August 2026 Newsletter
The August meeting of the Melbourne Tech Guilds was conducted had many highlights. There was substantial progress in the ChromaVertex project while the leadership group expanded. Post the meeting, the TechGuilds meeting agenda template was finalised.
We wish Mick of TechGuilds a speedy recovery! We miss your organisation and are waiting for you to join the meetings in-person soon.
A View from a new Member – Victoria
Not long ago, I discovered a truly amazing technology community – Melbourne Tech Guilds. It is a network of inventors, makers, engineers, and tech enthusiasts united by a shared passion for science and technology. I found this hidden gem right in the heart of our wonderful city, at the cultural and intellectual centre of Docklands – the Library at the Dock.
It was wonderful to find myself surrounded by such talented and passionate people in an atmosphere of collaboration, curiosity, and enthusiasm. I was especially inspired by the diversity of cultures, ages, and professional backgrounds, with experienced members generously sharing their knowledge while younger participants contributed fresh ideas and modern approaches.
Participants were grouped by interest, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about each person’s background, area of expertise, and projects, gradually discovering a fascinating new world. Sharing my own project was equally valuable, as I received thoughtful answers to my questions and practical advice from experienced professionals. The session left me feeling inspired, encouraged, and motivated to keep moving forward.
For me, Melbourne Tech Guilds is much more than just a community. It is a place where curious minds come together to build, share, and learn from one another. By combining their knowledge, skills, and energy, they help drive scientific and technological progress forward. I am proud to be a part of it.
Are you ready to join the ChromaVertex project?
It is a Collaboration Project which can be joined from anywhere!
Even Wodonga!
We already have about 10 VertexBots being built by members. You can start with as little as $13 for a camera module.
Originating from Deep Dive Guild this is an exciting project that actually engages collaboration across the skills and creativity of ALL THE GUILDS.
So you can feel confident in your own sphere but absorb the knowledge and understanding of other components.
The draft task list shows the division of tasks by Guild. Anyone can be involved but it is the responsibility of the Guild to deliver.
| Guild | Task | How Tools |
| Deep Dive | Define requirements: – Location – Communication – Visual Recognition – Tracking – Movement – MVP – UI | |
| IoT | Design: – Circuit diagrams – Electronic design | KiCad |
| Mechnics | Design: – Chassis – Mounting frame – Light tower – PCBs – Beacon tower – Shaft encoders – Beacon base | Tinkercad KiCad Carbide coper UGS |
| Coding | Software architecture – Libraries – Data flows – MVC Camera communication Beacons | C++ ESP-IDF ESPHomeBuilder |
| Robotics | – Machine learning – Motor controls – Sensors |
ChromaVertex Presentations
Triangulation
The proposed location methodology requires light beacons for triangulation Beacons.PDF
Docklands Meeting Agenda
From feedback received we recognise that the meeting was rather too heavy with group presentation and didn’t give enough time to new members.
Consequently we will introduce the following agenda for future meetings
12:00 Leaders set-up:
12:30 Guest Welcome
12:55 Group Welcome
- Acknowledgement of country
- Brief welcoming of new and old friends
- Encourage participation
13:00 Guild Discussions
- Round table introductions
- Buddy up on problem solving
- Project demos
- Guild activities in Group Project
- Presentations on new tools, tech, tools
14:00 Group Presentation
- Group project update from Guilds
- Guest Speaker (occasionally)
14:30 First or second Guild or Group discussion
- An opportunity to follow up with others in deeper discussions, problem solving, understanding etc.
15:25 Group Meeting Wrap-up
- Thanks for participating
- Thanks to presenters
- Any highlights/standouts?
- What could be better
15:30 Close
Projects from Other Guilds
Fareed spoke about his RAG project and gave a demo to get ideas for a pure coding/AI project and had a good discussion. The project is at https://github.com/fareed1983/worldEventsRagBot
He also demonstrated his earlier project in which he had built a CNN based autonomous car with a cool directional remote controller. The project is at https://github.com/fareed1983/racer
