Arduino & Micro Processors - Expression of Interest

[Dean Forbes]

I have had a few conversations in the Hackspace regarding Arduino & Micro Processors 

I would like to test what interest and support there is for this :-)

I believe that Marc, Simon and Mentar have an interest and some knowledge in this space, It would be great to grow this into more 

Perhaps start with a user group that can then embrace/spurn or include training etc and introduce people to this fantastic subject 

Any one with a view, interest or skill in this space please comment to start the conversation

Dean Forbes

[Mike]

Hi Dean,

I wonder if you could provide a little more information about what you
had in mind? I assume you don't mean we book out the quiet room and
spend a couple of hours debating the relative merits of Intel's current
product line for playing Half-Life 2?

Mike.

[Quim]

That's a great initiative!

I guess that your plans will depend on the interest, support and collaboration you receive.

For me, if we manage to do some Ardunio introduction workshops again would be awesome! :)

+1

(Quiff) 

[Dean Forbes]

The topisc that I believe are on the agenda are  Arduino and the Pi for electronics / hacking but the objective is to test what you the people are interested in and want in this subject area and then if we have enough support do it (in the space)  :-)

On Monday, 24 September 2012 12:13:54 UTC+1, Dean Forbes wrote:

[Tim Burrell-Saward]

Registering interest, but as the others have said - it's a big topic!

Tim

www.timburrellsaward.com

[Dean Forbes]

Tim 

yes it is a big topic - what would you like covered and at what level

what format would work for you

On Monday, 24 September 2012 12:13:54 UTC+1, Dean Forbes wrote:

[Akbal Randhawa]

I am interested and a complete beginner, I would also like to bring my son along.

[Andy Danger]

I'm trying to work on a program for the EMF badge, currently. Some beginning stuff about how it works would be lovely. Maybe a hands-on workshop helping people to work with arduinos, instead of lecturing or theory?

-Andy

[Eugene Nadyrshin]

There are a few proposed workshops on Arduino mentioned at http://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/Hack_Evening_Workshops maybe worth consolidating them?I've see there have been a few paid arduino workshops in the past.

Lets agree on format, length, topic and add a wiki page.
I envisage this as a 2 hour evening session:
    30 min intro: uC concepts, uses, precautions, Arduino "hello world" example
    25 min play time: Setup, hello world, some fancy project (servo/speaker etc)
    Break
    30 min talk on taking it further: Using Arduino shields, interacting with the real world.
    25 min play time: Networking the Arduino either though shield or talking to USB host.

(people bring their own boards/shield before-hand. But maybe can get a short supply)

This is just a starting point that for us to collectively improve on.

Mentar

On 24/09/12 13:55, Dean Forbes wrote:

Tim 

yes it is a big topic - what would you like covered and at what level

what format would work for you 

[marc - HackTheMedia]

tks for the sessions suggestions Mentar, I'll add these on the wiki.

There are a few proposed workshops on Arduino mentioned at http://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/Hack_Evening_Workshops maybe worth consolidating them? 

definitely worth merging some of these workshops, some of the proposals are quite old.

Though workshops and user group are 2 different things. Shouldn't we focus on (how to build) the user group 1st, then see what kind of training we can organise? 

[Akbal Randhawa]

More than happy to pay for workshop any chance it could be a weekend.

[Ulisses Pinto]

I'd also be interested in a user group and/or workshop.

I think it would be more interesting if we learn while building a specific project. Having just theory and no practise at all could be boring.

On 25 September 2012 06:48, jt <jto...@gmail.com> wrote:

I'd be interested in a user group and/or workshops.

I'm pretty much a beginner - but for a workshop I'd love to hear about uC concepts, precautions and concepts, and then skip the 'hello world' part, and go straight to something _slightly_ further (as below, server / speaker or similar). Paying wouldn't be an issue - unless it's over s bazillion pounds, in which case I'd have to reconsider.

For the user group - would something like a noob friendly gathering every so often, discussing personal projects, new designs, going past 'prototyping' be what you have in mind? I do tend to find that when I am a beginner in something just listening on actually competent people discuss projects / uses is useful, even if way over my head - it starts setting some context for me.

[Dean Forbes]

Looks like that there are clearly enough people interested

I believe that there are two domains 

A Usergroup where people can come and build projects together

A series of training sessions 

My guess is we start with the user group 

how do we feel about this agree/disagree/alternative suggestions

I guess the question is now when and how 

On Monday, 24 September 2012 12:13:54 UTC+1, Dean Forbes wrote:

[Ulisses Pinto]

 

I agree with this suggestion: Starting with an user group, and having the training sessions.

[Akbal Randhawa]

Can I suggest it be a weekend or maybe a Friday night.

[Onder Vincent Koc]

Id love to have this lessons, im more into software and learning about ardunios will be the next step for entry into more playfull hacking for us all.

Sent from my iPhone

[marc - HackTheMedia]

All right then, let's have our first meeting to discuss the user group and we want from it:

I know it's painful but the easiest way to make sure that most of us can make the event is the Doodle way:

http://doodle.com/4azq69dp4eub2y4p?lt=1

So please fill out your availability so we can make this happen.

 (yes I've checked the Hackspace calendar before, yes I will ask the mailing list before confirming any event, yes the Hackspace quiet room is free on Thursday as meetings happen at Unit 30 now)

[M]

Added myself to the doodle.

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[Dean Forbes]

Marc thanks fantastic idea to use Doodle http://doodle.com/4azq69dp4eub2y4p

On Monday, 24 September 2012 12:13:54 UTC+1, Dean Forbes wrote:

[Akbal Randhawa]

Could a date/time be set soon?

[Penguin]

I am very interested in tapping into the collective knowledge LHS has in Arduino. The selection of different boards, shields and sensors is a bit confusing. The backstory:

I've been aware of the Arduino movement for several years but only recently I've ordered a few bits and pieces.  I was finishing up soldering a GPS shield at the space the other night and as I got to the stage with the headers...It turns out the shield was designed for the Diecimila but I had bought the Uno 'diuno board and it turns out the Diecimila is out of production.  Argh!

I'd been looking for a quick win. It looks like it will be more "interactive".

In ham radio there is the concept of "Elmers" who are more experienced hams who are willing to assist the keen but inexperienced.  I was thinking perhaps one or more experienced 'Duino hackers who might set up shop at the space to consult of an evening with others who are just getting started, or who've stalled on their project.
Promise not to call anyone Elmer.

-Matt

On Monday, September 24, 2012 12:13:54 PM UTC+1, Dean Forbes wrote:

[marc - HackTheMedia]

For now we have 14 replies on the doodle link survey for picking the best date for our 1st Hackspace Arduino user group meeting.

I will close the survey tomorrow so if you haven't done it yet vote now: http://doodle.com/4azq69dp4eub2y4p

[marc - HackTheMedia]

Doodle poll is now closed: date most popular is Friday 5th Oct at 7pm. I will ask on a new thread to the list if anybody has an objection for this new group to organise a meeting then.

Thanks all for your replies.

[Tim Burrell-Saward]

I should be ok for Friday. Looking forward to it.

Tim

On Monday, September 24, 2012 12:13:54 PM UTC+1, Dean Forbes wrote:

[marc - HackTheMedia]

Hi Kieron

Hi I've come to this thread late but would love to come along if possible

All are welcome to join the group on Friday of course

On Monday, 1 October 2012 23:32:22 UTC+1, Kieron Kirkland wrote:

Hi I've come to this thread late but would love to come along if possible.  I've played a little with Arduino in the past but been looking for an opportunity to get more involved... 

cheers, Kieron

On Monday, 24 September 2012 12:13:54 UTC+1, Dean Forbes wrote:

[Dario]

Hey Marc and Dean,

I've registered/paid today as new member of the HackSpace - I came for a look last Tuesday and fell in love with the place! I don't yet have a card registered but I would be very much interested in attending tomorrow evening's Arduino Workshop, if only to get started on my intention of making a remote controlled power socket. I already have an Arduino Uno, a Wiznet W5100 Ethernet shield and 2 opto-isolated relays.
Incidentally I was wondering if children are accepted (or better, tolerated) as well since I'm supposed to look after my daughter, 7 years old and extremely well behaved? I'm only intending to stay until 8:30-9pm at the latest anyway.

Thanks in advance and hopefully see you tomorrow evening.
Dario

[Billy]

Yes, children are welcome, as long as you're with them.

My daughter loves visiting the hackspace.

The earlier kids learn to use tools safely, the better.

[Dario]

Nice one Billy, thanks for the reply and agreed on all counts!

Regards and good night.
Dario

[Akbal Randhawa]

I'm bringing my son in too, he's wants to learn about Arduino. 

[Dario]

For any adult interested in learning Scratch and becoming an instructor, please see http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4442987094 for free registration and details. FYI, I've registered for Tuesday the 9th.

Regards

Dario

[Tim Reynolds]

Oh! Were you guys doing scratch in the quiet room tonight? I would have
dropped in!

[Akbal Randhawa]

I've signed up too. Thanks for posting.

[Eugene Nadyrshin]

Hi Yulia,

The initial meeting was more of a way to scope out what the members wanted out of the group. We've decided on a name and created a wiki-page for it, as well as a mailing list (thanks Marc and Dean).
19 members attended so the quiet-room quickly became too small, as such I think we may be looking for a bigger place nearby. I believe we agreed to meet on alternate Fridays.

Mentar
 
On 06/10/12 19:12, Yulia wrote:

Hi guys, 

Just wanted to check how the Arduino session went yesterday, and if there is a plan to have more of these in the future? 

Thanks

Yulia