This coming Tuesday we'll be talking all things #electronics, #pcbdesign and #kicad in the hackerspace. Drop in with your questions, your projects (finished or unfinished 😀) or just come in to see some of of the recent PCBs that have been designed and assembled.

Theme Tuesday this week is home automation. If you've ever wondered how you could automate your garage door or lights or other home appliances using Arduino or a Raspberry Pi this night is for you! Bring in your projects or your questions and we'll be here to help you out. If you're just looking for ideas or just want to see what's possible Scott will be working on automating his Tesla car charger using Micropython on a NodeMCU and an RS485 connection.

The Raspberry Pi Workshop will take you through an introduction to programming and electronics using the amazing Raspberry Pi computer. This course is three weeks long, with 2 hours per week. Topics covered are: An introduction to the Raspberry Pi, and a linux interface Programming with Python Basics of Electronics and controlling electronics with your code This course is a beginner's level. You will need to have a working knowledge of using a computer and a desire to learn, but that's about it. We will supply you with a Pi and the necessary electronics to complete the course (yours to keep). If you are under 18, you will need an adult to do the course with you. If you are over 18 and would like to bring a friend, please let us know - we have limited capacity in the Hackerspace and cannot support everyone bringing someone along. As part of the course, you'll get a free month's worth of casual membership to the hackerspace, allowing you to come in during our other open times and continue working on your project! Please note that ticket purchases need to be in before November 4th, as we have to order in the Raspberry Pis.

Let's learn about programming, electronics and mini-computers, with the Raspberry Pi!This one-day event is a shortened version of our popular Raspberry Pi workshop, and is focused on beginners. Participants are also welcome to hang around afterwards and see what the hackerspace is up to - it will be open from 4pm to 9pm, immediately following this course.With thanks to the Digitial Innovation Festival, this event is both (1) cost-reduced compared to our normal events, and (2) catered with a light lunch! Check out their other events at http://www.vic.gov.au/digitalinnovation which start August 23rd.In addition, you'll get to take your Pi home with you, alongside the electronics needed to do the stuff we cover in the course!If you would like to have someone tag along with you, please a friend ticket along with your order.Questions or amendments? please contact me at robert@ballarathackerspace.org.au )For more information on Business Victoria, check out their website at http://www.business.vic.gov.au/

Have you wondered what it's like working on Hardware and thought it's too hard? Felt like you wanted to see what electronics is about?In this beginners class, we will put together a basic kit using soldering - a process of joining together parts in order to make them function (form a good electrical connection). This method is common in many kinds of projects, and can help you with repairing all kinds of parts. Although this is a beginners course, the equipment being used (a soldering iron) is a hot tool which can melt skin, and can emit lead fumes - so we will need a guardian with you at this event if you are under 18.Buying a ticket for this will provide you with a beginners kit that you can use in the space! It will be able to be done in one two hour session, and will involve blinking lights - a perfect thing to show off your new skills.

Welcome to our first Women's wednesday night workshop!This course is a copy of the Raspberry Pi 3 Workshop, with the difference of it being free for female attendees. An Introduction To HackingRaspberry Pi is a credit card-sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It can be used as a standalone computer, in electronics projects, games, and can also play HD video as a media center. In this workshop, you'll learn the details about what exactly the Raspberry Pi is, what hardware and software are included, how to get one up and running, how to interact with the Linux command line interface, how to write your first program for it, and how to get it to interact with a web service on the Internet.Whether you're a software or hardware developer, maker, product manager, designer, technologist, or entrepreneur, this class will be incredibly useful to those interested in learning more about this amazing hardware.This four-week workshop, aimed at the novice hacker, covers topics including: Programming with Python Connecting the Pi to the outside world Controlling circuits with code Temperature sensing Taking photos and videos automatically

An Introduction To Hacking Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It can be used as a standalone computer, in electronics projects, games, and can also play HD video as a media center. In this workshop, you'll learn the details about what exactly the Raspberry Pi is, what hardware and software are included, how to get one up and running, how to interact with the Linux command line interface, how to write your first program for it, and how to get it to interact with a web service on the Internet. Whether you're a software or hardware developer, maker, product manager, designer, technologist, or entrepreneur, this class will be incredibly useful to those interested in learning more about this amazing hardware. This six week workshop, aimed at the novice hacker, covers topics including: Programming with Python Connecting the Pi to the outside world Controlling circuits with code Temperature sensing Taking photos and videos automatically The workshop is project based and each week, we will do a two hour session, the first hour guiding you through some new concepts, and the second hour more focused on exploring and building new things towards the project goals - temperature monitoring, an alarm system and your first robot.

Ever wanted to take to the skies, and see things from a different perspective? Perhaps you would like to test your skills in learning Acrobatic flight? Join us for an exciting workshop where you build your own drone!   Drones have exploded in popularity, and this Ballarat Hackerspace workshop is a fantastic opportunity to get into this exciting hobby. The rate of technological change in this field can make it daunting to get started, but our resident drone expert Brett James will be leading this workshop to get you started on the right track.   The prototype for this workshop was flown by one of the members at the Ballarat Hackerspace at the D1 Drone Racing Nationals and was able to reach the semi-finals with it - it has plenty of power to be controlled and applications from racing to photography.   Difficulty: This workshop is aimed at intermediate levels, with a moderate amount of soldering, a significant amount of electronics and some programming. We provide all tools and equipment you need, and can assist with any skills that you need to learn to complete the project. It is strongly recommended to have flight time on simulators (which we show how to set up using your transmitter) to become used to the controls.   On completing construction, you will have a functioning multicopter, capable of Line of Sight flying and ready to be expanded as you see fit for Assisted Sensor flight, Racing, and Photography. You will have gained confidence in flying using a transmitter before taking off.      Why build a multicopter/drone instead of grabbing one from the shelves? Building one of these will give you great understanding of the amazing array of sensors capable of giving you flight, and an appreciation for the culture of building your own. Understanding these functions will make repairs much easier - all parts are replaceable, and a moderate bump or crash can be easily fixed. Further, you will learn skills that allow you to plan and build upgrades to your drone, and build new drones in the future. Further, the electronics and programming skills developed have a wide range of applications.   You can choose exactly what purpose your device is, be it racing or landscape photography and there is room on this for expansion in the future. The flight controller software, frame kit and many other parts of the build are open source.   As part of your workshop ticket, you’ll receive three months casual membership, allowing you to come to the space, use the tools, and get guidance from our other members at the space.      What's included? Everything needed for Line of Sight flight 2.4Ghz Transmitter (9XR Pro) including the FrSky Module - both used for controlling the multicopter Full Carbon Fiber Quadcopter frame kit (Based on a ZMR 250) with screws, spacers and power distribution board Flight Control Board (The famous Naze 32) Four Motors each capable of generating up to 800 Grams of thrust in a package that weighs less than 25 Grams! Battery for flight, and for Transmitter Basic Charger for both Cabling to connect Transmitter to computer and simulation software for practice All electronics ready for assembly   We also provide access to all the tools you’ll need to build the drone, such as soldering irons and testing equipment, as part of your workshop ticket. You will need your own computer/laptop for flight simulation and some other components. If you don’t have access to one, please contact us before the course, as we can probably source one for you to use.      Why a ZMR 250? The "ZMR 250" Is one of the most versatile designs available that has stood the test of time. The size places it in the "Mini Quad" category. Not too big to require permits for flying, yet big enough to be forgiving during building and allowing room for expansion as your needs and experience grow. This frame is not a glass composite like some others, but full carbon fiber for the arms and structural frame - the same used by drone racers for the sturdiness during crashes.   Many racing pilots have begun on this frame and loved it for it's sturdy, predictable nature when flying at all speeds.      What's the cost: The total cost for the course is $495 - for a Four week course with Three Months of Casual Membership. Existing members will have the membership added to their current schedule.      Class Size: The first iteration of this course will be limited to 5 people - be quick!.   Groups of two are fine (and encouraged) to work on each kit, however we will not be able to accommodate more than this due to space limitations.   If you miss out on a ticket, please contact us here, as we will likely be organising another workshop in the near future.      Running Time: 4 Weeks of time have been allocated, with a Dedicated session on Saturdays and recaps available on Mondays. This workshop also includes three months of social club membership, where you can work on your kit, as well as get inspiration and advice for other projects you are thinking of. Who knows, weather permitting once the kits are completed we may all be able to go pick a local location and do some test flights.      Prerequisities: No flying experience is needed. Basic soldering skills will be needed to complete the Kit - various parts will need to be cut and soldered together. We recommend strongly that you bring a laptop in if you have one available. A computer is used to program the various electronic components (Flight control, Transmitter, ESC ) with guidance given on how to operate them.   We follow, and enforce, safe building and flying practices. Joining this workshop means you agree to Ballarat Hackerspaces rules around safety.      Technical Specs: Full Carbon Fiber Frame - higher strength than a plastic or glass composite design.    Frame Measurements: Motor to motor diagonal: 250mm Power to Weight Ratio: 6:1 Estimated All up Weight: 495grams Estimated Maximum Thrust: 3.2KG Maximum Safe Payload: 600 grams Maximum Range: ~1.5Km Motor Class: H2205, 5 Inch Propellers High Quality Little Bee 20A ESCS (control the speed of the motors) Charger: 800 mAh Balance charger Estimated Maximum Speed: 80Km/H Typical flight time: 8 minutes (expandable with larger batteries) Expansion abilities: GPS Assisted flying, FPV Flight/Drone Racing, Light photography and 1080P Video.

An Introduction To Hacking Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It can be used as a standalone computer, in electronics projects, games, and can also play HD video as a media center. In this workshop, you'll learn the details about what exactly the Raspberry Pi is, what hardware and software are included, how to get one up and running, how to interact with the Linux command line interface, how to write your first program for it, and how to get it to interact with a web service on the Internet. Whether you're a software or hardware developer, maker, product manager, designer, technologist, or entrepreneur, this class will be incredibly useful to those interested in learning more about this amazing hardware. This four-week workshop, aimed at the novice hacker, covers topics including: Programming with Python Connecting the Pi to the outside world Controlling circuits with code Temperature sensing Taking photos and videos automatically

Why Build Your Own? 3D Printers allow you to print objects, allowing you to design and build new custom built objects. You can print your own tools and toys, learn to work with open source hardware, improve upon publicly available designs, and learn about one of the biggest trends for future development. There are over 100,000 items you can print right now on design-sharing website Thingiverse – all free and able to be customised! If you have ever wanted to get into 3D printing, now is your chance. The Ballarat Hackerspace is presenting a workshop, with all of the necessary components, for you to build your own 3D printer. Why build one with your own hands, in our workshop? People who assemble 3D Printers have much greater printing success vs people who buy complete units. You can understand the inner workings of the machines, allowing for easier debugging and customisation. You’ll learn about Open Hardware and Open Software, and where to find help. You can make it the way YOU want it – change the hardware, re-write the software, etc. It will never be obsolete. Why the Prusa i3 Printer? It’s one of the easiest to assemble, using 80% fewer parts than prior versions. It’s open source – upgrades / improved parts for it can (and are) made for it by anyone. It’s easily portable and prints great! The build area is 200mm x 200mm x 180mm – bigger than a lot of other printers. What’s the Cost: The total cost for the course is $900, discounted to $750 for workshop members. Class Size: Classes are currently limited to 4 printers at a time. Groups of two people are fine to work on each printer if necessary, but no larger due to space constraints. Running Time: The dedicated assembly classes will run on Wednesday nights from 6pm to 8.30pm and Saturday afternoons from 12pm to 3pm. Granted that you receive membership to the Hackerspace for 6 months means that you use any other open times to complete your printer sooner. Total assembly time is approximately 12-16 hours (4 or 5 dedicated workshop sessions), you may finish sooner if you forge ahead. Prerequisites: All participants are encouraged to bring a laptop if they own one so that they can install the software and test it. If you don’t have a laptop that’s fine, you’ll be able to bring the software home and install it, and we’ll use one of our laptops to test it in class. Assembling these printers requires use of basic tools and software. All tools are provided. Important Note: Working with some of these tools (soldering irons, hobby knives, etc) presents a limited opportunity for injury. Participants will be shown how to complete the build safely, but should know that they’re responsible for their own safety.

Why Build Your Own? 3D Printers allow you to print objects, allowing you to design and build new custom built objects. You can print your own tools and toys, learn to work with open source hardware, improve upon publicly available designs, and learn about one of the biggest trends for future development. There are over 100,000 items you can print right now on design-sharing website Thingiverse – all free and able to be customised! If you have ever wanted to get into 3D printing, now is your chance. The Ballarat Hackerspace is presenting a workshop, with all of the necessary components, for you to build your own 3D printer. Why build one with your own hands, in our workshop? People who assemble 3D Printers have much greater printing success vs people who buy complete units. You can understand the inner workings of the machines, allowing for easier debugging and customisation. You’ll learn about Open Hardware and Open Software, and where to find help. You can make it the way YOU want it – change the hardware, re-write the software, etc. It will never be obsolete. Why the Prusa i3 Printer? It’s one of the easiest to assemble, using 80% fewer parts than prior versions. It’s open source – upgrades / improved parts for it can (and are) made for it by anyone. It’s easily portable and prints great! The build area is 200mm x 200mm x 180mm – bigger than a lot of other printers. What’s the Cost: The total cost for the course is $900, discounted to $750 for workshop members. Class Size: Classes are currently limited to 6 printers at a time. Groups of two people are fine to work on each printer if necessary, but no larger due to space constraints. Running Time: The dedicated assembly classes will run on Wednesday nights from 6pm to 8.30pm and Saturday afternoons from 12pm to 3pm. Granted that you receive membership to the Hackerspace for 6 months means that you use any other open times to complete your printer sooner. Total assembly time is approximately 12-16 hours (4 or 5 dedicated workshop sessions), you may finish sooner if you forge ahead. Prerequisites: All participants are encouraged to bring a laptop if they own one so that they can install the software and test it. If you don’t have a laptop that’s fine, you’ll be able to bring the software home and install it, and we’ll use one of our laptops to test it in class. Assembling these printers requires use of basic tools and software. All tools are provided. Important Note: Working with some of these tools (soldering irons, hobby knives, etc) presents a limited opportunity for injury. Participants will be shown how to complete the build safely, but should know that they’re responsible for their own safety.