OzBerry - IoT Makers @ Chatswood Library

OzBerry – Saturday, March 21st, 2026
Creator Space

Kids' Group Session: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Special Home Assistant Design Session 10:30 to 12:30 (overlapping with kids session I know.)
Lunch Break 12:30 - 1:00 PM
1PM Special Home Assistant Design Session Continues or perhaps some Voice Activation in Python if time permits as well.
2 PM - Combined session with our Robotics experts.
4 PM Pack up and then dream of something for the next OzBerry.

Sorry for the possible timetable clash, someone (me) accidentally advertised last month's meeting for this month in Meetup !

For this special meeting Dion will be showing us how to setup Home Assistant - Home automation from scratch.

What do we need to bring ...

## Suggested hardware

We will need a few things to get started with installing Home Assistant.

• Raspberry Pi 5 or Raspberry Pi 4 with power supply (make sure to choose a model with at least 2 GB of RAM).
• Micro SD Card.
• Ideally get one that is Application Class 2. Check for the label A2 on the card. Application Class 2 cards perform better especially on small read and write operations and are better suited to host applications.
• Make sure to use a card that provides at least 32 GB.

Also bring a laptop to program your card. We will have 2 lots of internet connections and can also copy cards if that is quicker.

We may be able to borrow some equipment from the library as well - TBC.

Sorry my Pi Zero W or Model 1,2 or 3 will not be enough :(

If that doesn't interest you I am sure that something else here will.

If you’ve got something to show off, teach, rant about, or demo — even a quick five-minute lightning talk — please tell me. We intend to have a good crack at finishing the Home Assistant demo on Saturday and then continue with small sessions on how to add more and some extra tricks.
If we don't finish we will continue on in April.
I am really looking forward to catching up with everyone soon.

See you there.

Cheers Erik

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Thanks to Simon, we have a Facebook page for OzBerry
https://www.facebook.com/share/yHsx3iKHAwkNkAHs/
Have you seen it yet ? If not why not ?

For the next meeting we are starting at the usual time ...
(10:00am-4:00pm) and I will appreciate some help as usual for the kids session in particular. I am really impressed with their Python and Pi skills and we hope to be able to keep up, and also introduce some new topics that work. I learn new things each week like how to debug "Scratch" Robots and how to get remote controls to work in the correct direction. If only I could learn to type as fast as these youngsters :)

So please come and go as you like, and don't let me stop you ducking out for some lunch or coffee.

If you have a child, It's easy to become a member of the library so that you can be issued with one of the kits. You need to see the library staff to book as well, as there is a limit of 10 because it gets too busy, crowded and noisy otherwise. So please book now to avoid disappointment.

Where - Chatswood Library.
Lower Ground, The Concourse, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood 2067.
Parking is usually difficult and I prefer to use the Train or Metro or just park all day near Beauchamp Park and walk a few blocks for exercise.
The Metro may be down again, so it will pay to check if you will have a slow bus instead.

If you like meeting up with all different experimenters and coders then please come along. Also consider bringing a project to build and discuss problems you are having with the group - we will most likely have someone in the group that will know how to help.

OzBerry events encompass a wide range of Open Source Hardware and Software on many popular platforms, including but not limited to: Arduino, RaspberryPi, Beaglebone, Android and more… if it plugs in and is programmable then it's a good fit.

We share ideas and help each other solve bugs and design issues that might otherwise be difficult on your own. We try to exhibit both hobby and professional projects each month.

Beginners are always welcome, we often have beginner events running. If you are just curious or starting out, all you need is a laptop, we will get you started on one of Chatswood Libraries Raspberry Pi kits, with your library card. Or just come along and have a look, it's up to you. We can also shed some light on the ESP32, "Internet of Things" and LoRa.

Format
6 hours of relaxed, unstructured collaboration and learning, come and go as you please. Help others or ask for help with your project. No pressure. But most importantly, remember to "Be excellent to each other" - https://github.com/OzBerry/code-of-conduct

Share a micro talk. Get up and speak about your project (or another topic of interest) (optional).

Please let Jamie, Simon or Erik know what you would like a tutorial on, or even better, volunteer to present something new.

What to Bring
We suggest a laptop at a minimum. Your project if you have one, or some hardware that you'd like to tinker with.

If you are a member of the library or would like to join, there are various electronic devices you can borrow: mBots, Makey Makey, and a Droid Inventor and drumroll please ... Raspberry Pi's .

You may like to join our discussion list, by sending a blank email to:
ozberry+subscribe@googlegroups.com or join on the web: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/ozberry

• Library Info

Children policy in the Library - children under the age of 11 should be supervised by someone over 18 at all times in the Library.
https://libraries.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/About-us/Policies-and-Guidelines#section-8

Thank you, we hope to see you soon.
Erik