can be conveniently topped up from a USB charger. He used two 18650 lithium-ion batteries plus an off-the-shelf 5V regulator, new LED lamp, designed a case for them using Fusion...Continue reading→
Thermal Design Basics in electronics
THERMAL DESIGN BASICS Circuit 7805 regulator supplied by a 12V battery (allow for 14V MAX during charging) Max voltage drop across the regulator = 14-5 = 7Volts For a design load current of .5 Amp Max regulator dissipation = 7V x .5A = 3.5 Watts Regulator Specs Case 221A Thermal Resistance, Junction–to–Ambient RqJA 65...Continue reading→
THERMAL DESIGN BASICS Circuit 7805 regulator supplied by a 12V battery (allow for 14V MAX during charging) Max voltage drop across the regulator = 14-5 = 7Volts For a design load current of .5 Amp Max regulator dissipation = 7V x .5A = 3.5 Watts Regulator Specs Case 221A Thermal Resistance, Junction–to–Ambient RqJA 65...Continue reading→
Basic electrical/electronic formulas
Member John Macey put together some basic electrical/electronic formulas which may be useful to newcomers. Thanks John.