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public:eastmids [2020/10/27 11:15] – Add October meeting and archive agendas of some older meetings PeteBpublic:eastmids [2024/03/03 07:45] (current) – Add March 24 meeting PeteB
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-:-)====== MERG East Midlands Area Group News ====== +:-) 
-[[:public:areagroups|Return to Area Groups News]]\\  +====== MERG East Midlands Area Group News ====== 
-[[:public:start|Index to other public pages]]\\ +[[https://www.merg.org.uk/content/areagroups|Return to Area Groups Index]]\\  
 +[[https://www.merg.org.uk/content/knowledgebase|More about our Knowledgebase]]\\  
 + 
 +**This is the public page, members please check here for the latest news 
 +[[areagroups:emag:eastmids|EMAG Members Pages]]**
  
  
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-To send us an email, use the [[https://www.merg.org.uk/areagroup.php?area=2|MERG East Midlands Area Group contact form]]. +To contact us, use **[[https://www.merg.org.uk/contactus.php?t=1&n=36|Contact MERG ]]** and please indicate East Midlands Area Group in your message 
  
 For MERG members, you might also like to look at our [[https://www.merg.org.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=55|area group forum]]. For MERG members, you might also like to look at our [[https://www.merg.org.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=55|area group forum]].
- 
  
 ---- ----
  
-====== OCTOBER 2020 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======+====== March 2024 East Midlands face to face area group meeting ======
  
-**Saturday 31st October from 10:00**+Here is the agenda for our March 2024 area group meeting.
  
-This meeting will be online using Zoom.+**Saturday 16th March 2024 from 10:00**
  
-As before, we have found that breaks of roughly 10-15 mins per hour worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again.+This meeting is Kindly hosted by the The Bassetlaw (North Notts) Railway Society at their clubrooms on Retford Railway Station.
  
-----+Thanks to MERG and Bassetlaw Railway Society member Julian Pratt for arranging the venue for us.
  
-**AGENDA**+The Bassetlaw Railway Society are not charging us for the use of the room, but we will ask for a donation of £2 per head to cover the cost of teas & coffees and biscuits, and make a donation to the Society.
  
-The meeting will be informal and flexibleso these are approximate times:+Access is step freebut the entry door to the clubrooms is probably not wide enough for a powered wheelchair.
  
-  * 10:00 - Get connectedsort out any microphone/audio/video issues +For those coming by train, there are reasonable arrivals from east (9:50)west (9:20) and north (9:38). From the souththere is one from Peterborough and Newark arriving at (8:45and one from Kings Cross and Grantham arriving at (8:51)so you will be waiting a while before the meeting starts, but as railway enthusiasts you can of course enjoy watching the trains pass by during your wait. :)
-  * 10:30 - Welcomegroup news and Introductions +
-  * 10:45 - A tour round my T Gauge layouts and how I've implemented MERG/JMRI automation - Doug Kightley +
-  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) +
-  * 11:45 - QnA for Doug's presentation - DCC in T gaugeJMRI automation etc - following on into general QnA +
-  * 12:30 - Lunch +
-  * 13:30 - Continue general QnA on all things MERG and anyone looking for advice and help on any projects+
  
-----+Parking is now: £6.25 at the station, £4.95 at [[https://victoriaroadcarpark.com]] or £4 at Cobwell Road, DN22 7DD [[https://parkanddonate.co.uk]], 3 mins walk.
  
-For the QnA sessionsif you have built something and would like any help and adviceplease be ready to wave it at the cameraand we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.+There is a Costa Coffee on the stationa convenience store 2 minutes walk away and Retford has many excellent eating placesjust 12 minutes walk awayor you may bring a packed lunch.
  
-If you would like to join inplease go to the MERG websiteselect the menu option MEMBER LINKS->MY UPCOMING EVENTS, or go directly to https://merg.org.uk/membership/summary.php, and you should see the details of this meeting together with the Zoom link to join in.+There is no Wi-Fi at the venue, so a Zoom connection will not be possible. If presenters need to access something onlinewe may be able to use mobile phone hotspots4G coverage permitting.
  
-Please don't share the Zoom links with anyone outside MERG, or post them on any public social media or web page. +More details of parking and how to find the clubrooms will be included in your confirmation email when you book your place.
- +
-If you cannot see the details for East Midlands area group meetings, go to https://www.merg.org.uk/membership and make sure you are subscribed to the East Midlands area group. There is no requirement that you live in the East Midlands, any member can subscribe and join in. If you would like to introduce a visitor to the meeting, please email their details to eastmids@merg.org.uk. +
- +
-If you still can't get the Zoom link, send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk and I'll email you the Zoom link, but with the new system that allows you to see the Zoom link directly from your events page, I no longer need to send out confirmation emails to everyone and you don't have to post a message here or send an email to reserve a place at the meeting. However, still feel free to post a message here to let us know you will be there if you wish.+
  
-I will send out the usual reminder email to everyone subscribed to the area group in the next day or so, it will go automatically to everyone who is subscribed to this area group. 
  
 ---- ----
-====== SEPTEMBER 2020 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ====== 
  
-**Saturday 26th September 2020 from 10:00**+**AGENDA**
  
-This meeting will be online using Zoom.+The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
  
-As before, we have found that breaks of roughly 10-15 mins per hour worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again.+  * 10:00 ArrivalInformal chat and get to know the other members 
 +  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions 
 +  * 10:40 - The Bassetlaw (North Notts) Railway Society - Julian Pratt 
 +  * 10:50 - MERG news - John Gowers (MERG chairman) 
 +  * 11:00 - The CANXIO - Pete Brownlow 
 +  * 11:45 - Tea/coffee break 
 +  * 12:00 - The Raspberry Pi Pico - David Jones 
 +  * 12:45 - Kit locker update - Judi Rastall 
 +  * 13:15 - LUNCH BREAK 
 +  *  
 +  * 14:00 - 16:30 ish - Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic.
  
 +During the afternoon our chairman, John Gowers, will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about MERG committee matters etc.
  
-----+The Bassetlaw Railway Society modelling rooms will be open, where the main 00 gauge layout will be operated by society members and other layouts will be on display, including a newly started N gauge, a nearly ready O gauge and a Triang TT.
  
-**AGENDA** +We will of course have our usual problem clinic providing General help on problems with kits or other electronic projectsbuildingtesting, problem solving etc.
- +
-The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times: +
- +
-  * 10:00 - Get connected, sort out any microphone/audio/video issues +
-  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions +
-  * 10:45 - Guided tour of my layout - Folkstone International - Martin Perry +
-  * 11:15 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) +
-  * 11:30 - The MERG modules on Folkstone International (PTP-LitePD3Servo4 etc) - Martin Perry +
-  * 12:00 - My terminus with loco release line, part 2 - Michael Newton +
-  * 12:30 - Lunch +
-  * 13:30 - QnA and anyone looking for advice and help on any projects+
  
 ---- ----
  
-For the QnA sessions, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar. 
  
-If you would like to join in, please go to the MERG website, select the menu option MEMBER LINKS->MY UPCOMING EVENTS, or go directly to [[https://merg.org.uk/membership/summary.php]], and you should see the details of this meeting together with the Zoom link to join in. +If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forumI will add you to the list and, a week or so before the meeting, you will get a reply with full details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get alongplease let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
- +
-Please don't share the Zoom links with anyone outside MERGor post them on any public social media or web page.+
  
-If you cannot see the details for East Midlands area group meetings, go to [[https://www.merg.org.uk/membership]] and make sure you are subscribed to the East Midlands area group. There is no requirement that you live in the East Midlandsany member can subscribe and join in. If you would like to introduce a visitor to the meeting, please email details to eastmids@merg.org.uk.+(Those who have already let me know that you are comingI will be sending out confirmation emails in the week before the meeting).
  
-If you still can't get the Zoom link, send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk and I'll email you the Zoom link, but with the new system that allows you to see the Zoom link directly from your events page, I no longer need to send out confirmation emails to everyone, you can just join in on the day.  
  
 ---- ----
  
-====== AUGUST 2020 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======+====== January 2024 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======
  
-**Saturday 29th August 2020 from 10:00**+Here is the agenda for our January online Zoom area group meeting. 
 + 
 +**Saturday 20th January 2024 from 10:00**
  
 This meeting will be online using Zoom. This meeting will be online using Zoom.
  
-As before, we have found that breaks of roughly 10-15 mins per hour worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again. +As before, we have found that regular breaks of roughly 10-15 mins worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again.
- +
- +
-----+
  
 +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
 **AGENDA** **AGENDA**
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 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times: The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
  
-  * 10:00 - Get connected, sort out any microphone/audio/video issues +  *  10:00 - Get connected, Informal chat 
-  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions +  *  10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions 
-  * 10:50 Tea/coffee break (make your own!) +  *  10:45 Essex Brick part 2 getting into using YAAT for automation Eddy 
-  * 11:00 Introduction to my terminus with loco release line, using modified Pocket Money Projects. Michael Newton +  *  11:30 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) 
-  * 11:15 - Update on my projects, including CANINP/CANOUT and the Universal Experimenters Module - Pete Brownlow +  *  11:45 My initial exploration of the Hornby HM7000 system David Page 
-  11:50 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) +  * 12:15 QnA on the above talks 
-  * 12:00 Charnwood my PTP Lite layout Judi Rastall +  * 12:30 - Kit and other news 
-  * 12:30 - PTP Lite QnA +  *  13:00 - LUNCH BREAK 
-  * 13:00 - Lunch +  *  14:00 on General QnA and help clinic
-  * 14:00 - QnA and anyone looking for advice and help on any projects+
  
 +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
----- +For the help clinic session in the afternoon, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.
- +
-For the QnA sessions, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.+
  
-If you would like to join in, please go to the MERG website, select the menu option MEMBER LINKS->MY UPCOMING EVENTS, or go directly to [[https://merg.org.uk/membership/summary.php]], and you should see the details of this meeting together with the Zoom link to join in.+If you would like to join in, please go to the MERG website, select the menu option MEMBER LINKS->MY UPCOMING EVENTS, or go directly to https://merg.org.uk/membership/summary.php, and you should see the details of this meeting together with the Zoom link to join in 
  
 Please don't share the Zoom links with anyone outside MERG, or post them on any public social media or web page. Please don't share the Zoom links with anyone outside MERG, or post them on any public social media or web page.
  
-If you cannot see the details for East Midlands area group meetings, go to [[https://www.merg.org.uk/membership]] and make sure you are subscribed to the East Midlands area group. There is no requirement that you live in the East Midlands, any member can subscribe and join in. If you would like to introduce a visitor to the meeting, please email details to eastmids@merg.org.uk.+If you cannot see the details for East Midlands area group meetings, go to https://www.merg.org.uk/membership and make sure you are subscribed to the East Midlands area group. There is no requirement that you live in the East Midlands, any member can subscribe and join in. If you would like to introduce a visitor to the meeting, please email their details to eastmids@merg.org.uk.
  
-If you still can't get the Zoom link, send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk and I'll email you the Zoom link, but with the new system that allows you to see the Zoom link directly from your events page, no longer need to send out confirmation emails to everyone, you can just join in on the day+If you still can't get the Zoom link, send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk and I'll email you the Zoom link
 + 
 +will send out the usual reminder email, it will go automatically to everyone who is subscribed to this area group.
  
 ---- ----
  
-====== JULY 2020 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ====== 
  
-**Saturday 18th July 2020 from 10:00** 
  
-This meeting will be online using Zoom.+====== December 2023 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======
  
-As before, we have found that breaks of roughly 10-15 mins per hour worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again.+Here is the agenda for our December 2023 online Zoom area group meeting.
  
 +**Saturday 9th December from 10:00**
  
-----+This meeting will be online using Zoom. 
 + 
 +As before, we have found that regular breaks of roughly 10-15 mins worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again.
  
 +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
 **AGENDA** **AGENDA**
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 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times: The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
  
-  * 10:00 - Get connected, sort out any microphone/audio/video issues +  *  10:00 - Get connected, Informal chat 
-  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions +  *  10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions 
-  * 10:50 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) +  *  10:45 - Essex Brick a lockdown to exhibition layout - Eddy 
-  * 11:00 My projects update and a demo of Voice Control using JMRI+CBUS - Pete Brownlow +  *  11:30 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) 
-  11:45 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) +  *  11:45 Update on my developments with DCC, CBUS and JMRI - Pete Brownlow 
-  * 12:00 - Locke Town - A tour around Roxeter and the PC that controls it.(A bit of a CBUS fest!) - by Nick Locke +   12:45 - QnA 
-  13:00 - Lunch Break +  *  13:00 - LUNCH BREAK 
-  * 14:00 - Kit locker Update +  *  14:00 on General QnA and help clinic
-  * 14:15 - QnA and anyone looking for advice and help on any projects+
  
----- +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- +
- +
-For the QnA sessions, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.+
  
-If you would like to join in, please go to the MERG website, select the menu option MEMBERS LINKS->YOUR EVENTS, or go directly to https://merg.org.uk/membership/summary.php, and you should see the details of this meeting together with the Zoom link to join in.+For the help clinic session in the afternoon, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.
  
-If you are not a MERG member and would like to participate as a visitor to the meetingplease email to eastmids@merg.org.uk.+If you would like to join in, please go to the MERG websiteselect the menu option MEMBER LINKS->MY UPCOMING EVENTS, or go directly to https://merg.org.uk/membership/summary.php, and you should see the details of this meeting together with the Zoom link to join in 
  
 Please don't share the Zoom links with anyone outside MERG, or post them on any public social media or web page. Please don't share the Zoom links with anyone outside MERG, or post them on any public social media or web page.
  
-If you are a MERG member and you cannot see the details for East Midlands area group meetings, go to https://www.merg.org.uk/membership and make sure you are subscribed to the East Midlands area group. There is no requirement that you live in the East Midlands, any member can subscribe and join in. +If you cannot see the details for East Midlands area group meetings, go to https://www.merg.org.uk/membership and make sure you are subscribed to the East Midlands area group. There is no requirement that you live in the East Midlands, any member can subscribe and join in. If you would like to introduce a visitor to the meeting, please email their details to eastmids@merg.org.uk.
  
-If you still can't get the Zoom link, send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk and I'll email you the Zoom link, but with the new system that allows you to see the Zoom link directly from your events page, I no longer need to send out confirmation emails to everyone for online meetings. Thanks to Allan and Martin S for all the work they have put into that system.+If you still can't get the Zoom link, send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk and I'll email you the Zoom link.
  
-This means you don't have to post a message on the forum or send an email to reserve a place at the meetingbut still feel free to post a message to let us know you will be there if you wish.+I will send out the usual reminder email, it will go automatically to everyone who is subscribed to this area group.
  
-I will send out the usual reminder emails to everyone subscribed to the area group in the next day or so, the updated membership system now allows me to do that without having to maintain a separate list of members email addresses, it will go automatically to everyone who is subscribed to this area group.+---- 
 +---- 
 +====== OCTOBER 2023 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
  
 +**Saturday 21st October 2023 from 10:00**
  
-----+The meeting is Kindly hosted by the Nene Valley Railway at Wansford. Thanks to MERG and NVR member Russ Jenner for arranging the venue for us.
  
-====== JUNE 2020 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======+We will ask for a donation of £5 per head to cover both the venue hire and teas/coffees for the day. If we collect more than the cost of hiring the venue and supplying refreshments, we will donate the difference to the NVR.
  
-**Sunday 28th June 2020 from 10:00**+The venue has level step free access and good parking. If you need a disabled space reserved, please let us know.
  
-This meeting will be online using Zoom.+There is a cafe on site, I will confirm arrangements, but most likely we will pass the menu around in the morning so you can order lunch if you wish.
  
-As before, we have found that breaks of 10-15 mins per hour worked wellto avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screensso we will plan to do the same again.+If the Wifi at the venue is working well enough, we will endeavour to have a Zoom connection for the morning meetingfor those who cannot come in person. Howeverthe meeting will be optimised for those who manage to get along, who will get the best experience.
  
 ---- ----
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 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times: The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
  
-  * 10:00 - Get connectedsort out any microphone/audio/video issues +  * 10:00 - ArrivalInformal chat and get to know the other members 
-  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions +  * 10:30 - Welcome to NVR and housekeeping - Russ Jenner 
-  * 10:45 - Kit Locker news Special +  * 10:35 - Group news and Introductions 
-  * 11:15 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) +  * 10:45 - CBUS and JMRI at Gwynne Junction - James Cunningham - including some or all of CANMIO Rev K, JMRI semaphore signalling, my JMRI touchscreen signal box and Railcom 
-  * 11:30 Progress with my Garden Railway Colin Head +  * 11:45 - Tea/coffee break 
-  * 12:15 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) +  * 12:00 MERG & kit locker updates Judi Rastall 
-  * 12:30 - CBUS and JMRI update, including CANINP and CANOUT - Pete Brownlow +  * 12:30 - The Universal Experimenters Module - Pete Brownlow 
-  * 13:00 - Lunch Break +  * 13:00 - LUNCH BREAK 
-  * 14:00 QnA and anyone looking for advice and help on any projects +  *  
- +  * 13:30 16:30 ish Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic
----- +
- +
- +
-For the QnA sessions, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.+
  
-If you would like to join in, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message here in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in the next couple of days, you will get a reply with Zoom link and meeting id. 
  
 ---- ----
  
-====== MAY 2020 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======+During the afternoon, as well as our usual help and problem solving clinic, Russ advises that the railwayana shop at NVR will be open which now has quite a lot of double 00 and a few N and O gauge second hand stock.
  
-**Saturday 16th May 2020 from 10:00**+If he can get the 00 layout running for the afternoon he will do so.
  
-This meeting will be online using Zoom.+Short trips to the NVR shed will be available during the afternoon.
  
-During our online courses, we found that breaks of 10-15 mins per hour worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screensso we will plan to do the same again.+It is a running day at NVR with 3 trainspulled by W D Austerity.
  
-----+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in the week before the meeting, you will get a reply with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers. Please don't just turn up on spec, in case there are last minute changes we need to let you know about.
  
 +Let us know if you need a lift from Peterborough station. Please plan to arrive at Peterborough station no later than 9:30am, so whoever picks you up does not have to miss any of the meeting.
  
-**AGENDA** +(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I have noted you and I will be sending out confirmation emails in the week before the meeting.)
- +
-The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times: +
- +
-  * 10:00 - Get connected, sort out any microphone/audio/video issues +
-  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions +
-  * 10:45 - Fitting crystal adapter boards to CBUS modules - Graham Clark +
-  * 11:15 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) +
-  * 11:30 - Update on my projects - Pete Brownlow +
-  * 12:00 - QnA and anyone looking for advice and help on any projects +
-  * 12:30 - Lunch Break +
-  * 13:30 - Kit locker update from Judi Rastal +
-  * 14:00 - Continuation of QnA and advice clinic, until everyone has had enough!+
  
  
 ---- ----
 +====== JULY 2023 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
  
 +**Saturday 8th July 2023 from 10:00**
  
-For the QnA sessionsif you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.+Due to Judi's building work not being complete in timewe have swapped the venues for our July and September meetings.
  
-If you would like to join in, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list andduring the Friday before the meetingyou will get a reply with Zoom link and meeting id.+This meeting will now be at Aisthorpe Village Hallnear LincolnKindly hosted by Lincoln & District Model Railway Club (L&DMRC) at Scampton and Aisthorpe Village hall, near Lincoln.
  
-----+Thanks to Richard Joyce for organising the venue for us.
  
 +Tea and Coffee will be available all day, please bring your own packed lunch as there are no other facilities nearby.
  
-====== APRIL 2020 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======+We will ask for a donation of £5 per head to cover the venue hire and teas/coffees. Note that one payment covers both, you don't need to pay separately for the teas and coffees. If we collect more than the cost of hiring the venue and refreshments, we will donate the difference to L&DMRC.
  
-Here is the agenda for our Easter online area group meeting.+The venue has level step free access and reasonable parking. If you need a disabled space reserved, please let us know.
  
-**Saturday 11th April 2020 from 10:00**+Provided the Internet connection at the venue is working well, we will have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. I will add a Zoom link to the meeting info, so that it appears in your upcoming meetings on the MERG website.
  
-This meeting would have been at the Kingsway Centre in Wellingborough, home to Kingsway Model Railway SocietyThanks are due to Kingsway Cenetre and KMRSand hopefully we can re-schedule another meeting there at some time in the future.+More details of parking and how to find the venue will be included in your confirmation email when you book your placePlease remember to book a place and not just turn up on specin case there are any changes we need to let you know about.
  
-In the meantime, this meeting will now be online using Zoom. +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- +
-During our online courses, we found that breaks of 10-15 mins per hour worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will follow that idea for the area group meeting. +
- +
-----+
  
 **AGENDA** **AGENDA**
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 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times: The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
  
-  * 10:00 - Get connectedsort out any microphone/audio/video issues+  * 10:00 - ArrivalInformal chat and get to know the other members
   * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions   * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
-  * 10:45 - Kit locker update Judi Rastall +  * 10:45 - Introduction to the Lincoln & District Model Railway Club Richard Joyce 
-  * 11:15 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) +  * 10:50 - The CANPROG - what it is, building one, using it to program PICs - Pete Brownlow 
-  * 11:30 - CBUS & JMRI update Pete Brownlow +  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break 
-  * 12:15 - Another break +  * 11:45 Update on FCU development (CBUS FLim Config Utility) Julian Pratt 
-  * 12:30 QnA and anyone looking for advice and help on any projects +  * 12:15 - Kit locker update Judi Rastall 
-  * 13:30 Lunch Break +  * 13:00 LUNCH BREAK 
-  * 14:30 Optional continuation of QnA and advice clinicif we hadn't finished in the morning+  * 14:00 16:00 ish - Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic - including FCU tutorial if requested
  
-----+There should also be a chance to see some of the L&DMRC layouts.
  
-For the QnA sessions, if you have built something and would like any help and adviceplease be ready to wave it at the cameraand we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.+We will of course have our usual problem clinic providing General help on problems with kits or other electronic projectsbuildingtesting, problem solving, techniques such as soldering etc. 
 +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
-If you would like to join in, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message here in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, during tomorrow Friday, course, you will get a reply with Zoom link and meeting id.+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in the week before the meeting, you will get a reply with full details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
  
-I will also host test Zoom meeting at 7pm on Friday eveningfor anyone who wants to test out that they can get connected ok before the meeting proper.+Please book place rather than just turning up on specif there are any last minute changes we need to know who is coming so that we can contact you.
  
 +(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I will be sending out confirmation emails in the week before the meeting).
  
-----+====== May 2023 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======
  
-====== MARCH 2020 East Midlands area group meeting ======+Here is the agenda for our May 2023 online Zoom area group meeting.
  
-**Saturday 14th March 2020 from 10:00**+**Saturday 27th May from 10:00**
  
-Our March meeting is Kindly hosted by the Historical Model Railway Society (HMRS) at their Museum and Study Centre located at The Midland Railway Centre, Swanwick Junction, near Derby. +This meeting will be online using Zoom.
-(See http://www.hmrs.org.uk) +
- +
-We will ask for a donation of £2 per head to cover teas/coffees and a donation to HMRS for our use of the room. +
- +
-I have been advised that there will be no catering on site that day, other than the teas and coffees, so you will need to bring a packed lunch. +
- +
-The meeting room is upstairs, but HMRS have a platform stair lift which I have confirmed is working, so step free access is available. The platform should accept a standard wheelchair, but will not take the larger mobility scooters. When confirming your place, please let us know if you have any mobility requirements. +
- +
- +
-----+
  
 +As before, we have found that breaks of roughly 10-15 mins per hour worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again.
  
 +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
 **AGENDA** **AGENDA**
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 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times: The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
  
-  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members +  *  10:00 - Get connected, Informal chat 
-  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions +  *  10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions 
-  * 10:45 - An Arduino based timed shuttle Jeremy Cole +  *  10:45 - MERG and kit locker news 
-  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break +  *  11:00 FCU (CBUS Config utility) - development news and status - Pete Brownlow 
-  * 12:00 - CBUS/CANMIO update & building CBUS modules that are not yet in the kit locker Pete Brownlow +  *  11:30 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) 
-  * 13:00 - MERG Kit locker Update Judi Rastall – News on new/updated kits, availability, changes to the kit locker+  *  11:45 WebFCU (alternative CBUS config utility) - David Ellis 
 +  *  12:15 - From the MERG chairman John Gowers 
 +  * 12:45 - MERG AGM event possible East Mids Area group involvement 
 +  *  13:00 - LUNCH BREAK 
 +  *  14:00 on - General QnA and help clinic
  
-  * 13:30 LUNCH BREAK+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
-  * 14:30 - 16:30ish - Making it work: Practical session & problem clinic plus demos & Soldering help (inc surface mount) with John Gowers+For the QnA sessions, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.
  
 +If you would like to join in, please go to the MERG website, select the menu option MEMBER LINKS->MY UPCOMING EVENTS, or go directly to https://merg.org.uk/membership/summary.php, and you should see the details of this meeting together with the Zoom link to join in 
  
-----+Please don't share the Zoom links with anyone outside MERG, or post them on any public social media or web page.
  
 +If you cannot see the details for East Midlands area group meetings, go to https://www.merg.org.uk/membership and make sure you are subscribed to the East Midlands area group. There is no requirement that you live in the East Midlands, any member can subscribe and join in. If you would like to introduce a visitor to the meeting, please email their details to eastmids@merg.org.uk.
  
-For the practical sessionsas we have done before, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you as a demonstration for all those interested.+If you still can't get the Zoom linksend an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk and I'll email you the Zoom link.
  
-If you already know what you want help on for this session, please email or post the details in advance so we can gen-up on it and look like we know what we are talking about!+I will send out the usual reminder email to everyone subscribed to the area group, it will go automatically to everyone who is subscribed to this area group.
  
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in due course, you will get a reply with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information. Let us know if you need a lift from a nearby station - Alfreton is the closest.+---- 
 +====== APRIL 2023 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
  
-(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I will be sending out confirmation emails in the next few days.)+**Saturday 8th April 2023 from 10:00**
  
 +Here is the agenda for our April meeting.
  
-----+This meeting is Kindly hosted by the The Kingsway Model Railway Society (KMRS) at the Kingsway Centre in Wellingborough.
  
-====== OCTOBER 2019 East Midlands area group meeting ======+We will ask for a donation of £5 per head to cover the venue hire and teas/coffees. Note that one payment covers both, you don't need to pay separately for the teas and coffees. If we collect more than the cost of hiring the venue and refreshments, we will donate the difference to KMRS.
  
-**Saturday 26th October 2019 from 9:30**+The venue has level step free access and good parking. If you need a disabled space reserved, please let us know.
  
-Kindly hosted by the Nene Valley Railway in their Study Centre meeting room at Wansford+You can either bring a packed lunch or nip out to somewhere locally, the town centre is about 5 minutes drive away and there is a co-op shop a few minutes walk away.
  
-Thanks to Russ Jenner for organising the venue for us.+Provided the Internet connection at the venue is working, we will have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. I will add a Zoom link to the meeting info, so that it appears in your upcoming meetings on the MERG website.
  
-This is an Arduino themed meeting+More details of parking and how to find the venue will be included in your confirmation email when you book your place. Please remember to book a place and not just turn up on spec, in case there are any changes we need to let you know about, and so we now how many people to cater for.
  
-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
 **AGENDA** **AGENDA**
  
-  * 09:30 Members arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members +  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members 
-  * 10:00 Group news and events update +  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions 
-  * 10:15 Introduction to Arduino Alex Hamilton +  * 10:40 - Introduction to the Kingsway Model Railway Society Roger Barker 
-  * 11:15 Coffee Break +  * 10:45 - CBUS update - what has been happening in the CBUS world - Pete Brownlow 
-  * 11:30 Case studies of Arduino in model railway projects Duncan Greenwood +  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break 
-  * 12:30 Lunch  +  * 11:45 - The new improved MERG ATC system - Mike Collins 
-  * 13:30 Kit locker news - Judi Rastall +  * 12:30 Kit locker update - Judi Rastall 
-  * 14:00 Afternoon practical sessions, including:+  * 13:00 - LUNCH BREAK 
 +  * 14:00 - 16:30 ish - Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic
  
-          A chance to talk in more detail with our speakers +The Kingsway Model Railway Society 00 gauge layout will be open and partially running (one corner currently has an engineering possession for relaying the track). This uses the MERG DCC system and CBUS. The N gauge layout will also be set up. Pete will also have the Missenden St Mary's layout set up and running.
-           +
-          Various Arduino demos by MERG members and others +
-           +
-          Our usual practical problem solving clinic session +
-           +
-          We may also have some NVR signal box tours available organised by Russ Jenner+
  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+Feel free if you want to bring something to run, the 00 layouts are DCC, the N gauge layout is analogue.
  
-We will ask for £2 per head to cover the room hire cost and £1 each in the "honesty box" will cover as many teas and coffees as you want all day. This money will all go to the Nene Valley Railway.+We will of course have our usual problem clinic providing General help on problems with kits or other electronic projects, building, testing, problem solving, techniques such as soldering etc. 
 +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
-A selection of MERG kits will be available for purchase. If you have specific requirements, then it would be best to pre-order what you want from the kit locker for collection at the meetingas we will only have selection of stock at the meeting.+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, before the eventyou will get reply with full details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
  
-The NVR cafe will be open from about 8:30 for bacon butties or full breakfastand also open at lunchtime. However, as it is a running weekend including Thomas the Tank Engine, it may be very busy. For that reason, we have scheduled lunch fairly earlyand we will probably make arrangements to pre-order during the morning.+Please book a place rather than just turning up on specif there are any last minute changes we need to know who is coming so that we can contact you. 
 +Regards,
  
-The meeting room is step-free accessible. If you need a disabled parking space reserved close up, please let us know.+Pete
  
-For those who would like to come by train, we can arrange to collect you from Peterborough station or, if you can get there early enough, I can collect from Wellingborough station on my way to the meeting about 7:30am. 
  
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. You will get a reply in due course with full address details and directions to the venue. 
  
-Members from outside the East Midlands are always welcome at our meetings, as are visitors. Please just let us know you are coming so we can plan for the numbers expected. 
  
----- 
  
 +====== SEPTEMBER 2022 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
  
-====== AUGUST 2019 East Midlands area group meeting ======+**Saturday 3rd September 2022 from 10:00**
  
-**Saturday 17th August 2019 from 10:00**+Here is the agenda for our September meeting.
  
-Kindly hosted by David Straker at his place in Leicester.+This meeting is Kindly hosted by the The Kingsway Model Railway Society at the Kingsway Centre in Wellingborough.
  
-Weather permitting, there will be an opportunity to see and operate David's 'O' gauge garden layoutVictoria to Beckenham Junction.+We will ask for a donation of £5 per head to cover the venue hire and teas/coffees. Note that one payment covers both this time, you don't need to pay separately for the teas and coffees. If we collect more than the cost of hiring the venue and refreshmentswe will donate the difference to KMRS.
  
-Collection can be arranged from Leicester station for those who would like to come by train.+The venue has level step free access and good parking. If you need a disabled space reserved, please let us know.
  
-Tea and coffee will be provided, please bring your own packed lunch.+You can either bring packed lunch or nip out to somewhere locally, the town centre is about 5 minutes drive away.  There is a co-op shop a few minutes walk away.
  
-The meeting is on the ground floor and easily accessible with no steps.+Provided the Internet connection at the venue is working, we will have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. I will add a Zoom link to the meeting info, so that it appears in your upcoming meetings on the MERG website.
  
 +More details of parking and how to find the venue will be included in your confirmation email when you book your place. PLease remember to book a place and not just turn up on spec, in case there are any changes we need to let you know about.
  
 ---- ----
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 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times: The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
  
-  * 10:00 Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members +  * 10:00 Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members 
-  * 10:30 Welcome David Straker +  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions 
-  * 10:40 Introductions and group news +  * 10:40 - Introduction to the Kingsway Model Railway Society - Roger barker 
-  * 10:50 Kit locker Update Judi Rastall +  * 10:45 Turntable Tales - My journey so far with the Peco Turntable and MERG Turntable Controller - kit John Wood\\ (Also includes using Julian's auto-reverser to power the deck) 
-  * 11:15 Short coffee break +  * 11:15 - Tea/coffee break 
-  * 11:30 CBUS enhancements to JMRI, demo and discussion - Steve Young +  * 11:30 - DCC and CBUS new developments with live demo - Pete Brownlow\\ (Including new features in CANCMD, CANCOMPUTE and development news on CANMIO (Universal) ) 
-  * 12:15 Finding your way around the MERG website, forum and wiki - Pete Brownlow +  * 13:00 - LUNCH BREAK
-  * 13:00 Lunch bring your own packed lunch (tea and coffee provided)+
  
-  * 13:30 A chance to operate David Straker's 'O' gauge garden railway 
-  * in parallel with: 
-  * 13:30 Making it work - our usual problem solving clinic 
  
-  * 16:00 “Wrap up” discussion, confirm next meeting and thanks to our host+  * 14:00 - 16:30 ish - Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic
  
 +
 +The Kingsway Model Railway Society 00 gauge layout will be open and running, this uses the MERG DCC system and CBUS. The N gauge layout will also be set up.  Pete will also have the Missenden St Mary's layout set up and running.
 +
 +Feel free if you want to bring something to run,  the 00 layouts are DCC, the N gauge layout is analogue.
 +
 +We will of course have our usual problem clinic providing General help on problems with kits or other electronic projects, building, testing, problem solving, techniques such as soldering etc. 
  
 ---- ----
  
  
-If you would like to bring anything to run on David's layoutit is 'O' gauge with dead trackso battery and radio control is usually the best bet.+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list andin a day or two, you will get a reply with full detailsdirections to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers 
  
-There will be some kits available for purchasebut we can only bring a selection so If you want any specific kits, you would be best to order them in advance from the kit locker and specify collection at the Leicester area group meeting at the checkout page.+Please book a place rather than just turning up on specif there are any last minute changes we need to know who is coming so that we can contact you.
  
-For the clinic session, as we have done before, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you as a demonstration for everyone. If you know in advance what you would like to get sortedlet us know in advance so we can gen up on it.+(Those who have already let me know that you are comingI will be sending out confirmation emails in the next few days). 
 +---- 
 +====== JULY 2022 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
  
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. You will get a reply with full address details and directions to the venue. (If you have already done so - your confirmation email should arrive in the next day or two)+**Saturday 9th July 2022 from 10:00**
  
-If you would like to come by train, please let us know if you need a lift from the stationIf coming by train, please plan to arrive at Leicester station by about 09:45 so that whoever comes to pick you up does not have to miss any of the meeting.+The meeting is Kindly hosted by the Nene Valley Railway at WansfordThanks to MERG and NVR member Russ Jenner for arranging the venue for us.
  
-All visitors, and MERG members from outside the East Midlandsare always welcome at our area group meetings.+We will ask for a donation of £5 per head to cover both the venue hire and teas/coffees for the day. If we collect more than the cost of hiring the venue and supplying refreshmentswe will donate the difference to the NVR.
  
-----+The venue has level step free access and good parking. If you need a disabled space reserved, please let us know.
  
 +There is a cafe on site, we will pass the menu around in the morning so you can order lunch if you wish.
  
-====== SUMMER 2019 East Midlands area group meeting ======+If the Wifi at the venue is working well enough, we will endevour have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. However, the meeting will be optimised for those who manage to get along, who will get the best experience.
  
-**Sunday 7th July 2019 from 10:00**+It is a running day on the NVR, purple timetable, scheduled to be a mix of steam and the Peak diesel. See the NVR website for more details.
  
-Kindly hosted by Julie and Brian Chapman at their place in Skegness. 
  
-Collection can be arranged from Skegness station for those who would like to come by train.+----
  
-Full details and directions to the venue will be confirmed to those attending. 
  
 **AGENDA** **AGENDA**
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 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times: The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
  
-  * 10:00 Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members +  * 10:00 Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members 
-  * 10:30 IntroductionsGroup news, future meetings etc. +  * 10:30 - Welcomegroup news and Introductions 
-  * 10:45 Driving and firing a steam locomotiveand how to apply this to correct use of a steam sound decoder : John Gowers +  * 10:40 - Developing FCU - progress and challengesDavid Radcliffe 
-  * 11:45 Short tea/coffee break +  * 11:20 - Tea/coffee break 
-  * 12:00 Report on a recent visit to Minatur Wunderland with some photos and video Pete Brownlow +  * 11:30 Colin Head - Demo and progress report on my layout (which has no name yet!) 
-  * 12:45 Kit locker update - Judi Rastall+  * 12:10 - MERG & kit locker updates - Judi Rastall 
 +  * 12:30 - LUNCH BREAK
  
-  * 13:00 Lunch   +  * 13:30 - 16:30 ish Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic
-  +
-  * 14:00 Making it work - practical sessions and problem clinic on any members projects, MERG kits or anything else. +
-  * 16:00 Final discussion, confirm next meeting and thanks to our hosts+
  
 +Note: "FCU" is the FLiM Config Utility, used to configure CBUS modules from a computer
  
 ---- ----
  
 +If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message here in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in due course, you will get a reply with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
  
-As always, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you during the afternoon clinic as a demonstration for everyone.+Let us know if you need a lift from Peterborough station. Please plan to arrive at Peterborough station no later than 9:30am, so whoever picks you up does not have to miss any of the meeting.
  
-There will be some kits available to buybut if you want something specificI would recommend ordering it from the kit locker now and marking it for collection at the meeting.+Those who have already let us know that you are coming, you should have received a confirmation email with directions, parkinglunch details etc. If you have not received your confirmation emailplease get in touch.
  
-Julie and Brian can accommodate a maximum of 20 people, so it will be first come first served for booking a place.+---- 
 +====== APRIL 2022 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
  
-Parking is quite limited, with double yellow lines on all roads nearby, Brian and the next door neighbour can accommodate about 10-12 cars max on the driveway. So please car share as much as possible. If it looks like we will have too many cars, then we will identify a car park in the vicinity where people can meet up and come on to the venue in one car.+**Saturday  16th April 2022 from 10:00**
  
-The venue is accessible. There are two steps but wheelchair ramps are available if required. If you need a parking space reserved on Brian's drive, please let us know.+This meeting is Kindly hosted by the The Kingsway Model Railway Society at the Kingsway Centre in Wellingborough.
  
-Tea/Coffee and biscuits will be available all day, bacon butties will be available in the morningPlease indicate when bookingif you would like a buttie, so Julie has a idea of numbers.+We will ask for a donation of £5 per head to cover the venue hire and teas/coffeesNote that one payment covers both this time, you don't need to pay separately for the teas and coffees. If we collect more than the cost of hiring the venue and refreshments, we will donate the difference to KMRS.
  
-Let us know if you need a lift from the station. If arriving by train, please plan to arrive at Skegness station no later than 10am so that whoever picks you up does not have to miss any of the meeting.+The venue has level step free access and good parking. If you need a disabled space reserved, please let us know.
  
-If you would like to comeplease send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forumYou will get reply, in due course, with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information.+You can either bring a packed lunch or nip out to somewhere locally, the town centre is about 5 minutes drive away There is co-op shop a few minutes walk away.
  
-For those who have already indicated you would like to comeI will be sending out confirmation emails over the next few days.+We will have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. I have added the Zoom link to the meeting infoso that it appears in your upcoming meetings on the MERG website.
  
-----+More details of parking and how to find the venue will be included in your confirmation email when you book your place.
  
-====== EASTER 2019 East Midlands area group meeting ======+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
-**Saturday 20th April 2019 from 10:00**+**AGENDA**
  
-Our next meeting is Kindly hosted by the Kingsway Model Railway Society (KMRS) in Wellingborough.+The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
  
-KMRS is a small club that has a room in the Kingsway Centre in Wellingboroughwhere a small 00 gauge layout is under construction. They also have portable N gauge and 009 layouts at various stages of development. The society uses the meeting room in the centre for their weekly club meetings.+  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members 
 +  * 10:30 - Welcomegroup news and Introductions 
 +  * 10:35 - Introduction to the Kingsway Model Railway Society - Roger barker 
 +  * 10:45 - My CBUS & JMRI journey - Julian Pratt (held over from the previous meeting) 
 +  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break 
 +  * 11:45 - Kit locker update - news about MERG kits - Judi Rastall 
 +  * 12:15 - CBUS update - developments and things I am working on - Pete Brownlow
  
-Normally it is not possible to hire the meeting room at weekends, as there are regular weekly meetings on Saturdays and Sundays by a language class and a dance school.+  * 13:00 - LUNCH BREAK
  
-However, neither of these organisations are meeting on Easter Saturday 20th April, so we have been able to hire the room.+  * 14:00 - 16:30 ish - Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic
  
-Collection can be arranged from Wellingborough station for those who would like to come by train.+The Kingsway Model Railway Society 00 gauge layout will be open and running, this uses the MERG DCC system and CBUS. The N gauge layout will also be set up.
  
-We will ask for a donation of £2.50 per head to cover the room hireand £1 each in the pot to cover teas/coffees biscuits etc. for the day. Any excess over the costs will be donated to KMRS.+We will of course have our usual problem clinic providing General help on problems with kits or other electronic projects, buildingtesting, problem solving etc. There will also be the chance to operate the Kingsway 00 gauge layout using the MERG DCC system.
  
-There is a Sainsbury's with a cafe less than 5 minutes drive away, and a local convenience store about 350yds away, or bring your own packed lunch.+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
-The venue is level access with no stairs. If you need disabled car parking space reserved close to the door, please let me know.+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in a day or two, you will get a reply with full details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
  
 +(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I will be sending out confirmation emails in the next day or two).
 ---- ----
 +====== FEBRUARY 2022 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
  
-**AGENDA**+**Saturday 26th February 2022 from 10:00**
  
-The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:+This meeting is Kindly hosted by the The Bassetlaw (North Notts) Railway Society at their clubrooms on Retford Railway Station.
  
-  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members +Thanks to MERG and Bassetlaw Railway Society member Julian Pratt for arranging the venue for us.
-  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions +
-  * 11:00 - CBUS update, developments and news - by Pete Brownlow +
-  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break +
-  * 11:45 - Setting up JMRI routes with CBUS by Graham Clark+
  
-JMRI is a free software program for computer controlGraham will show how he used it to set up routing using the MERG CBUS system. Graham is bring a demo board, and invites questions and discussion after his presentation.+The Bassetlaw Railway Society are not charging us for the use of the roombut we will ask for a donation of £2 per head to cover the cost of teas & coffees and make a donation to the Society.
  
-  * 12:30 MERG DCC and CBUS on the KMRS 00 layout+Parking is available in the station car park at a cost of £5. You can of course come by train to Retford Station.
  
-Pete will describe his experiencestribulations and future plans installing the MERG DCC system and CBUS accessory control on the layout at KMRS, together with live demos on the layout itselfwhich is in the room adjoining our meeting.+If we can get a Wi-Fi connection at the venuewe will have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. However, I understand we are reliant on the LNER hosted Wi-Fi at the stationso we don't yet know if this will be possible.
  
-  * 13:15 - LUNCH BREAK +Numbers will be limited to 20, to ensure reasonable separation. Mask wearing is now optional, please make your own choice. We would recommend that everyone takes a lateral flow test before coming.
- +
-  * 14:30 - 16:00 ish - Making it work - Practical workshop session and problem clinic+
  
  
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-For the practical sessions, as we have done before, if you have built something and/or would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you as a demonstration for everyone.+**AGENDA**
  
-If you already know what you want help on for this sessionplease email the details in advance so we can gen-up on it and look like we know what we are talking about!+The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
  
-Although the main presentations are quite CBUS-centric this timewe will of course cover anything and everything during the afternoon workshop session.+  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members 
 +  * 10:30 Welcomegroup news and Introductions 
 +  * 10:40 - The Bassetlaw (North Notts) Railway Society - Julian Pratt 
 +  * 10:50 - Different cabs for the MERG DCC system - Simon West, John Gowers & Pete Brownlow 
 +  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break 
 +  * 11:45 - Different cabs for the MERG DCC system - continued 
 +  * 12:15 - Kit locker update - Judi Rastall 
 +  * 12:30 - My CBUS & JMRI journey - Julian Pratt
  
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in due course, you will get a reply with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information.+  * 13:00 - LUNCH BREAK
  
-If you are planning to come by trainlet us know if you need a lift from Wellingborough station. Please plan to arrive at Wellingborough station no later than 10am so that whoever comes to pick you up does not have to miss any of the meeting.+  * 14:00 - 16:30 ish - Demonstrationssoldering clinic and practical problems help clinic
  
  
-----+The cabs session will cover basic how to use the MERG DCC system, circuit designs, the standard MERG CANCAB and other variations designed by members.
  
-====== FEBRUARY 2019 East Midlands area group meeting ======+During the afternoon John Gowers will provide a soldering clinic, both through hole and surface mount.
  
-**Saturday 23rd February 2019 from 10:00**+We will of course have our usual problem clinic providing General help on problems with kits or other electronic projects, building, testing, problem solving etc.
  
-Our next meeting is Kindly hosted by the Historical Model Railway Society (HMRS) at their Museum and Study Centre located at The Midland Railway Centre, Swanwick Junction. +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-(See http://www.hmrs.org.uk)+
  
-Firstly an apology for the clash with the Newark show, which I missed when booking the venue for this date. If anyone is not planning to come to this meetingbut could help with the MERG stand at Newark on the Saturday, or if anyone can help at that show on Sunday, then please contact the exhibition manger on exhibitions@merg.org.uk +If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list andin a few days, you will get a reply with full details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
-   +
-For our area group meetingcollection can be arranged from a nearby station for those who would like to come by train.+
  
-Visitors are always welcome at our area group meetings.+(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I will be sending out confirmation emails in the next few days.)
  
-We will ask for a donation of £2 per head to cover teas/coffees and a donation to HMRS for our use of the room. 
  
-I will check and confirm if the buffet on site will be open on that day, serving refreshments, they have a range from light snacks to full meals. Alternatively, you can bring a packed lunch if you prefer.+---- 
 +====== JANUARY 2022 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======
  
-Steam trains will be running on the day between Butterley and Swanwick Junction, however the first train is not until 11:00 so too late to use it as transport to the meeting. Details of the timetable can be found here http://www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/event/+Here is the agenda for our January 2022 online area group meeting.
  
-The meeting room is upstairs, but HMRS have platform stair lift which I will double check is working, so step free access is available. The platform should accept a standard wheelchair, but will not take the larger mobility scooters. When confirming your place, please let us know if you have any mobility requirements.+**Saturday 15th January from 10:00**
  
-----+This meeting will be online using Zoom. 
 + 
 +As before, we have found that breaks of roughly 10-15 mins per hour worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again. 
 + 
 +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
 **AGENDA** **AGENDA**
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 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times: The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
  
-  * 10:00 - ArrivalInformal chat and get to know the other members +  * 10:00 - Get connectedsort out any microphone/audio/video issues, have a chat. 
-  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions  +  * 10:30 - Welcome and Introductions 
-  * 10:45 - Decoder Pro by Colin Head+  * 10:45 - - CBUS miscellany - Pete Brownlow
  
-  Decoder Pro is part of the JMRI software program, and can be used to set up the CV settings on DCC locos.  Colin will show how this is done with live demonstrations.+    Latest CANMO (Universal) firmware release 
 +    * Using RFID and Railcom in JMRI 
 +    * CBUS control panels for Burnden Park 
 +    * Any other CBUS updates
  
-  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break +  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!) 
-  * 12:00 - CBUS on Kimble by John Gowers+  * 11:45 - Kit locker update - Judi Rastall 
 +  * 12:00 - Lunch break 
 +  * 13:00 QnA and anyone looking for advice and help on any projects
  
-  * John will describe his trials and tribulations implementing MERG DCC and CBUS on the 'O' gauge "Kimble" exhibition layout at the Leamington & Warwick Model Railway Society.+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
-  * 13:00 - MERG Kit locker Update - Judi Rastall – News on new/updated kitsavailability, what is coming soon.+For the QnA sessionsif you have built something and would like any help and adviceplease be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.
  
-  * 13:30 LUNCH BREAK+If you would like to join in, please go to the MERG website, select the menu option MEMBER LINKS->MY UPCOMING EVENTS, or go directly to https://merg.org.uk/membership/summary.php, and you should see the details of this meeting together with the Zoom link to join in (NoteI updated the link earlier this week as there was a problem with the original one posted)
  
-  * 14:30 - 16:30 ish - Making it work - Practical session and problem clinic+Please don't share the Zoom links with anyone outside MERG, or post them on any public social media or web page.
  
-----+If you cannot see the details for East Midlands area group meetings, go to https://www.merg.org.uk/membership and make sure you are subscribed to the East Midlands area group. There is no requirement that you live in the East Midlands, any member can subscribe and join in. If you would like to introduce a visitor to the meeting, please email their details to eastmids@merg.org.uk.
  
 +If you still can't get the Zoom link, send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk and I'll email you the Zoom link.
  
-During introductions, we like to go round the room and each member can give a very brief summary (about 30 seconds max) of who they arewhere they are from, what they are modelling in. Also please tell us what subject you would like to see at a future meeting.+I will send out the usual reminder email to everyone subscribed to the area group soonit will go automatically to everyone who is subscribed to this area group.
  
-For the practical sessions, as we have done before, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you as a demonstration for everyone.+----
  
-If you already know what you want help on for this session, please email the details in advance so we can gen-up on it and look like we know what we are talking about! 
  
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in due course, you will get a reply with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information. Let us know if you need a lift from a nearby station.+====== Details of Earlier East Midlands Area Group meetings ======
  
-(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I will be sending out confirmation emails in the next day or so.)+[[areagroups:emag:eastmidsarchivedmeetings|Details of previous East Midlands Area Group meetings]]\\ 
 +and [[areagroups:emag:eastmid|Details of more previous East Midlands Area Group meetings]]\\ 
 +NB. These links are for MERG members only.
  
----- 
- 
-====== Details of Earlier East Midlands Area Group meetings ====== 
  
-[[public:eastmidsarchivedmeetings|Details of previous East Midlands Area Group meetings]] 
  
 +{{tag>AGS_1}}
public/eastmids.1603797324.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/10/27 11:15 by PeteB

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