2015 Wrap up and news for 2016

[Patrick Davis]

I am currently working on a post for the website and I had some questions before I post it.

• Membership levels - Can someone send me the info for what was decided on the new membership levels?  I will also update the Membership information page with what you send me.
• The new space will be available sometime in January pending a CO for the building
• Arduino Workshop - I know some of us are working on a workshop for an intro Arduino class, do we have any tentative dates or a description of what the workshop will entail?
• Tools - Do we have a list of tools that will be available in the new space?
• Any other numbers or information we want to report for 2015?
• Maker fair write up - Tom and Steve (or anyone else that was there) can someone write a paragraph of what happened?  I want to wrap a few pictures that Steve gave me in some context and promote the upcoming event in February.

Thanks for the help!

[Steve Altemeier]

See responses below - thanks!

On Wed, Dec 23, 2015 at 8:06 AM, Patrick Davis <yard...@gmail.com> wrote:

I am currently working on a post for the website and I had some questions before I post it.

• Membership levels - Can someone send me the info for what was decided on the new membership levels?  I will also update the Membership information page with what you send me.

• ​ See this link for the Membership Agreement.  Dues are in first section. https://docs.google.com/document/d/13IDa_qxp9yVdE3Qeupc7GEaGRVq08h0bACc2igP0_gI/edit?usp=sharing
   
  ​​

• The new space will be available sometime in January pending a CO for the building

• ​.  This is my understanding as well.

• Arduino Workshop - I know some of us are working on a workshop for an intro Arduino class, do we have any tentative dates or a description of what the workshop will entail?

• ​  Let's say February as the tentative date.  The workshop will be for people with no or very little experience with arduino.  It will cover (if time allows - probably wqy too much here...) 1) what is the arduino and the basic components; 2) using the IDE to program the arduino including the Serial class and some basic program structures; 3) using I/O pins and controlling LEDs; and 4) using libraries with an ultrasonic distance sensor example and a buzzer example.  We will have a limited number of supplies available on a first come first serve basis forthose who don't have their own arduino and components.  More details on that and final dates coming in Janaury.

• Tools - Do we have a list of tools that will be available in the new space?

• ​  Equipment that we will be bringing in to the space immediately:

  • 3D Printers (two with approx 12"x12"x12" build area, one that is smaller)
    
  • Electronics Tools and Prototyping Equipment (Oscilloscopes, power supplies, multi-meters, circuit prototyping equipment, etc)
    
  • Various Hand Tools
    
  • Soldering Equipment
    
  • Several Desktop Computers
    
  • Engine Hoist (for lifting heavy items)
    

  
  

  Equipment to be acquired shortly after moving in:

  • CNC Router (on loan from a member - assuming that we have an appropriate space for it, and where it can be secured)
    
  • Laser Cutter (hoping to secure funding to purchase one within a few months of moving into the space)
    

  
  

  Future items (depending on member interest, and if there is an appropriate space) may include:

  • Various Power Tools
    
  • Woodworking Equipment
    
  • Metalworking / Blacksmithing Equipment
    ​​

  ​

• Any other numbers or information we want to report for 2015?
• Maker fair write up - Tom and Steve (or anyone else that was there) can someone write a paragraph of what happened?  I want to wrap a few pictures that Steve gave me in some context and promote the upcoming event in February.

Thanks for the help!

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[Steve Altemeier]

Sorry - sent prematurely...  see below for remaining responses.

• ​  See below - anyone else please feel free to add to, correct, or amend this.  Thanks!

 The Asheville Makers participated in the Barn​es & Noble Mini Maker Faire the weekend of November 6th with one group at the Asheville Mall

​location ​

on Friday evening and another group at the Biltmore Square location on Saturday afternoon.  Tom Heck brought his hovercraft, and riding that was, as it always is, the highlight

​o​

f the event

​ for the many kids there​

.  However, the hovercraft had more

​c

ompetition than usual

​for 'most popular' ​

since Tom also brought a giant air cannon capable of shooting "smoke" rings through the store (not actual smoke, but instead  a chemical fog that, luckily, did not set off any fire alarms...).  This was also a huge crowd pleaser with one woman coming up to us and asking how much it cost to buy one.  When Tom explained it wasn't for sale but that

​it was

 easy to make

​ one​

, she became quite puzzled and asked "You mean you're not selling anything?"  Overall, the event generated a lot of smiles from the kids (and adults) and some good exposure for the Asheville Makers.  We were told that Barnes and Noble hopes to make this a regular event, so those who missed out will have opportunities to join us at the next one!

[Steve Altemeier]

One clarification to avoid possible misunderstandings - the arduino supplies we have for the class will be available for purchase; we will not be giving them away to participants.  Thanks!

[Patrick Davis]

Awesome thanks for the quick response!

[Patrick Davis]

Is the class completely free if you only want to attend and not take anything home?

Also, are we charging for non-members?

On Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 11:18:20 AM UTC-5, Steve Altemeier wrote:

[Steve Altemeier]

TBD, I suppose.  I was thinking that at a minimum, people would need to pay something (maybe $20) to reserve a spot, but possibly giving them some or all of that money back when they actually showed up for the class (and no-shows would forfeit their deposit) - just to avoid people reserving a spot, possibly with the best of intentions, but then not getting around to actually coming to the class.  We'll figure out the economics in early January, I suppose, and I'm wide open to suggestions on that point.  Will want to discuss with the board as well, since we might decide we want to charge non-members something since the class is using the space, or maybe just accept donations.

[Patrick Davis]

Sounds good, I left it pretty vague and we can fill in the rest when we start to advertise that workshop.

The post is up if anyone wants to view it!

[Tom Heck]

Hi Patrick,

One news item to consider...

I just had an article published on the MAKE Magazine website:

http://makezine.com/projects/build-giant-collapsible-vortex-air-cannon/

Tom

[Steve Altemeier]

Congrats, Tom!  Also, I've been meaning to ask, how is the new job going?

--

[Patrick Davis]

Congrats Tom!  I will get this up on the site today!

[Tom Heck]

Hi Steve,

My new job with Makey Makey (Joy Labz LLC) is going great. The work is inspiring and challenging. 

I look forward to spending more time with you and the rest of the Asheville Makers community in 2016.

Tom

[Tom Heck]

Thank you Patrick!

Tom