Currently London Hack Space rent attic space in Barnsbury, map, which they are allowed to access via the hackspace key-holders (Jonty and Russ). They have regular opening times for members to get access and also hold frequent open hack evenings on Tuesdays where anyone can come and actively use the spaces equipment and collaborate with others. They also run regular monthly "Public Hack Evenings" every 3rd Wednesday of the month at The Trampery.
So far I have only attended the monthly meetings which seem to be dominated by software developers working on their pet software projects, whilst also drinking beer and mixing socially. This is probably due to the ease of software development compared to hardware tinkering with limited tools. The Trampery probably doesn't like people using saws, dremels etc on their lovely tables. However they did allows us to solder whilst Mitch Altman was on his UK Hack Space Tour 2010.
I attend a Tuesday hack evening yesterday, so I could actually see what the space had to offer. The space is very impressive, quite a bit of space, sturdy tables (not so sturdy chairs, but that's being sorted) and lots of miscellaneous tools and equipment for the use of members. Equipment includes, signal generators, oscilloscopes, a sewing machine, a Makerbot 3D printer, reems of wire, and various hand-held tools (a more complete list is on the wiki). More importantly it is a space to which they call their own and can do what they wish within.
About 15 people attended the evening hack-fest but they were of a different type from the montly meets. The majority seemed to be working on a project that involved a physical construction rather than software (although there were coders there too!).
The most exciting piece of kit they currently possess in the Makerbot 3D printer. Solexious was using it to construct London Hack Space coins, that could be handed out at monthly meetings or other events to be refunded for beer. A very clever little marketing ploy I think. He constructed the model from the London Hack Space logo SVG, extending it into three dimensions using Blender, simples. The coins are brilliant demonstration of what can be done with the 3D printer. For some variety we also downloaded a chess piece from Thingiverse, which I have kept as a momento of the evening. See below.
The Maker bot in action. (Click image for large version)
Chess peice made on 3D Printer (Click image for large version)
I sat next to another member (whose name I cannot remember) whose is currently building a balloon that will fly across the Atlantic, but also is a Ham Radio enthusiast. He lent me his portable radio receiver which we attached a long (5m) copper wire to so we could try and pick up other Ham Radio broadcasters. We were able to receive transmissions from Poland which is very cool. Although I have no interest in Ham Radio, apparently it's a lot of old men complaining about their prostate..... (sure that's not entirely the case).
Jonty was working on a face-tracking webcam, made from a web cam, and two stepper motors that seemed to be blue-tacked together. Images from the camera were sampled and put though face tracking software and moved the motors to centre the face on the image. It was a clever little machine that Jonty managed to "knock together in 20 minutes", it is to become part of an automatic Nerf attack gun turret. However the software can be fooled by putting your hand over your nose, al á "a polar bear hiding in the snow".
I felt a bit bad turning up without a project, but I have one in mind. I continually find myself wanting to learn electronics but never bother to learn. After riding past a local shop I have spotted a old portable radio (with vintage "NI", "France", "Sweden" radio stations) that turns on but no longer receives any signals. I plan to buy this, then work out the wiring schematic (nice large, old parts, doesn't seem to have any ICs), get it working again, and then hopefully add some extra functionality.
Membership of the space is easy, just sign up on the website and set up a standing order for £20, if you cannot genuinely afford this then speak to Jonty and Russ and they will hopefully sort out a mutual arrangement for you to use the space.
After speaking to Jonty on various occasions the future of the hack space looks very good. Financially they are keeping their heads above water and have been speaking to other organisations to hopefully get a more suitable place that provides better (unrestricted) access for the members of the hackspace.
[ add comment ] ( 3 views ) | permalink | related link
Calendar
