We had a very good evening at the George Hotel in Huddersfield this evening. There were 19 people there - possibly a record for an FRA social. Kevin Scott gave us a view of the national FRA scene, reminded us of the reasons for setting up the FRA, and told us about the proposals for a 4-day national event in place of Series 8 in August 2004. He also went over the calendar of other FRA events. Jim McArthur volunteered to improve the layout and presentation of the up-coming events on the web-site. Kevin explained that there would be elections for the President and Chair of the FRA in the next few weeks. He hoped that anyone who was not yet a member would support the FRA and get their membership in soon. (The application form is on this website.)

There was a discussion about the new FRA requirement for a running light, and another about the forthcoming tether rule. Kevin believed that it was proving very difficult to write down this rule, and because of this it could not be enforced. However he encouraged all roboteers to build in such safety features themselves. That way others could see and learn how it could be done.

Some roboteers had brought robot components with them, and these were passed round. There was a discussion about the pressure rating of the Burkert 5404 0.5 valve. It was nominally 50barg. Jeremy Cuss, in discussion with the manufacturers, had established that it would switch up to 55barg with only 21.6 volts on the coil. Magmotors and a Roboteq 2250 controller were also passed around.

The George Hotel was a comfortable place to hold the meeting. It was easy to find, and easy to park. (It is also next door to the Railway Station.) We decided to hold another meeting in Huddersfield in 2 months time, on Saturday 5th June. It will probably be in the George Hotel again.