Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- public:vag [2020/07/03 09:03] – uppermill
+++ public:vag [2020/07/03 09:11] – uppermill
@@ Line 87: / Line 87: @@
 </WRAP>
+=== How are Topics Chosen? ===
+<WRAP info round>
-====== MERG Virtual Area Group ======
-The Virtual Area Group uses a Zoom video call to meet every Tuesday for an hour or more.
-===== Meeting Schedule =====
-<ORG34>ALL|80|28</ORG34>
-The times vary to try and make the calls work for different time zones. We regularly welcome members from: -
-  * Australia\\
-  * Canada\\
-  * Iceland\\
-  * Ireland\\
-  * UK\\
-  * USA.\\
-Calls are recorded and made available to all members through MERG TV; presentation materials are also available.
-===== Area Group Coordinator =====
-Allan Geekie - you can contact Allan using the [[https://www.merg.org.uk/areagroup.php?area=28|MERG Area Group contact form]]\\
-===== Meeting Topics =====
 In April 2020 we carried out a poll of VAG members and the following topics were identified as the most popular: -
@@ Line 121: / Line 95: @@
   * How kits work - a series of calls, each discussing the how one particular kit works - now schuduled
   * Types and use of baseboard connectors - covered in Demystifying Components -Wires and Connectors
-  * Oscilloscopes and logic analysers for hobbyists - being planned as a two part course.
+  * Oscilloscopes and logic analysers for hobbyists - now scheduled
   * Using the FCU - a multi part course is being considered including the use of the FCU to configure individual 2nd generation modules.
-  * Testing boards (use of various pieces of test equipment and the way to go about it) - A Test Gear Buyers Guide is already scheduled; other calls to be added.
+  * Testing boards (use of various pieces of test equipment and the way to go about it) - A Test Gear Buyers Guide has already been presented.
   * Neater Methods of under board wiring
@@ Line 138: / Line 112: @@
 Members can suggest topics at any time using the member email system.
+</WRAP>
+=== How do Video Calls Work? ===
+<WRAP round tip>
+The calls last one hour and to participate, members need a mobile phone, tablet or a PC / Mac with a camera and microphone.
+Calls are scheduled in advance and are held on each Tuesday of each month at 10:00, 12:30 or 18:30 GMT or BST. Topics are agreed in advance.
+When it is time to start a call, a voice and video conference is opened up which has thumbnails of each video participant and any shared presentations or desktops. The call leader facilitates the call and the discussions and tries to get through the agenda in the agreed time. Zoom has two views available. The first is the speaker view which selects the video stream from the person speaking. The second is Gallery view which shows streams from all participants.
+<WRAP button>[[help:making_video_calls|Want help in making video calls?]]</WRAP>
+If you would like to try out Zoom, then there is a test meeting service where you are the only participant and you can experiment with the various options available.
-----
+<WRAP button>[[http://zoom.us/test|Test Zoom]]</WRAP>
-Members can access more information [[areagroups:vag:vag_page_internal|here]].
+This link is available to anybody, not just members of the virtual area group.
+</WRAP>