Baltimore Node Wiki - User contributions [en]

Main Page

2024-08-16T04:06:17Z

P2:

__NOTOC__

You [[We Have A Wiki?|found]] the wiki! 🌐👍

===Founding documents===

*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]]
**[[Baltimore Node Logo]]
*'''[[Bylaws]]'''
*[[Policies]]
**[[Membership Process]] and [[Membership Dues]]

==Events==
To find out what's going on at the Node, check out our [https://www.meetup.com/BaltimoreNode/events/calendar/ Meetup Calendar]!

===Regular Events===

*'''Thursdays, 7:00-9:00pm''' - [[OpenHack]] Sessions. Come check out Node. Bring a project to work on or just hang out. '''Everyone welcome.''' If you're a member and can sponsor a Thursday, put your name on the [[OpenHack]] list. [[Events Archive|📦 Events Archive]]

If you'd like to host an event at the Node (one-time or recurring), stop by the regular meeting or run it by the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion mailing list].

==Becoming a Member==

*Learn how to become a member on the [http://baltimorenode.org/membership/ membership page]
*All members need to sign the [[Membership Agreement]] when they join.
*Remember [[Shop-Vac]]

==Quick links==
===Ideas, making, fun===

*[[Resources]] - Information and educational resources on topics related to the Node
**[[CNC Router How-To Guide]] '''(new!)'''
**[[Laser Cutter]]
**[[Shapeoko]]
**[[Raspberry PI Magnetometers and Accelerometers]]
**[[We Have A Wiki?|Creating a Wiki Account]] (new!)
*[[Publicity]] - Current contact info and past publicity.
*[[Project Proposals]] - Share your ideas for projects. Things you want to work on, things you think other people should work on, things you'd like to learn more about. If you want some help clarifying your ideas, the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion list] would probably be the best place for that.
*[[Event Proposals]] - Share your ideas for events or workshops you'd like to host, teach, or run at the Node's space.
*[[WikiTips]] - Tips on how to use the Wiki

===Projects===

*[[501(c)(3) process]] - A place to document the process of becoming a 501(c)3 and show where we are in the process
*[[Annual Goals]] - A general list of goals for the organization, established 2010-03-27
*[[Things to fill the Space]] - Stuff we've got and stuff we need.
**[[Wishlist]] - Because the page above is old, the space is already full, but we still want more stuff!
*[[Grants]] - Possible sources of funding.
*[[Outreach and inclusion]] - A list of groups, organizations, and populations in the Baltimore area we want to reach.
*[[Historical documents]] - An archive of documents and pages related to starting and planning the Node.

''Looking for an older project? It may have become a member of the [[Dead Projects Society]].''

==Communication Channels==

*'''Website and blog''': [http://baltimorenode.org baltimorenode.org]
*'''Twitter''': [http://twitter.com/baltimorenode twitter.com/baltimorenode]
*'''IRC''': #baltimorenode on freenode.net - irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode
*'''Elsewhere''': [http://www.flickr.com/groups/1127918@N24/ Flickr], [http://www.instructables.com/group/bmorenode/ Instructables], [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baltimore-Node/109524391244 Facebook]

===Mailing Lists===

*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion Discussion list]: Get your geek on, find help with projects, ask questions, get directions to the next meeting, share awesome findings, suggest projects
*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-announce Announcement list]: Low traffic list just for receiving announcements. Subscribe to this list only if you do not want to receive discussion emails. If you are on the Discussion list, you will receive all announcements automatically.

===Meeting Notes===

[[:Category:MeetingNotes]]

==ToDo List==

*Work on a [[Donation Request Letter]] and seek some donations

Membership Process

2024-08-16T04:02:28Z

P2: At our current space, the membership fee covers the cost of the key, and the process is uncomplicated.

__NOTOC__
If you're interested in getting involved with the Node, get in touch on the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-hackerspace-planning Mailing list]

== Overview ==
# '''Get to know the space.''' Come to an event or just stop by and hang out for a while.
# '''Fill out a membership application.''' This quick [https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHoyLU1uamlvMzAxN0JJOE40S0hnVnc6MA.. online form] lets us know you're interested.
# '''Come to a meeting and sign a membership agreement.''' New members are confirmed at regular meetings. [http://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Membership_Agreement Membership Agreement]
# '''Start paying dues.''' Dues are just $50 a month. See [[Membership Dues]] for more info.
# '''Register for a key.''' Show us a photo ID, pay for the key duplication cost, and you'll get a key for 24/7 access.
# '''Stop worrying about bureaucracy and do cool stuff!'''

== Frequently Asked Questions ==
==== What are the benefits of being a member ====
* Access to the space to work on projects either on your own or in collaboration with other members
* Use of all community tools and equipment within the space
* Free access to all workshops and events
* A designated area to store in progress work
* A voice and a vote in all decisions affecting the Baltimore Node

==== I can't afford $50. Where do we go from here? ====
We're open to some number of members paying less than $50 a month. If you are interested in joining the Node, but $50 is out of reach, see the [[Membership Dues]] page for some options.

==== How do I register for a key ====
Once you're a member, talk to any officer and they can get you set up.

==== What does it mean to be "confirmed" as a member? ====
The Baltimore Node is collectively run by its members. The officers are responsible for some administrative tasks, but all decisions are determined by a vote of the members. When you come to a meeting and say you'd like to join, the members present at meeting hold a quick vote to confirm you as a member. The vote itself is largely a formality. We want new members to join and use the space. If you've hung around the space for any amount of time, chatted with some members, and filled out the membership application, you're golden. If no one at the meeting has ever seen you before, you might be asked to spend some time getting to know the members and wait until the next meeting to be confirmed.

Dead Projects Society

2024-08-16T03:58:57Z

P2:

Hello. I'm pretty serious about wiki organization. So, I'm gathering the dead projects, pulling from the home page and putting them here for a respectful burial.

But, perhaps the dead will rise someday? What a possibility!

*[[RFID door lock]] - Johns Joseph and Milner apparently have some ideas to revive this dead-ling. (yet, abandoned)
*[[LED window display]] (August 2019 - dismantled.)
*[[JeeNode Workshop]] - No one remembers what this was. (Forgotten.)
*[[Power Tool Drag Racing]]
*[[Co-Lab Wednesday]] - What a cool project! I will visit its grave regularly. (Dearly departed.)
*[[Webcam]] - For a few reasons, this has gone defunct. 1. Privacy

Membership Dues

2019-10-04T03:37:28Z

P2:

===Basic Policy===
Baltimore Node membership dues are $50 a month. Dues can be paid with a credit card through [https://baltimorenode.org/nodeworks/pay.php Stripe (repeats monthly from the day you sign up)] or you may deliver a check or cash to the treasurer.

===Household membership rates===
Members living in the same household may pay $25 dues for each member beyond the first, up to a total of four (one member at $50, three at $25) All members in household are full members with voting and key rights. Minor dependents are free to come as guests, receive member rates for workshops but are not allowed keys or voting rights. Minors must be supervised.

===Alternative dues===
Those who wish to join the Node, but are unable to afford $50 a month in dues may propose an alternative dues arrangement. The proposal should include how much, if anything, you can afford to pay in dues each month and what you can do to help the Node stay solvent. The Node is open to all sorts of creative arrangements, just be specific in your proposal. Here are some examples of things you might propose in lieu of paying full dues:

*Volunteer to lead a specific workshop or event
*Work to secure donations and grants
*Contribute high quality original content to baltimorenode.org
*Work to bring in new members
*Contribute something amazing to the space

If you would like to become a member with an alternative dues arrangement, submit your proposal via email to the president. The president will forward it on to the membership who will then vote on it at the next regular meeting.

===Dues Waiver===
Members who, for whatever reason, are unable to pay dues may have their dues waived for up to three months. To receive a waiver, you have to submit a request to the Board of Directors. If after three months you still are unable to pay dues, you must either submit an alternative dues proposal (see above) or relinquish your membership. If you will be unable to pay full dues it may make sense to move directly to an alternative dues arrangements instead of receiving a waiver.

===See Also===

*[[Bylaws#Section_3:_Membership_Dues|Bylaws Section 3: Membership Dues]]

Membership Dues

2019-10-04T03:36:26Z

P2: Change Google Checkout to a Stripe link

===Basic Policy===
Baltimore Node membership dues are $50 a month. Dues are due on the 20th of each month. Dues can be paid with a credit card through [https://baltimorenode.org/nodeworks/pay.php Stripe] or you may deliver a check or cash to the treasurer.

===Household membership rates===
Members living in the same household may pay $25 dues for each member beyond the first, up to a total of four (one member at $50, three at $25) All members in household are full members with voting and key rights. Minor dependents are free to come as guests, receive member rates for workshops but are not allowed keys or voting rights. Minors must be supervised.

===Alternative dues===
Those who wish to join the Node, but are unable to afford $50 a month in dues may propose an alternative dues arrangement. The proposal should include how much, if anything, you can afford to pay in dues each month and what you can do to help the Node stay solvent. The Node is open to all sorts of creative arrangements, just be specific in your proposal. Here are some examples of things you might propose in lieu of paying full dues:

*Volunteer to lead a specific workshop or event
*Work to secure donations and grants
*Contribute high quality original content to baltimorenode.org
*Work to bring in new members
*Contribute something amazing to the space

If you would like to become a member with an alternative dues arrangement, submit your proposal via email to the president. The president will forward it on to the membership who will then vote on it at the next regular meeting.

===Dues Waiver===
Members who, for whatever reason, are unable to pay dues may have their dues waived for up to three months. To receive a waiver, you have to submit a request to the Board of Directors. If after three months you still are unable to pay dues, you must either submit an alternative dues proposal (see above) or relinquish your membership. If you will be unable to pay full dues it may make sense to move directly to an alternative dues arrangements instead of receiving a waiver.

===See Also===

*[[Bylaws#Section_3:_Membership_Dues|Bylaws Section 3: Membership Dues]]

User:P2

2019-09-13T16:43:49Z

P2:

I'm Phil Edwards.

Sometimes I make jokes that are so good. I joined the Node to explain more of my jokes. My latest joke is called, "Main_Page".
{| class="wikitable"
|+Node Participation
!Role
!Terms
|-
|Vice President
|2019 - Present
|-
|President
|2018 - 2019
|-
|Secretary
|2017 - 2018
|-
|Member
|2015 - present
|} 
{| class="wikitable"
|+Experimental Categorization
|'''New Members'''
|'''Cool Tools'''
|-
|
*[https://baltimorenode.org/nodeworks/pay.php Dues Sign-up]
*[[Membership Agreement]] 📜
*[https://discuss.baltimorenode.org/ Forums / Mailing List] 💬
|
*[[CNC Router]] ⚙️
*[[Laser Cutter]] ⚡
*[[Shop-Vac]] 🌪️
|-
|
|'''Reference'''
|-
|
*[[We Have A Wiki|Getting a Wiki Account]]
*[[Annual Goals]]
|
*[[Bylaws]] 📜
*[[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] 🌐
*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]] 📜
|}

=====More <s>people</s> heroes who edit the wiki=====

*[[User:Jnm|Jnm]] - WikiTips expert
*[[User:Juniper|Juniper]] - [https://www.facebook.com/baltimorenode/ Facebook] poster
*[[User:JXX WXXXX|Kevin]] - Made the [[CNC Router How-To Guide]]

''"What color should we make [[Radical Node Anarchy]]? ... I think red is the wrong color."''

User:P2

2019-09-13T16:40:48Z

P2:

I'm Phil Edwards.

Sometimes I make jokes that are so good. I joined the Node to explain more of my jokes. My latest joke is called, "Main_Page".
{| class="wikitable"
|+Node Participation
!Role
!Terms
|-
|Vice President
|2019 - Present
|-
|President
|2018 - 2019
|-
|Secretary
|2017 - 2018
|-
|Member
|2015 - present
|} 
{| class="wikitable"
|+Experimental Categorization
|'''New Members'''
|'''Cool Tools'''
|-
|
*[https://baltimorenode.org/nodeworks/pay.php Dues Sign-up]
*[[Membership Agreement]]
*[https://discuss.baltimorenode.org/ Forums / Mailing List]
|
*[[CNC Router]] ⚙️
*[[Laser Cutter]] ⚡
*[[Shop-Vac]] 🌪️
|-
|
|'''Reference'''
|-
|
*[[We Have A Wiki|Getting a Wiki Account]]
*[[Annual Goals]]
|
*[[Bylaws]] 📜
*[[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] 🌐
*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]] 📜
|}

=====More <s>people</s> heroes who edit the wiki=====

*[[User:Jnm|Jnm]] - WikiTips expert
*[[User:Juniper|Juniper]] - [https://www.facebook.com/baltimorenode/ Facebook] poster
*[[User:JXX WXXXX|Kevin]] - Made the [[CNC Router How-To Guide]]

''"What color should we make [[Radical Node Anarchy]]? ... I think red is the wrong color."''

User:P2

2019-09-13T16:38:56Z

P2:

I'm Phil Edwards.

Sometimes I make jokes that are so good. I joined the Node to explain more of my jokes. My latest joke is called, "Main_Page".
{| class="wikitable"
|+Node Participation
!Role
!Terms
|-
|Vice President
|2019 - Present
|-
|President
|2018 - 2019
|-
|Secretary
|2017 - 2018
|-
|Member
|2015 - present
|} 
{| class="wikitable"
|+Experimental Categorization
|'''New Members'''
|'''Cool Tools'''
|-
|
*[https://baltimorenode.org/nodeworks/pay.php Dues Sign-up]
*[[Membership Agreement]]
*[https://discuss.baltimorenode.org/ Forums / Mailing List]
|
*[[CNC Router]] ⚙️
*[[Laser Cutter]] ⚡
*[[Shop-Vac]] 🌪️
|-
|
|'''Reference'''
|-
|
*[[We Have A Wiki?#Creating an account|Getting a Wiki Account]]
*[[Annual Goals]]
|
*[[Bylaws]] 📜
*[[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] 🌐
*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]] 📜
|}

=====More <s>people</s> heroes who edit the wiki=====

*[[User:Jnm|Jnm]] - WikiTips expert
*[[User:Juniper|Juniper]] - [https://www.facebook.com/baltimorenode/ Facebook] poster
*[[User:JXX WXXXX|Kevin]] - Made the [[CNC Router How-To Guide]]

''"What color should we make [[Radical Node Anarchy]]? ... I think red is the wrong color."''

User:P2

2019-09-13T16:38:40Z

P2:

I'm Phil Edwards.

Sometimes I make jokes that are so good. I joined the Node to explain more of my jokes. My latest joke is called, "Main_Page".
{| class="wikitable"
|+Node Participation
!Role
!Terms
|-
|Vice President
|2019 - Present
|-
|President
|2018 - 2019
|-
|Secretary
|2017 - 2018
|-
|Member
|2015 - present
|} 
{| class="wikitable"
|+Experimental Categorization
|'''New Members'''
|'''Cool Tools'''
|-
|
*[https://baltimorenode.org/nodeworks/pay.php Dues Sign-up]
*[[Membership Agreement]]
* [https://baltimorenode.org/nodeworks/pay.php Dues Sign-up]
*[https://discuss.baltimorenode.org/ Forums / Mailing List]
|
*[[CNC Router]] ⚙️
*[[Laser Cutter]] ⚡
*[[Shop-Vac]] 🌪️
|-
|
|'''Reference'''
|-
|
*[[We Have A Wiki?#Creating an account|Getting a Wiki Account]]
*[[Annual Goals]]
|
*[[Bylaws]] 📜
*[[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] 🌐
*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]] 📜
|}

=====More <s>people</s> heroes who edit the wiki=====

*[[User:Jnm|Jnm]] - WikiTips expert
*[[User:Juniper|Juniper]] - [https://www.facebook.com/baltimorenode/ Facebook] poster
*[[User:JXX WXXXX|Kevin]] - Made the [[CNC Router How-To Guide]]

''"What color should we make [[Radical Node Anarchy]]? ... I think red is the wrong color."''

User:P2

2019-09-13T16:36:33Z

P2: Drafting wiki navigation

I'm Phil Edwards.

Sometimes I make jokes that are so good. I joined the Node to explain more of my jokes. My latest joke is called, "Main_Page".
{| class="wikitable"
|+Node Participation
!Role
!Terms
|-
|Vice President
|2019 - Present
|-
|President
|2018 - 2019
|-
|Secretary
|2017 - 2018
|-
|Member
|2015 - present
|} 
{| class="wikitable"
|+Experimental Categorization
|'''New Members'''
|'''Cool Tools'''
|-
|
* [https://baltimorenode.org/nodeworks/pay.php Dues Sign-up]
* [[Membership Agreement]]
* [https://discuss.baltimorenode.org/ Forums / Mailing List]
|
* [[CNC Router]] ⚙️
* [[Laser Cutter]] ⚡
* [[Shop-Vac]] 🌪️
|-
|
|'''Reference'''
|-
|
* [[We Have A Wiki?#Creating an account|Getting a Wiki Account]]
* [[Annual Goals]]
|
* [[Bylaws]] 📜
* [[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] 🌐
* [[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]] 📜
|}

=====More <s>people</s> heroes who edit the wiki=====

*[[User:Jnm|Jnm]] - WikiTips expert
*[[User:Juniper|Juniper]] - [https://www.facebook.com/baltimorenode/ Facebook] poster
*[[User:JXX WXXXX|Kevin]] - Made the [[CNC Router How-To Guide]]

''"What color should we make [[Radical Node Anarchy]]? ... I think red is the wrong color."''

Main Page

2019-09-13T16:35:45Z

P2:

__NOTOC__

You [[We Have A Wiki?|found]] the wiki! 🌐👍

==Events==
To find out what's going on at the Node, check out our [https://www.meetup.com/BaltimoreNode/events/calendar/ Meetup Calendar]!

===Regular Events===

*'''Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm''' - [[OpenHack]] Sessions. Come check out Node. Bring a project to work on or just hang out. '''Everyone welcome.''' If you're a member and can sponsor a Thursday, put your name on the [[OpenHack]] list. [[Events Archive|📦 Events Archive]]

If you'd like to host an event at the Node (one-time or recurring), stop by the regular meeting or run it by the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion mailing list].

==Becoming a Member==

*Learn how to become a member on the [http://baltimorenode.org/membership/ membership page]
*All members need to sign the [[Membership Agreement]] when they join.
*Remember [[Shop-Vac]]

==Quick links==
===Ideas, making, fun===

*[[Resources]] - Information and educational resources on topics related to the Node
**[[CNC Router How-To Guide]] '''(new!)'''
**[[Laser Cutter]]
**[[Raspberry PI Magnetometers and Accelerometers]]
**[[We Have A Wiki?|Creating a Wiki Account]] (new!)
*[[Publicity]] - Current contact info and past publicity.
*[[Project Proposals]] - Share your ideas for projects. Things you want to work on, things you think other people should work on, things you'd like to learn more about. If you want some help clarifying your ideas, the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion list] would probably be the best place for that.
*[[Event Proposals]] - Share your ideas for events or workshops you'd like to host, teach, or run at the Node's space.
*[[WikiTips]] - Tips on how to use the Wiki

===Projects===

*[[501(c)(3) process]] - A place to document the process of becoming a 501(c)3 and show where we are in the process
*[[Annual Goals]] - A general list of goals for the organization, established 2010-03-27
*[[Things to fill the Space]] - Stuff we've got and stuff we need.
**[[Wishlist]] - Because the page above is old, the space is already full, but we still want more stuff!
*[[Grants]] - Possible sources of funding.
*[[Outreach and inclusion]] - A list of groups, organizations, and populations in the Baltimore area we want to reach.
*[[Historical documents]] - An archive of documents and pages related to starting and planning the Node.

''Looking for an older project? It may have become a member of the [[Dead Projects Society]].''

==Communication Channels==

*'''Website and blog''': [http://baltimorenode.org baltimorenode.org]
*'''Twitter''': [http://twitter.com/baltimorenode twitter.com/baltimorenode]
*'''IRC''': #baltimorenode on freenode.net - irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode
*'''Elsewhere''': [http://www.flickr.com/groups/1127918@N24/ Flickr], [http://www.instructables.com/group/bmorenode/ Instructables], [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baltimore-Node/109524391244 Facebook]

===Mailing Lists===

*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion Discussion list]: Get your geek on, find help with projects, ask questions, get directions to the next meeting, share awesome findings, suggest projects
*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-announce Announcement list]: Low traffic list just for receiving announcements. Subscribe to this list only if you do not want to receive discussion emails. If you are on the Discussion list, you will receive all announcements automatically.

==Founding documents==

*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]]
*[[Bylaws]]
*[[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] - Official Logo of the Node

===Meeting Notes===

[[:Category:MeetingNotes]]

==ToDo List==

*Work on a [[Donation Request Letter]] and seek some donations

Main Page

2019-09-13T16:32:46Z

P2: Not to be misleading. Current Projects -> Projects

__NOTOC__

You [[We Have A Wiki?|found]] the wiki! 🌐👍

==Events==
To find out what's going on at the Node, check out our [https://www.meetup.com/BaltimoreNode/events/calendar/ Meetup Calendar]!

===Regular Events===

*'''Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm''' - [[OpenHack]] Sessions. Come check out Node. Bring a project to work on or just hang out. '''Everyone welcome.''' If you're a member and can sponsor a Thursday, put your name on the [[OpenHack]] list. [[Events Archive|📦 Events Archive]]

If you'd like to host an event at the Node (one-time or recurring), stop by the regular meeting or run it by the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion mailing list].

==Becoming a Member==

*Learn how to become a member on the [http://baltimorenode.org/membership/ membership page]
*All members need to sign the [[Membership Agreement]] when they join.
*Remember [[Shop-Vac]]

==Quick links==
===Ideas, making, fun===

*[[Resources]] - Information and educational resources on topics related to the Node
**[[CNC Router How-To Guide]] '''(new!)'''
**[[Laser Cutter]]
**[[Raspberry PI Magnetometers and Accelerometers]]
**[[We Have A Wiki?|Creating a Wiki Account]] (new!)
*[[Publicity]] - Current contact info and past publicity.
*[[Project Proposals]] - Share your ideas for projects. Things you want to work on, things you think other people should work on, things you'd like to learn more about. If you want some help clarifying your ideas, the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion list] would probably be the best place for that.
*[[Event Proposals]] - Share your ideas for events or workshops you'd like to host, teach, or run at the Node's space.
*[[WikiTips]] - Tips on how to use the Wiki

===Projects===

*[[501(c)(3) process]] - A place to document the process of becoming a 501(c)3 and show where we are in the process
*[[Annual Goals]] - A general list of goals for the organization, established 2010-03-27
*[[Things to fill the Space]] - Stuff we've got and stuff we need.
**[[Wishlist]] - Because the page above is old, the space is already full, but we still want more stuff!
*[[Grants]] - Possible sources of funding.
*[[Outreach and inclusion]] - A list of groups, organizations, and populations in the Baltimore area we want to reach.
*[[Historical documents]] - An archive of documents and pages related to starting and planning the Node.

⚰️''Looking for an older project? It may have become a member of the [[Dead Projects Society]].''

==Communication Channels==

*'''Website and blog''': [http://baltimorenode.org baltimorenode.org]
*'''Twitter''': [http://twitter.com/baltimorenode twitter.com/baltimorenode]
*'''IRC''': #baltimorenode on freenode.net - irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode
*'''Elsewhere''': [http://www.flickr.com/groups/1127918@N24/ Flickr], [http://www.instructables.com/group/bmorenode/ Instructables], [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baltimore-Node/109524391244 Facebook]

===Mailing Lists===

*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion Discussion list]: Get your geek on, find help with projects, ask questions, get directions to the next meeting, share awesome findings, suggest projects
*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-announce Announcement list]: Low traffic list just for receiving announcements. Subscribe to this list only if you do not want to receive discussion emails. If you are on the Discussion list, you will receive all announcements automatically.

==Founding documents==

*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]]
*[[Bylaws]]
*[[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] - Official Logo of the Node

===Meeting Notes===

[[:Category:MeetingNotes]]

==ToDo List==

*Work on a [[Donation Request Letter]] and seek some donations

Main Page

2019-09-13T16:31:13Z

P2: /* Current projects */

__NOTOC__

You [[We Have A Wiki?|found]] the wiki! 🌐👍

==Events==
To find out what's going on at the Node, check out our [https://www.meetup.com/BaltimoreNode/events/calendar/ Meetup Calendar]!

===Regular Events===

*'''Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm''' - [[OpenHack]] Sessions. Come check out Node. Bring a project to work on or just hang out. '''Everyone welcome.''' If you're a member and can sponsor a Thursday, put your name on the [[OpenHack]] list. [[Events Archive|📦 Events Archive]]

If you'd like to host an event at the Node (one-time or recurring), stop by the regular meeting or run it by the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion mailing list].

==Becoming a Member==

*Learn how to become a member on the [http://baltimorenode.org/membership/ membership page]
*All members need to sign the [[Membership Agreement]] when they join.
*Remember [[Shop-Vac]]

==Quick links==
===Ideas, making, fun===

*[[Resources]] - Information and educational resources on topics related to the Node
**[[CNC Router How-To Guide]] '''(new!)'''
**[[Laser Cutter]]
**[[Raspberry PI Magnetometers and Accelerometers]]
**[[We Have A Wiki?|Creating a Wiki Account]] (new!)
*[[Publicity]] - Current contact info and past publicity.
*[[Project Proposals]] - Share your ideas for projects. Things you want to work on, things you think other people should work on, things you'd like to learn more about. If you want some help clarifying your ideas, the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion list] would probably be the best place for that.
*[[Event Proposals]] - Share your ideas for events or workshops you'd like to host, teach, or run at the Node's space.
*[[WikiTips]] - Tips on how to use the Wiki

===Current projects===

*[[501(c)(3) process]] - A place to document the process of becoming a 501(c)3 and show where we are in the process
*[[Annual Goals]] - A general list of goals for the organization, established 2010-03-27
*[[Things to fill the Space]] - Stuff we've got and stuff we need.
**[[Wishlist]] - Because the page above is old, the space is already full, but we still want more stuff!
*[[Grants]] - Possible sources of funding.
*[[Outreach and inclusion]] - A list of groups, organizations, and populations in the Baltimore area we want to reach.
*[[Historical documents]] - An archive of documents and pages related to starting and planning the Node.

⚰️''Looking for an older project? It may have become a member of the [[Dead Projects Society]].''

==Communication Channels==

*'''Website and blog''': [http://baltimorenode.org baltimorenode.org]
*'''Twitter''': [http://twitter.com/baltimorenode twitter.com/baltimorenode]
*'''IRC''': #baltimorenode on freenode.net - irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode
*'''Elsewhere''': [http://www.flickr.com/groups/1127918@N24/ Flickr], [http://www.instructables.com/group/bmorenode/ Instructables], [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baltimore-Node/109524391244 Facebook]

===Mailing Lists===

*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion Discussion list]: Get your geek on, find help with projects, ask questions, get directions to the next meeting, share awesome findings, suggest projects
*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-announce Announcement list]: Low traffic list just for receiving announcements. Subscribe to this list only if you do not want to receive discussion emails. If you are on the Discussion list, you will receive all announcements automatically.

==Founding documents==

*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]]
*[[Bylaws]]
*[[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] - Official Logo of the Node

===Meeting Notes===

[[:Category:MeetingNotes]]

==ToDo List==

*Work on a [[Donation Request Letter]] and seek some donations

Main Page

2019-09-13T16:30:27Z

P2:

__NOTOC__

You [[We Have A Wiki?|found]] the wiki! 🌐👍

==Events==
To find out what's going on at the Node, check out our [https://www.meetup.com/BaltimoreNode/events/calendar/ Meetup Calendar]!

===Regular Events===

*'''Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm''' - [[OpenHack]] Sessions. Come check out Node. Bring a project to work on or just hang out. '''Everyone welcome.''' If you're a member and can sponsor a Thursday, put your name on the [[OpenHack]] list. [[Events Archive|📦 Events Archive]]

If you'd like to host an event at the Node (one-time or recurring), stop by the regular meeting or run it by the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion mailing list].

==Becoming a Member==

*Learn how to become a member on the [http://baltimorenode.org/membership/ membership page]
*All members need to sign the [[Membership Agreement]] when they join.
*Remember [[Shop-Vac]]

==Quick links==
===Ideas, making, fun===

*[[Resources]] - Information and educational resources on topics related to the Node
**[[CNC Router How-To Guide]] '''(new!)'''
**[[Laser Cutter]]
**[[Raspberry PI Magnetometers and Accelerometers]]
**[[We Have A Wiki?|Creating a Wiki Account]] (new!)
*[[Publicity]] - Current contact info and past publicity.
*[[Project Proposals]] - Share your ideas for projects. Things you want to work on, things you think other people should work on, things you'd like to learn more about. If you want some help clarifying your ideas, the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion list] would probably be the best place for that.
*[[Event Proposals]] - Share your ideas for events or workshops you'd like to host, teach, or run at the Node's space.
*[[WikiTips]] - Tips on how to use the Wiki

===Current projects===

*[[501(c)(3) process]] - A place to document the process of becoming a 501(c)3 and show where we are in the process
*[[Annual Goals]] - A general list of goals for the organization, established 2010-03-27
*[[Things to fill the Space]] - Stuff we've got and stuff we need.
**[[Wishlist]] - Because the page above is old, the space is already full, but we still want more stuff!
*[[Grants]] - Possible sources of funding.
*[[Outreach and inclusion]] - A list of groups, organizations, and populations in the Baltimore area we want to reach.
*[[Historical documents]] - An archive of documents and pages related to starting and planning the Node.

''Looking for an older project? It may have become a member of the [[Dead Projects Society]].''

==Communication Channels==

*'''Website and blog''': [http://baltimorenode.org baltimorenode.org]
*'''Twitter''': [http://twitter.com/baltimorenode twitter.com/baltimorenode]
*'''IRC''': #baltimorenode on freenode.net - irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode
*'''Elsewhere''': [http://www.flickr.com/groups/1127918@N24/ Flickr], [http://www.instructables.com/group/bmorenode/ Instructables], [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baltimore-Node/109524391244 Facebook]

===Mailing Lists===

*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion Discussion list]: Get your geek on, find help with projects, ask questions, get directions to the next meeting, share awesome findings, suggest projects
*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-announce Announcement list]: Low traffic list just for receiving announcements. Subscribe to this list only if you do not want to receive discussion emails. If you are on the Discussion list, you will receive all announcements automatically.

==Founding documents==

*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]]
*[[Bylaws]]
*[[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] - Official Logo of the Node

===Meeting Notes===

[[:Category:MeetingNotes]]

==ToDo List==

*Work on a [[Donation Request Letter]] and seek some donations

Category:MeetingNotes

2019-09-13T16:28:34Z

P2:

''In 2019, most Meeting Notes are shared to the [[Dropbox|Member's Drive]] and posted on [https://discuss.baltimorenode.org/ the forums].''

...

Add new meeting notes pages to this category by including a <nowiki>[[:Category:MeetingNotes]]</nowiki> tag.

Category:MeetingNotes

2019-09-13T16:28:11Z

P2: Added an updated note about where notes have gone

''In 2019, most Meeting Notes are shared to the [[Dropbox|Member's Drive]] and posted on [https://discuss.baltimorenode.org/ the forums].''

All our meeting notes.

Add new meeting notes pages to this category by including a <nowiki>[[:Category:MeetingNotes]]</nowiki> tag.

WikiTips

2019-09-13T16:23:51Z

P2: /* 2010 - 2018 */

''As of 2019, the wiki has been updated to be a little easier to use. But, for the time being, [[User:Jnm|John Milner]] has taken up the mantle of administrating the wiki, and fixing it when something seems broken.''

===2019===
New tip: If you want to make a wiki edit, but you're a little stuck, ask about it on the [https://discuss.baltimorenode.org/ discussion forum], or during [[OpenHack]].

===2010 - 2018===
[[We Have A Wiki|We have a wiki?]]

===2009===
Tips page on how to use the Wiki.

To add a signature: <nowiki>~~~</nowiki> for your username. <nowiki>~~~~</nowiki> for your username and time stamp.

To create a new Meeting Page using the Template: <nowiki>{{subst:Meeting Notes}}</nowiki> save and edit

----

We're using the [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:SendGrid SendGrid extension] for email now, but it didn't respect [[MediaWiki:Emailsender]]. Here's a quick hack to fix that:

<nowiki>diff --git a/SendGridHooks.php b/SendGridHooks.php
index c11a1ca..e47db92 100644
--- a/SendGridHooks.php
+++ b/SendGridHooks.php
@@ -63,7 +63,9 @@ class SendGridHooks {
}

// Get $to and $from email addresses from the array and MailAddress object respectively
- $from = new SendGrid\Email( null, $from->address );
+ global $wgEnotifUseRealName;
+ $from_name = ( $wgEnotifUseRealName && $from->realName !== '' ) ? $from->realName : $from->name;
+ $from = new SendGrid\Email( $from_name, $from->address );
$to = new SendGrid\Email( null, $to[0]->address );
$body = new SendGrid\Content( "text/plain", $body );
$mail = new SendGrid\Mail( $from, $subject, $to, $body );
</nowiki>

WikiTips

2019-09-13T16:22:46Z

P2:

''As of 2019, the wiki has been updated to be a little easier to use. But, for the time being, [[User:Jnm|John Milner]] has taken up the mantle of administrating the wiki, and fixing it when something seems broken.''

===2019===
New tip: If you want to make a wiki edit, but you're a little stuck, ask about it on the [https://discuss.baltimorenode.org/ discussion forum], or during [[OpenHack]].

=== [[We Have A Wiki?|2010 - 2018]] ===

===2009===
Tips page on how to use the Wiki.

To add a signature: <nowiki>~~~</nowiki> for your username. <nowiki>~~~~</nowiki> for your username and time stamp.

To create a new Meeting Page using the Template: <nowiki>{{subst:Meeting Notes}}</nowiki> save and edit

----

We're using the [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:SendGrid SendGrid extension] for email now, but it didn't respect [[MediaWiki:Emailsender]]. Here's a quick hack to fix that:

<nowiki>diff --git a/SendGridHooks.php b/SendGridHooks.php
index c11a1ca..e47db92 100644
--- a/SendGridHooks.php
+++ b/SendGridHooks.php
@@ -63,7 +63,9 @@ class SendGridHooks {
}

// Get $to and $from email addresses from the array and MailAddress object respectively
- $from = new SendGrid\Email( null, $from->address );
+ global $wgEnotifUseRealName;
+ $from_name = ( $wgEnotifUseRealName && $from->realName !== '' ) ? $from->realName : $from->name;
+ $from = new SendGrid\Email( $from_name, $from->address );
$to = new SendGrid\Email( null, $to[0]->address );
$body = new SendGrid\Content( "text/plain", $body );
$mail = new SendGrid\Mail( $from, $subject, $to, $body );
</nowiki>

Dead Projects Society

2019-09-13T16:18:20Z

P2: Induction of Webcam

Hello. I'm pretty serious about wiki organization. So, I'm gathering the dead projects, pulling from the home page and putting them here for a respectful burial.

But, perhaps the dead will rise someday? What a dreadful possibility!

*[[RFID door lock]] - Johns Joseph and Milner apparently have some ideas to revive this dead-ling. (yet, abandoned)
*[[LED window display]] (August 2019 - dismantled.)
*[[JeeNode Workshop]] - No one remembers what this was. (Forgotten.)
*[[Power Tool Drag Racing]]
*[[Co-Lab Wednesday]] - What a cool project! I will visit its grave regularly. (Dearly departed.)
*[[Webcam]] - For a few reasons, this has gone defunct. 1. Privacy

Main Page

2019-09-13T16:17:00Z

P2: Webcam moved to Dead Projects Society

__NOTOC__

You [[We Have A Wiki?|found]] the wiki! 🌐👍

==Events==
To find out what's going on at the Node, check out our [https://www.meetup.com/BaltimoreNode/events/calendar/ Meetup Calendar]!

===Regular Events===

*'''Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm''' - [[OpenHack]] Sessions. Come check out Node. Bring a project to work on or just hang out. '''Everyone welcome.''' If you're a member and can sponsor a Thursday, put your name on the [[OpenHack]] list. [[Events Archive|📦 Events Archive]]

If you'd like to host an event at the Node (one-time or recurring), stop by the regular meeting or run it by the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion mailing list].

==Becoming a Member==

*Learn how to become a member on the [http://baltimorenode.org/membership/ membership page]
*All members need to sign the [[Membership Agreement]] when they join.
*Remember [[Shop-Vac]]

==Quick links==
===Ideas, making, fun===

*[[Resources]] - Information and educational resources on topics related to the Node
**[[CNC Router How-To Guide]] '''(new!)'''
**[[Laser Cutter]]
**[[Raspberry PI Magnetometers and Accelerometers]]
**[[We Have A Wiki?|Creating a Wiki Account]] (new!)
*[[Publicity]] - Current contact info and past publicity.
*[[Project Proposals]] - Share your ideas for projects. Things you want to work on, things you think other people should work on, things you'd like to learn more about. If you want some help clarifying your ideas, the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion list] would probably be the best place for that.
*[[Event Proposals]] - Share your ideas for events or workshops you'd like to host, teach, or run at the Node's space.
*[[WikiTips]] - Tips on how to use the Wiki

===Current projects===

*[[501(c)(3) process]] - A place to document the process of becoming a 501(c)3 and show where we are in the process
*[[Annual Goals]] - A general list of goals for the organization, established 2010-03-27
*[[Things to fill the Space]] - Stuff we've got and stuff we need.
**[[Wishlist]] - Because the page above is old, the space is already full, but we still want more stuff!
*[[Grants]] - Possible sources of funding.
*[[Outreach and inclusion]] - A list of groups, organizations, and populations in the Baltimore area we want to reach.
*[[Historical documents]] - An archive of documents and pages related to starting and planning the Node.

<blockquote>''Looking for an older project? It may have become a member of the [[Dead Projects Society]].''</blockquote>

==Communication Channels==

*'''Website and blog''': [http://baltimorenode.org baltimorenode.org]
*'''Twitter''': [http://twitter.com/baltimorenode twitter.com/baltimorenode]
*'''IRC''': #baltimorenode on freenode.net - irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode
*'''Elsewhere''': [http://www.flickr.com/groups/1127918@N24/ Flickr], [http://www.instructables.com/group/bmorenode/ Instructables], [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baltimore-Node/109524391244 Facebook]

===Mailing Lists===

*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion Discussion list]: Get your geek on, find help with projects, ask questions, get directions to the next meeting, share awesome findings, suggest projects
*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-announce Announcement list]: Low traffic list just for receiving announcements. Subscribe to this list only if you do not want to receive discussion emails. If you are on the Discussion list, you will receive all announcements automatically.

==Founding documents==

*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]]
*[[Bylaws]]
*[[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] - Official Logo of the Node

===Meeting Notes===

[[:Category:MeetingNotes]]

==ToDo List==

*Work on a [[Donation Request Letter]] and seek some donations

We Have A Wiki?

2019-09-13T16:15:05Z

P2: TL;DR

'''''TL;DR:''''' ''Register [[Special:RequestAccount|'''here on the Wiki''']], troubleshoot'' ''[https://discuss.baltimorenode.org/ here on the Forums].''[[File:Where-Is-That-Wiki.png|300px|thumb|left|How do I get on the Wiki?]]
I heard that the Node has a wiki, but I can't really find it.

[[File:Meerkats.jpg|300px|thumb|left|Looking for the Wiki. Maybe it's over [[Main Page|here]]?]]

==What am I to do if I ever find the wiki?==
Be amazed. Consider yourself lucky! Once you're done celebrating...

'''[[Special:RequestAccount|Create an account]]''' or '''[[Special:UserLogin|Log in]]'''.

==Creating an account==

===Ingredients===

*A username (like "Wikifinder" or "Champion")
*An email address
*A name you use, in society
*Six sequential words for your bio (like, <code>I think I found the wiki.</code>)
*(Optional) An actual bio, for people to read.
*(Optional) Anything else on the form

===Directions===

#Open this page in a new tab and submit the form: [[Special:RequestAccount]].
#Look at your in-box for an email with the subject: Baltimore Node Wiki email address confirmation. Confirm your email address by navigating the link.
#Get approved by an admin, see '''"Administrative Assistance"'''.
#Log in using the info in your email.
#Success! Now you can edit the wiki.

====Administrative Assistance====
After you've created an account, bug someone (email root@baltimorenode.org) with admin privileges to look for you in the '''New Accounts Queue''', which is here: [[Special:ConfirmAccounts]] . <s>Centuries later</s> Soon, you will get an email asking you to set your new password.

==Once you've gotten onto the wiki==
Cherish it. Love it. Let it never be neglected again.

Once you've gotten onto the wiki, your new purpose is to ''help others find the wiki''.

Dead Projects Society

2019-09-13T15:52:17Z

P2:

Hello. I'm pretty serious about wiki organization. So, I'm gathering the dead projects, pulling from the home page and putting them here for a respectful burial.

But, perhaps the dead will rise someday? What a dreadful possibility!

*[[RFID door lock]] - Johns Joseph and Milner apparently have some ideas to revive this dead-ling. (yet, abandoned)
*[[LED window display]] (August 2019 - dismantled.)
*[[JeeNode Workshop]] - No one remembers what this was. (Forgotten.)
*[[Power Tool Drag Racing]]
*[[Co-Lab Wednesday]] - What a cool project! I will visit its grave regularly. (Dearly departed.)

User:P2

2019-09-13T06:48:24Z

P2:

User:P2

2019-09-13T06:38:49Z

P2:

I'm Phil Edwards.

{| class="wikitable"
|+Node Participation
!Role
!Terms
|-
|Vice President
|2019 - Present
|-
|President
|2018 - 2019
|-
|Secretary
|2017 - 2018
|-
|Member
|2015 - present
|}

=====More people who edit the wiki=====

*[[User:Jnm|Jnm]] - Technical lead
*[[User:Juniper|Juniper]] - [https://www.facebook.com/baltimorenode/ Facebook] admin
*[[User:JXX WXXXX|Kevin]] - Contributor of the [[CNC Router How-To Guide]]

501(c)(3) process

2019-09-13T06:01:21Z

P2: minor note

''As of 2019, we have been a [https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/501#c_3 501(c)(3)] for . . . quite a few years.''

*"Status: Revived." We even spent some time in the Dead Entities Society! Check out our undead history [https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch/BusinessInformation/D13145479 here at the Maryland Business Entity Search]. ''I've left the rest of this document as it was a decade ago.''

== 2019 ==
There's still one thing left to do, in addition to [[501(c)(3) process#Maintaining our status|maintaining our status]].

# It's probably possible to become exempt from state property taxes.

==2009==
In order to facilitate the process a new page dealing directly with completing form 1023 to establish 501(c)(3) has been started here: [[IRS Form 1023 process]].

501(c)(3) is a tax-exempt designation from the IRS which generally applies to nonprofit organizations. 501(c)(3) refers to that section of the tax code, found at [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/501(c).html 26 U.S.C. § 501].

Being a 501(c)(3) has the following benefits (copied from the interwebs)

*We won't pay federal corporate income tax except on income derived from unrelated business income. With this exemption, an organization can save 15% - 35% of its taxable income.
*In most instances, we won't pay state corporate income, franchise, excise, use, or sales tax.
*Can offer members, individuals, and corporate donors a tax deduction for their contributions.
*Eligible to receive private foundation grants. Private foundations are required by law to distribute a minimum amount of money for charitable purposes. One way they fulfill this obligation is by making grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.
*Eligible for lower postal rates on third class bulk mailings through the US Postal Service.

==The process==
===Phase 1: Get Organized===

#Come up with our [[Mission Statement]]
#Develop our fundraising plan (see [[Mo money...]]) We don't need this to incorporate in Maryland, but we'll something like this for our 501(c)(3) application.
#Draft [[Bylaws]]. We don't need this to incorporate in Maryland, but we'll something like this for our 501(c)(3) application. (Initial drafting is done, needs to be reviewed by more people)
#Select a few people to act as incorporaters. These people will have their name in the [[Articles of Incorporation]] and act as the interim Board of Directors until our organizational meeting.
#File our [[Articles of Incorporation]] with the state of Maryland. The application fee is $170 and takes 7-8 weeks. Or $220 for same day, in person service at their office. State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Room 801, 301 W. Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201-2395
#Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so we can open a bank account. This is a [http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html simple form on the IRS website]. Someone on the interim Board of Directors can fill out the online form and we'll get an EIN immediately
#Open a [[Bank Account]]. One of the interim members of the Board of Directors can do this once we haven an EIN.
#Hold our organizational meeting where we will ratify the [[bylaws]] and elect Officers (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary) who will also serve as the Board of Directors. (At least that's what's in the draft [[Bylaws]] at the moment.) We need to take special care in keeping minutes at this meeting for later filings.

'''all of this is done [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:22, 5 August 2009 (UTC)'''

===Phase 2: Register for Charitable Solicitation (Complete and Current as of Oct. 2010)===

#In order to "solicits charitable contributions" we need to register with Maryland by submitting form [http://www.sos.state.md.us/charity/COR-92.pdf COR-92]. There is no fee if we solicit less than $25,000 in a year. A [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/AnnualUpdate.pdf renewal form] must be submitted annually.
#*''The membership-only exemption is in the case that it is only from members that donations are ever solicited. This would mean we could never solicit donations (e.g., donation jar next to the keg) outside the voting membership of the organization. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 21:15, 6 July 2009 (UTC)''
#*''duly stricken -[[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 21:31, 6 July 2009 (UTC)''
#*'''done [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:22, 5 August 2009 (UTC)'''
#If we want to solicit contribution in another state, there is more paperwork to file.

===Phase 3: Obtain Federal Tax-Exemption Determination===

#File IRS Form 1023: [http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3)]. We are anticipating annual revenue over $10,000 so the application fee will be $750.
#In a few months we'll get a designation letter back from the IRS authorizing you to be a nonprofit for five years. At the end of five years we have to prove to the IRS that we are really a charitable organization and submit [http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8734.pdf form 8734].

===Phase 4: State filings after receiving 501(c)(3) determination letter===

#Obtain a sales and use tax exemption certificate by filing [http://forms.marylandtaxes.com/current_forms/cra.pdf Combined Registration Application]
#Request State Income Tax Exemption. This is mentioned on [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/Non-Profit.htm this page], but isn't mentioned elsewhere.
#There is a property tax exemption should we ever end up owning property

===Maintaining our status===

#Each year we will need to file [http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/ppbooklet_2009.pdf Personal Property Forms] with the state.
#File Form 990 with the IRS depending on annual gross receipts if necessary. If we don't have to file a 990, we have to submit [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/COF-85.pdf COF-85] if not filing IRS Form 990

==Links==

*Mike Sublesky recommended [http://www.amazon.com/How-Form-Nonprofit-Corporation-Your/dp/1413310265 How to Form your Own Nonprofit]. Official IRS information is [http://www.irs.gov/publications/p557/ch03.html here].
*There is a nice [http://www.sos.state.md.us/charity/ChecklistNonProfit.pdf checklist] from [http://marylandnonprofits.org Maryland Nonprofits].
*Maryland Secretary of State has a page on [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/Non-Profit.htm forming a nonprofit in Maryland]

WikiTips

2019-09-13T05:56:11Z

P2: Fix typo and added a new tip

''As of 2019, the wiki has been updated to be a little easier to use. But, for the time being, [[User:Jnm|John Milner]] has taken up the mantle of administrating the wiki, and fixing it when something seems broken.''

=== 2019 ===
New tip: If you want to make a wiki edit, but you're a little stuck, ask about it on the [https://discuss.baltimorenode.org/ discussion forum], or during [[OpenHack]].

===2009===
Tips page on how to use the Wiki.

To add a signature: <nowiki>~~~</nowiki> for your username. <nowiki>~~~~</nowiki> for your username and time stamp.

To create a new Meeting Page using the Template: <nowiki>{{subst:Meeting Notes}}</nowiki> save and edit

----

We're using the [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:SendGrid SendGrid extension] for email now, but it didn't respect [[MediaWiki:Emailsender]]. Here's a quick hack to fix that:

<nowiki>diff --git a/SendGridHooks.php b/SendGridHooks.php
index c11a1ca..e47db92 100644
--- a/SendGridHooks.php
+++ b/SendGridHooks.php
@@ -63,7 +63,9 @@ class SendGridHooks {
}

// Get $to and $from email addresses from the array and MailAddress object respectively
- $from = new SendGrid\Email( null, $from->address );
+ global $wgEnotifUseRealName;
+ $from_name = ( $wgEnotifUseRealName && $from->realName !== '' ) ? $from->realName : $from->name;
+ $from = new SendGrid\Email( $from_name, $from->address );
$to = new SendGrid\Email( null, $to[0]->address );
$body = new SendGrid\Content( "text/plain", $body );
$mail = new SendGrid\Mail( $from, $subject, $to, $body );
</nowiki>

WikiTips

2019-09-13T05:53:32Z

P2:

''As of 2009, the wiki has been updated to be a little easier to use. But, for the time being, [[User:Jnm|John Milner]] has taken up the mantle of administrating the wiki, and fixing it when something seems broken.''

=== 2009 ===
Tips page on how to use the Wiki.

To add a signature: <nowiki>~~~</nowiki> for your username. <nowiki>~~~~</nowiki> for your username and time stamp.

To create a new Meeting Page using the Template: <nowiki>{{subst:Meeting Notes}}</nowiki> save and edit

----

We're using the [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:SendGrid SendGrid extension] for email now, but it didn't respect [[MediaWiki:Emailsender]]. Here's a quick hack to fix that:

<nowiki>diff --git a/SendGridHooks.php b/SendGridHooks.php
index c11a1ca..e47db92 100644
--- a/SendGridHooks.php
+++ b/SendGridHooks.php
@@ -63,7 +63,9 @@ class SendGridHooks {
}

// Get $to and $from email addresses from the array and MailAddress object respectively
- $from = new SendGrid\Email( null, $from->address );
+ global $wgEnotifUseRealName;
+ $from_name = ( $wgEnotifUseRealName && $from->realName !== '' ) ? $from->realName : $from->name;
+ $from = new SendGrid\Email( $from_name, $from->address );
$to = new SendGrid\Email( null, $to[0]->address );
$body = new SendGrid\Content( "text/plain", $body );
$mail = new SendGrid\Mail( $from, $subject, $to, $body );
</nowiki>

CNC Router

2019-09-13T05:48:29Z

P2: Added "How-To" to the CNC router page.

''This is our updated How-To guide for working with the Node's CNC Router.''[[File:CNC Router 2.png|frame|right|500px| The ShopBot CNC Router]]
==Overview==
''"What is the CNC Router good for?"''

A Computer Numerical Control Router can cut wood, plastics, and composites with higher precision than conventional methods (jigsaw, table saw, miter saw). It is not setup to cut metal as it does not have any cooling system. It takes files that you draw in CAD or render to a vector format and cuts along those vectors. When used properly it produces a clean and consistent cut along the cut surface. It is one of the coolest tools the Node has to offer.

==Technical Details==
The work surface is approximately 65” x 145”. 2 Stepper Motors control the gantry movement. These are powered by the ShopBot motor controller. This is a beige computer tower with a red switch. It is not actually a computer and you need to remember to turn it off before you leave.
The spindle motor is a 5 HP AC motor controlled through Variable Frequency Drive. The controller is the blue box on the wall and power to the controller is applied through the wall switch below the blue box.
Acceptable CAD formats are: .dxf, .svg, .dwg, .eps, .ai, or .skp.
[[File:ShopBot Controller Scaled.png|thumb|right|300px|ShopBot Controller. This controls the XY Gantry movement. Ensure it is turned off before you leave.]]

==Terms==
''End Mill'' - this is a special type of bit for the router designed to cut in all directions.

''Flute'' - is the spiral cutting feature on the end mill. More flutes means smaller chips.

''Gantry'' - is the frame that the X and Y stepper motors move across to position the end mill.

''Stepper Motor'' - A high precision motor which can move in very fine increments. Stepper motors have current applied to their windings, even at rest. This is called holding current and can damage the motor if left on too long. Make sure to turn off power to the gantry motors once you are done using the CNC Router. The power switch for these is on the beige computer tower beneath the desk.

''Feed Rate'' - This is the rate at which the end mill moves through the cut, not the speed of the end mill itself.

''Chip Load'' - This is a number that represents the size of the chips produced by the end mill and is critical to the quality of the cut.

''Step-over'' - This is the amount of overlap that the end mill makes when going into uncut material. You can think of it this way, when mowing your lawn, you leave part of the lawnmower over grass that you have already cut. The amount of the lawnmower that overlaps uncut grass is the step over (Todd's Analogy). Stepover should be between 1/3 and 1/10 of the tool diameter. Use a larger stepover for softer materials and a shallower step over for hard materials.

''Tool Path'' - This is the path that the end mill will go through during the cut. You can make any vector or grouping of vectors into a tool path and each tool path can have it’s own cut depth and assorted settings.

''Conventional Cut'' - the flutes cut counter to the XY direction of travel

''Climb Cut'' - is when the flutes cut into the piece in the same direction as the direction of travel. This can be dangerous as the forces generated pull at the piece more than a conventional cut and it carries a higher risk of sending your piece flying. Don’t use this setting.

''Tear Out'' - is when the material is ripped out of an area where it shouldn’t be. This generally refers to stripping the veneer off of plywood and can happen during the cut or also during tab removal after you are done cutting.

==CAD==

The first step is to create CAD files of what you want to cut. The files need to be in a suitable format such as .dxf, .svg, .dwg, .eps, .ai, or .skp. LibreCAD is a free and open source 2D CAD program for Windows, OSX, and *nix systems that can output .dxf’s. Inkscape is another program that can produce .svg outputs. Additionally, you can import certain 3D files to do 3D carving however that is not currently covered in this guide. The computer in the clean room has CorelDraw on it which can also be used for creating vectors.

==Selecting an End Mill==

There are different types of end mills of different sizes, flute types and counts. Some are on a shelf on the wall above the spindle motor controller and you can find more in the green parts drawer between the CNC router and the clean room.
A thinner end mill can do a better job at detail but may need to run at a lower feed rate to keep the chip load in a good spot. There are a few end mills to choose from on a shelf above the spindle motor controller. If you don’t see the one you want to use, feel free to purchase one and donate it to the node.

===Flute Types===

''Straight Flute'' - great all around end mill, decent chip removal [https://makezine.com/2014/03/21/cnc-routing-basics-toolpaths-and-feeds-n-speeds/]

''Up Spiral'' - great chip removal, can tear-out the top of thin veneer such as finish grade plywood [https://makezine.com/2014/03/21/cnc-routing-basics-toolpaths-and-feeds-n-speeds/]

''Down Spiral'' – poor chip removal, no tear out, slower feed rate [https://makezine.com/2014/03/21/cnc-routing-basics-toolpaths-and-feeds-n-speeds/]

''Compression'' – combination of up and down spiral, great all around end mill, great for plywood or laminated sheet goods. [https://makezine.com/2014/03/21/cnc-routing-basics-toolpaths-and-feeds-n-speeds/]

You may also use certain conventional router bits provided they are capable of cutting in all directions

==Changing out an End Mill==

#First ensure power is off to the spindle motor. You should keep the ShopBot tower on though to ensure that the gantry will not move as you change out the end mill.
#Remove the dust-collector hood. It is held on with magnets.
#Use the two wrenches by the desk (picture) to turn the bottom nut (counter-clockwise/clockwise -need to check).
#Remove the end mill and place it with the other end mills on the shelf above the spindle motor controller.
#Insert your end mill and tighten down the nuts. Ensure that the nuts have tightened down the end mill and have not just tightened to each other.
#Put dust collector hood back on.

==Securing your work piece==

The spindle motor is incredibly powerful and will send your piece flying if you do not properly secure it to the work surface. There are different methods of securing your work piece but in general screws work. You want to make sure these screws are outside of any tool paths. For larger pieces it may be difficult to reach the spot where you need to put a screw. You are free to carefully climb up onto the work surface to reach these locations. Ensure everything is powered off during this time and make sure you do not move the gantry.

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
Make sure your workpiece is securely fastened to the work surface. The CNC Router is incredibly powerful and can send pieces flying across the room.</nowiki>

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
Ensure that the fasteners are clear of any tool paths. An end mill hitting a screw is a dangerous situation.</nowiki>

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
Also make sure that you fasten down any relief pieces that may be secure before you cut but will become dislodged during the cut.</nowiki>

==Aspire==

#Open up Aspire 8. [[File:Aspire Icon.png|thumb|The Aspire 8 Icon]]
#Start a new project (you can not directly “open” a vector file, you can only open Aspire project files so you must start a new project).
#Specify material size. Measure your material in multiple places and go with the thickest value.
#Import your file. File > Import > Import Vectors.
#Scale your project appropriately. If after importing your design looks either too small or too large for your selected material size. You can scale it by selecting all vectors and selecting the scaling icon (show image). However it is worth mentioning that even though vectors are scalable, you can specify a size for the overall vector image in most vector design programs. Start off working in inches and design to the scale you want to cut at and you should be able to avoid any scaling issues after import.
#Delete any reference vectors or lines that you do not intend for cutting. For instance if you had a dimensional marker left over from a CAD program that you don't want to cut, delete it and get it out of the way.
#Make sure your vectors are contiguous. If they are not, you can join them by first selecting the vectors to join then Edit > Join Vectors. A pane will appear telling you how many vectors are open and which tolerance you should have on joining the vectors.
#Click on tool paths on the right pane. You may need to click out of a pop-up pane.
#For general cutting along a vector, select 2D Profile Tool path. Click on “Show advanced tool path options”.
#You can set your start depth. 0 is the top of the work piece. Set your cut depth to be just slightly over the thickness of your piece, an extra .1” is a good max.
#Next, select your end mill. Clicking Select will allow you to choose different styles of end mills and bits. Click on Edit to edit the tool options.
#Enter your tool diameter. Don’t worry about pass depth, that will be set another way.
#Enter your Spindle Speed, Feed Rate, and Plunge Rate. To determine these, see the section on Chip Load.
#Click on Edit Passes to specify the number of passes and pass depths. When selecting the number of passes, you need to consider the end mill. Given a chip load of .01 inches per tooth, the pass depth should never exceed the radius of the end mill. The chip load equation is designed with a step down of the radius of the end mill so you should stick to pass depths of the radius or less. For a ½” sheet of plywood, I’ve selected 5 passes at a depth of 0.12 inches. The pass depth is calculated off of your cutting depth value and not your material thickness value.
#Next select the direction and orientation of the cut. You can cut inside your lines, outside of your lines or on the line. Stick with a conventional cut as opposed to a climb cut because it reduces the forces on the wood and reduces the risk of sending a piece flying.
#Next, add tabs. Tabs are critical to safe CNC routing. Tabs are pieces of material skipped over by the router to hold your pieces together. For instance, if you are cutting a circle, when you are done the piece will be loose on the table top. Tabs ensure that the pieces stay put and resist the forces of the end mill that want to send the piece flying. 

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
Tabs are important to make sure you do not turn your project into a dangerous projectile</nowiki>

#<li value="16">Choose your tab dimensions. These should be substantial sized tabs to hold the piece. As mentioned above the forces at the end mill are very strong and without substantial support on your piece it will go flying. A good rule of thumb is they should be no thinner than 25% of thickness of your work piece and no shorter than .5” wide.
#After selecting tab dimensions, click on Edit Tabs. You can auto place them or manually place them but either way you should re-arrange them to make sure there are enough of them for the piece being cut out. A good rule of thumb is 4 tabs minimum per piece but it doesn’t hurt to err on the side of caution and add more.
#To interactively place them, select your vector, then hover over where you want the tab and left click.
#After making your tabs, select Project tool path onto 3D model. Choose a name for your profile and click calculate. If you set it up right, you will get a warning that the tool will cut through the material. This is ok as you want the tool to cut all the way through.
#Next preview your tool path by clicking play. You will probably need to slow down the speed all the way. You can change the orientation by left clicking and dragging, and you can move the piece by clicking and dragging the scroll wheel. Clicking and rolling the scroll wheel will zoom in and out. Take some time to review your preview. Make sure you are conscious of where your screws are holding down your pieces and where the end mill will go.
#Close out of the Preview pane. Select the toolpaths you want to export click on save toolpath. Export the file to ShopBot (inch)(*.sbp).

==The Chip Load Equation==

Chip Load is a critical parameter for the CNC mill. It determines the size of the chips produced by the end mill. Ideally the chips should not be a fine dust or coarse chunks but somewhere in between. You can use the equation below to determine your spindle speed and feed rate.

''ChipLoad'' * ''CutterDiameter'' * ''NumberOfFlutes'' * ''SpindleSpeed'' = ''FeedRate''

For .25" end mills and up chip load of .01 is a good upper limit. For plywood chip load should be between .005 and .01 inches per tooth. A chip load of .01 can be aggressive depending on the material so you may want to play around with a lower chip load if you want to have a cleaner cut. You can reference this ShopBot guide for a list of good speeds and feeds. [http://s3.amazonaws.com/fablab-uc/handbooks/files/000/000/012/original/Feeds_and_Speeds_Chart.pdf?1457118600] Make sure you have your units set correctly. Chip Load should be in inches per tooth, Spindle Speed should be RPM, and feed rate should be in inches per minute. Too high of an RPM and you risk starting a fire, and too low of an RPM may produce a poor cut. 10,000 RPM is slow and 18,000 is pretty fast. I chose 12,000 RPM as a good in between. Too fast of a feed rate can also produce a poor cut. 120 inches per minute is 2 inches per second which is a pretty good clip for plywood. You can run at higher feed rates for softer materials like foam and mdf.

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
You can cause a fire running at excessive spindle speeds, or having too slow of a feed rate and letting the end mill dwell in one area for too long.</nowiki>
All of these numbers are based on a step-down of the radius and step-over of the diameter of the end mill. [https://makezine.com/2014/03/21/cnc-routing-basics-toolpaths-and-feeds-n-speeds/]

==ShopBot Software==

#Apply power to the ShopBot Controller (The beige computer tower).

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
Ensure that you power off the ShopBot controller when you are done to ensure that you do not overheat the Stepper Motor windings and cause serious damage.</nowiki>

#<li value="2">Click on ShopBot 3 to open the ShopBot software.

[[File:ShopBot3 Icon.png|right|75px|ShopBot 3 Icon]]
[[File:ShopBot Sidebar Load.png|frame|right|150px|The ShopBot Control Panel shows you whether you are in preview or move/cut and whether your movements are absolute or relative.]]

#<li value="3">Position the gantry to your desired home position. First, switch to Move/Cut mode. You want to move the gantry to your desired XY Home position. This should be the bottom left corner of your piece as you look at the CNC table. You can move the gantry in either absolute or relative mode. Start with relative mode by typing SR. The control pane should then say relative. JX is the command to move in the X direction and JY will move in the Y direction. Relative moves are relative to the current position and absolute moves will move you to the absolute position you type relative to the currently defined home position. Make sure you pay attention to what mode you are in before you move. When in relative mode it will show say RELATIVE above the MOVE/CUT text of the control pane. Stick to relative moves and small distances to ensure you don't try to drive the gantry to somewhere it shouldn't go. Type JX -2 and watch it move back to the left by two inches. Great! You now know how to move the gantry. Use a tape measure to measure how far you need to move to get you to your desired home position. Once you are there, type Z2 to zero the X and Y axis.
#Zero the Z-axis to the top of your piece. If your home position is right on the edge of your piece, you can move the gantry away from home but still close to home to give you more room to zero the z-axis with the metal plate.
##Use the metal plate with the wire attached to it and position it under the end mill.
##Type command C2 to run the zeroing routine. The end mill will go down and touch the metal plate twice to zero the Z axis.
##Put the metal plate back in its box.
#Check your XY home position again. Check your max tool path distances in the X and Y direction and make sure that from your 0 position, you will not be trying to move the motor to a place that it cannot go. For instance, don’t zero the XY axis in the middle of the gantry and then try to move the motor 30” to the right.
#Home everything. Type JH to jog the gantry to the home position.
#Turn on the dust collector. Ensure that you are getting good suction from the dust collector inlet. You can increase the suction by ensuring that all other unused dust collector inlets are closed (picture of open vs closed).
#Switch to Preview Mode
#Import your file.
#Look at your file in preview mode.
#Turn on the spindle motor (see section below).
#Switch it over to move/cut mode.
#Hit the button to start the cut.
#You can pause at any time by simply left clicking the mouse or hitting the space bar. The big red button on the desk is an emergency stop and does NOT pause the program, it kills power the gantry motors. You should not have to press this.

==The Spindle Motor==

#Apply power, this is the switch on the wall near the blue motor controller
#Set the speed. The units for speed on the controller are Rotations Per Second NOT Rotations Per Minute. So take your RPM number from the chip load equation and divide by 60.
#Ensure you are wearing safety glasses.
#Make sure the end mill is free and clear of everything, then turn it on.

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
It takes approximately 2 minutes for the motor to spin down to a complete stop after power off. Do not touch the end mill during this time.</nowiki>

==Removing Your Pieces==

The best way to remove tabs to free your workpiece is to use a chisel and a dead blow hammer. A dead blow hammer is a type of mallet that is filled with metal shot to absorb the impact of the blow and minimize recoil. The sharper the chisel the better as this will minimize the possibility of tear out on the veneer.

==What can go wrong (and what to do about it)==
The big things that can go wrong are: 

*A piece becomes loose.
*You leave power applied to the gantry motors.
*Your material starts to burn.
*The end mill hits a screw.
*You hit the E-Stop button.
*You manually move the gantry.

Hitting pause in the Shopbot software will stop the feed of the router, lift the end mill out of the piece, but allow the end mill to continue to spin. This allows you to pause the cut and resume the cut later. Th
is is also what should do should a piece become loose or you see fire. In such a situation you should hit pause to stop the feed and then shut off power to the spindle motor. Hitting the E-stop button, the big red one on the table, will cut power to the XY gantry motors, but the end mill will continue to spin. You should not regularly use this as leaving the end mill down into the material when a piece is loose increases the risk of sending it flying, and in general pieces should not become loose because you have added a sufficient number of tabs of sufficient size.

If you damage one of the end mills while using it, please replace it. You can purchase end mills through industrial supply companies like [https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/?searchAheadTerm=end+mills&searchAhead=true&hdrsrh=true&typahddsp=Square+End+Mills&navid=12106240&tg=Matching+Categories MSC], [https://www.grainger.com/category/machining/milling/end-mills/square-end-mills Grainger], or [https://www.mcmaster.com/end-mills McMaster Carr].

Manually moving the gantry with the power turned off will cause the ShopBot software to lose track of its actual position. The CNC router needs to be calibrated after this happens. Don’t manually move the gantry.

==Before You Walk Away From The CNC Router Checklist==

*Is it running? You need to monitor the CNC Router while it is operational. If you do need to leave the router, make sure to pause ShopBot and turn the spindle motor off. If leaving for an extended period of time you will also have to turn off power to the gantry motors (which requires you to exit the ShopBot program). So you will not be able to resume.
*Is the end mill spinning down? Make sure that the end mill has spun down completely.
*Is the power to the ShopBot motor controller turned off? The motor controller supplies holding current to the stepper motors that move the gantry. If you leave the power to the controller on, even if the motors are not moving, they will heat up and the coils in the motor can become damaged. It is very important that before you leave you make sure power is off on the Motor Controller and the ShopBot Controller (beige computer tower with power switch on it).
*Have you cleaned up? Use the dust collector and make sure you clean off the work surface and the area around the CNC Router. As the old Node saying goes, if you use one tool while you are at the Node, it should be the shopvac. If you use two tools, they should be the one you used and the shopvac to clean it up.
*Have you removed all screws and fasteners from the work surface?

Talk:CNC Router How-To Guide

2019-09-13T05:47:27Z

P2: P2 moved page Talk:CNC Router How-To Guide to Talk:CNC Router: Simplify naming, shorten linking. The old name redirects.

#REDIRECT [[Talk:CNC Router]]

Talk:CNC Router

2019-09-13T05:47:27Z

P2: P2 moved page Talk:CNC Router How-To Guide to Talk:CNC Router: Simplify naming, shorten linking. The old name redirects.

== Things to Fix ==
*Add pictures (I have them already just need to figure out a nice way to place them throughout). [[User:JXX WXXXX|JXX WXXXX]] ([[User talk:JXX WXXXX|talk]]) 13:36, 24 August 2018 (UTC)
*More detail on ShopBot software. [[User:JXX WXXXX|JXX WXXXX]] ([[User talk:JXX WXXXX|talk]]) 13:36, 24 August 2018 (UTC)
*Examples of cool things made with the CNC Router. [[User:JXX WXXXX|JXX WXXXX]] ([[User talk:JXX WXXXX|talk]]) 13:36, 24 August 2018 (UTC)
*Motor Wattage. [[User:JXX WXXXX|JXX WXXXX]] ([[User talk:JXX WXXXX|talk]]) 13:38, 24 August 2018 (UTC)
*Tutorial for 3D carving (maybe on it's own page?) [[User:JXX WXXXX|JXX WXXXX]] ([[User talk:JXX WXXXX|talk]]) 13:38, 24 August 2018 (UTC)
*Correct Citation numbering and add citation section. [[User:JXX WXXXX|JXX WXXXX]] ([[User talk:JXX WXXXX|talk]]) 13:40, 24 August 2018 (UTC)
*Add table or links to a good chip load table for different material.[[User:JXX WXXXX|JXX WXXXX]] ([[User talk:JXX WXXXX|talk]]) 13:51, 24 August 2018 (UTC)

== discussion ==
* Thanks for putting this together!! --[[User:P2|P2]] ([[User talk:P2|talk]]) 19:49, 6 September 2018 (UTC)

CNC Router How-To Guide

2019-09-13T05:47:27Z

P2: P2 moved page CNC Router How-To Guide to CNC Router: Simplify naming, shorten linking. The old name redirects.

#REDIRECT [[CNC Router]]

CNC Router

2019-09-13T05:47:27Z

P2: P2 moved page CNC Router How-To Guide to CNC Router: Simplify naming, shorten linking. The old name redirects.

[[File:CNC Router 2.png|frame|right|500px| The ShopBot CNC Router]]
==Overview==
''"What is the CNC Router good for?"''

A Computer Numerical Control Router can cut wood, plastics, and composites with higher precision than conventional methods (jigsaw, table saw, miter saw). It is not setup to cut metal as it does not have any cooling system. It takes files that you draw in CAD or render to a vector format and cuts along those vectors. When used properly it produces a clean and consistent cut along the cut surface. It is one of the coolest tools the Node has to offer.

==Technical Details==
The work surface is approximately 65” x 145”. 2 Stepper Motors control the gantry movement. These are powered by the ShopBot motor controller. This is a beige computer tower with a red switch. It is not actually a computer and you need to remember to turn it off before you leave.
The spindle motor is a 5 HP AC motor controlled through Variable Frequency Drive. The controller is the blue box on the wall and power to the controller is applied through the wall switch below the blue box.
Acceptable CAD formats are: .dxf, .svg, .dwg, .eps, .ai, or .skp.
[[File:ShopBot Controller Scaled.png|thumb|right|300px|ShopBot Controller. This controls the XY Gantry movement. Ensure it is turned off before you leave.]]

==Terms==
''End Mill'' - this is a special type of bit for the router designed to cut in all directions.

''Flute'' - is the spiral cutting feature on the end mill. More flutes means smaller chips.

''Gantry'' - is the frame that the X and Y stepper motors move across to position the end mill.

''Stepper Motor'' - A high precision motor which can move in very fine increments. Stepper motors have current applied to their windings, even at rest. This is called holding current and can damage the motor if left on too long. Make sure to turn off power to the gantry motors once you are done using the CNC Router. The power switch for these is on the beige computer tower beneath the desk.

''Feed Rate'' - This is the rate at which the end mill moves through the cut, not the speed of the end mill itself.

''Chip Load'' - This is a number that represents the size of the chips produced by the end mill and is critical to the quality of the cut.

''Step-over'' - This is the amount of overlap that the end mill makes when going into uncut material. You can think of it this way, when mowing your lawn, you leave part of the lawnmower over grass that you have already cut. The amount of the lawnmower that overlaps uncut grass is the step over (Todd's Analogy). Stepover should be between 1/3 and 1/10 of the tool diameter. Use a larger stepover for softer materials and a shallower step over for hard materials.

''Tool Path'' - This is the path that the end mill will go through during the cut. You can make any vector or grouping of vectors into a tool path and each tool path can have it’s own cut depth and assorted settings.

''Conventional Cut'' - the flutes cut counter to the XY direction of travel

''Climb Cut'' - is when the flutes cut into the piece in the same direction as the direction of travel. This can be dangerous as the forces generated pull at the piece more than a conventional cut and it carries a higher risk of sending your piece flying. Don’t use this setting.

''Tear Out'' - is when the material is ripped out of an area where it shouldn’t be. This generally refers to stripping the veneer off of plywood and can happen during the cut or also during tab removal after you are done cutting.

==CAD==

The first step is to create CAD files of what you want to cut. The files need to be in a suitable format such as .dxf, .svg, .dwg, .eps, .ai, or .skp. LibreCAD is a free and open source 2D CAD program for Windows, OSX, and *nix systems that can output .dxf’s. Inkscape is another program that can produce .svg outputs. Additionally, you can import certain 3D files to do 3D carving however that is not currently covered in this guide. The computer in the clean room has CorelDraw on it which can also be used for creating vectors.

==Selecting an End Mill==

There are different types of end mills of different sizes, flute types and counts. Some are on a shelf on the wall above the spindle motor controller and you can find more in the green parts drawer between the CNC router and the clean room.
A thinner end mill can do a better job at detail but may need to run at a lower feed rate to keep the chip load in a good spot. There are a few end mills to choose from on a shelf above the spindle motor controller. If you don’t see the one you want to use, feel free to purchase one and donate it to the node.

===Flute Types===

''Straight Flute'' - great all around end mill, decent chip removal [https://makezine.com/2014/03/21/cnc-routing-basics-toolpaths-and-feeds-n-speeds/]

''Up Spiral'' - great chip removal, can tear-out the top of thin veneer such as finish grade plywood [https://makezine.com/2014/03/21/cnc-routing-basics-toolpaths-and-feeds-n-speeds/]

''Down Spiral'' – poor chip removal, no tear out, slower feed rate [https://makezine.com/2014/03/21/cnc-routing-basics-toolpaths-and-feeds-n-speeds/]

''Compression'' – combination of up and down spiral, great all around end mill, great for plywood or laminated sheet goods. [https://makezine.com/2014/03/21/cnc-routing-basics-toolpaths-and-feeds-n-speeds/]

You may also use certain conventional router bits provided they are capable of cutting in all directions

==Changing out an End Mill==

#First ensure power is off to the spindle motor. You should keep the ShopBot tower on though to ensure that the gantry will not move as you change out the end mill.
#Remove the dust-collector hood. It is held on with magnets.
#Use the two wrenches by the desk (picture) to turn the bottom nut (counter-clockwise/clockwise -need to check).
#Remove the end mill and place it with the other end mills on the shelf above the spindle motor controller.
#Insert your end mill and tighten down the nuts. Ensure that the nuts have tightened down the end mill and have not just tightened to each other.
#Put dust collector hood back on.

==Securing your work piece==

The spindle motor is incredibly powerful and will send your piece flying if you do not properly secure it to the work surface. There are different methods of securing your work piece but in general screws work. You want to make sure these screws are outside of any tool paths. For larger pieces it may be difficult to reach the spot where you need to put a screw. You are free to carefully climb up onto the work surface to reach these locations. Ensure everything is powered off during this time and make sure you do not move the gantry.

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
Make sure your workpiece is securely fastened to the work surface. The CNC Router is incredibly powerful and can send pieces flying across the room.</nowiki>

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
Ensure that the fasteners are clear of any tool paths. An end mill hitting a screw is a dangerous situation.</nowiki>

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
Also make sure that you fasten down any relief pieces that may be secure before you cut but will become dislodged during the cut.</nowiki>

==Aspire==

#Open up Aspire 8. [[File:Aspire Icon.png|thumb|The Aspire 8 Icon]]
#Start a new project (you can not directly “open” a vector file, you can only open Aspire project files so you must start a new project).
#Specify material size. Measure your material in multiple places and go with the thickest value.
#Import your file. File > Import > Import Vectors.
#Scale your project appropriately. If after importing your design looks either too small or too large for your selected material size. You can scale it by selecting all vectors and selecting the scaling icon (show image). However it is worth mentioning that even though vectors are scalable, you can specify a size for the overall vector image in most vector design programs. Start off working in inches and design to the scale you want to cut at and you should be able to avoid any scaling issues after import.
#Delete any reference vectors or lines that you do not intend for cutting. For instance if you had a dimensional marker left over from a CAD program that you don't want to cut, delete it and get it out of the way.
#Make sure your vectors are contiguous. If they are not, you can join them by first selecting the vectors to join then Edit > Join Vectors. A pane will appear telling you how many vectors are open and which tolerance you should have on joining the vectors.
#Click on tool paths on the right pane. You may need to click out of a pop-up pane.
#For general cutting along a vector, select 2D Profile Tool path. Click on “Show advanced tool path options”.
#You can set your start depth. 0 is the top of the work piece. Set your cut depth to be just slightly over the thickness of your piece, an extra .1” is a good max.
#Next, select your end mill. Clicking Select will allow you to choose different styles of end mills and bits. Click on Edit to edit the tool options.
#Enter your tool diameter. Don’t worry about pass depth, that will be set another way.
#Enter your Spindle Speed, Feed Rate, and Plunge Rate. To determine these, see the section on Chip Load.
#Click on Edit Passes to specify the number of passes and pass depths. When selecting the number of passes, you need to consider the end mill. Given a chip load of .01 inches per tooth, the pass depth should never exceed the radius of the end mill. The chip load equation is designed with a step down of the radius of the end mill so you should stick to pass depths of the radius or less. For a ½” sheet of plywood, I’ve selected 5 passes at a depth of 0.12 inches. The pass depth is calculated off of your cutting depth value and not your material thickness value.
#Next select the direction and orientation of the cut. You can cut inside your lines, outside of your lines or on the line. Stick with a conventional cut as opposed to a climb cut because it reduces the forces on the wood and reduces the risk of sending a piece flying.
#Next, add tabs. Tabs are critical to safe CNC routing. Tabs are pieces of material skipped over by the router to hold your pieces together. For instance, if you are cutting a circle, when you are done the piece will be loose on the table top. Tabs ensure that the pieces stay put and resist the forces of the end mill that want to send the piece flying. 

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
Tabs are important to make sure you do not turn your project into a dangerous projectile</nowiki>

#<li value="16">Choose your tab dimensions. These should be substantial sized tabs to hold the piece. As mentioned above the forces at the end mill are very strong and without substantial support on your piece it will go flying. A good rule of thumb is they should be no thinner than 25% of thickness of your work piece and no shorter than .5” wide.
#After selecting tab dimensions, click on Edit Tabs. You can auto place them or manually place them but either way you should re-arrange them to make sure there are enough of them for the piece being cut out. A good rule of thumb is 4 tabs minimum per piece but it doesn’t hurt to err on the side of caution and add more.
#To interactively place them, select your vector, then hover over where you want the tab and left click.
#After making your tabs, select Project tool path onto 3D model. Choose a name for your profile and click calculate. If you set it up right, you will get a warning that the tool will cut through the material. This is ok as you want the tool to cut all the way through.
#Next preview your tool path by clicking play. You will probably need to slow down the speed all the way. You can change the orientation by left clicking and dragging, and you can move the piece by clicking and dragging the scroll wheel. Clicking and rolling the scroll wheel will zoom in and out. Take some time to review your preview. Make sure you are conscious of where your screws are holding down your pieces and where the end mill will go.
#Close out of the Preview pane. Select the toolpaths you want to export click on save toolpath. Export the file to ShopBot (inch)(*.sbp).

==The Chip Load Equation==

Chip Load is a critical parameter for the CNC mill. It determines the size of the chips produced by the end mill. Ideally the chips should not be a fine dust or coarse chunks but somewhere in between. You can use the equation below to determine your spindle speed and feed rate.

''ChipLoad'' * ''CutterDiameter'' * ''NumberOfFlutes'' * ''SpindleSpeed'' = ''FeedRate''

For .25" end mills and up chip load of .01 is a good upper limit. For plywood chip load should be between .005 and .01 inches per tooth. A chip load of .01 can be aggressive depending on the material so you may want to play around with a lower chip load if you want to have a cleaner cut. You can reference this ShopBot guide for a list of good speeds and feeds. [http://s3.amazonaws.com/fablab-uc/handbooks/files/000/000/012/original/Feeds_and_Speeds_Chart.pdf?1457118600] Make sure you have your units set correctly. Chip Load should be in inches per tooth, Spindle Speed should be RPM, and feed rate should be in inches per minute. Too high of an RPM and you risk starting a fire, and too low of an RPM may produce a poor cut. 10,000 RPM is slow and 18,000 is pretty fast. I chose 12,000 RPM as a good in between. Too fast of a feed rate can also produce a poor cut. 120 inches per minute is 2 inches per second which is a pretty good clip for plywood. You can run at higher feed rates for softer materials like foam and mdf.

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
You can cause a fire running at excessive spindle speeds, or having too slow of a feed rate and letting the end mill dwell in one area for too long.</nowiki>
All of these numbers are based on a step-down of the radius and step-over of the diameter of the end mill. [https://makezine.com/2014/03/21/cnc-routing-basics-toolpaths-and-feeds-n-speeds/]

==ShopBot Software==

#Apply power to the ShopBot Controller (The beige computer tower).

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
Ensure that you power off the ShopBot controller when you are done to ensure that you do not overheat the Stepper Motor windings and cause serious damage.</nowiki>

#<li value="2">Click on ShopBot 3 to open the ShopBot software.

[[File:ShopBot3 Icon.png|right|75px|ShopBot 3 Icon]]
[[File:ShopBot Sidebar Load.png|frame|right|150px|The ShopBot Control Panel shows you whether you are in preview or move/cut and whether your movements are absolute or relative.]]

#<li value="3">Position the gantry to your desired home position. First, switch to Move/Cut mode. You want to move the gantry to your desired XY Home position. This should be the bottom left corner of your piece as you look at the CNC table. You can move the gantry in either absolute or relative mode. Start with relative mode by typing SR. The control pane should then say relative. JX is the command to move in the X direction and JY will move in the Y direction. Relative moves are relative to the current position and absolute moves will move you to the absolute position you type relative to the currently defined home position. Make sure you pay attention to what mode you are in before you move. When in relative mode it will show say RELATIVE above the MOVE/CUT text of the control pane. Stick to relative moves and small distances to ensure you don't try to drive the gantry to somewhere it shouldn't go. Type JX -2 and watch it move back to the left by two inches. Great! You now know how to move the gantry. Use a tape measure to measure how far you need to move to get you to your desired home position. Once you are there, type Z2 to zero the X and Y axis.
#Zero the Z-axis to the top of your piece. If your home position is right on the edge of your piece, you can move the gantry away from home but still close to home to give you more room to zero the z-axis with the metal plate.
##Use the metal plate with the wire attached to it and position it under the end mill.
##Type command C2 to run the zeroing routine. The end mill will go down and touch the metal plate twice to zero the Z axis.
##Put the metal plate back in its box.
#Check your XY home position again. Check your max tool path distances in the X and Y direction and make sure that from your 0 position, you will not be trying to move the motor to a place that it cannot go. For instance, don’t zero the XY axis in the middle of the gantry and then try to move the motor 30” to the right.
#Home everything. Type JH to jog the gantry to the home position.
#Turn on the dust collector. Ensure that you are getting good suction from the dust collector inlet. You can increase the suction by ensuring that all other unused dust collector inlets are closed (picture of open vs closed).
#Switch to Preview Mode
#Import your file.
#Look at your file in preview mode.
#Turn on the spindle motor (see section below).
#Switch it over to move/cut mode.
#Hit the button to start the cut.
#You can pause at any time by simply left clicking the mouse or hitting the space bar. The big red button on the desk is an emergency stop and does NOT pause the program, it kills power the gantry motors. You should not have to press this.

==The Spindle Motor==

#Apply power, this is the switch on the wall near the blue motor controller
#Set the speed. The units for speed on the controller are Rotations Per Second NOT Rotations Per Minute. So take your RPM number from the chip load equation and divide by 60.
#Ensure you are wearing safety glasses.
#Make sure the end mill is free and clear of everything, then turn it on.

<nowiki>!!!SAFETY NOTE!!!
It takes approximately 2 minutes for the motor to spin down to a complete stop after power off. Do not touch the end mill during this time.</nowiki>

==Removing Your Pieces==

The best way to remove tabs to free your workpiece is to use a chisel and a dead blow hammer. A dead blow hammer is a type of mallet that is filled with metal shot to absorb the impact of the blow and minimize recoil. The sharper the chisel the better as this will minimize the possibility of tear out on the veneer.

==What can go wrong (and what to do about it)==
The big things that can go wrong are: 

*A piece becomes loose.
*You leave power applied to the gantry motors.
*Your material starts to burn.
*The end mill hits a screw.
*You hit the E-Stop button.
*You manually move the gantry.

Hitting pause in the Shopbot software will stop the feed of the router, lift the end mill out of the piece, but allow the end mill to continue to spin. This allows you to pause the cut and resume the cut later. Th
is is also what should do should a piece become loose or you see fire. In such a situation you should hit pause to stop the feed and then shut off power to the spindle motor. Hitting the E-stop button, the big red one on the table, will cut power to the XY gantry motors, but the end mill will continue to spin. You should not regularly use this as leaving the end mill down into the material when a piece is loose increases the risk of sending it flying, and in general pieces should not become loose because you have added a sufficient number of tabs of sufficient size.

If you damage one of the end mills while using it, please replace it. You can purchase end mills through industrial supply companies like [https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/?searchAheadTerm=end+mills&searchAhead=true&hdrsrh=true&typahddsp=Square+End+Mills&navid=12106240&tg=Matching+Categories MSC], [https://www.grainger.com/category/machining/milling/end-mills/square-end-mills Grainger], or [https://www.mcmaster.com/end-mills McMaster Carr].

Manually moving the gantry with the power turned off will cause the ShopBot software to lose track of its actual position. The CNC router needs to be calibrated after this happens. Don’t manually move the gantry.

==Before You Walk Away From The CNC Router Checklist==

*Is it running? You need to monitor the CNC Router while it is operational. If you do need to leave the router, make sure to pause ShopBot and turn the spindle motor off. If leaving for an extended period of time you will also have to turn off power to the gantry motors (which requires you to exit the ShopBot program). So you will not be able to resume.
*Is the end mill spinning down? Make sure that the end mill has spun down completely.
*Is the power to the ShopBot motor controller turned off? The motor controller supplies holding current to the stepper motors that move the gantry. If you leave the power to the controller on, even if the motors are not moving, they will heat up and the coils in the motor can become damaged. It is very important that before you leave you make sure power is off on the Motor Controller and the ShopBot Controller (beige computer tower with power switch on it).
*Have you cleaned up? Use the dust collector and make sure you clean off the work surface and the area around the CNC Router. As the old Node saying goes, if you use one tool while you are at the Node, it should be the shopvac. If you use two tools, they should be the one you used and the shopvac to clean it up.
*Have you removed all screws and fasteners from the work surface?

Main Page

2019-09-13T05:46:37Z

P2: Renamed Laser Cutter page to be more user-friendly

__NOTOC__

You [[We Have A Wiki?|found]] the wiki! 🌐👍

==Events==
To find out what's going on at the Node, check out our [https://www.meetup.com/BaltimoreNode/events/calendar/ Meetup Calendar]!

===Regular Events===

*'''Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm''' - [[OpenHack]] Sessions. Come check out Node. Bring a project to work on or just hang out. '''Everyone welcome.''' If you're a member and can sponsor a Thursday, put your name on the [[OpenHack]] list. [[Events Archive|📦 Events Archive]]

If you'd like to host an event at the Node (one-time or recurring), stop by the regular meeting or run it by the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion mailing list].

==Becoming a Member==

*Learn how to become a member on the [http://baltimorenode.org/membership/ membership page]
*All members need to sign the [[Membership Agreement]] when they join.
*Remember [[Shop-Vac]]

==Quick links==
===Ideas, making, fun===

*[[Resources]] - Information and educational resources on topics related to the Node
**[[CNC Router How-To Guide]] '''(new!)'''
**[[Laser Cutter]]
**[[Raspberry PI Magnetometers and Accelerometers]]
**[[We Have A Wiki?|Creating a Wiki Account]] (new!)
*[[Publicity]] - Current contact info and past publicity.
*[[Project Proposals]] - Share your ideas for projects. Things you want to work on, things you think other people should work on, things you'd like to learn more about. If you want some help clarifying your ideas, the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion list] would probably be the best place for that.
*[[Event Proposals]] - Share your ideas for events or workshops you'd like to host, teach, or run at the Node's space.
*[[WikiTips]] - Tips on how to use the Wiki
*[[Webcam]] - See if anyone is around

===Current projects===

*[[501(c)(3) process]] - A place to document the process of becoming a 501(c)3 and show where we are in the process
*[[Annual Goals]] - A general list of goals for the organization, established 2010-03-27
*[[Things to fill the Space]] - Stuff we've got and stuff we need.
**[[Wishlist]] - Because the page above is old, the space is already full, but we still want more stuff!
*[[Grants]] - Possible sources of funding.
*[[Outreach and inclusion]] - A list of groups, organizations, and populations in the Baltimore area we want to reach.
*[[Historical documents]] - An archive of documents and pages related to starting and planning the Node.

<blockquote>''Looking for an older project? It may have become a member of the [[Dead Projects Society]].''</blockquote>

==Communication Channels==

*'''Website and blog''': [http://baltimorenode.org baltimorenode.org]
*'''Twitter''': [http://twitter.com/baltimorenode twitter.com/baltimorenode]
*'''IRC''': #baltimorenode on freenode.net - irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode
*'''Elsewhere''': [http://www.flickr.com/groups/1127918@N24/ Flickr], [http://www.instructables.com/group/bmorenode/ Instructables], [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baltimore-Node/109524391244 Facebook]

===Mailing Lists===

*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion Discussion list]: Get your geek on, find help with projects, ask questions, get directions to the next meeting, share awesome findings, suggest projects
*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-announce Announcement list]: Low traffic list just for receiving announcements. Subscribe to this list only if you do not want to receive discussion emails. If you are on the Discussion list, you will receive all announcements automatically.

==Founding documents==

*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]]
*[[Bylaws]]
*[[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] - Official Logo of the Node

===Meeting Notes===

[[:Category:MeetingNotes]]

==ToDo List==

*Work on a [[Donation Request Letter]] and seek some donations

LC6090

2019-09-13T05:44:53Z

P2: P2 moved page LC6090 to Laser Cutter: No one really knows the model number of the laser cutter when they're looking for this page.

#REDIRECT [[Laser Cutter]]

Laser Cutter

2019-09-13T05:44:53Z

P2: P2 moved page LC6090 to Laser Cutter: No one really knows the model number of the laser cutter when they're looking for this page.

The Baltimore Node owns a LC6090 Laser Cutter that can be used for cutting and engraving wood and acrylic. It may also be used to engrave metal, but this process requires additional materials.
While this page is a starting point for instructions, materials, and accumulated knowledge, the LC6090 is still a complicated and delicate machine.
If you have any questions about how to use the LC6090, please ask for assistance on the Baltimore Node mailing list.

==Using the LC6090==

===LaserCut 5.3===
There are colored squares in a row on the bottom of the drawing. Use these to define each group of cuts. There is no way from the menu to define separate cuts. Select a group of lines and then select the color you want to define them. You can then set the speed and power of the cut group in the upper right hand corner of the application.

===Downloading===
Press the DownLoad button on the right hand side of the LaserCut software. When the dialog appears press the Del all button to clear any old jobs. Then press the Download current button. After the job compiles and downloads to the machine, close the dialog box. Use the X in the upper right hand corner to close.

===Logical Origin===
Be sure you downloaded your job before starting this step. Position your piece on the deck. Close the lid. Position the laser head using the right hand panel of LaserCut software on the PC. Use Y+, Y-, X- and X+ to move the laser head.

When the laser head is positioned where you want to start your cut, go to the panel of the machine. Press the ESCape button until the file name is highlighted. Press the enter arrow. The words "SET LOGIC ORG" will appear. Press the enter arrow again. You have now set the origin for your cut.

Returning to LaserCut software, press the RunBox button on the right hand side of the screen. Watch the laser head. Ensure the entire box is within your piece. Otherwise repeat the process with a better location.

===Power===

===Control Panel===
Note that the manual in the white binder covers a different model laser cutter. The control machines on the two machines are different.

===Device Software===

===Cutting===

===Engraving===

==Node Knowledge==

===Power Issues===

===Calibration===

[[LC6090:Calibration|Calibration]] has been performed using experimentation.
The laser should be calibrated to a focal distance of 16.5 cm from the lower cone assembly for engraving.
Calibrating this requires adjusting the z-probe on the cone assembly.
Please read the full article for more information.

===Software Installation===

The LC6090 [[LC6090:SoftwareInstall|Drivers and Software]] can be tricky.
The instructions are not terribly clear and the installers are not written to handle unexpected cases such as: having alternate USB Serial software installed or not having a device connected and powered during install.
The best solution to a botched install is to reinstall windows, as it will save you headaches trying to remove registry entries and system files.
Read the full article for more information.

==Online Resources==

You can find online resources from Rabbit Laser.[http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com]

Events Archive

2019-09-13T05:41:45Z

P2: Crosslink to Event Proposals

===Recent Past Events===

*'''biweekly or monthly Monday evenings''': Microcontroller Mondays! Bring a project and learn more about electronics / physical computing. Hosted by [[User:P2|Phil]]
*'''Sunday afternoons''': DnDs, hosted by Mavonte.
*'''2nd Thursdays''': Member Meetings (corresponding with Open-Hack)

Many past events are listed on the [https://www.meetup.com/BaltimoreNode/events/past/ Meetup]. If they're not there, they might be on [https://www.facebook.com/baltimorenode/events/ Facebook], or the [https://baltimorenode.org/ Blog].

===2009===
''See also: [[Event Proposals]]''

*'''Oct. 21st''' 7:30-9:00pm : [[Multimeter Workshop]]! Learn how to solder, and build your own Multimeter!
*'''Sept. 20th''' Dues are due! Pay online with the donate button on [http://baltimorenode.org baltimorenode.org] or give Jon or Adam $50 in person.
*'''Sept. 19th''' 1pm-4pm : [[Pedal Hacking Workshop]]! Learn to build, modify, and hack "guitar pedals", or any similar sound processing devices.
*'''Sept. 13th''' 4pm : Open studio. Load of Fun (our home) will be having a building wide open studio. Come help the Node represent by coming in and using the space to work on something! Anything!
*'''Sept. 12th''' 3-6pm. The Node has a table at JHU's Convergence 2009. Come check us out around 32nd and St. Paul. '''There will be a moon bounce.'''
*'''September 5, 2009''' Electronica Fest ([http://wiki.baltimorenode.org/images/6/6e/Electronica_Poster.jpg Poster]) - 10AM to 8PM, National Electronics Museum, Linthicum, MD 21090. They're still looking for exhibitors and volunteers. Contact the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion baltimore-node-discussion mailing list] or check the [[ElectronicaFest2009]] page for more details.
*'''August 11, 2009''' Second regular meeting in the new Baltimore Node! Regular business meetings will take place every Tuesday at 7:30pm at the Baltimore Node's space (120 W North Ave).
*'''August 4, 2009''' First regular meeting in the new Baltimore Node! Regular business meetings will take place every Tuesday at 7:30pm at the Baltimore Node's space (120 W North Ave). [[2009-08-04 Meeting Notes]]
*'''July 28th, 2009''' The show is airing this week due to the time it took to edit the show. Tune in to [http://www.marioarmstrong.com/marios-digital-cafe-blog/ WYPR's Digital Cafe] on Tuesday at 5:30pm. The show's [http://www.marioarmstrong.com/ Mario Armstrong] with be talking with the Node's own [http://adambachman.org/ Adam Bachman] about the [http://baltimorenode.org Baltimore Node] and the burgeoning, worldwide [http://hackerspaces.org hacker space movement]. WYPR broadcasts on 88.1 FM or you can listen to their [http://www.wypr.org/listen.html live online stream]. Listen to [http://wiki.baltimorenode.org/images/e/e1/DigitalCafeMono.mp3 the interview!]
*'''July 27th, 2009''' Meeting at Joe^2 at 6pm. [[2009-07-27 Meeting Notes]]
*'''July 24, 2009''' [[2009-07-24 Meeting Notes]] - Our official organizational meeting where we'll approve the [[Bylaws]], elect officers, and ponder the future will be on Friday at 7pm in the [http://www.etcbaltimore.com/ ETC conference room]. The address is 2400 Boston Street, but the entrance is a bit hard to find. See [http://bit.ly/EE2vD this map] for a precisely placed green arrow. Everyone is welcome! [[2009-07-24 Meeting Notes]]
*'''July 15, 2009''' [http://blip.baltimorenode.org/post/140367353/next-meeting-wednesday-july-15th-7pm-everyone '''Important meeting''']: Wednesday @ 7pm in 113 W North Ave. We'll be deciding whether or not to move into the [[LoadOfFun|Load of Fun space]]. Everyone is welcome! See [[2009-07-15 Meeting Notes]]
*'''July 12, 2009''' [http://hackerspaces.org Hackerspaces.org] is holding a conference call at 5pm EDT. There is an [http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/Call-in/2009-07-12 agenda] and some [http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/Call-in instructions for connecting]. Mark represented. There is an [http://soundcloud.com/jester_/hackerspaces-org-call-in-12th-july-2009 audio recording available].
*'''July 11, 2009''' Field trip to the [http://harfordhackerspace.org/ Harford Hackerspace]. They are having a meeting at 2pm to discuss 501(c)(3) filing among [http://wiki.harfordhackerspace.org/index.php?title=Agenda07112009 other things]. Nick Farr from [http://hacdc.org/ HacDC] will also be there. Email info@harfordhackerspace.org for the address.
*'''July 10, 2009''' Visit to [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1015+hillen+st+21202&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=us&ei=TnRSStrXI5ic8QS3voGDBA&ll=39.295849,-76.607151&spn=0.023348,0.021887&z=15&iwloc=A 1015 Hillen Street], a potential home for the Node. Meet at the address at 6:00pm. See [http://baltimore.craigslist.org/off/1244832722.html Craigslist ad]. See [[1015 Hillen Notes]].
*'''July 9, 2009''' [[Workshop1]] "Ambient Orb" from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (ET) at 113 W North Ave (MICA). Get your [http://bmorenode1.eventbrite.com/ tickets here]! It Worked! Notes and code are [[Workshop1|available here!]]
*'''July 9, 2009''' Visit to [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4001+falls+road+baltimore&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&split=0&gl=us&ei=_ABWSq7LKYiEtwfU6p3JAg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1 4001 Falls Road], a potential home for the Node. Meet at the address at 2:00pm. See [[Notes on JBL Properties]].
*'''July 8, 2009''' Visit to [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1442+Fleet+St.&sll=39.295849,-76.607151&sspn=0.019661,0.045447&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=39.284888,-76.596937&spn=0.009832,0.022724&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A&layer=c&cbll=39.284401,-76.596935&panoid=35odebpFSqUvSTJz6ktrQw&cbp=12,354.47,,0,5 1442 Fleet Street], a potential home for the Node. Meet at the address at 6:00pm. See [[1442 Fleet St Notes]].

Event Proposals

2019-09-13T05:39:40Z

P2: Page status

''As of 2019, most event proposals are happening over the Mailing List / Discourse at [https://discuss.baltimorenode.org/ discuss.baltimorenode.org]''

...

''As the coroner of Dead Projects Society, I find it tempting to induct this page as an honorary member of [[Dead Projects Society|the graceful dead]].''

...

Please sign your additions so if anyone else who's interested can get in touch with you.

==Classes==

===Programming for Kids===

I'd like to teach an intro to programming class aimed at all / any ages. Most likely based on games / graphics. [http://hacketyhack.net/ Hackety Hack], [http://love2d.org/ Love 2D], and [http://processing.org Processing] are potential frameworks. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 20:13, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

*I'm interested. Especially in processing. --[[User:Antilog|Erich Steiger]] 03:37, 16 July 2009 (UTC)
*I'm very much into this too and feel that I could teach a few classes of "intro to processing" --[[User:Mattyfo|Mattyfo]] 16:41, 16 July 2009 (UTC)

*This might just be me being perverse, but http://www.ece.northwestern.edu/~robby/pubs/papers/icfp2009-fffk.pdf discusses a functional I/O system in Scheme and a curriculum built up around it, geared at middle- and high-school kids with good data about its performance attached. --nwf;

===Open Workshop for Homeschoolers===

There are a lot of kids who aren't trapped in the educational prison system during the daylight hours who might be interested in a regularly occurring class or open space. I'll be contacting the various co-op groups I have connections with, but I know there's a woodshop that gives kids (10 + years old?) a space to come and work on projects. The goal would be to provide the exact same thing we're looking for except on an hourly fee schedule.

What I'm suggesting is very specifically an unstructured time. Leave the textbooks and lessons at home. Kids have as much (probably more) curiosity and interest in this stuff as we do. Members would be present to guide, answer questions, and help with safety related issues. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 20:31, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

Has anyone heard of Beth's DIY Workshop. It is a wood shop where she teaches woodworking and basic home repairs type classes. It is also available for use if you need wood tools but don't have a shop. It is on Harford Road. [[User:Kellyegan|Kellyegan]] 16:00, 10 July 2009 (UTC)

==="Official" Student Groups===

Question to folks connected with universities and high schools: what is the potential for marketing the space to art and tech profs and teachers who might be interested in hosting their class in the space, or perhaps stopping by for a field trip? Second, what is the possibility that those official groups could be asked to donate in exchange for quiet use of the space? [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 20:31, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

*The space would have to provide added benefits over traditional or existing classrooms. It might be a good fit for a high school class or club which doesn't have the resources that a university has. Field trips seem pretty easy to arrange but we would need to provide some sort of educational content. Also for college students particularly art students who in their first couple of years don't have access to studio space. This might be a great resource. Also school without dedicated spaces for shop/construction work might be interested. [[User:Kellyegan|Kellyegan]] 23:54, 29 July 2009 (UTC)

===SketchUp Workshop===
[http://sketchup.google.com/ SketchUp] is a free 3d modeling program acquired by Google a few years back. I've been using it a lot recently to design robots and art projects. I propose a workshop to introduce folks to the basics of SketchUp modeling as a tool for ideation. Topics: Navigating 3d space, building geometry and extruding forms, importing 3d models from Google's 3d warehouse, sharing your models with the world, integration with google earth, exporting models to meatspace (laser cutting). It could be a 2 hour deal, a full day, or a weekend depending on who's interested and how deep people want to go. If there is sustained interest, it could grow either into a SketchUp users group hosted at the Node or branch out to other digital ideation tools, e.g. [http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=6848332&siteID=123112 SketchBook Pro], [http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=7635018&siteID=123112 Maya], Photoshop, etc. --[[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 05:22, 11 July 2009 (UTC)

*I would be interested in this as a short course. Would love to do room layouts like you did for the Lof space. [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 13:29, 11 July 2009 (UTC)
*Am interested --[[User:Antilog|Erich Steiger]] 03:39, 16 July 2009 (UTC)

===Basic Electronics===
Basics of electronics starting with fundamentals, passive components, transistors, etc. with a focus on practical application. Soldering tips, etc. Willing to help, probably someone else with more experience to take lead? [[User:Antilog|Erich Steiger]] 03:44, 16 July 2009 (UTC)

===Biodiesel Workshop===
I have a diesel VW and used to occasionally fill up with B100 at a biodiesel station when I lived in Berkeley. Biodiesel is not too hard to make, especially in small batches. We could talk about biodiesel and straight veg oil and maybe have everyone make a small batch (1QT). There is a [http://www.baltimorebiodiesel.org/index.php biodiesel coop] in Baltimore that we could reach out to and see if one of their people would be interested in lending some expertise. --[[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 00:18, 17 July 2009 (UTC)

==Events==

===Chiptunes Party===

like [http://8static.com/ 8static.com] - a regularly occurring party / workshop / concert in Philly. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 20:13, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

===Handmade Music Night===

Bring your homemade instruments (electronic or acoustic) and get your jam on. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 20:13, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

*http://etsylabs.blogspot.com/2007/08/handmade-music-night-thursday-aug-23.html
*http://handmademusic.noisepages.com/
*http://www.etsy.com/storque/events/handmade-music-night-has-returned-267/
*http://www.flickr.com/photos/createdigitalmedia/sets/72157611871745413/
*http://createdigitalmusic.com/2009/01/11/like-a-diy-namm-handmade-music-preview-with-gestural-gadgets-mannequin-parts-more/

the [http://sites.google.com/site/baltimoresdiygroup/ Baltimore SDIY group] is already doing some of this.

*I am def down with this. Another link is [http://www.johnberndt.org/vc/index.html The Volunteer Collective's Crapshoot] @ Redroom --[[User:Antilog|Erich Steiger]] 03:53, 16 July 2009 (UTC)

===Craft Night===

I'm not part of this scene (yet?) but there is definite potential for outreach. [http://www.nycresistor.com/2009/05/01/craft-night-review/ NYC Resistor has had success with craft nights] as an ongoing event.

From NYC Resistor (emphasis mine):
<blockquote>What: Craft night---an open project night where people bring projects they have been working on or meaning to work on for awhile. In the past people have worked on knitting, mending, clothing reconstruction, web design, robots, etc. The definition of 'craft' is very loose. Where: NYC Resistor Lab 397 Bridge St. 5th Floor, Brooklyn, NY Who would like this: People who like to make stuff. '''Why: So you don't have to make stuff by yourself.'''</blockquote>

[[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:35, 17 July 2009 (UTC)

===Pedal Hacking Workshop===

[[Pedal Hacking Workshop|Guitar pedals, building / modding / hacking.]] Bring your own to mod, or build your own. Let's hash out the details on the mailing list. -[[User:Antilog|Erich Steiger]] 02:47, 5 August 2009 (UTC)

===Powertool Drag Racing===

TSIA...

==Meetups==

===DIY Bio===

Start a regular, monthly or semi-monthly meetup as part of the existing [http://diybio.org/about/ DIYBio] movement.

<blockquote>DIYbio is an organization that aims to help make biology a worthwhile pursuit for citizen scientists, amateur biologists, and DIY biological engineers who value openness and safety. This will require mechanisms for amateurs to increase their knowledge and skills, access to a community of experts, the development of a code of ethics, responsible oversight, and leadership on issues that are unique to doing biology outside of traditional professional settings.</blockquote>

''I have no experience in this area, beyond a (weak) connection to a Hopkins graduate biophysics research lab. I would love to start sequencing and modifying some DNA, however. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 17:35, 29 July 2009 (UTC)''

===Code in the Morning===

Evenings are hard for me to make a regular meeting, mornings are easier. I'll probably be in the space one or two mornings a week, doing my indie code thing. Why not grab a cuppa joe and join me?

How does 7:30AM - 9:30AM on Mondays sound?

[[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 17:37, 29 July 2009 (UTC)

Annual Goals

2019-09-13T05:35:46Z

P2: format w/ date

===2019===

*3/2/19
**40+ members by the end of the summer
**Clear out member-less member shelves

===2010===
Goals for the organization for the coming year:

*More Community Outreach
**Open houses that target specific groups
**Metrics: How many organizations, how many meaningful interactions have we had
*Node Awesome Grants
**Using them as the lubricant to make projects happen
**Goal to give out 3-5
*Open Hacks booked for every Thursday night
**We're going to put it on the VP to make sure people are signed up for the Open Hack
***Votes Approved
*More space organization
**Metric is people are able to find what they need when they needed and there is more spots to work
*More events
**Goal of x events per month
**Goal of x parties per month
**Develop a framework that helps people execute workshops/events
*Goal of more publicity
**Increase documentation of projects by all members at all times across all forms
*Develop a framework for maintaing an inventory of parts
*Build a board of advisors

These goals were established on [[2010-03-27 Annual Meeting Notes | 2010-03-27]]

Annual Goals

2019-09-13T05:35:11Z

P2: Note of Goals for 2019

===2019===

* 40+ members by the end of the summer
* Clear out member-less member shelves

===2010===
Goals for the organization for the coming year:

*More Community Outreach
**Open houses that target specific groups
**Metrics: How many organizations, how many meaningful interactions have we had
*Node Awesome Grants
**Using them as the lubricant to make projects happen
**Goal to give out 3-5
*Open Hacks booked for every Thursday night
**We're going to put it on the VP to make sure people are signed up for the Open Hack
***Votes Approved
*More space organization
**Metric is people are able to find what they need when they needed and there is more spots to work
*More events
**Goal of x events per month
**Goal of x parties per month
**Develop a framework that helps people execute workshops/events
*Goal of more publicity
**Increase documentation of projects by all members at all times across all forms
*Develop a framework for maintaing an inventory of parts
*Build a board of advisors

These goals were established on [[2010-03-27 Annual Meeting Notes | 2010-03-27]]

Main Page

2019-09-13T05:03:26Z

P2: Dead Project Society

__NOTOC__

You [[We Have A Wiki?|found]] the wiki! 🌐👍

==Events==
To find out what's going on at the Node, check out our [https://www.meetup.com/BaltimoreNode/events/calendar/ Meetup Calendar]!

===Regular Events===

*'''Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm''' - [[OpenHack]] Sessions. Come check out Node. Bring a project to work on or just hang out. '''Everyone welcome.''' If you're a member and can sponsor a Thursday, put your name on the [[OpenHack]] list. [[Events Archive|📦 Events Archive]]

If you'd like to host an event at the Node (one-time or recurring), stop by the regular meeting or run it by the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion mailing list].

==Becoming a Member==

*Learn how to become a member on the [http://baltimorenode.org/membership/ membership page]
*All members need to sign the [[Membership Agreement]] when they join.
*Remember [[Shop-Vac]]

==Quick links==
===Ideas, making, fun===

*[[Resources]] - Information and educational resources on topics related to the Node
**[[CNC Router How-To Guide]] '''(new!)'''
**[[LC6090]] - Our 80W laser cutter
**[[Raspberry PI Magnetometers and Accelerometers]]
**[[We Have A Wiki?|Creating a Wiki Account]] (new!)
*[[Publicity]] - Current contact info and past publicity.
*[[Project Proposals]] - Share your ideas for projects. Things you want to work on, things you think other people should work on, things you'd like to learn more about. If you want some help clarifying your ideas, the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion list] would probably be the best place for that.
*[[Event Proposals]] - Share your ideas for events or workshops you'd like to host, teach, or run at the Node's space.
*[[WikiTips]] - Tips on how to use the Wiki
*[[Webcam]] - See if anyone is around

===Current projects===

*[[501(c)(3) process]] - A place to document the process of becoming a 501(c)3 and show where we are in the process
*[[Annual Goals]] - A general list of goals for the organization, established 2010-03-27
*[[Things to fill the Space]] - Stuff we've got and stuff we need.
**[[Wishlist]] - Because the page above is old, the space is already full, but we still want more stuff!
*[[Grants]] - Possible sources of funding.
*[[Outreach and inclusion]] - A list of groups, organizations, and populations in the Baltimore area we want to reach.
*[[Historical documents]] - An archive of documents and pages related to starting and planning the Node.

<blockquote>''Looking for an older project? It may have become a member of the [[Dead Projects Society]].''</blockquote>

==Communication Channels==

*'''Website and blog''': [http://baltimorenode.org baltimorenode.org]
*'''Twitter''': [http://twitter.com/baltimorenode twitter.com/baltimorenode]
*'''IRC''': #baltimorenode on freenode.net - irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode
*'''Elsewhere''': [http://www.flickr.com/groups/1127918@N24/ Flickr], [http://www.instructables.com/group/bmorenode/ Instructables], [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baltimore-Node/109524391244 Facebook]

===Mailing Lists===

*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion Discussion list]: Get your geek on, find help with projects, ask questions, get directions to the next meeting, share awesome findings, suggest projects
*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-announce Announcement list]: Low traffic list just for receiving announcements. Subscribe to this list only if you do not want to receive discussion emails. If you are on the Discussion list, you will receive all announcements automatically.

==Founding documents==

*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]]
*[[Bylaws]]
*[[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] - Official Logo of the Node

===Meeting Notes===

[[:Category:MeetingNotes]]

==ToDo List==

*Work on a [[Donation Request Letter]] and seek some donations

Main Page

2019-09-13T05:02:02Z

P2: Transferred some projects into the Dead Projects Society.

__NOTOC__

You [[We Have A Wiki?|found]] the wiki! 🌐👍

==Events==
To find out what's going on at the Node, check out our [https://www.meetup.com/BaltimoreNode/events/calendar/ Meetup Calendar]!

===Regular Events===

*'''Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm''' - [[OpenHack]] Sessions. Come check out Node. Bring a project to work on or just hang out. '''Everyone welcome.''' If you're a member and can sponsor a Thursday, put your name on the [[OpenHack]] list. [[Events Archive|📦 Events Archive]]

If you'd like to host an event at the Node (one-time or recurring), stop by the regular meeting or run it by the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion mailing list].

==Becoming a Member==

*Learn how to become a member on the [http://baltimorenode.org/membership/ membership page]
*All members need to sign the [[Membership Agreement]] when they join.
*Remember [[Shop-Vac]]

==Quick links==
===Ideas, making, fun===

*[[Resources]] - Information and educational resources on topics related to the Node
**[[CNC Router How-To Guide]] '''(new!)'''
**[[LC6090]] - Our 80W laser cutter
**[[Raspberry PI Magnetometers and Accelerometers]]
**[[We Have A Wiki?|Creating a Wiki Account]] (new!)
*[[Publicity]] - Current contact info and past publicity.
*[[Project Proposals]] - Share your ideas for projects. Things you want to work on, things you think other people should work on, things you'd like to learn more about. If you want some help clarifying your ideas, the [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion discussion list] would probably be the best place for that.
*[[Event Proposals]] - Share your ideas for events or workshops you'd like to host, teach, or run at the Node's space.
*[[WikiTips]] - Tips on how to use the Wiki
*[[Webcam]] - See if anyone is around

===Current projects===

*[[501(c)(3) process]] - A place to document the process of becoming a 501(c)3 and show where we are in the process
*[[Annual Goals]] - A general list of goals for the organization, established 2010-03-27
*[[Things to fill the Space]] - Stuff we've got and stuff we need.
**[[Wishlist]] - Because the page above is old, the space is already full, but we still want more stuff!
*[[Grants]] - Possible sources of funding.
*[[Outreach and inclusion]] - A list of groups, organizations, and populations in the Baltimore area we want to reach.
*[[Historical documents]] - An archive of documents and pages related to starting and planning the Node.

==Communication Channels==

*'''Website and blog''': [http://baltimorenode.org baltimorenode.org]
*'''Twitter''': [http://twitter.com/baltimorenode twitter.com/baltimorenode]
*'''IRC''': #baltimorenode on freenode.net - irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode
*'''Elsewhere''': [http://www.flickr.com/groups/1127918@N24/ Flickr], [http://www.instructables.com/group/bmorenode/ Instructables], [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baltimore-Node/109524391244 Facebook]

===Mailing Lists===

*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion Discussion list]: Get your geek on, find help with projects, ask questions, get directions to the next meeting, share awesome findings, suggest projects
*[http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-announce Announcement list]: Low traffic list just for receiving announcements. Subscribe to this list only if you do not want to receive discussion emails. If you are on the Discussion list, you will receive all announcements automatically.

==Founding documents==

*[[Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation|Articles of Incorporation]]
*[[Bylaws]]
*[[Baltimore Node Logo|Logo]] - Official Logo of the Node

===Meeting Notes===

[[:Category:MeetingNotes]]

==ToDo List==

*Work on a [[Donation Request Letter]] and seek some donations

501(c)(3) process

2019-09-13T04:51:30Z

P2: Formatting.

''As of 2019, we have been a [https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/501#c_3 501(c)(3)] for . . . quite a few years.''

*"Status: Revived." We even spent some time in the Dead Entities Society! Check out our undead history [https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch/BusinessInformation/D13145479 here at the Maryland Business Entity Search]. ''I've left the rest of this document as it was a decade ago.''

==2009==
In order to facilitate the process a new page dealing directly with completing form 1023 to establish 501(c)(3) has been started here: [[IRS Form 1023 process]].

501(c)(3) is a tax-exempt designation from the IRS which generally applies to nonprofit organizations. 501(c)(3) refers to that section of the tax code, found at [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/501(c).html 26 U.S.C. § 501].

Being a 501(c)(3) has the following benefits (copied from the interwebs)

*We won't pay federal corporate income tax except on income derived from unrelated business income. With this exemption, an organization can save 15% - 35% of its taxable income.
*In most instances, we won't pay state corporate income, franchise, excise, use, or sales tax.
*Can offer members, individuals, and corporate donors a tax deduction for their contributions.
*Eligible to receive private foundation grants. Private foundations are required by law to distribute a minimum amount of money for charitable purposes. One way they fulfill this obligation is by making grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.
*Eligible for lower postal rates on third class bulk mailings through the US Postal Service.

==The process==
===Phase 1: Get Organized===

#Come up with our [[Mission Statement]]
#Develop our fundraising plan (see [[Mo money...]]) We don't need this to incorporate in Maryland, but we'll something like this for our 501(c)(3) application.
#Draft [[Bylaws]]. We don't need this to incorporate in Maryland, but we'll something like this for our 501(c)(3) application. (Initial drafting is done, needs to be reviewed by more people)
#Select a few people to act as incorporaters. These people will have their name in the [[Articles of Incorporation]] and act as the interim Board of Directors until our organizational meeting.
#File our [[Articles of Incorporation]] with the state of Maryland. The application fee is $170 and takes 7-8 weeks. Or $220 for same day, in person service at their office. State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Room 801, 301 W. Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201-2395
#Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so we can open a bank account. This is a [http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html simple form on the IRS website]. Someone on the interim Board of Directors can fill out the online form and we'll get an EIN immediately
#Open a [[Bank Account]]. One of the interim members of the Board of Directors can do this once we haven an EIN.
#Hold our organizational meeting where we will ratify the [[bylaws]] and elect Officers (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary) who will also serve as the Board of Directors. (At least that's what's in the draft [[Bylaws]] at the moment.) We need to take special care in keeping minutes at this meeting for later filings.

'''all of this is done [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:22, 5 August 2009 (UTC)'''

===Phase 2: Register for Charitable Solicitation (Complete and Current as of Oct. 2010)===

#In order to "solicits charitable contributions" we need to register with Maryland by submitting form [http://www.sos.state.md.us/charity/COR-92.pdf COR-92]. There is no fee if we solicit less than $25,000 in a year. A [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/AnnualUpdate.pdf renewal form] must be submitted annually.
#*''The membership-only exemption is in the case that it is only from members that donations are ever solicited. This would mean we could never solicit donations (e.g., donation jar next to the keg) outside the voting membership of the organization. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 21:15, 6 July 2009 (UTC)''
#*''duly stricken -[[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 21:31, 6 July 2009 (UTC)''
#*'''done [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:22, 5 August 2009 (UTC)'''
#If we want to solicit contribution in another state, there is more paperwork to file.

===Phase 3: Obtain Federal Tax-Exemption Determination===

#File IRS Form 1023: [http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3)]. We are anticipating annual revenue over $10,000 so the application fee will be $750.
#In a few months we'll get a designation letter back from the IRS authorizing you to be a nonprofit for five years. At the end of five years we have to prove to the IRS that we are really a charitable organization and submit [http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8734.pdf form 8734].

===Phase 4: State filings after receiving 501(c)(3) determination letter===

#Obtain a sales and use tax exemption certificate by filing [http://forms.marylandtaxes.com/current_forms/cra.pdf Combined Registration Application]
#Request State Income Tax Exemption. This is mentioned on [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/Non-Profit.htm this page], but isn't mentioned elsewhere.
#There is a property tax exemption should we ever end up owning property

===Maintaining our status===

#Each year we will need to file [http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/ppbooklet_2009.pdf Personal Property Forms] with the state.
#File Form 990 with the IRS depending on annual gross receipts if necessary. If we don't have to file a 990, we have to submit [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/COF-85.pdf COF-85] if not filing IRS Form 990

==Links==

*Mike Sublesky recommended [http://www.amazon.com/How-Form-Nonprofit-Corporation-Your/dp/1413310265 How to Form your Own Nonprofit]. Official IRS information is [http://www.irs.gov/publications/p557/ch03.html here].
*There is a nice [http://www.sos.state.md.us/charity/ChecklistNonProfit.pdf checklist] from [http://marylandnonprofits.org Maryland Nonprofits].
*Maryland Secretary of State has a page on [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/Non-Profit.htm forming a nonprofit in Maryland]

501(c)(3) process

2019-09-13T04:50:36Z

P2: Formatting

''As of 2019, we have been a [https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/501#c_3 501(c)(3)] for . . . quite a few years.''

*"Status: Revived." We even spent some time in the Dead Entities Society! Check out our undead history here, at the Maryland Business Entity Search: <nowiki>https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch/BusinessInformation/D13145479</nowiki>

''I've left the rest of this document as it was a decade ago.''

==2009==
In order to facilitate the process a new page dealing directly with completing form 1023 to establish 501(c)(3) has been started here: [[IRS Form 1023 process]].

501(c)(3) is a tax-exempt designation from the IRS which generally applies to nonprofit organizations. 501(c)(3) refers to that section of the tax code, found at [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/501(c).html 26 U.S.C. § 501].

Being a 501(c)(3) has the following benefits (copied from the interwebs)

*We won't pay federal corporate income tax except on income derived from unrelated business income. With this exemption, an organization can save 15% - 35% of its taxable income.
*In most instances, we won't pay state corporate income, franchise, excise, use, or sales tax.
*Can offer members, individuals, and corporate donors a tax deduction for their contributions.
*Eligible to receive private foundation grants. Private foundations are required by law to distribute a minimum amount of money for charitable purposes. One way they fulfill this obligation is by making grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.
*Eligible for lower postal rates on third class bulk mailings through the US Postal Service.

==The process==
===Phase 1: Get Organized===

#Come up with our [[Mission Statement]]
#Develop our fundraising plan (see [[Mo money...]]) We don't need this to incorporate in Maryland, but we'll something like this for our 501(c)(3) application.
#Draft [[Bylaws]]. We don't need this to incorporate in Maryland, but we'll something like this for our 501(c)(3) application. (Initial drafting is done, needs to be reviewed by more people)
#Select a few people to act as incorporaters. These people will have their name in the [[Articles of Incorporation]] and act as the interim Board of Directors until our organizational meeting.
#File our [[Articles of Incorporation]] with the state of Maryland. The application fee is $170 and takes 7-8 weeks. Or $220 for same day, in person service at their office. State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Room 801, 301 W. Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201-2395
#Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so we can open a bank account. This is a [http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html simple form on the IRS website]. Someone on the interim Board of Directors can fill out the online form and we'll get an EIN immediately
#Open a [[Bank Account]]. One of the interim members of the Board of Directors can do this once we haven an EIN.
#Hold our organizational meeting where we will ratify the [[bylaws]] and elect Officers (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary) who will also serve as the Board of Directors. (At least that's what's in the draft [[Bylaws]] at the moment.) We need to take special care in keeping minutes at this meeting for later filings.

'''all of this is done [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:22, 5 August 2009 (UTC)'''

===Phase 2: Register for Charitable Solicitation (Complete and Current as of Oct. 2010)===

#In order to "solicits charitable contributions" we need to register with Maryland by submitting form [http://www.sos.state.md.us/charity/COR-92.pdf COR-92]. There is no fee if we solicit less than $25,000 in a year. A [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/AnnualUpdate.pdf renewal form] must be submitted annually.
#*''The membership-only exemption is in the case that it is only from members that donations are ever solicited. This would mean we could never solicit donations (e.g., donation jar next to the keg) outside the voting membership of the organization. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 21:15, 6 July 2009 (UTC)''
#*''duly stricken -[[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 21:31, 6 July 2009 (UTC)''
#*'''done [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:22, 5 August 2009 (UTC)'''
#If we want to solicit contribution in another state, there is more paperwork to file.

===Phase 3: Obtain Federal Tax-Exemption Determination===

#File IRS Form 1023: [http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3)]. We are anticipating annual revenue over $10,000 so the application fee will be $750.
#In a few months we'll get a designation letter back from the IRS authorizing you to be a nonprofit for five years. At the end of five years we have to prove to the IRS that we are really a charitable organization and submit [http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8734.pdf form 8734].

===Phase 4: State filings after receiving 501(c)(3) determination letter===

#Obtain a sales and use tax exemption certificate by filing [http://forms.marylandtaxes.com/current_forms/cra.pdf Combined Registration Application]
#Request State Income Tax Exemption. This is mentioned on [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/Non-Profit.htm this page], but isn't mentioned elsewhere.
#There is a property tax exemption should we ever end up owning property

===Maintaining our status===

#Each year we will need to file [http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/ppbooklet_2009.pdf Personal Property Forms] with the state.
#File Form 990 with the IRS depending on annual gross receipts if necessary. If we don't have to file a 990, we have to submit [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/COF-85.pdf COF-85] if not filing IRS Form 990

==Links==

*Mike Sublesky recommended [http://www.amazon.com/How-Form-Nonprofit-Corporation-Your/dp/1413310265 How to Form your Own Nonprofit]. Official IRS information is [http://www.irs.gov/publications/p557/ch03.html here].
*There is a nice [http://www.sos.state.md.us/charity/ChecklistNonProfit.pdf checklist] from [http://marylandnonprofits.org Maryland Nonprofits].
*Maryland Secretary of State has a page on [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/Non-Profit.htm forming a nonprofit in Maryland]

501(c)(3) process

2019-09-13T04:50:00Z

P2: Update

''As of 2019, we have been a [https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/501#c_3 501(c)(3)] for . . . quite a few years.''

* "Status: Revived." We even spent some time in the Dead Entities Society! Check out our undead history here, at the Maryland Business Entity Search: <nowiki>https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch/BusinessInformation/D13145479</nowiki>

''I've left the rest of this document as it was a decade ago.''

=== 2009 ===
In order to facilitate the process a new page dealing directly with completing form 1023 to establish 501(c)(3) has been started here: [[IRS Form 1023 process]].

501(c)(3) is a tax-exempt designation from the IRS which generally applies to nonprofit organizations. 501(c)(3) refers to that section of the tax code, found at [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/501(c).html 26 U.S.C. § 501].

Being a 501(c)(3) has the following benefits (copied from the interwebs)

*We won't pay federal corporate income tax except on income derived from unrelated business income. With this exemption, an organization can save 15% - 35% of its taxable income.
*In most instances, we won't pay state corporate income, franchise, excise, use, or sales tax.
*Can offer members, individuals, and corporate donors a tax deduction for their contributions.
*Eligible to receive private foundation grants. Private foundations are required by law to distribute a minimum amount of money for charitable purposes. One way they fulfill this obligation is by making grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.
*Eligible for lower postal rates on third class bulk mailings through the US Postal Service.

==The process==
===Phase 1: Get Organized===

#Come up with our [[Mission Statement]]
#Develop our fundraising plan (see [[Mo money...]]) We don't need this to incorporate in Maryland, but we'll something like this for our 501(c)(3) application.
#Draft [[Bylaws]]. We don't need this to incorporate in Maryland, but we'll something like this for our 501(c)(3) application. (Initial drafting is done, needs to be reviewed by more people)
#Select a few people to act as incorporaters. These people will have their name in the [[Articles of Incorporation]] and act as the interim Board of Directors until our organizational meeting.
#File our [[Articles of Incorporation]] with the state of Maryland. The application fee is $170 and takes 7-8 weeks. Or $220 for same day, in person service at their office. State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Room 801, 301 W. Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201-2395
#Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so we can open a bank account. This is a [http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html simple form on the IRS website]. Someone on the interim Board of Directors can fill out the online form and we'll get an EIN immediately
#Open a [[Bank Account]]. One of the interim members of the Board of Directors can do this once we haven an EIN.
#Hold our organizational meeting where we will ratify the [[bylaws]] and elect Officers (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary) who will also serve as the Board of Directors. (At least that's what's in the draft [[Bylaws]] at the moment.) We need to take special care in keeping minutes at this meeting for later filings.

'''all of this is done [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:22, 5 August 2009 (UTC)'''

===Phase 2: Register for Charitable Solicitation (Complete and Current as of Oct. 2010)===

#In order to "solicits charitable contributions" we need to register with Maryland by submitting form [http://www.sos.state.md.us/charity/COR-92.pdf COR-92]. There is no fee if we solicit less than $25,000 in a year. A [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/AnnualUpdate.pdf renewal form] must be submitted annually.
#*''The membership-only exemption is in the case that it is only from members that donations are ever solicited. This would mean we could never solicit donations (e.g., donation jar next to the keg) outside the voting membership of the organization. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 21:15, 6 July 2009 (UTC)''
#*''duly stricken -[[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 21:31, 6 July 2009 (UTC)''
#*'''done [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:22, 5 August 2009 (UTC)'''
#If we want to solicit contribution in another state, there is more paperwork to file.

===Phase 3: Obtain Federal Tax-Exemption Determination===

#File IRS Form 1023: [http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3)]. We are anticipating annual revenue over $10,000 so the application fee will be $750.
#In a few months we'll get a designation letter back from the IRS authorizing you to be a nonprofit for five years. At the end of five years we have to prove to the IRS that we are really a charitable organization and submit [http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8734.pdf form 8734].

===Phase 4: State filings after receiving 501(c)(3) determination letter===

#Obtain a sales and use tax exemption certificate by filing [http://forms.marylandtaxes.com/current_forms/cra.pdf Combined Registration Application]
#Request State Income Tax Exemption. This is mentioned on [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/Non-Profit.htm this page], but isn't mentioned elsewhere.
#There is a property tax exemption should we ever end up owning property

===Maintaining our status===

#Each year we will need to file [http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/ppbooklet_2009.pdf Personal Property Forms] with the state.
#File Form 990 with the IRS depending on annual gross receipts if necessary. If we don't have to file a 990, we have to submit [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/COF-85.pdf COF-85] if not filing IRS Form 990

==Links==

*Mike Sublesky recommended [http://www.amazon.com/How-Form-Nonprofit-Corporation-Your/dp/1413310265 How to Form your Own Nonprofit]. Official IRS information is [http://www.irs.gov/publications/p557/ch03.html here].
*There is a nice [http://www.sos.state.md.us/charity/ChecklistNonProfit.pdf checklist] from [http://marylandnonprofits.org Maryland Nonprofits].
*Maryland Secretary of State has a page on [http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/Non-Profit.htm forming a nonprofit in Maryland]

Power Tool Drag Racing

2019-09-13T04:42:08Z

P2: Induction to the ghastly roster of the Dead Projects Society.

''As of 2019, the Dead Projects Society has welcomed this event into [[Dead Projects Society|its fearsome roster]].''

== c. 2010 ==
The [http://baltimorenode.org Baltimore Node] is organizing power tool drag racing for [http://betascape.org Betascape]. Power tool drag racing is all about taking ordinary electric power tools and turning them into drag racers. Power tool drag racing has been around as long as power tools themselves, ever since the first time someone ziptied the switch on a beltsander and let it scoot across the shop floor. Since then it has grown into a obscure but widespread sport. Races are held all over the world and all kinds of people race, anybody can build a racer in a few hours with a few items from a thrift store.

This year’s race will be held during Artscape/Betascape July 17th and 18th. We are looking for drag racers. Please contact [mailto://BaltoPTDA@gmail.com BaltoPTDA@gmail.com] to let us know you would like to participate.

'''Building a Racer'''
Building the racer is most of the challenge and half the fun! The important thing is to not take it too seriously. Some over-engineered racers have been flops, and some simple designs have been real winners. The best way to come up with a racer design is to look at what other people have done and go from there. Watch Bre Pettis’ awesome MAKE: [http://www.youtube.com/v/WLmsz5N88vg&hl=en&fs=1&border=1 Video Podcast on building a racer!] for some examples. Here are some basic guidelines.

'''Materials:''' The basic racer recipe calls for:

* A handheld power tool (typically a grinder, belt sander, or circular saw, and sometimes a blender or vacuum cleaner.)
* Wheels
* A chassis

The best place to find a race-worth power tool or appliance is at a junky thrift store, garage sales, or Craigslist. Good working tools can usually be found for $10-$20. Skates can be bought by the cartload an many thrift stores or kiddie-stuff garage sales. For the chassis you can use anything that makes sense, wood, metal, zip ties… Most hardware stores sell perforated angle iron that is easy to cut with a hacksaw and has nicely spaced holes in it, like the metal from an "erector set."

'''Constraints:''' There are not many constraints on your design, but there are a few things to keep in mind: Track dimensions & material, power, and safety.

'''Track Dimensions:''' The track is made of 2×4s with a plywood base. The 2×4s are stood on edge as guide rails with 12 inches of clearance in between. The track is 75 feet long with an additional 15 feet of runout. *ALL SIDES* of the track rails can be used by the racer, i.e. you can build a "monorail" if you are so inclined.

'''Power:''' 120v power (and extension cords) are supplied by the race organizers. Your racer just needs to have a US standard 120v male cord-end (NEMA 5-15) on it, and the trigger should be taped down or otherwise modified to be ‘always on’. Remote, battery operated, rocket, or gas powered chainsaws or cold fusion-powered reactors will not be allowed for this event.

'''Safety:''' Over 350,000 people are expected to be at the event. Any racer judged to be dangerous will not be allowed to compete. There are some things to be aware of, especially for novice builders. Grinders and saws spin *VERY* fast, so be careful what you attach to the "wheel." In general, you should only use manufactured wheels that are mounted securely to the arbor, building a wheel from scratch is not recommended as it will come flying apart when spun up to 10,000 RPM. If you have *ANY* concerns about safety its best to consult with an experienced racer, so send us an [mailto://BaltoPTDA@gmail.com email]. BTW chainsaws race very poorly.

'''Official Rules:''' [[Official Rules]]

'''Links:''' Links to some cool videos of other power tool drag racing events

[http://www.youtube.com/v/WLmsz5N88vg&hl=en&fs=1&border=1]
[http://www.youtube.com/v/rYTVwude68g&hl=en&fs=1&border=1]
[http://www.youtube.com/v/Gyg9U1YaVk8&hl=en&fs=1&border=1]

Dead Projects Society

2019-09-13T04:39:10Z

P2: Coronor's log, stardate 9/13/19

Hello. I'm pretty serious about wiki organization. So, I'm gathering the dead projects, pulling from the home page and putting them here for a respectful burial.

But, perhaps the dead will rise someday? What a dreadful possibility!

*[[RFID door lock]] - Johns Joseph and Milner apparently have some ideas to revive this dead-ling. (yet, abandoned)
*[[LED window display]] (August 2019 - dismantled.)
*[[JeeNode Workshop]] - No one remembers what this was. (Forgotten.)
*[[Power Tool Drag Racing]] - (Wasted.)
*[[Co-Lab Wednesday]] - What a cool project! I will visit its grave regularly. (Dearly departed.)

Co-Lab Wednesday

2019-09-13T04:35:59Z

P2: Re-indexed in Dead Projects Society.

''As of 2019, the Dead Projects Society has welcomed this event into [[Dead Projects Society|its fearsome roster]].''

Working with students, performers, and established artists to help them realize technical aspects of their projects.<pre>
1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 7:30pm Baltimore Node will be opening
up to share our tools and expertise with you and your ideas.
Node Members will be on hand to offer guidance on how to get from
the initial thought to materials, setup and assembly to finish your
project.
</pre>
[[Illuminopolis ideas]]

LED window display

2019-09-13T04:28:53Z

P2: /* Ultimate destruction (August 1st, 2019) */

==Ultimate destruction (August 1st, 2019)==
But, it was ultimately destroyed, in an unfortunate zap, followed by a respectful dismantling.

* The [[Dead Projects Society]] welcomes its newest member.

==Revival (2018-2019)==

======mega-nodesign======
[https://github.com/clindsa1 Chris Lindsay] has [https://github.com/baltimorenode/mega-nodesign revived] the Node Sign project. Come check on it during OpenHack!
[[File:Sign Logo.jpg|alt=A pixel-art version of the Baltimore Node logo rendered on a wall of LED's, an array of RGB Christmas lights.|thumb|none|A custom Node Logo rendered on the sign during [https://www.meetup.com/BaltimoreNode/events/ OpenHack].]]

==Original Project (2011-2012)==
Collecting notes for the LED window display.
===System Architecture===
The full breakdown of the architecture works as follows:

(outside internet?) --> Client programs --> Server --> Arduino --> GE color effect lights

===GE Color effect lights===

These are individually addressable lights made by GE. Robert Sun Quattlebaum figured out their data protocol. You can find out more here.

http://www.deepdarc.com/2010/11/27/hacking-christmas-lights/

Each light is driven by about 5V. Each light consumes XXX amps displaying the color white at full brightness.

In short, one data pin can drive up to 63 lights. The data protocol allows for dimming and brightening all the lights, as well as 12 bit color. Each frame takes 790 us to send, and there is a manditory 30 us quiet time between frames.

The maximum number of lights per string and the maximum FPS is given by the equation:

LPS * 0.820 * FPS = 1000

So if you want 30 FPS, you can have up to 40 lights per string. If you have 32 lights per string, you can have 38 FPS. If you instead have 24 lights per string, you can have 50 FPS.

Sherwin's display has 23 or 24 lights per strand using 4 arduinos, with 12 strands per arduino. The display across the top of the display has 16 strands coming off of one arduino, each with 32 lights.

We've bought a power supply for Sherwin's lights.

====TODO====

*Kevin, can you document how much power it takes to drive the lights?
*For our lights
**We need to buy a power supply for our top display.
**We need to wire everything up.
**We need to decide on and complete the physical construction of our lights. This involves cutting the lights, soldering lights together, cutting holes in boards to hold the lights.
*For Sherwin's lights
**Some of the strands on Sherwin's display are buggy and need to be replaced.

===Arduino===

For the arduino side of the code, we are using code from the QC Co-Lab's Lightwall Project. You can find their write up of their code here:

https://www.qccolab.com/LightWall

We've modified their code pretty heavily-- they disabled the serial port in their implementation. We also enabled the ability to write to 16 strands from one arduino at a time.

https://github.com/rblake/BmoreNodeSign

The time values used in the code were determined by hooking up the code to an oscilliscope and measuring how fast it took to adjust the wires.

We've set the bps to 500000 as per the forum post below:
http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,98364.0.html
For the version of the code that writes 16 strands at once, a single frame takes 6144 bits to send. FPS is related to bit rate by

FPS * 6144 = bps

With 500000 bps, each frame will take 12.288ms to send. Each light frame takes .82ms*num_lights to display (sherwin => 19.68ms, ours => 26.24ms). This means each frame takes 31.968 ms to send, max, which is about 30 FPS.

For Sherwin's display, we are going to use the same 16 strand version of the code. It's possible we could save some time by removing 4 bits from the data stream, but the timings for the arduino are fairly tight and I'm not sure it would be able to unpack the data quickly enough.

Delays in the code have been set using an oscilliscope on an duemilanova atmega328

====TODO====

*The code we're using now disables all interrupts while it's writing to the lights because it wants to get the timing absolutely correct. This means that it can't recieve any serial data. We've fixed this by having the arduino write an "OK" back to the server, and make the server pause until it recieves this go-ahead. If this creates too much slowdown though, we need to tmplement the writing of the lights as an interrupt routine, which would require a bunch of work. Doing things the interrupt way would shave off 12.28ms from the render time.

===Server===

The server is a python twisted program that listens to an internet port and recieves 24 bit color frames on that port. It also does the bit transposition and color reduction needed to quickly display the 12bit color frames colors on the arduino.

The code can be found here

https://github.com/rblake/BmoreNodeSign

The code is made up of

*write_image.py - does the bit transposition of a color frame.
*lightDisplay.py - contains all the code for the server.
**LightWallServer - contains the twisted code for the server. A server is made for each client that connects.
**BaseSignDisplay - implements a mutex on the sign display shared by all the server processes
**InMemorySignDisplay - implements a fake lightwall with pygame on your desktop so you can test out various displays without connecting them to the lights.
**SignDisplay - implements the code that does the actual writing to the serial port.

====TODO====

*The code to find all the arduinos attached needs to be written.
*For Sherwin's lights we'll need a new Display that writes to 4 arduinos at once. Mike and I have been debating if it's going to be a horrible chore to keep the arduinos syncronized.

===Clients===
The clients all connect to the server and take turns taking control of the display. I've implemented a trivia game, and will be implementing more clients in the server. I've also implemented an effects code and some code to render text in 8 bits.

Routines that return deferred objects start with "d_". To implement a client process, you need to implement a routine with an @inlineCallback decorator, then yield all deferred objects you want to wait for.

https://github.com/rblake/BmoreNodeSign

*lightDisplay.py - Contains the code for the client.
**LightDisplayClient - Implements a twisted client for the display.
*rainbow.py - Implements a rainbow animation on the lights, based off of Rainbow Plasma
*triviaGame.py - Code for my trivia game! A work in progress.
*singleFrame.py - Shows a single frame on the screen and exits.
*loopFrames.py - Loops static images over all the frames

====TODO====

*I need to implement a routine that sends the current display to the client so I can do more effects.
*THERE IS NO ERROR CHECKING! Someone should fix this.
*Clients I'd like to implement:
**Video games! We have enough of a framework to do this!
**A weather/temp/time client
**riddles?
**Something to read off of twitter? Twisted has code to do the heavy lifting here.
**Something to read off IRC? Again, Twisted has code to do this.
**Conway's game of life.
**Code to draw animations.
**Something to pipe "fortune" to the display.
**Something to screen scrape wikipedia for historical facts that happened today.
**Grab Node/LOF events from google or meetup, post them.
**Tetris!

===Art===
We need art that we can display both on Sherwin's lights and our lights.

Our lights will be 64x8 pixels. Sherwin's display is 24x47 pixels.

====TODO====

*We need an /awesome/ node logo for both displays
*We need awesome animations
*I found a collection of 8 pixel fonts taken from old game boy games. These need to be cleaned up so they can be used. I'll write up more on this soon-- Dani and I have come up with a font system.

[[File:8x8_icons.png]]
[[File:Pacman.png]]
[[File:Minimonsters8_4x.png]]
[[File:8x8s.png]]
[[File:Todds 8 tall font all in caps.bmp]]
[[File:Node.png]]
[[File:Node2.bmp]]
[[File:Lemmings.png]]
‎
http://dmac.comdma.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/Event3-BenDunkle_L.jpg

http://bugsandfishes.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-cross-stitch-heart-brooch.html

http://speckyboy.com/2009/06/19/34-free-and-elegant-truetype-mini-pixel-fonts/

http://www.flickr.com/groups/56856146@N00/

http://lpc.opengameart.org/

Does this relate? [[Roadmaster LED Signboard]]

LED window display

2019-09-13T04:27:59Z

P2: Little status report

== Ultimate destruction (August 1st, 2019) ==
But, it was ultimately destroyed, in an unfortunate zap, followed by a respectful dismantling.

==Revival (2018-2019)==

======mega-nodesign======
[https://github.com/clindsa1 Chris Lindsay] has [https://github.com/baltimorenode/mega-nodesign revived] the Node Sign project. Come check on it during OpenHack!
[[File:Sign Logo.jpg|alt=A pixel-art version of the Baltimore Node logo rendered on a wall of LED's, an array of RGB Christmas lights.|thumb|none|A custom Node Logo rendered on the sign during [https://www.meetup.com/BaltimoreNode/events/ OpenHack].]]

==Original Project (2011-2012)==
Collecting notes for the LED window display.
===System Architecture===
The full breakdown of the architecture works as follows:

(outside internet?) --> Client programs --> Server --> Arduino --> GE color effect lights

===GE Color effect lights===

These are individually addressable lights made by GE. Robert Sun Quattlebaum figured out their data protocol. You can find out more here.

http://www.deepdarc.com/2010/11/27/hacking-christmas-lights/

Each light is driven by about 5V. Each light consumes XXX amps displaying the color white at full brightness.

In short, one data pin can drive up to 63 lights. The data protocol allows for dimming and brightening all the lights, as well as 12 bit color. Each frame takes 790 us to send, and there is a manditory 30 us quiet time between frames.

The maximum number of lights per string and the maximum FPS is given by the equation:

LPS * 0.820 * FPS = 1000

So if you want 30 FPS, you can have up to 40 lights per string. If you have 32 lights per string, you can have 38 FPS. If you instead have 24 lights per string, you can have 50 FPS.

Sherwin's display has 23 or 24 lights per strand using 4 arduinos, with 12 strands per arduino. The display across the top of the display has 16 strands coming off of one arduino, each with 32 lights.

We've bought a power supply for Sherwin's lights.

====TODO====

*Kevin, can you document how much power it takes to drive the lights?
*For our lights
**We need to buy a power supply for our top display.
**We need to wire everything up.
**We need to decide on and complete the physical construction of our lights. This involves cutting the lights, soldering lights together, cutting holes in boards to hold the lights.
*For Sherwin's lights
**Some of the strands on Sherwin's display are buggy and need to be replaced.

===Arduino===

For the arduino side of the code, we are using code from the QC Co-Lab's Lightwall Project. You can find their write up of their code here:

https://www.qccolab.com/LightWall

We've modified their code pretty heavily-- they disabled the serial port in their implementation. We also enabled the ability to write to 16 strands from one arduino at a time.

https://github.com/rblake/BmoreNodeSign

The time values used in the code were determined by hooking up the code to an oscilliscope and measuring how fast it took to adjust the wires.

We've set the bps to 500000 as per the forum post below:
http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,98364.0.html
For the version of the code that writes 16 strands at once, a single frame takes 6144 bits to send. FPS is related to bit rate by

FPS * 6144 = bps

With 500000 bps, each frame will take 12.288ms to send. Each light frame takes .82ms*num_lights to display (sherwin => 19.68ms, ours => 26.24ms). This means each frame takes 31.968 ms to send, max, which is about 30 FPS.

For Sherwin's display, we are going to use the same 16 strand version of the code. It's possible we could save some time by removing 4 bits from the data stream, but the timings for the arduino are fairly tight and I'm not sure it would be able to unpack the data quickly enough.

Delays in the code have been set using an oscilliscope on an duemilanova atmega328

====TODO====

*The code we're using now disables all interrupts while it's writing to the lights because it wants to get the timing absolutely correct. This means that it can't recieve any serial data. We've fixed this by having the arduino write an "OK" back to the server, and make the server pause until it recieves this go-ahead. If this creates too much slowdown though, we need to tmplement the writing of the lights as an interrupt routine, which would require a bunch of work. Doing things the interrupt way would shave off 12.28ms from the render time.

===Server===

The server is a python twisted program that listens to an internet port and recieves 24 bit color frames on that port. It also does the bit transposition and color reduction needed to quickly display the 12bit color frames colors on the arduino.

The code can be found here

https://github.com/rblake/BmoreNodeSign

The code is made up of

*write_image.py - does the bit transposition of a color frame.
*lightDisplay.py - contains all the code for the server.
**LightWallServer - contains the twisted code for the server. A server is made for each client that connects.
**BaseSignDisplay - implements a mutex on the sign display shared by all the server processes
**InMemorySignDisplay - implements a fake lightwall with pygame on your desktop so you can test out various displays without connecting them to the lights.
**SignDisplay - implements the code that does the actual writing to the serial port.

====TODO====

*The code to find all the arduinos attached needs to be written.
*For Sherwin's lights we'll need a new Display that writes to 4 arduinos at once. Mike and I have been debating if it's going to be a horrible chore to keep the arduinos syncronized.

===Clients===
The clients all connect to the server and take turns taking control of the display. I've implemented a trivia game, and will be implementing more clients in the server. I've also implemented an effects code and some code to render text in 8 bits.

Routines that return deferred objects start with "d_". To implement a client process, you need to implement a routine with an @inlineCallback decorator, then yield all deferred objects you want to wait for.

https://github.com/rblake/BmoreNodeSign

*lightDisplay.py - Contains the code for the client.
**LightDisplayClient - Implements a twisted client for the display.
*rainbow.py - Implements a rainbow animation on the lights, based off of Rainbow Plasma
*triviaGame.py - Code for my trivia game! A work in progress.
*singleFrame.py - Shows a single frame on the screen and exits.
*loopFrames.py - Loops static images over all the frames

====TODO====

*I need to implement a routine that sends the current display to the client so I can do more effects.
*THERE IS NO ERROR CHECKING! Someone should fix this.
*Clients I'd like to implement:
**Video games! We have enough of a framework to do this!
**A weather/temp/time client
**riddles?
**Something to read off of twitter? Twisted has code to do the heavy lifting here.
**Something to read off IRC? Again, Twisted has code to do this.
**Conway's game of life.
**Code to draw animations.
**Something to pipe "fortune" to the display.
**Something to screen scrape wikipedia for historical facts that happened today.
**Grab Node/LOF events from google or meetup, post them.
**Tetris!

===Art===
We need art that we can display both on Sherwin's lights and our lights.

Our lights will be 64x8 pixels. Sherwin's display is 24x47 pixels.

====TODO====

*We need an /awesome/ node logo for both displays
*We need awesome animations
*I found a collection of 8 pixel fonts taken from old game boy games. These need to be cleaned up so they can be used. I'll write up more on this soon-- Dani and I have come up with a font system.

[[File:8x8_icons.png]]
[[File:Pacman.png]]
[[File:Minimonsters8_4x.png]]
[[File:8x8s.png]]
[[File:Todds 8 tall font all in caps.bmp]]
[[File:Node.png]]
[[File:Node2.bmp]]
[[File:Lemmings.png]]
‎
http://dmac.comdma.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/Event3-BenDunkle_L.jpg

http://bugsandfishes.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-cross-stitch-heart-brooch.html

http://speckyboy.com/2009/06/19/34-free-and-elegant-truetype-mini-pixel-fonts/

http://www.flickr.com/groups/56856146@N00/

http://lpc.opengameart.org/

Does this relate? [[Roadmaster LED Signboard]]

Dead Projects Society

2019-09-13T04:21:15Z

P2: Maybe.