11/16/2012
Attendance: Drew, John, Torin, Erik, Zak, Dan, Ben, Rene, Alex
Time 7:40
Introductions from first time attendees:
Dan: Junior at Vestal H. S. Plans to go into Computer Science, Interested in Arduino, Raspberry Pi’s, etc
Torin: Undergrad, Senior in Anthropology Sculpture Major Interested in metal casting and welding, Projects- Waste Oil Furnace. He is writing his thesis on maker spaces, Gen Space and is maker curious.
Zak: Industrial Sys. Engineer BU Undergrad, into solder and Dremeling, expert at taking things apart. Saw a TCMakerspace poster in the Engineering Building @ Binghamton University
Alex: Engineering Science at BCC, programs C++, Programming on TI 89, Worked on the BCC catapult
Discussion on physical spaces:
We all decided that getting a time scale together is crucial for getting a space, since it helps us decied what spaces will work for us. We also decided that we want to be in a space in the next 30 days.
Drew and Erik looked and a space behind the Know Theater on Carol Street.
- Brick Building
- Unconnected- Stand-alone building with possible basement
- Currently uninhabitable
- At the moment no electric, heat, or water. The space was sued for storage for years so utilities have been turned off
- $720.00 / month
- Off-street Parking
- Close to Downtown and near public transit lines
- 15′ ceilings
- The paint is all lead based so it will need to be repainted by the landlord before we move in.
- Since we are re-purposing a commercial space and not subletting we will need to get approval from the Community Planning board. The real estate agent we spoke to is looking into that and will give us a time frame.
- To get reconnected to the power grid the electrical will need to be inspected by an electrician. John knows an electrician named Herman. Erik doesn’t trust Herman… anyone named Herman.
- Houses nearby to Carol Street. Possible noise issues
NYPENN:
- Cheap, lots of room
- Security problems, since there is shared access the exterior door needs to be access controlled. Possible issue since landlord isn’t very pro-technology.
Since Last Meeting:
Ben, Drew, Erik, and Rene Met with Christie Zwahlen who is the Community Engagement Coordinator from the BU Center for Civic Engagement.
She is contacting the Tech Center in Downtown Binghamton for possible space, she is also looking into possible free space for us. Also mentioned the possibility of getting a marketing intern and discussed what requirements we would have to meet to be able to provide the intern with class credit for their work. Ms. Zwahlen’s work is in bridging the digital divide, she organizes tech literacy classes and works with students to refurbish donated computers to get low income families computers in their homes. She mentioned the possibility of getting TCMS some computers. She works with many non-profits in the area, and was interested in us holding free classes that compliment her work. She also suggested that we table at the BU student Union to get more interest in the space, this is something that will be discussed at a later date, since it isn’t time sensitive.
We were also able to talk to Unicorn Electronics and they offered to advertise the space in their stores and agreed to give us any broken or donated computers and equipment.
We also want to reach out to other computer stores like Red Barn for possible advertising options.
- Plans of First Friday:
- Back to River Read Books
- Examples of People’s projects
- LED sign again
- LED Throwies
Action Items:
- Donations from local companies- Beth can work on that.
- Alex- hang up flyers @ BCC and Engineering Club @ BCC
- First Friday – Get your projects!
Circuit Bending- Musical Instruments
DOOMBAS
Roomba Jousting – Velcro Styrofoam heads.
More “throwies”
LED Potato, Potato Batteries
Redd it-Put your ideas on there
End Notes:
Saturday or Sunday Meeting
Next Week: Because 9- of Black Friday and Tofurky Day