NEW VENUE

The Computer & Digital Photography Group's
meet at the Bethany Baptist Church, Neddern Way, Caldicot.
Every Friday 9.30am to 1.00pm.

From Friday 12th November 2010 all our meetings will be
held at our new location in the Bethany Baptist Church.

To find your way to our new venue go all the way to the
end of Sandy Lane in Caldicot, take the last turn right
into Neddern Way.

Drive to the end of Neddern Way and turn left into the
car park.

*(Please ensure you pass the green bushes on the left
before you turn into the car park.)

 

Computer Group Photo Award for 2010-2011

The certificates for the Annual Digital Photo Competition "Worker of the Year"
were awarded by Jim Hill, our U3A chairman to:-

*please click the image below to access a larger photograph

Photo: Ann Taylor-Heard

1st   Ann Taylor-Heard: 2nd  Pat Dawe: & 3rd  Paul Bennett:

 

2010 - Computer Group Christmas Lunch held at Dewstow Golf Club 

*Please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our Christmas Lunch

 

Although our lunch this year was in February 2011 everyone seemed to make the most of a chance to enjoy themselves, normally we are trying to keep warm and looking forward to springtime. 

 

Our convenor Pat Dawe thanked everyone that had helped throughout the year to make our group the success that it was and she was now looking forward to another year as successful as 2010.

 

 

Global Positioning System
a talk by John Protheroe, Caldicot U3A Walking Group

History: The system of Global Positioning in use today is based on a system of radio navigation (‘the Gee system’) developed in the 1940’s, partly by Dr. Robert J. Dippy. It used by bomber crews to navigate their way to enemy targets. This was used over short range, and American forces developed the ‘Loran System’  for more distant targets.

When the Soviet Union launched the first Sputnik in 1957, many people say the potential for determining location using radio signals from satellites. A team of American scientists led by Dr Richard Kershner were monitoring Sputnik radio transmissions; they found that because of the Doppler Effect, signal frequency was higher on approach and lower when moving away from them. So by measuring the changes in frequency, and knowing their own position, they could calculate the position of the Russian satellite relative to Earth.


By 1960 a network of 5 satellites had been established, giving a navigational fix every hour. There were numerous upgrades, and by 1973 the system had become very similar to the one in use today. However, the facilities were used exclusively by American and allied military personnel.

This changed in 1983, when Korean Air Lines Flight 007 was shot down after straying into Russian air space, killing all 269 people on board. President Ronald Reagan ordered the U.S. military to make the Global Positioning System to be made available for civilian use, and so avoid the navigational errors which caused the loss of KAL 007.

Though the United States had made the system generally available, they wished to maintain their military advantage. Therefore they downgraded the signal for civilian use, and so decreasing its accuracy. Developments continued until 1995, when the system became fully operational.

The usability of the civilian system improved in year 2000 when President Bill Clinton ordered that selective availability be turned off, so changing the precision from 300m to 20m.

Current Use: Today the signals remain divided; the system for military use is the Precise Positioning System, while the commercial version is Standard Positioning System. Commercial uses include surveying, tracking and surveillance, scientific and farming.

Today GPS uses between 24 and 32 satellites in medium Earth orbit (11,000 miles above us), circling the globe at 1,000 miles per hour, and sending radio signals back to Earth. At any one time there are at least 6 satellites visible; a GPS receiver can log on to 12-14 satellites simultaneously.

An accurate GPS estimate of latitude, longitude and elevation (known as a 3-D fix) can be obtained only if the receiver is able to log on to at least 4 satellites. The received information is converted to a meaningful display by firmware within the receiver. N.B. Firmware is a combination of hardware and software, i.e. equipment and program. A GPS updates its position every second.

Accuracy is further improved by Satellite Augmentation Systems, which work by using stationary satellites and ground-based relay systems to improve the quality of signals from GPSs. Typically they can produce a fix to an accuracy of 3 metres (10 feet) horizontally, and 4 metres (12 feet) vertically. N.B. A stationary satellite is one which orbits the Earth at a distance of 22,000 miles, and appears to stay at a fixed position in the sky.

In USA the system used is Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), which is too far away to be of benefit in Europe, which has its own facility – European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). Depending on type, typical GPS units are accurate to 95%. However not all GPS receivers are able to pick up the more accurate signals. When a GPS unit is purchased, the box should indicate compatibility with WAAS or EGNOS.


Another system called GALILEO is being developed for European use. It is claimed to be accurate to within a metre, and expected to be ready in 2014.
As well as indicating location as a grid reference, a GPS unit can estimate distance travelled, height above sea level at any time (and therefore change of altitude), average speed, etc. If a digital map has been loaded then position on the map can be shown, in greater or lesser detail.

No system is absolutely perfect, and GPS is certainly not. The system relies on good line of sight to the satellites – the stronger the signal, the more accurate the positional fix. Reception is not affected by weather, but can be blocked by buildings, tree cover, gullies, your body, and many other objects.

Another factor which can affect the reliability of the result is position of satellites; if they are clustered close together, or in a line away from the receiver, calculations become more difficult.

Also signals can be reflected (known as multi-path signals). If two signals are received from the same satellite (one true and one reflected from buildings, rocky terrain, etc.) then the position calculated may be incorrect.

Periods of intense solar activity can cause atmospheric distortion, altering signal speed through the ionosphere, and producing strange results. Possible remedies involve establishing a good signal, possibly changing location, and possibly consulting a map.

There are two types of GPS aerials in use: patch and quadrifilar helix, the latter being the more sensitive.

Basic hand-held GPS units can be purchased for £65-£70, but more sophisticated versions can cost up to £500.

There are digital maps which can be used in conjunction with GPS. Uses include the ability to load a map onto a GPS unit, and to transfer an actual route and overlay it on a map. If a walk is delineated using a digital map, it is possible to ‘fly-by’ through the walk, the map image being modified to take account of terrain contours. Major suppliers of such maps are Anquet, and Memory Map.

One note of caution: GPS receivers which function above 11 miles altitude and operate at speeds of 515 metres/second are classed as munitions.

Dave Edwards

FLYING VISIT

*Please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the Ron's flying visit

A flying visit in June to the computer and digital photography group to inform the members of our new domain name www.caldicotu3a.org.uk  found the building a hive of activity, computers were clicking in every corner.  

Nita and Jim Fenton were manning the Digital projector/microphone and were teaching the main class while it was great to see past convenors Dennis Appleton and Mike Tew who I am sure were helping the present convenor Pat Dawe ensure the smooth running of the classes by assisting those teaching and planning the future programmes. 

The class has the true spirit of the U3A, many of the members contribute by assisting new and existing members with their knowledge and experience. I also know they have some very dedicated members who do most of the teaching.
WELL DONE.

 

P.S. They also know how to make a good cup of tea. THANKS.

 

Ron Lapthorn (editor)  

 

COMPUTER GROUP May 2010

A few weeks ago a student from the University of Wales contacted me to ask for the help of the Computer Group with a project she had to do.  As I always like to encourage young people and with the agreement of our committee, I invited her to come to one of our meetings.

She arrived, armed with a camcorder to record the session, and gave us a competent presentation.  The project was to enable older people to have social interchange via the internet and thereby become less isolated. 

Perhaps we were not the best group she could have chosen but we listened attentively and engaged in a lively discussion with her. 

On the whole we were of a mind that it was better, if possible, to get out and meet people in person rather than “talk” through a website, and we reminded her about the need to be careful what she and her friends put onto facebook etc.!  We talked about other ways of communicating, including mobile phones for texting, emails and Skype.

To her we must have seemed a group of ancient grandmas and grandpas, but I sensed that she was surprised by our outlook on life and at our competence in talking about the use of a computer.  It must have been a somewhat daunting experience for her, but one which she handled with assurance.

Pat Dawe

 

Letter from Pat Dawe our computer group convenor - February 2010

We are flourishing, currently with over 70 members and an average attendance of 40.  We have a huge range of expertise, from beginners who, in retirement, are looking to be able to use a computer for the first time, to folk who can use a computer in a limited way, to those who are real experts in many fields and are so willing to pass on their skills, both in general computing and in digital imaging.  We are indeed fortunate.  Of course, our social skills are well developed each week over a cup of coffee!

This last month we have had a couple of interesting happenings.

Firstly, we had a visit from John Griffiths, AM for Newport East, accompanied by Fflur Lawton and Rhiannon Doe from the Big Lottery Fund.  We were delighted to welcome them as we have benefitted hugely from several Lottery Grants.  Our thanks must go to Mike Tew, who liaised with them and filled in numerous forms to obtain successful bids.  We use the money to buy equipment , particularly to help members who wish to begin to master computing.

The three of them spent a happy ¾ hour with us, seeing what we do and chatting with many of the members about their aspirations.  We got the feeling that they were greatly impressed with the buzz of active learning and with the friendliness of our group.  John Griffiths is anxious that more local groups should apply for grants.  Apparently many of them are reluctant to begin the process, although when they do take the plunge they receive every help they need from the Fund staff.

There were articles and photos in the local press; poor Rhiannon, who is a young slip of a lass, had her name attributed to a photo of me.  I tried to have this corrected and they got nearer this time, to Pat Hawe!

Secondly we held our annual Christmas lunch at the Dewstow Golf Club in February.  It was all the more pleasurable for being away from the pre-Christmas rush of activities.  Our thanks go to Dennis Appleton, who organised it and introduced us to selecting our choice of menu via Excel, which he impressively transferred to a spreadsheet for the use of the caterers.

I should like to mention how appreciative we are to Paul Tidmarsh, our Webmaster, and Ron Lapthorn for all the work they do to make the Caldicot and District U3A website so interesting, informative and up-to-date.  I refer to it quite often to find out what is happening and to see accounts and photographs of the varied activities of our U3A.  Do have a look regularly; the website is always on the front cover of the Magazine.

Pat Dawe
Convenor, Computer Group

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Computer Group Christmas Dinner.

"The Computer Christmas Dinner was organised for our group by 
Dennis Appleton.

*Please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the event

It was held at the Dewstow Golf Club where as can be seen by the photographs every one enjoyed themselves, thank you Pat Dawe (Convenor) and  Dennis (PC). 

John Griffiths A.M. for Newport East visits Caldicot U3A.

The Welsh Assembly Member for Newport East Mr John Griffiths visited the Computer Group of Caldicot and District U3A to meet the members who have recently benefited from a grant of £4,000 from The Big Lottery Fund {B.I.G}. He was accompanied by Rhiannon Doe, Assistant Public Affairs Officer and Fflur Lawton from B.I.G.

*Please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the visit of
John Griffiths AM.

photo: John Griffiths AM. with a member of our Computer Group

12 years ago the Computer Group comprised 8 members. Now it exceeds 60 members who meet weekly to expand their knowledge in computing. Following the U3A principles of self-help, self-management and lifelong learning for older people no longer in full time work, the group provides opportunities for members to share learning experiences and have fun whilst learning. No qualifications are needed or given.

The latest Grant has enabled the Computer Group to have 6 laptop computers for basic training which is provided through interactive self-help computer programmes such as ‘E Citizen’ and ‘Alison’. With the encouragement of member trainers they work in a dedicated area whilst more advanced members have tutored practice in digital imaging, question and answer sessions and demonstrations involving word processing, spreadsheets, databases and Internet use in the main hall.

The Grant has meant that the number of software licences has been increased, e.g. ‘Office 2003’ and there is access to Broadband. Additionally the Drama Group has benefited by the purchase of a Public Address system used in the presentation of their plays.

Mr Griffiths and his colleagues spent over an hour chatting to members who demonstrated their new skills and explained how these have changed their lives, from ordering goods over the Internet to accessing train timetables and booking holidays. More importantly it enables members to e-mail their friends and grandchildren and keep up to date.

The group has given members, without any computer experience, the confidence and ability to sit down and try new things with the computer without the dread of panic setting in when an error message comes up on the screen. For more experienced members it has meant that they can pursue new fields in greater depth and also be there to help and encourage new members.

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End of Term Christmas Party December 2009

*Please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of the party

Pictures taken in December at the end of term Christmas party

The Computer Christmas dinner is in February

*please click the images below to access larger photograph

Ann Taylor-Heard 2008-2009 Monthly Digital Photo Winner

The digital photo competition trophy for 2008-9 was presented to
Ann Taylor Heard by Pat Dawe Computer Convenor, Richard Blount was second and Roy Davies was third.

Catering ladies, Marillyn John,Maureen Rhymer & Ann Taylor-Heard

We would like to thank Marillyn, Maureen and Ann for catering for 50 plus members and guests.

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U3A Caldicot and District Computer Group Beginners’ Section

.
In an attitude of humble respect that’s traditional in our Group
(especially if your enthusiasm is so dynamic that you have no need
ofa chair) Doug Pyburn shares his knowledge with Cindy McOwen.

Thanks to the National Lottery, we enjoy the use of six new laptops
and the convenience of an Internet connection.

Training for beginners is conducted separate from the main group.
Apart from one-on-one teaching, we use two interactive self-help programmes.

The first is the ABC-IT course provided by the free Internet-based
programme, Alison. The other, which is independent of the Internet,
is the E-Citizen course of Knowledge Hemispheres.

John Mussell
photo's taken by Keith Dodd's

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Christmas Dinner 2008

*please click the image below to access larger photograph

Our U3A Christmas Dinner was held at the Dewstow Golf Club on the 4th of December. I took the opportunity of taking this photo of our new computer convenor, Pat Dawe. Dennis Appleton, our first computer group convenor was also there with his digital camera, hence the bit of fun with the photo insert of Dennis.

(More photo's of our members at the Christmas Dinner can be viewed on our News and Events Page)

Ron Lapthorn

.

A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that, in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.

'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.'

'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'

So, a student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether 'computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun.

Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation. The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la Computadora'), because:

1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paypacket on accessories for it.

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine
('el computador'), because:

1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem;
and
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have got a better model.

The women won.

*please click all the images below to access larger photographs

End of term photograph of our computer and Digital Photography Group,
July 2008