[dorkbotpdx-blabber] Report on the MakePDX event?

[Paul Stoffregen]

> Anybody go the event last Sunday and want to write up a quick report,
> so that (ahem) I and other lazy people can read it?

Sure, here's a start, probably lacking many details...


First there was a lengthy presentation about a high school robotics 
program and competition (the Hillsboro team is going on to a national 
final round), where a couple instructors talked while a couple students 
drove the robot around a well-defined obstacle course.  The robot 
collects hockey pucks from several bins and deposits them in a central 
container.  Here's a picture:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7695423@N06/3424151443/in/pool-1015162@N20/

Their main limitation is finding enough knowledgeable volunteers to work 
with the kids, and much of the presentation was a plea for anyone 
interested to contact them and get involved.  The program is also 
remarkably expensive and entirely funded privately.  But the main 
emphasis was they need more people with skills and time.  I didn't 
collect any contact info, but if you're interested I'm sure you can find 
them.


Denney then took the group on a tour of the building.  Most of the floor 
space has equipment now, much of it in operating condition though some 
still being set up.  I'm not going to cover the list (and honestly, only 
a small portion of the group probably were able to hear most of what was 
said anyway).   You can find it online, and Techshop is informally open 
and so you can probably go by there almost any day if you want to see.

Probably the biggest news is Techshop really will be opening on April 25.

Pricing is $125/month, with modest discounts for 6 and 12 month 
pre-payment.  They also have a "prelim" promotion, where if you sign up 
before April 25, you get in for $100 (and keep the discount as long as 
you remain a member)... and they will let you use the equipment now (as 
available, and if you've taken the appropriate classes), but your 
membership clock doesn't actually start ticking until April 25.  To get 
the discount, enter "prelim" in the promo code box.

http://portland.techshop.ws/membership.html

But to use most equipment, you also have to take a "basic safety and 
use" class, per type of equipment, and most are $60 (separate from the 
membership).  Details are on the website, at this page:

http://www.portlandtechshop.com/index.php/class

It's worth noting that there are MANY $60 classes, so if you wanted to 
do them all to have access to everything at Techshop, it would be quite 
expensive!   (of course, this wasn't mention at the meeting... I'm 
taking the liberty to add a little commentary).

Also, Techshop has 2 websites.  The .ws one is run by the corporate 
folks in Menlo Park, the portlandtechshop.com one is run locally.  They 
look the same and it's easy to get into the corporate one and not see 
the Portland info.


Wm talked about opentechspace.  The idea is there's an electronics lab 
which available for free, even if you're not a Techshop member.  But in 
exchange for free, they ask you contribute somehow, like 
sharing/publishing your design, teaching a class, etc.  They're very 
flexible on what your contribution might be.

They're also looking for donations, especially taller chairs or stools.  
They do have some grant money which will be buying equipment, and it 
sounds like there's still some decisions to be made about when and 
when.  To be honest, the lab is still a work-in-progress and probably 
won't be in a really useful state by April 25.  I don't recall a 
timeline for the lab mentioned.

They also intend to do classes, starting with Don's Arduino Cult 
Induction.  Don's offering 2 sessions coming up soon and I'm sure you'll 
see the details.  I seem to recall one will be at Techshop and the other 
at PCNA, at the end of this month and the beginning of next?

I'm also planning a class, details still to be determined, which Wm has 
been calling the "programming class".  In reality, (and not mentioned in 
the meeting), I'm planning the subject matter to be a variety of simple 
interface circuits and corresponding programming to make them actually 
do something interesting, rather than merely how to program in an 
abstract sense.  The basic idea is "you've got a working board, now make 
it do stuff".  A prerequisite for the class will be a working board 
(dorkboard, teensy++, sanguino, rbba, etc) and a solderless breadboard.  
If you have ideas or suggestions for this class, please do talk with me 
on Monday at the dorkbot meeting.  In person while I'm drinking beer is 
much better than via email.


There was also a quick presentation about makepdx.  I really don't 
recall much being said, other than a general goal of getting more of the 
various groups together.  I think we all know the link, but here it is 
anyway.

http://makepdx.org/

Several people brought projects, and much like the regular dorkbot meetings.


I'm sure I missed lots of little details... but sometimes it's easier to 
add then start with a blank screen, so please do fill in, correct, or 
whatever.


-Paul