F.A.Q.

Up

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK Cybernetics Club?
The UK Cybernetics club is a co-operative collective of people who have an interest in intelligent mobile robots. We aim to provide a framework where members can pool their intellectual resources for the mutual benefit of each individual. I.e. A club where the members are prepared to help answer other member's technical questions in return for getting their own problems sorted out. We also aim to provide a central repository for relevant reference material such as books, component data sheets and contact details of local retailers and distributors that will be of use to club members who are constructing mobile robots.
I want a career in Robotics or Cybernetics, is there any source of advice available?
Careers with Robots By Texe W. Marrs

September 1988 (Hardcover),  Price: £21.95 (at last update)
Does this club cost anything to join?
No, at the moment membership is completely free (this situation may not last forever). You just need to be prepared to try to help others in exchange for them helping you.
How do I join?
From the home page, click on the "Join" link, then fill in the form and press submit. After a few days, your details will get included on the members pages. This is not fully automated, so be patient while the administrators create your member's page. This update is often done in batches after a number of new members have joined.
What does this "Cybernetics " word mean, I thought this was a robotics club.
Cybernetics is a science that covers all aspects of getting your autonomous mobile robot going. It covers the electronics, the software, the mechanics, the sensors and the artificial intelligence. It is the perfect descriptive term for what the club is all about.
Why is the site address "cybernetic.demon.co.uk"?
The "demon.co.uk" part of the URL is there because the club's web pages are being hosted by an internet service provider called Demon Internet. If the club ever makes any money, then we will try to upgrade the URL to cybernetic.org or cybernetic.org.uk.
How are the club's Internet facilities financed?
The web site and email facilities are paid for out of the pockets of the site administrators. At some point it is anticipated that some form of fund raising will occur to make the club self supporting. This will probably take the form of merchandising or the introduction of a membership fee for future members. If sufficient funds are raised, we will be able to improve the Internet facilities, (e.g. cgi hosting, more ftp space etc.)
The UK Cybernetics Club has formed an association with Amazon UK the British on-line bookstore. This is not a sponsorship deal and so the club still retains full editorial control over the content and activities of the web site. The web site has for a long time contained references to recommended book titles. Now if you click on one of these references it will take you to directly to the correct page at the Amazon bookstore where you can check the price, read reviews and purchase the book.
If you purchase a book via the book reference links on this site, a percentage of the sale price is given to the club to go towards paying to keep the site going.
Please email the webmaster if you have a relevant book title (inc. ISBN) that you have read and can recommend to other club members.
Why has the entire web site structure changed so drastically?
We have taken the opportunity to overhaul the web site following a re-evaluation as to what the requirements of the members really are. Most of the members are struggling with half finished robots. What is needed is a mutual self help group and resource centre. A club where the members are prepared to help answer other member's technical questions in return for getting their own problems sorted out. It should also become a central repository for relevant reference material such as component data sheets and contact details of local retailers and distributors.