Wishing you the best of the season!
Happy Holidays
Sat. Dec. 13th 2025 – Object Detection (AI) with an Arduino for less than $100CAD
Object detection (identification of objects and their location in an image) is one of the most useful and widespread application of artificial intelligence, even on microcontrollers.
This demo shows how free, web-based tools designed for memory-constrained devices at www.edgeimpulse.com can be used to collect a dataset, train and test a neural network, and deploy it to an Arduino microcontroller to detect pop bottles.
James presentation is attached.
Notice_13_Dec_2025_VicPi_V0Want to build the project yourself?
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Beverages & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi)
NOTE: The online server is only available during meeting times, so if you click on the link below and it doesn’t work then there is no meeting and this is normal.
Join Us Online here:
Sat Nov 8, 2025 – PySide6
This presentation will look at how to write a program in the Python programming language using a graphical user interface (GUI) library named PySide6.
Our example program will accept a string of text, usually an HTTP link, and perform some sort of processing on said string. As part of the architecture of the program, to increase generality and usefulness, we use a shell (Bourne is the example) script, which is used to hold the command or commands processing the string.
The Python GUI program will call this external program and capture its output.
We will also take a brief look at PyInstaller for creating a
distributable single executable.
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Beverages & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi)
NOTE: The online server is only available during meeting times, so if you click on the link below and it doesn’t work then there is no meeting and this is normal.
Join Us Online here:
Sat. Oct. 25, 2025 – Q & A and Help
New to the raspberry pi or micro-controllers?
Have questions or need expert help?
Drop by this Saturday’s meeting and there will be plenty of friendly folks to answer your questions!
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Beverages & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi)
NOTE: The online server is only available during meeting times, so if you click on the link below and it doesn’t work then there is no meeting and this is normal.
Join Us Online here:
Sat. Nov 8, 2025 – Drag and Drop Processing With Python and QT6
This presentation will look at how to write a program in the Python programming language using a graphical user interface (GUI) library named PySide6.
Our example program will accept a string of text, usually an HTTP link, and perform some sort of processing on said string.
As part of the architecture of the program, to increase generality and usefulness, we use a shell (Bourne is the example) script, which is used to hold the command or commands processing the string.
The Python GUI program will call this external program and capture its output.
We will also take a brief look at PyInstaller for creating a distributable single executable.
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Beverages & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi)
NOTE: The online server is only available during meeting times, so if you click on the link below and it doesn’t work then there is no meeting and this is normal.
Join Us Online here:
Sat. Oct. 11, 2025 – ESP 32-C3 Super Mini and MicroPython
Died’s presentation notes are here:
And the url for the presentation spreadsheet is here.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Proxw3FjOUMywDOpgWHJ3LYviqbKQTCUSjEBunH1MMc/edit?usp=sharing
2025/2026 VicPiMakers Meeting Schedule
Sat. Sept 27, 2025 – Help Session
New to the raspberry pi or micro-controllers?
Have questions or need expert help?
Drop by this Saturday’s meeting and there will be plenty of friendly folks to answer your questions!
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Beverages & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi)
NOTE: The online server is only available during meeting times, so if you click on the link below and it doesn’t work then there is no meeting and this is normal.
Join Us Online here:
Sep 13, 2025 – What I did last summer
This meeting will be held at Deid’s place. Start time 10am. Email deid@drsol.com if you need the address.
2025 Summer Break
VicPiMakers is taking a well-deserved summer break. We will be back to our regular bi-weekly programming in September. In the meantime… join us at our Linux SIG or NetSig. See the blocks on the right for the details and links.
2024/2025 VicPiMakers Meeting Schedule
Click the image to see the Google Sheet updates, and see the following posts for more details. Technical talks, either full-length or a shorter lightning talk, in person or via Jitzi, are appreciated. Let us know.
Sat May 10, 2025 – Kepler Satellites
James Presentation is here:
SatellitesSat. May 24, 2025 – Charts
Charts
A continuation of Pi Pico SD Card. With the addition of humidity and barometric pressure and more fun with the charting. Deid’s presentation notes are here.
Sat Apr 26, 2025 – Explore Python Virtual Environments on the Raspberry Pi
Discover Virtual Environments in Python, and how to manage them. Additionally, we will cover variable typing, and how it makes your code more readable.
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Beverages & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi)
NOTE: The online server is only available during meeting times, so if you click on the link below and it doesn’t work then there is no meeting and this is normal.
Join Us Online here:
Sat Apr 12 2025 – Python Virtual Environment and Typing
Deid presents: Python Virtual Environment and Typing
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Beverages & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi)
NOTE: The online server is only available during meeting times, so if you click on the link below and it doesn’t work then there is no meeting and this is normal.
Join Us Online here:
Sat Mar 22, 2025 – Controlling Motors with Raspberry Pi/ESP32s
Explore the different types of motors that can be controlled with a Raspberry Pi or ESP32, and the software interfaces to drive them.
James presentation pdf is here.
2025-mar22-Presentation_motors_1_V0Dave’s presentation pdf is here.
MotorsGeorge’s presentation, Rotating webcam.
Left to right: AC to 5v wall wart, ULN2003 driver module, 28BYJ-48 geared stepper motor, ESP32CAM. Software was modified from Random Nert Tutorials.
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Beverages & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi)
NOTE: The online server is only available during meeting times, so if you click on the link below and it doesn’t work then there is no meeting and this is normal.
Join Us Online here:
Sat Mar 8 2025 – XOR Logic with a Neural Network on a Raspberry Pi Pico
Two input XOR logic is implemented with an artificial neural network written in MicroPython on a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller as an educational exercise of applying artificial intelligence to control machinery (LEDs in this example).
The intent of the presentation is to provide enough detail for others to get started on their own projects incorporating an artificial neural network on a microcontroller (or single board computer).
I’ll be presenting referring to a document that will be available at a GitHub repository (along with MicroPython code and a couple of Jupyter-Notebook files that will be discussed during the presentation): https://github.com/James-Canova/XOR_NN.git
XOR_NN_RaspPiPico_V0https://github.com/James-Canova/XOR_NN
Where: White Spot (Mt Newton & Pat Bay Hwy)
When: 9:30-10a Beverages & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi)
NOTE: The online server is only available during meeting times, so if you click on the link below and it doesn’t work then there is no meeting and this is normal.
Join Us Online here:
February 2025 Victoria PiMaker Meetings
- 8 Feb – Connectors Discussion – Molex, JTC, DuPont
- 22 Feb – Writing plug-ins for Arduino CLI
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Beverages & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi)
NOTE: The online server is only available during meeting times, so if you click on the link below and it doesn’t work then there is no meeting and this is normal.
Join Us Online here:
January 2025
Note: Changes to our Meetup.com
In February 2025 Vic Pi Makers and Others will discontinue our membership with Meetup.com. This domain will be the source of information. From here, vicpimakers.ca, our members and friends can post and share our meetings and events to their favourite social media accounts. Many thanks.
Sat. Jan. 25, 2025 – Introduction to integrated development environments (IDEs) (Hybrid)
Unlock the power of modern coding tools to elevate your Python development on Raspberry Pi!
This session delves into how integrated development environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio Code (VSCode) can transform the way you write, debug, and deploy projects on Raspberry Pi and other single-board computers (SBCs).
We’ll start by examining the limitations of traditional workflows that rely on basic editors like Thony or Notepad++ paired with the command line. Then, we’ll highlight the advantages of using an IDE, including advanced code completion and debugging tools
We’ll demonstrate setup steps, key features, and real-world examples, making it easy for you to decide which approach works best for your projects. While we won’t cover tools like GitHub Co-pilot, we’ll show how IDEs and extensions empower you to code smarter, not harder.
No equipment is necessary—just bring your curiosity! Whether you’re a hobbyist starting your journey with Raspberry Pi or an experienced developer seeking to optimize your workflow, this session will provide actionable insights to help you adopt modern tools that enhance productivity and streamline development.
Gordon’s presentation is here.
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Beverages & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi)
NOTE: The online server is only available during meeting times, so if you click on the link below and it doesn’t work then there is no meeting and this is normal.
Join Us Online here:
Sat. Jan 11, 2025 – What I got for Christmas
Happy Holidays to everyone. At this meeting we’ll share with each other what cool tech gadgets we received from Santa.
We will meet at Serious Coffee in Esquimalt, which has provided the mezzanine space to us (stairs are inside the coffee shop). Please buy a coffee or beverage on your way in to help support this business.
Where: Serious Coffee, 1153 Esquimalt Rd #27, Victoria, BC
When: 9:30-10a Cocktails & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi).
Join Us Online here:
Sat, Dec 14 · 9:30 AM PST Unsolved Problems
Unsolved Problems is an opportunity for attendees to suggest solutions to projects that are stuck.
For example, George has a 36volt ebike battery pack that reads 25 volts, but the charger won’t begin to charge it, i.e. the charger shows a green light that indicates the battery is fully charged, or not connected. Maybe others have some idea about how to jump start charging.
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Cocktails & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi).
Join Us Online here:
Sat Nov 9 2024 – A Command Line Interface (CLI) for Arduino
Dave will share creating A CLI for controlling your Arduino project, or transfer files to your microcontroller file system.
Dave’s presentation pdf is here:
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Cocktails & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi).
Join Us Online here:
Sat Nov 23 2024 – Pi pico collecting data on SD card
Pi pico collecting data. For the demo, it will likely be time and temperature. Eventually, it will be time, temperature, voltage, and current from solar panels to RV battery. The data will be saved on the SD card as it’s bigger than the Pico storage. Also, perhaps for offline manipulation.
I will also set up a web server on the pico to eventually display all the above.
Where: Quality Foods, View Royal, 27 Helmcken Rd #110
When: 9:30-10a Cocktails & Conversation
10a Presentation
This is a Hybrid meeting (in-person and on Jitsi).
Join Us Online here: