The I.T. Crowd (Scotland) : Retro User Computer Group June 2024

This is a gathering for lovers of any retro microcomputers, especially those fond of the BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, Atom, and Archimedes/RISC OS machines. This event is aimed at bringing together a community of like-minded individuals in a comfortable and modern setting – the Falkirk Business Hub, in central Falkirk, Scotland.

Thursday 27th June 2024 7:00PM running until 10:00PM

🕹 Event Features:

This is an informal gathering for…

• – Show and Tell: Bring your own hardware to display and discuss with others.
• – Collaborative Working: Spend time on hardware, programming, or gaming projects.
• – Knowledge Exchange: Share ideas, insights, and skills with other enthusiasts.
• – Advice on Repair and Upgrade: Reviving poorly Acorn machines.
• – Socialize and Enjoy : There’s a kitchen for coffee, tea and biscuits. We’re in the town centre for bars, pubs and restaurants for potential afterwards gatherings.

🔎 June 2024 Hardware Focus : Interfacing with the outside world

Acorn machines in the main were blessed with a staggering range of internal and external expansion options that made it the ultimate platform for interfacing with all sorts of devices!

For this month’s session, let’s bring in and demonstrate some of the more popular (or weird and wonderful) devices you can connect to an Acorn machine, such as :-

• Turtle Graphics Device – Used with LOGO to draw and create graphics.
• Infra-red Touch Screen – For direct interaction with the computer interface.
• Analogue 3D Joystick (The Bitstick) – For advanced gaming and 3D applications.
• Light Pens – For precise drawing and selecting on the screen.
• Stylus Touch Pads – For graphic design and drawing tasks.
• Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) Devices – Used with synthesizer keyboards and other audio equipment.
• Robot Arm – For educational programming and robotics projects.
• Philips LaserDisc Player – Connected via the BBC Domesday System for interactive video playback.
• Sound Samplers – Devices for recording and manipulating sound.
• Temperature Sensors – For scientific experiments and data logging purposes.
• Satellite Receiver – For receiving and processing satellite signals. (I had one of these!)

 All Are Welcome:
While the event tends to be Acorn-centric, we could welcome enthusiasts of other retro machines as well. We’ve had Sinclair, Atari, Commodore, Altair etc.

 Date & Time:
Thursday 27th June 2024 7:00PM running until 10:00PM

 Location: Falkirk Business Hub

45 Vicar St, Falkirk FK1 1LL

Access : use the side door on Vicar Street. This also has disabled access.

https://falkirkbusinesshub.co.uk/ – a contemporary venue centrally located, just a 2-minute walk from Grahamston Train Station and with seamless access to the M9 motorway between Stirling and Edinburgh. Numerous bars and restaurants are nearby for post-event socializing.
There is a car park next to the building which is free in the evenings.
Building includes disabled access and lifts.

🚗🅿 There are two recommended car parks:-

i) Weir street car park which is next to the venue. Free parking in the evenings
ii) Melville street – one street away – also free in the evenings.