757 Labs A Hackerspace in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

28Oct/113

757 Labs Class: Intro to CAD Design & 3D Modeling Saturday Oct. 29th, 1:00-3:00pm

Posted by Beau

Several people have asked questions related to using Google SketchUp and/or AutoCAD (for solid modeling). The two applications vary quite a bit in what they can do as well as the tools and interfaces. If you are interested, this will be the first class (free and open to the public) regarding CAD and modeling and should provide you with enough knowledge to get started with your own designs.
Background for the unfamiliar:
  • SketchUp is a free (also a paid version) application that can be used for all kinds of design (think tiny or large) and has been used on several projects at the lab already. Base product being free, the integration to Google Earth and its simple UI make it attractive but do not let that fool you, it is powerful and can be extended using Ruby scripting. This software works on Windows and Mac only at this time. Download a free copy here.
  • AutoCAD is a paid application which is known as the most common CAD platform out there (closed source-wise). This is an industry standard type of application, and originally the flagship product from Autodesk. AutoCAD works on Windows and Mac only at this time. Download a 30 day trial here.
Class Expectations:
  • This will be a 2 hour session that will start with one product, give you the working basics, Q&A, etc.. then move to the other design package. Stories, insight and open dialogue.
  • At the conclusion of this you will be familiar with the applications to create and work with your own designs.
  • This will also tie into the next 3D Printer (Makerbot) and Laser Cutter sessions, once you can design your own items you can print prototypes and usable pieces.
Note:
  1. Both applications are available within the lab on the graphics machine if you do not already have a copy.
  2. There are quite a few other software packages available, this session will be dealing with only the two mentioned above. It does not mean that these are better or worse than any that you have heard about, learned or used.
  3. If time permits we will share an overview of another application, Autodesk 123D, currently in free beta.

This session is free and open to members and guests.

7Mar/113

Basic Soldering Class Held on Saturday, March 5 2011

Posted by markg

Our first basic soldering class presented this past Saturday was a success -- meaning no fires were started, everybody learned a lot, and no one got burnt...much. Harold did an excellent job of explaining the basics, plus he provided slides and videos illustrating many good and bad examples.

About a dozen attendees were present, with many more showing-up later in the day to participate, even though the actual presentation was over. Items that got "fixed" via soldering included a back-light for a Cruis'n Exotica arcade game and a set of Koss headphones that previously had wire damage due to a mischievous pussycat.

1Mar/110

Events for Saturday, March 5, 2011

Posted by markg

Mario with a soldering iron.

Here are two events scheduled to be held at the lab on Saturday, March 5, 2011:

2:00 PM EST - basic soldering class by Harold; bring eye protection and something to solder

in Harold's words:

Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:30:14 -0500
Subject: [757labs] Class this Saturday

I finally decided to dive in and become the experimental pig for the first class!  Well at least the first "hardware" related class.

This Saturday, at 2:00 PM, I plan on holding a Basic Soldering Class for anyone who wishes to show up at the Lab.  With that said, if for some strange reason we are swamped, I must give preference for room to current Lab Members.  That is only fair to them.  I doubt we will run out of room, so please show up if you want!

The game plan is to have the herd assembled by 2 PM and the actual start time might be 15 or so minute later.  The one thing that would be nice is to have a list of who all plans on showing up so I can have a roster to know when it is time to start.  I won't wait all day and plan on letting 2:15 PM being the delayed start time.

For anyone who wishes to attend please bring the following if you have it:

1.  Your soldering iron, station, whatever you currently use.   PLEASE DO NOT RUN OUT AND BUY SOMETHING!!! Unless you really want to. There are the good bad and ugly types of irons to waste money on.

2.  Hand Tools.  Most soldering hand tools could be classified as side cutter diagonals or regular diagonals if you don't have those.  A straight pick, tweezers, any heat shrinks etc..  Again, don't run out and buy stuff if you don't have it already.

3.  Safety glasses.  I am not going to demand that anyone wears a pair; however, if you do not wear any type of glasses normally ... I suggest getting a cheap pair.  Remember, solder is molten metal.  Your eyes do not like it.  Burns to your skin are one thing ... burns to your eyes are something you more than likely wont recover from.

4.  If you have any type of circuit kits or solder breadboards etc.. that you would like to work on, please bring them.  If you don't have anything, please try to snag a cheap one from Radio Shack to play with. Also, if you have some old components like resistors etc.. drag them along so you can have something to solder on.

5.  Solder.  If you have your own type that you are used to working with bring it.  If not, I should have plenty for everyone to play with.

6.  Solder wick / Solder sucker.  This is something that would be nice to have, but it is not required.  We can pass around what we have.

7.  If you have a board vise or any other sort of device that you use to hold circuit cards etc.. that would make life easier on you.  If not, we will do it old school.

The objective to the course is not to turn everyone into a uber solder dude but to at least give you some insight and hands on experience to allow you to enhance your current skill set.  Since I just decided to get stupid and give a class (oh joy!) I don't really have a course written up so please handle the lack of continuity and we will all get through it.

Register for Learn to Solder Class in Norfolk, VA  on Eventbrite


8:00 PM EST - game development meeting by Matt (cyberflux); bring your ideas

in Matt's words:

Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:20:12 -0500
Subject: [757labs] Game Developers Team (March 5)

I am looking to have a game.dev meeting this Saturday for those interested in creating games at the Lab. Those who are interested feel free to show up sometime around 8pm or so, but I should be there earlier. Currently I am loading services on an older dual Xeon 2 server that will host development environments for Net applications. There is currently no defined hardware for the group so there is flexibility in what platform to go with, however most have been looking at diving into the mobile device market. Any input prior to the gathering is welcomed.

Hope to see some people there! Cheers!