Regular Member Meeting 20150514

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This meeting will be held in MIBS SRC3 format.

Time, location

20:00, Dallas Makerspace

Approval of prior minutes

Prior minutes

Officer/Committee reports

Committee chairs are requested to provide their reports in writing. Reports can be short bullet-points.

President

We now have over 800 members! You can see the real-time membership numbers (in JSON format) here: https://accounts.dallasmakerspace.org/member_count.php

Treasurer

Committee Chairs

  • 3d Fabrication Committee - Lisa Selk
    • The Banana Pis are configured as hosts for our 3D printers and are running really well. To my knowledge we have only had two failures directly related to the Pis - in both cases it was a result of the Pis being 'bumped' and the cables coming loose. We are looking into solutions that will help minimize these types of issues. (In the meantime, please use caution to not set anything on/near the Banana Pis or the cables connected to them.Thanks!)
    • OctoPrint is configured and now being used to control the 3D Printers. We have it configured to allow "control" from the three PCs in the 3D Fab Room; and, to allow "viewing" of the OctoPrint GUI from any computer/device connected to our network (hard wired or WiFi).
    • We also have the webcams enabled and viewable from anywhere with an Internet connection!
    • We have two more custom built tables for the room now (bringing us to four now ~ Thanks to all involved in building them!)
    • We have two "Midnight Maker" classes coming up! One to build our new PrintrBot Simple Metal 3D Printer; and, one to configure it. See the post on TALK for more details: https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/midnight-makers-lets-build-calibrate-our-printrbot-simple-metal-3d-printer-may-28th-29th/2997?u=lisaselk
    • Mitch reports that the Mendel90 3D printer that they have been working on should be working soon. He hopes it will be up and running before the end of the month! :)
    • We have an agenda item on the upcoming Board of Directors Meeting to request funds to acquire a High Definition 3D Scanner (https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Board_of_Directors_Meeting_20150517#Acquire_a_High_Definition_3D_Scanner_.28Lisa_Selk.29).
      • As it's currently written, there are two levels of quality/price range (Really Good at a moderate price; and, Super Heckagood at a very high price). Due to recent budget concerns that have been brought up in casual conversation, it has been suggested that high dollar purchases should be postponed, so we may remove the costlier option for now and revisit the potential need for an industrial grade scanner at a later time.
      • We have been having a discussion about this agenda item on TALK at: https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/3d-scanner-for-the-space/943/18?u=lisaselk
    • NEW 3D Fab Support options include:
      • An e-mail address set up to report any break/fix issues for 3D Fab equipment. The e-mail address is: [email protected].
      • A 3D FAB Maintenance & Repair log book (to log issues reported via e-mail, as well as maintenance/repairs). Inside the binder, there are sheets to tape to the affected printer so others are aware of the issue and that it's been reported already.


  • Aerospace Committee - Romeo Espana
    • New Aerospace Area Setup and open for use.
    • Aerospace Google Hangout setup, big thank you to Lisa for getting it organized.
    • Public AR drone is set-up and open for use.
    • Simulator Computer Setup, contains Hardware-in-the-Loop simulator running with a full-license of X-Plane 10 - Thanks to Mike Pursifull. Hardware-in-the-Loop allows you to plan missions for a drone and simulate the entire mission on the real hardware before a flight.Plan are to extend it to a full aircraft simulator to promote general aviation.
    • New Public Multi Chemistry Battery Charger setup and open for use. Class for Multi-chemistry Battery care and charging is upcoming.
    • Two public classes pending in May, One for use of the Mission Planner software used by a large number of drones, and another on Lipo and Li-Ion batteries and their safe use.
    • Setting up a working group lead by Chesley Kraniak for finally launching the cursed High-Altitude Balloon project. First mission is meant to be very simple to prevent delays. A Mission return vehicle is being discussed for future launches.
    • We are working to establish clear rules on the Air Space around the DMS and looking for safe areas to launch autonomous mission and set-up high power rocketry.


  • Amateur Radio Committee - Justin Edwards
    • Radio Station set up for full use.
    • Antenna SWR issue figured out by Pat Hykkonen, working to schedule the fix to reduce SWR and make the antenna more resonant prior to tuning.
    • May the 11th Pat and Ben concluded the General License Class and completed a testing session for those in attendance. 7 passed and one was a DMS member, the rest were walk-in's.
    • Station desktop purchased and installed with flat screen monitor and speakers. Digital CQ log installed to keep track of station contacts.
    • Basic design complete for our custom desk, starting detailed layout and supply list linked on the WIKI.
    • Camera for station security ordered by Robert and Brooks, had to settle for 4mm and hoping it works.
    • Ed Kim ran a network cable for us in place of the outdoor cat 6 that was run originally. William Petefish terminated the station side for us and Justin completed the network side with his help.
    • A subcommittee has been discussed and will possibly be set up in the upcoming committee meeting on the 17th for Meteorology, Skywarn, and Emergency Services.
    • Multiple new members added to the committee this month.
    • DSMART project moved to inactive or decommissioned project list.
    • Google Hangout for DMS Amateur Radio set up.


  • Automotive Committee - Brandon Green
    • Continuing to purchase needed tools as funding allows (OBD2 scanner, die grinder, better tire gauges)
    • With help of Logistics, improved lighting over auto by replacing all bulbs
    • With help of Logistics, have been improving workshop in general (stools, ladder, hopefully new fans soon)
    • Will hopefully be scheduling group build day to work on our 240sx (funding permitting)
    • No classes as insurance situation is still uncertain


  • Bio Committee - David Ratcliff
    • Bio clean-up and reorganization project ended
    • Elected(to-be-officialized) new Committee Chairman: Richard Alexander
    • Aquaponics: consolidated.
    • Biomedical: hand prosthetics: 3D print complete, myoelectronic control system under development
    • Homebrew: met on May 8
    • Scientific computing: Rack under construction, not ready to be moved.


  • Blacksmith Committee - John Haskins
    • Classes continue to be held every other Sunday
    • Outdoor storage was denied and no other acceptable solution has been found so the power hammer is moving to its new home soon
    • Ed is working on designs for blacksmith stations to help make it easier for individuals to use the equipment quickly and to reduce the startup and shutdown time for classes
    • One of the pop-up tents broke, was disposed of, and will be replaced with committee fund shortly



  • Classroom Committee - Gus Reiter
    • replaced the receiver in the Lecture Hall, still need to document how to use it.
    • took over the calendar, the first couple weeks were traumatic, pretty smooth now.
      • Updated the approved venues to match the room names. (i.e. there is only the Interactive Classroom, no Hands On classroom anymore)
    • Will be tending to the Purple classroom, looking forward to when the large format printer is in its new home with.
    • Moved tables around a bit:
      • worked with Alan to move the bowling alley table from the Conference Room to the Art & Crafts Room.
      • Stan and Frank moved the large heavy table from the Interactive Classroom to the Conference Room.
    • Stan Simmons has been a big help.
    • Grateful for the new Logistics Committee.


  • Creative Arts Committee - Haley Moore & Nicole Franczvai
    • Nicole is in California and can't attend she's sorry and hoping someone can read this for her.
    • Moved and painted the pillar room with the help of several members.
    • Started spring cleaning the supplies (more to purge and more to buy).
    • Made plans and created pathways to encourage members to participate in our first DMS showcase on the 29th
    • Met on May 12th to discuss art show, new classes, and create a further larger plan for the committee - 16 in attendance
    • Created a facebook group Dallas Makerspace Creative Arts Group to encourage communication - 64 members and growing
    • Room planning was conducted and a list of furniture is "to be constructed" for the new room: Working with woodshop on many of the plans
    • Introduced the Column/pillar challenge (To be voted on during the opening to the art show May 29th)
    • Trying our hardest to encourage makers to show in the Makers:Make show but for some reason people aren't entering (hint hint)
    • Nick Sanz, Anne Guillette, and Scott Wild are working to create a jewelry program/classes - they are working on a proposal for the board.
    • Visual Art Journals, Tunisian Crochet classes have been added for May. Watercolor, Candle making, Urban Paper Crafts, intro Jewelry, Quilting, a field trip and more will be added in June.
    • The idea of a mini-maker (childrens) workshop was tabled
    • Just starting up the engine and hanging for a wild ride!!


  • Electronics Robotics Committee - Ken Purcell
    • Our local rep from Hakko is still waiting on a response from corporate on a donation of soldering irons and other hand tools.
    • Tuesday morning we had a visit from Rigol's regional rep and the local rep from TesTech in Richardson. Part of our ongoing plan to work on relationships for equipment and tools we use.
    • The electronics room has a new toolbox to organize our hand tools and small test gear.
    • We have added 2 Fluke 115 multimeters to our assorment.
    • The eLab PC is finally setup in the lab. Currently only has Unbuntu but we are working through issues of getting Windows on it.
    • Brooks fixed our network drops so we could have both the phone and the PC on the network.
    • Spending authority has been granted to our Co-Chairs Art Givens and Katie Luper. If you need something for the lab ask any of us.



  • Foundry Committee - John Kuhlenschmidt
    • Plan on a Intro to Pottery on May 30 for more details see talk or the calendar when it is posted.
    • Also plan on a stain glass class in July.
    • Got a Extruder! - For pics of it in use, see Foundry talk - Extruder.


  • Infrastructure Committee - Andrew LeCody
    • Had a few power outages which caused server and network downtime.
    • The AC unit for the open work room and former arts room has been replaced with a brand new unit. Due to how the lease was negotiated, total cost to the space was $1k!
    • We are working on getting a 208V 30A circuit put into the server room, to allow for more servers and network gear. We are also seeking to replace the aging UPS we currently use. This will help ensure the network and related infrastructure stays available.
    • Please keep the loading bay doors closed, the AC units for the workshop are struggling. The are not large enough to cool the parking lot.


  • Laser Committee - William Petefish
    • Lasersaur frame assembly is complete. We are waiting on Honeycomb for the lasersaur before bringing it online.
    • Usage meter is going to get installed on the FS machine. FS machine has/had some down time due to 1) power supply arcing, 2) Power inlet being burnt. The inlet is being replaced.
    • The laser area has been re-arranged. It has slightly more efficiency and some more space.
    • We are also waiting on an electrician to install another circuit as well.
    • NEW Laser Support option: An e-mail address set up to report any break/fix issues for Laser Committee equipment. The e-mail address is: [email protected]


  • Logistics Committee - Allen Wan
    • Lighting was obviously a safety concern for some of our rooms and it just made the Space look kind of dark and dingy. We know a lot more about lighting today than we did when we started. But to summarize, 5000k is nearly universally preferred. The only potential issue is cost and even then the cost delta is not significant for the newer T8 bulbs, only for the discontinued T12 bulbs which we can't really get in bulk anyway. Going forward, when bulbs burn out, we will probably just convert the fixture to T8 5000k bulbs. It takes a lot more time, but it isn't really more expensive, and they use less power and are brighter.
    • Dry Erase Marker and Eraser Holders each rolling easel should have at least one marker and eraser holder.
    • All bathrooms should have a Scotch Brite toilet bowl scrubber with disposable heads.
    • Restock Points - for our consumable supplies, the Logistics wiki has a list of restock points. These are the location that we will restock a particular supply when it runs out. For example, digital calipers are restocked in 3d fab. If you need one, you should go take one from the restock point. When the restock point runs out, we'll know to get more.
    • Snack room - we're making things more legit by just acknowledging that everything in the snack room is for sale. This will allow us to offer an endless array of consumables that don't fit our dollar pricing model. Someone suggested bus passes which we're looking into. This will also mean that the current tally system will have to be reworked. We're looking into Dwolla as a potential option but like many of our hopes and plans, this will be a couple months out at least. If anyone wants to volunteer to implement an electronic payment system, please come contact Logistics.
  • Machine Shop Committee - Bryan Gangwere
    • Sold solvent parts washer
    • Ordered metal cutting vertical band saw
    • Started building backsplash for Colchester lathe
    • Started rebuild on South Bend lathe


  • Metal Shop Committee - Danny Meeks
    • Metal shop has undergone a large cleaning and overhaul
    • Metal storage racks and storage bin fabricated
    • New metal signs created and hung regarding safety and rules/regs
    • Classes scheduled for Welding Safety, Intro to SMAW, and Intro to MIG


  • VECTOR Committee - Nicholas Schell
    • New active member - Jeremy Ortwine w/new project: Paradise
    • New project: Out Of Sight (Nicholas Schell)
    • Freedom, Pro-Football, and Switchboard projects moved offsite
    • New project: Spanish Eyes (Shawn Christian)


  • Wood Shop Committee - Dan Henderson
    • Wood shop 101 classes continue
    • Formed several subcommittees for the wood shop. They include: training, maintenance, safety, signage and purchasing
    • CNC Router training has been very successful.
    • Installed new edge sander
    • Working on several committee projects including a band saw refurbishment, new work benches, display stands

Agenda

Note: The normal cut-off time for agenda items is the Sunday prior at 11:59pm.

Old business

New business

Minutes

----DRAFT MINUTES----
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