https://wiki.baltimorenode.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Sylviachi&feedformat=atomBaltimore Node Wiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T05:04:15ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.34.1https://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Baltimore_Node_Logo&diff=1353Baltimore Node Logo2009-09-02T16:26:51Z<p>Sylviachi: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Main design with possible variations ==<br />
No need to decide between them as they could all be used for different situations.<br />
[[Image:logo_approved.png]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Various files for editing ==<br />
<br />
I'll upload some vector files an other version so that people can edit, tweak and use various versions. - [[User:Kellyegan|Kellyegan]] 14:43, 2 September 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Transparent PNG (for various web uses) ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:logo_web_transparent.png]] <br />
<br />
=== Vector versions ===<br />
<br />
* SVG version (can't upload file type supported)<br />
* AI (doesn't seem to like illustrator files either)<br />
* PDF (finally) [[file:logo.pdf]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Comments / Critique ==<br />
===Typeface===<br />
I really can't get behind the way it renders lowercase "baltimore". I want to re-voice my vote for condensed helvetica neue. [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 16:26, 2 September 2009 (UTC)</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Project_Proposals&diff=1231Project Proposals2009-08-19T22:59:44Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Arduino Keg Meter/Barbot */ kegbot video tutorial link</p>
<hr />
<div>If you're interested in participating in or leading a project, please add your name so people know how to get in touch with you. Three tildes (<nowiki>~~~</nowiki>) will add you wiki username, four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) will add your wiki username and a timestamp if you're logged in. <br />
<br />
== Drummer Robot ==<br />
<br />
[http://letsmakerobots.com/node/112 Yellow Drummer Robot]<br />
<br />
Cost to build: $120<br />
Time to build: 20 hours<br />
URL to more information: http://picasaweb.google.com/fritslyneborg/YellowDrumMachine#<br />
<br />
=== Parts: ===<br />
* Actuators / output devices: sound sampler, 6 geared motors in total, 2 speakers<br />
* Control method: autonomous (very)<br />
* CPU: Picaxe 28<br />
* Operating system: Picaxe basic<br />
* Power source: 4 AA batteries<br />
* Programming language: Picaxe basic<br />
* Sensors / input devices: SRF05, microphone<br />
* Target environment: where ever there is something to play on<br />
<br />
== Wifi Antenna From old Satellite Dish ==<br />
I just canceled my directv and they don't want the dish back. I've seen them used before to improve wifi signals. If there was any place near by with open wifi that we wanted to pick up we could build this to allow us access. <br />
http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/15/how-to-build-a-wifi-biquad-dish-antenna/<br />
[[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 20:27, 20 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Low Res film festival on the Roof==<br />
<br />
Visit project page [[Low Res Screen Project @ Load of Fun]]<br />
<br />
This idea is inspired by the Graffiti Research Lab's project [http://graffitiresearchlab.com/?page_id=72#video Drive-In GIF Theater]. Basically you have people submit animated gifs and then create a giant led display to show them on. I think this might work really well for the [[Grants#Kresge Arts in Baltimore|Kresge Grant]]. Create a giant display for the roof and then ask for open submissions. <br />
<br />
To make the project more accessible to everyone we could create a portable system for creating the animations that could be lent out to schools or others. I am thinking a digital camera on a stand with some lights, perhaps a computer, but it wouldn't be necessary. The system would convert the images to animated gifs that could be displayed on the screen. <br />
<br />
You could also make the system web accessible. This would open up the possibility for playing simple games on the display a la [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8851774172783947549 Blinkenlights]<br />
<br />
== Arduino Keg Meter/Barbot ==<br />
Basically a way to measure how much beer has left a keg and the ability to log who drank how much beer. Similar project: http://kegbot.org/wiki/Main_Page<br />
We could place the keg on a scale and measure how much less a keg weighs after a user has finished pouring, place the glass on a scale zero out the reading and then measure how much the glass weighs afterwards, or find a food safe flow meter to measure how much beer passed through the hose. I would like to use RFID to recognize each user and log the results to a webpage or a projector display of the current standings. This would be a great way to run a fund raiser and once the initial hardware was built super cheap to order extra RFID tags. I have all the supplies needed to build a kegerator except for a fridge to cool it. [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 19:03, 8 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Here is a link to an NYC Resistor Barbot party. $20 all u can drink made by a barbot http://www.nycresistor.com/2009/06/30/its-barbot-time-again/<br />
[http://www.matthewdavidwilliams.com/2008/10/17/introducing-barduino-the-ruby-powered-bar-monkey/ Barduino]<br />
<br />
=== Parts: ===<br />
* Arduino or similar micro controller<br />
* Old fridge<br />
* Misc Keggerator Supplies - I have everything needed [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 20:36, 20 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
* [http://www.parallax.com/Store/Microcontrollers/BASICStampModules/tabid/134/txtSearch/rfid/List/1/ProductID/114/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName%2cProductName RFID Reader $40.00]<br />
* [http://www.parallax.com/Store/Accessories/Tools/tabid/162/ProductID/427/List/1/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName RFID Tag $.99]<br />
* A way to sense if the beer is flowing, a flow sensor?<br />
<br />
* Via Hackaday, if you have 27 minutes to kill, it seems that these guys talk you through making a remote control kegbot: [http://revision3.com/systm/kegbot/?ffp=true&autoStart=false] [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 22:59, 19 August 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Giant LED VU Meter ==<br />
This i see as something we can assemble and sell to local clubs and maybe use for our own parties. I'm thinking large scale and go from green to yellow to red so there would be no need for RGB LEDs just wire a line of 4-5 leds and have that row display when the music reaches a certain volume.<br />
<br />
Here is a link using a piezo to measure the volume of the music: http://www.nerdkits.com/videos/sound_meter/<br />
<br />
The LEDs would be fairly cheap. Using this image as a template: http://www.enote.si/studio/images/vumeter.gif. If we say on average $.6 per LED, which looks a bit high but bear with me. 8 rows of 5 green + 3 rows of 5 yellow + 3 rows of 5 red = 70 LEDs * $.6 = $42 per VU Meter + cost of microcontroller ~$30. So a set of working VU Meters to put in a club would cost us ~$114 and if sold for $200-$300 we could make a nice profit while still learning and teaching.<br />
<br />
== UAV Project(s) ==<br />
<br />
=== Ardupilot ===<br />
<br />
[http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/ardupilot-main-page Kit]<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x $25 board that connects to an arduino to control a plane, boat, or car via gps.<br />
* 1x GPS Module $60 <br />
* 1x Optional board to make it compatible with R/C planes.<br />
<br />
=== Blimpduino ===<br />
<br />
[http://store.diydrones.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=KT-0000-01 Kit]<br />
<br />
== Bicycle POV LED ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGBike-POV-Open-project/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x ATMega328p / ATMega168 microcontroller<br />
* 1x TLC5940 / TLC5941, 16 PWM Ouput LED driver<br />
* 16x Superflux RGB LEDs<br />
* 1x A3213<br />
* 3x PN2222, NPN transistors<br />
* Assorted resistors, capacitors, tact switches and connectors (check schematic and board layout)<br />
<br />
== Guerrilla Marketing ==<br />
<br />
What if we had a workshop where we made some sort of gorilla marketing device. One way to go would be some sort electronic apparel, like an ambient orb hat or some kind of musical shirt, etc. Or it could follow examples of other gorilla marketers like the [http://www.bikesagainstbush.com/blog/about.php|chalk printing bicycle] or the [http://laughingsquid.com/aqua-teen-hunger-force-promo-causes-panic-in-boston Boston Aqua Teen Hunger Force flashing LED signs]. Something simple, fun and easy to individualize. Why not tell people about the newly energized Baltimore maker/tinker/hacker/builder/breaker community?<br />
<br />
* go for it, any volunteers to organize? [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 23:25, 8 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Ambient Orb ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
<br />
* http://fightpc.blogspot.com/2008/03/arduino-mood-light.html<br />
* http://www.instructables.com/id/Mobius_LED_Lantern/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1 x Arduino or Clone ~$20-$30<br />
* 1 x Some Sort of Difuser. i.e. Frosted lamp, saran wrap, etc. $0-A lot<br />
* 1+ LED's high or low power<br />
** Low Power LED: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=105<br />
*** Does not require extra parts<br />
** http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8718<br />
*** High Power LED: External power source: http://store.gravitech.us/waadswposu12.html<br />
*** Heatsink<br />
<br />
== Weather Instruments and Networks ==<br />
<br />
Build weather instruments, assemble into a weather station using wifi, etc. Install around Inner Harbor, and "Northwest Harbor" (Canton). Especially wind and waves for sailors. <br />
<br />
Instruments, compare with Ft. McHenry data http://opendap.co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/stations/stationData.jsp?id=8574680 and http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/geo.shtml?location=21201<br />
<br />
Feed data to:<br />
* weather underground http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/index.asp<br />
* Citizen Weather Observer Program http://www.wxqa.com/ and http://www.findu.com/<br />
* NOAA http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/coop/ & other programs<br />
* Local marinas & sailing centers:<br />
** downtownsailing.org<br />
<br />
Installation locations:<br />
* downtownsailing.org at Baltimore Museum of Industry, Riverside/Locust Point.<br />
* Marinas<br />
<br />
===== Display stations =====<br />
Build a small display station with LCD display from salvaged laptop showing wind, waves, sever-weather/radar, etc. for the Inner Harbor. Install at marinas, etc.<br />
<br />
== AM Radio Transmitter ==<br />
You don't need any sort of licensing to broadcast on AM frequencies if your transmitter is 100 milliwatts or less. A transmitter with a basic wire antenna can get 50 to 200 feet of range, however a more substantial outdoor antenna can transmit as far as two miles. I would be interested in setting up an internet radio station and then using multiple transmitters to broadcast that station over AM around Baltimore. The transmitter stations would require enough computing resources to connect to the internet in some way, decode an internet radio stream, and output an audio signal to the AM transmitter. The transmitters themselves can be purchased for about $75-100 dollars, but it's possible we could construct a transmitter from plans for much cheaper. Five to ten well placed transmitters could cover a significant amount Baltimore city. <br />
* [http://www.sstran.com/index.html Transmitter Information]<br />
* [http://www.fcc.gov/lpfm/ Low Power FM (!) alternative] (My understanding is that the Man is not accepting applications for LPFM stations. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 02:54, 2 July 2009 (UTC))<br />
<br />
===== Steps =====<br />
<br />
* Setup a stream<br />
* Build an Arduino/xbee that dials into the stream and outputs audio (I'm don't think an Arduino has the processing power to connect to the internet, decode an audio stream, and provide an analog output. An old laptop or eeepc, which already had network and audio interfaces might be cheap enough to work. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 03:04, 2 July 2009 (UTC))<br />
* Connect audio with AM transmitter<br />
* Build a nice case with antennae(s)<br />
* Replicate and distribute<br />
* Broadcast to the masses<br />
<br />
===== Hacker Radio Broadcast topics =====<br />
<br />
* Freeculture<br />
* DIY discussions<br />
* Copyright law<br />
* Opensource<br />
* Coverage of local events<br />
* Creative Commons music show?<br />
<br />
== Intervention at Baltimore Development Collective's geodesic dome ==<br />
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/artbma/3620589054/ This dome] won the Sondheim Artscape Prize. It's located in front of the Baltimore Museum of Art. It is just begging for a techno-art intervention from the Baltimore Node.<br />
<br />
== RFID-tag City Landmarks ==<br />
Enable self-guided walking tours.<br />
<br />
== Veteran's Transponders ==<br />
Hardware and/or software that allows veterans to recognize each other when proximate based on war/battle/unit data.<br />
<br />
== Internet access in the inner city ==<br />
Wireless mesh?<br />
Public Computer Centers ([http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/files/BB%20NOFA%20FINAL%20with%20disclaimer_1.pdf PDF]) - Federal stimulus funds available. Application window is July 14-August 14. <br><br />
(Is this a better link? [http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/forms/PCC/Public%20Computer%20Centers%20Application.pdf PDF])<br />
I am definitely interested in developing this --[[User:Antilog|Erich Steiger]] 03:19, 16 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* ''The "Public Computer Centers" application process includes a 15 page form and something like 20 pages of written documentation (http://www.newamerica.net/files/Public%20Computer%20Centers%20Program%20Application%20Guide.pdf). The estimate given in the program application guide for the application process alone is 140 hours of work times six people (i.e., 720 person-hours total). That's probably out of scope for Node (since we have no employees or full-time volunteers). [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 16:27, 31 July 2009 (UTC)''<br />
<br />
== Circuit Bending 101 ==<br />
All-ages introduction to hacking electronic toys and digital electronics.<br />
<br />
==== Parts ====<br />
* Toys from salvation army and other thrift stores<br />
* Soldering iron and solid core wire<br />
* Continuity/Voltage/Current Tester<br />
* Heat Sink Tubing<br />
<br />
== Roof Top Garden ==<br />
I know we have roof top access at the LoF. I have not seem the roof yet and we would have to ask Sherwin but i think it would be cool to build a roof top garden it would also help satisfy the sustainability aspect some people talked about. We could also make it nerdy and wire up some sensors to monitor the soil moisture and remind us to water.<br />
* Yeah, I really want to do some kind of garden-hacking. Here's a Garduino project from Instructables - it's for indoor gardening: http://www.instructables.com/id/Garduino_Gardening_Arduino/ [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 02:48, 18 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Backyard Fish Farming ==<br />
<blockquote>''Now, a growing group of urban agriculture enthusiasts are translating the practice of land-based fish farming to a very local level. Their system of choice is called aquaponics -- a symbiotic setup in which plants and fish are raised simultaneously in recirculating water. The two "crops" are complementary: fish waste fertilizes the plants, which naturally filter the water so that it stays clean even when many fish are raised in close quarters (one might even call it a form of heavily engineered polyculture).''</blockquote><br />
<br />
Sounds like more fun than urban chicken farming. What's the minimal sustainable size needed for a project like this?<br />
<br />
=== Reference ===<br />
* http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010153.html<br />
* http://www.utne.com/2008-09-01/Environment/Special-Online-Project-Sustainable-Seafood.aspx<br />
* Might find interested folks in Baltimore via http://www.foodmake.org/<br />
* http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/ - particularly [http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/index.php the forums]<br />
* http://www.scribd.com/doc/12685513/DIY-Urban-Aquaculture-Manual<br />
* [http://www.umbi.umd.edu/comb/research-programs/recirculating/marine-aquaculture.php UMBI] in the Inner Harbor does this on a bigger scale, without the plant-growing part<br />
**[http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wypr/local-wypr-849768.mp3 WYPR interview with UMBI scientist about aquaculture] (mp3 link)<br />
<br />
[[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:29, 17 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* At the Robotfest, Jon and I talked to a guy from HacDC who does apartment aquaponics. I forget his name but we should try to track him down. I really want to try this. [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 02:54, 18 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Construction Assistance ==<br />
<br />
If we have light shop tools and experienced folks on hand we might be able to offer open shop hours for drop-in fee based tool use. Similar to [http://www.bethsdiyworkshop.com/ Beth's DIY Workshop], we're not going to do it for you (this isn't a cheap form of appliance repair), but we can help you do it. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:32, 17 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Fab Lab ==<br />
<br />
Build our own MIT-style Fab Lab. From the FAQ:<br />
<br />
''Fab labs have spread from inner-city Boston to rural India, from South Africa to the North of Norway. Activities in fab labs range from technological empowerment to peer-to-peer project-based technical training to local problem-solving to small-scale high-tech business incubation to grass-roots research. Projects being developed and produced in fab labs include solar and wind-powered turbines, thin-client computers and wireless data networks, analytical instrumentation for agriculture and healthcare, custom housing, and rapid-prototyping of rapid-prototyping machines.''<br />
<br />
''Fab labs share core capabilities, so that people and projects can be shared across them. This currently includes:''<br />
<br />
* ''A computer-controlled lasercutter, for press-fit assembly of 3D structures from 2D parts''<br />
* ''A larger (4'x8') numerically-controlled milling machine, for making furniture- (and house-) sized parts''<br />
* ''A signcutter, to produce printing masks, flexible circuits, and antennas''<br />
* ''A precision (micron resolution) milling machine to make three-dimensional molds and surface-mount circuit boards''<br />
* ''Programming tools for low-cost high-speed embedded processors''<br />
<br />
This would be a large scale effort, featuring lots of fundraising (50 to 60 thousand dollars) and more space hunting, but would satisfy a lot of folks' initial visions for B'node.<br />
<br />
===References===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.ted.com/tedtalks/tedtalksplayer.cfm?key=n_gershenfeld TED talk]<br />
* [http://fab.cba.mit.edu/about/faq/ FAQ]<br />
* [http://fab.cba.mit.edu/about/fab/inv.html Parts and Equipment]<br />
<br />
[[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 15:54, 31 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Lantern Parade ==<br />
<br />
Working with NANA projects create some designs for LED/EL wire lanterns of varying complexity and costs to use in NANA Projects Lantern Parade. <br />
<br />
Lanterns can include electro mechanical connections to cause blinking up to arduino controlled POV displays. <br />
<br />
[http://www.nanaprojects.com/nanaprojects/nanaprojects.html]<br />
[[User:JustinSabe|JustinSabe]] 17:27, 6 August 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Turbo Encabulator ==<br />
<br />
Simply described: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY5WjIvyEXo<br />
<br />
I propose fabrication in multiple phases. I can work on phase three, the "red" phase.<br />
<br />
[[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 17:21, 13 August 2009 (UTC)</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Project_Proposals&diff=901Project Proposals2009-07-27T15:30:29Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Reference */ more links</p>
<hr />
<div>If you're interested in participating in or leading a project, please sign so people know how to get in touch with you.<br />
<br />
== Wifi Antenna From old Satellite Dish ==<br />
I just canceled my directv and they don't want the dish back. I've seen them used before to improve wifi signals. If there was any place near by with open wifi that we wanted to pick up we could build this to allow us access. <br />
http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/15/how-to-build-a-wifi-biquad-dish-antenna/<br />
[[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 20:27, 20 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Arduino Keg Meter/Barbot ==<br />
Basically a way to measure how much beer has left a keg and the ability to log who drank how much beer. Similar project: http://kegbot.org/wiki/Main_Page<br />
We could place the keg on a scale and measure how much less a keg weighs after a user has finished pouring, place the glass on a scale zero out the reading and then measure how much the glass weighs afterwards, or find a food safe flow meter to measure how much beer passed through the hose. I would like to use RFID to recognize each user and log the results to a webpage or a projector display of the current standings. This would be a great way to run a fund raiser and once the initial hardware was built super cheap to order extra RFID tags. I have all the supplies needed to build a kegerator except for a fridge to cool it. [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 19:03, 8 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Here is a link to an NYC Resistor Barbot party. $20 all u can drink made by a barbot http://www.nycresistor.com/2009/06/30/its-barbot-time-again/<br />
<br />
=== Parts: ===<br />
* Arduino or similar micro controller<br />
* Old fridge<br />
* Misc Keggerator Supplies - I have everything needed [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 20:36, 20 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
*[http://www.parallax.com/Store/Microcontrollers/BASICStampModules/tabid/134/txtSearch/rfid/List/1/ProductID/114/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName%2cProductName RFID Reader $40.00]<br />
*[http://www.parallax.com/Store/Accessories/Tools/tabid/162/ProductID/427/List/1/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName RFID Tag $.99]<br />
* A way to sense if the beer is flowing, a flow sensor?<br />
<br />
== Giant LED VU Meter ==<br />
This i see as something we can assemble and sell to local clubs and maybe use for our own parties. I'm thinking large scale and go from green to yellow to red so there would be no need for RGB LEDs just wire a line of 4-5 leds and have that row display when the music reaches a certain volume.<br />
<br />
Here is a link using a piezo to measure the volume of the music: http://www.nerdkits.com/videos/sound_meter/<br />
<br />
The LEDs would be fairly cheap. Using this image as a template: http://www.enote.si/studio/images/vumeter.gif. If we say on average $.6 per LED, which looks a bit high but bear with me. 8 rows of 5 green + 3 rows of 5 yellow + 3 rows of 5 red = 70 LEDs * $.6 = $42 per VU Meter + cost of microcontroller ~$30. So a set of working VU Meters to put in a club would cost us ~$114 and if sold for $200-$300 we could make a nice profit while still learning and teaching.<br />
<br />
== UAV Project(s) ==<br />
<br />
=== Ardupilot ===<br />
<br />
[http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/ardupilot-main-page Kit]<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x $25 board that connects to an arduino to control a plane, boat, or car via gps.<br />
* 1x GPS Module $60 <br />
* 1x Optional board to make it compatible with R/C planes.<br />
<br />
=== Blimpduino ===<br />
<br />
[http://store.diydrones.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=KT-0000-01 Kit]<br />
<br />
== Bicycle POV LED ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGBike-POV-Open-project/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x ATMega328p / ATMega168 microcontroller<br />
* 1x TLC5940 / TLC5941, 16 PWM Ouput LED driver<br />
* 16x Superflux RGB LEDs<br />
* 1x A3213<br />
* 3x PN2222, NPN transistors<br />
* Assorted resistors, capacitors, tact switches and connectors (check schematic and board layout)<br />
<br />
== Guerrilla Marketing ==<br />
<br />
What if we had a workshop where we made some sort of gorilla marketing device. One way to go would be some sort electronic apparel, like an ambient orb hat or some kind of musical shirt, etc. Or it could follow examples of other gorilla marketers like the [http://www.bikesagainstbush.com/blog/about.php|chalk printing bicycle] or the [http://laughingsquid.com/aqua-teen-hunger-force-promo-causes-panic-in-boston Boston Aqua Teen Hunger Force flashing LED signs]. Something simple, fun and easy to individualize. Why not tell people about the newly energized Baltimore maker/tinker/hacker/builder/breaker community?<br />
<br />
* go for it, any volunteers to organize? [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 23:25, 8 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Ambient Orb ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
<br />
* http://fightpc.blogspot.com/2008/03/arduino-mood-light.html<br />
* http://www.instructables.com/id/Mobius_LED_Lantern/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1 x Arduino or Clone ~$20-$30<br />
* 1 x Some Sort of Difuser. i.e. Frosted lamp, saran wrap, etc. $0-A lot<br />
* 1+ LED's high or low power<br />
** Low Power LED: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=105<br />
*** Does not require extra parts<br />
** http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8718<br />
*** High Power LED: External power source: http://store.gravitech.us/waadswposu12.html<br />
*** Heatsink<br />
<br />
== Weather Instruments and Networks ==<br />
<br />
Build weather instruments, assemble into a weather station using wifi, etc. Install around Inner Harbor, and "Northwest Harbor" (Canton). Especially wind and waves for sailors. <br />
<br />
Instruments, compare with Ft. McHenry data http://opendap.co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/stations/stationData.jsp?id=8574680 and http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/geo.shtml?location=21201<br />
<br />
Feed data to:<br />
* weather underground http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/index.asp<br />
* Citizen Weather Observer Program http://www.wxqa.com/ and http://www.findu.com/<br />
* NOAA http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/coop/ & other programs<br />
* Local marinas & sailing centers:<br />
** downtownsailing.org<br />
<br />
Installation locations:<br />
* downtownsailing.org at Baltimore Museum of Industry, Riverside/Locust Point.<br />
* Marinas<br />
<br />
===== Display stations =====<br />
Build a small display station with LCD display from salvaged laptop showing wind, waves, sever-weather/radar, etc. for the Inner Harbor. Install at marinas, etc.<br />
<br />
== AM Radio Transmitter ==<br />
You don't need any sort of licensing to broadcast on AM frequencies if your transmitter is 100 milliwatts or less. A transmitter with a basic wire antenna can get 50 to 200 feet of range, however a more substantial outdoor antenna can transmit as far as two miles. I would be interested in setting up an internet radio station and then using multiple transmitters to broadcast that station over AM around Baltimore. The transmitter stations would require enough computing resources to connect to the internet in some way, decode an internet radio stream, and output an audio signal to the AM transmitter. The transmitters themselves can be purchased for about $75-100 dollars, but it's possible we could construct a transmitter from plans for much cheaper. Five to ten well placed transmitters could cover a significant amount Baltimore city. <br />
* [http://www.sstran.com/index.html Transmitter Information]<br />
* [http://www.fcc.gov/lpfm/ Low Power FM (!) alternative] (My understanding is that the Man is not accepting applications for LPFM stations. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 02:54, 2 July 2009 (UTC))<br />
<br />
===== Steps =====<br />
<br />
* Setup a stream<br />
* Build an Arduino/xbee that dials into the stream and outputs audio (I'm don't think an Arduino has the processing power to connect to the internet, decode an audio stream, and provide an analog output. An old laptop or eeepc, which already had network and audio interfaces might be cheap enough to work. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 03:04, 2 July 2009 (UTC))<br />
* Connect audio with AM transmitter<br />
* Build a nice case with antennae(s)<br />
* Replicate and distribute<br />
* Broadcast to the masses<br />
<br />
===== Hacker Radio Broadcast topics =====<br />
<br />
* Freeculture<br />
* DIY discussions<br />
* Copyright law<br />
* Opensource<br />
* Coverage of local events<br />
* Creative Commons music show?<br />
<br />
== Intervention at Baltimore Development Collective's geodesic dome ==<br />
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/artbma/3620589054/ This dome] is a finalist in the Sondheim Artscape Prize. It's located in front of the Baltimore Museum of Art. It is just begging for a techno-art intervention from the Baltimore Node.<br />
<br />
== RFID-tag City Landmarks ==<br />
Enable self-guided walking tours.<br />
<br />
== Veteran's Transponders ==<br />
Hardware and/or software that allows veterans to recognize each other when proximate based on war/battle/unit data.<br />
<br />
== Internet access in the inner city ==<br />
Wireless mesh?<br />
Public Computer Centers ([http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/files/BB%20NOFA%20FINAL%20with%20disclaimer_1.pdf PDF]) - Federal stimulus funds available. Application window is July 14-August 14. <br><br />
(Is this a better link? [http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/forms/PCC/Public%20Computer%20Centers%20Application.pdf PDF])<br />
I am definitely interested in developing this --[[User:Antilog|Erich Steiger]] 03:19, 16 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Circuit Bending 101 ==<br />
All-ages introduction to hacking electronic toys and digital electronics.<br />
<br />
==== Parts ====<br />
* Toys from salvation army and other thrift stores<br />
* Soldering iron and solid core wire<br />
* Continuity/Voltage/Current Tester<br />
* Heat Sink Tubing<br />
<br />
== Roof Top Garden ==<br />
I know we have roof top access at the LoF. I have not seem the roof yet and we would have to ask Sherwin but i think it would be cool to build a roof top garden it would also help satisfy the sustainability aspect some people talked about. We could also make it nerdy and wire up some sensors to monitor the soil moisture and remind us to water.<br />
* Yeah, I really want to do some kind of garden-hacking. Here's a Garduino project from Instructables - it's for indoor gardening: http://www.instructables.com/id/Garduino_Gardening_Arduino/ [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 02:48, 18 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Backyard Fish Farming ==<br />
<blockquote>Now, a growing group of urban agriculture enthusiasts are translating the practice of land-based fish farming to a very local level. Their system of choice is called aquaponics -- a symbiotic setup in which plants and fish are raised simultaneously in recirculating water. The two "crops" are complementary: fish waste fertilizes the plants, which naturally filter the water so that it stays clean even when many fish are raised in close quarters (one might even call it a form of heavily engineered polyculture).</blockquote><br />
<br />
Sounds like more fun than urban chicken farming. What's the minimal sustainable size needed for a project like this?<br />
<br />
=== Reference ===<br />
* http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010153.html<br />
* http://www.utne.com/2008-09-01/Environment/Special-Online-Project-Sustainable-Seafood.aspx<br />
* Might find interested folks in Baltimore via http://www.foodmake.org/<br />
* http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/ - particularly [http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/index.php the forums]<br />
* http://www.scribd.com/doc/12685513/DIY-Urban-Aquaculture-Manual<br />
* [http://www.umbi.umd.edu/comb/research-programs/recirculating/marine-aquaculture.php UMBI] in the Inner Harbor does this on a bigger scale, without the plant-growing part<br />
**[http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wypr/local-wypr-849768.mp3 WYPR interview with UMBI scientist about aquaculture] (mp3 link)<br />
<br />
[[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:29, 17 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* At the Robotfest, Jon and I talked to a guy from HacDC who does apartment aquaponics. I forget his name but we should try to track him down. I really want to try this. [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 02:54, 18 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Construction Assistance ==<br />
<br />
If we have light shop tools and experienced folks on hand we might be able to offer open shop hours for drop-in fee based tool use. Similar to [http://www.bethsdiyworkshop.com/ Beth's DIY Workshop], we're not going to do it for you (this isn't a cheap form of appliance repair), but we can help you do it. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:32, 17 July 2009 (UTC)</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Project_Proposals&diff=900Project Proposals2009-07-27T15:29:45Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Reference */</p>
<hr />
<div>If you're interested in participating in or leading a project, please sign so people know how to get in touch with you.<br />
<br />
== Wifi Antenna From old Satellite Dish ==<br />
I just canceled my directv and they don't want the dish back. I've seen them used before to improve wifi signals. If there was any place near by with open wifi that we wanted to pick up we could build this to allow us access. <br />
http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/15/how-to-build-a-wifi-biquad-dish-antenna/<br />
[[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 20:27, 20 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Arduino Keg Meter/Barbot ==<br />
Basically a way to measure how much beer has left a keg and the ability to log who drank how much beer. Similar project: http://kegbot.org/wiki/Main_Page<br />
We could place the keg on a scale and measure how much less a keg weighs after a user has finished pouring, place the glass on a scale zero out the reading and then measure how much the glass weighs afterwards, or find a food safe flow meter to measure how much beer passed through the hose. I would like to use RFID to recognize each user and log the results to a webpage or a projector display of the current standings. This would be a great way to run a fund raiser and once the initial hardware was built super cheap to order extra RFID tags. I have all the supplies needed to build a kegerator except for a fridge to cool it. [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 19:03, 8 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Here is a link to an NYC Resistor Barbot party. $20 all u can drink made by a barbot http://www.nycresistor.com/2009/06/30/its-barbot-time-again/<br />
<br />
=== Parts: ===<br />
* Arduino or similar micro controller<br />
* Old fridge<br />
* Misc Keggerator Supplies - I have everything needed [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 20:36, 20 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
*[http://www.parallax.com/Store/Microcontrollers/BASICStampModules/tabid/134/txtSearch/rfid/List/1/ProductID/114/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName%2cProductName RFID Reader $40.00]<br />
*[http://www.parallax.com/Store/Accessories/Tools/tabid/162/ProductID/427/List/1/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName RFID Tag $.99]<br />
* A way to sense if the beer is flowing, a flow sensor?<br />
<br />
== Giant LED VU Meter ==<br />
This i see as something we can assemble and sell to local clubs and maybe use for our own parties. I'm thinking large scale and go from green to yellow to red so there would be no need for RGB LEDs just wire a line of 4-5 leds and have that row display when the music reaches a certain volume.<br />
<br />
Here is a link using a piezo to measure the volume of the music: http://www.nerdkits.com/videos/sound_meter/<br />
<br />
The LEDs would be fairly cheap. Using this image as a template: http://www.enote.si/studio/images/vumeter.gif. If we say on average $.6 per LED, which looks a bit high but bear with me. 8 rows of 5 green + 3 rows of 5 yellow + 3 rows of 5 red = 70 LEDs * $.6 = $42 per VU Meter + cost of microcontroller ~$30. So a set of working VU Meters to put in a club would cost us ~$114 and if sold for $200-$300 we could make a nice profit while still learning and teaching.<br />
<br />
== UAV Project(s) ==<br />
<br />
=== Ardupilot ===<br />
<br />
[http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/ardupilot-main-page Kit]<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x $25 board that connects to an arduino to control a plane, boat, or car via gps.<br />
* 1x GPS Module $60 <br />
* 1x Optional board to make it compatible with R/C planes.<br />
<br />
=== Blimpduino ===<br />
<br />
[http://store.diydrones.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=KT-0000-01 Kit]<br />
<br />
== Bicycle POV LED ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGBike-POV-Open-project/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x ATMega328p / ATMega168 microcontroller<br />
* 1x TLC5940 / TLC5941, 16 PWM Ouput LED driver<br />
* 16x Superflux RGB LEDs<br />
* 1x A3213<br />
* 3x PN2222, NPN transistors<br />
* Assorted resistors, capacitors, tact switches and connectors (check schematic and board layout)<br />
<br />
== Guerrilla Marketing ==<br />
<br />
What if we had a workshop where we made some sort of gorilla marketing device. One way to go would be some sort electronic apparel, like an ambient orb hat or some kind of musical shirt, etc. Or it could follow examples of other gorilla marketers like the [http://www.bikesagainstbush.com/blog/about.php|chalk printing bicycle] or the [http://laughingsquid.com/aqua-teen-hunger-force-promo-causes-panic-in-boston Boston Aqua Teen Hunger Force flashing LED signs]. Something simple, fun and easy to individualize. Why not tell people about the newly energized Baltimore maker/tinker/hacker/builder/breaker community?<br />
<br />
* go for it, any volunteers to organize? [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 23:25, 8 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Ambient Orb ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
<br />
* http://fightpc.blogspot.com/2008/03/arduino-mood-light.html<br />
* http://www.instructables.com/id/Mobius_LED_Lantern/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1 x Arduino or Clone ~$20-$30<br />
* 1 x Some Sort of Difuser. i.e. Frosted lamp, saran wrap, etc. $0-A lot<br />
* 1+ LED's high or low power<br />
** Low Power LED: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=105<br />
*** Does not require extra parts<br />
** http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8718<br />
*** High Power LED: External power source: http://store.gravitech.us/waadswposu12.html<br />
*** Heatsink<br />
<br />
== Weather Instruments and Networks ==<br />
<br />
Build weather instruments, assemble into a weather station using wifi, etc. Install around Inner Harbor, and "Northwest Harbor" (Canton). Especially wind and waves for sailors. <br />
<br />
Instruments, compare with Ft. McHenry data http://opendap.co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/stations/stationData.jsp?id=8574680 and http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/geo.shtml?location=21201<br />
<br />
Feed data to:<br />
* weather underground http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/index.asp<br />
* Citizen Weather Observer Program http://www.wxqa.com/ and http://www.findu.com/<br />
* NOAA http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/coop/ & other programs<br />
* Local marinas & sailing centers:<br />
** downtownsailing.org<br />
<br />
Installation locations:<br />
* downtownsailing.org at Baltimore Museum of Industry, Riverside/Locust Point.<br />
* Marinas<br />
<br />
===== Display stations =====<br />
Build a small display station with LCD display from salvaged laptop showing wind, waves, sever-weather/radar, etc. for the Inner Harbor. Install at marinas, etc.<br />
<br />
== AM Radio Transmitter ==<br />
You don't need any sort of licensing to broadcast on AM frequencies if your transmitter is 100 milliwatts or less. A transmitter with a basic wire antenna can get 50 to 200 feet of range, however a more substantial outdoor antenna can transmit as far as two miles. I would be interested in setting up an internet radio station and then using multiple transmitters to broadcast that station over AM around Baltimore. The transmitter stations would require enough computing resources to connect to the internet in some way, decode an internet radio stream, and output an audio signal to the AM transmitter. The transmitters themselves can be purchased for about $75-100 dollars, but it's possible we could construct a transmitter from plans for much cheaper. Five to ten well placed transmitters could cover a significant amount Baltimore city. <br />
* [http://www.sstran.com/index.html Transmitter Information]<br />
* [http://www.fcc.gov/lpfm/ Low Power FM (!) alternative] (My understanding is that the Man is not accepting applications for LPFM stations. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 02:54, 2 July 2009 (UTC))<br />
<br />
===== Steps =====<br />
<br />
* Setup a stream<br />
* Build an Arduino/xbee that dials into the stream and outputs audio (I'm don't think an Arduino has the processing power to connect to the internet, decode an audio stream, and provide an analog output. An old laptop or eeepc, which already had network and audio interfaces might be cheap enough to work. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 03:04, 2 July 2009 (UTC))<br />
* Connect audio with AM transmitter<br />
* Build a nice case with antennae(s)<br />
* Replicate and distribute<br />
* Broadcast to the masses<br />
<br />
===== Hacker Radio Broadcast topics =====<br />
<br />
* Freeculture<br />
* DIY discussions<br />
* Copyright law<br />
* Opensource<br />
* Coverage of local events<br />
* Creative Commons music show?<br />
<br />
== Intervention at Baltimore Development Collective's geodesic dome ==<br />
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/artbma/3620589054/ This dome] is a finalist in the Sondheim Artscape Prize. It's located in front of the Baltimore Museum of Art. It is just begging for a techno-art intervention from the Baltimore Node.<br />
<br />
== RFID-tag City Landmarks ==<br />
Enable self-guided walking tours.<br />
<br />
== Veteran's Transponders ==<br />
Hardware and/or software that allows veterans to recognize each other when proximate based on war/battle/unit data.<br />
<br />
== Internet access in the inner city ==<br />
Wireless mesh?<br />
Public Computer Centers ([http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/files/BB%20NOFA%20FINAL%20with%20disclaimer_1.pdf PDF]) - Federal stimulus funds available. Application window is July 14-August 14. <br><br />
(Is this a better link? [http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/forms/PCC/Public%20Computer%20Centers%20Application.pdf PDF])<br />
I am definitely interested in developing this --[[User:Antilog|Erich Steiger]] 03:19, 16 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Circuit Bending 101 ==<br />
All-ages introduction to hacking electronic toys and digital electronics.<br />
<br />
==== Parts ====<br />
* Toys from salvation army and other thrift stores<br />
* Soldering iron and solid core wire<br />
* Continuity/Voltage/Current Tester<br />
* Heat Sink Tubing<br />
<br />
== Roof Top Garden ==<br />
I know we have roof top access at the LoF. I have not seem the roof yet and we would have to ask Sherwin but i think it would be cool to build a roof top garden it would also help satisfy the sustainability aspect some people talked about. We could also make it nerdy and wire up some sensors to monitor the soil moisture and remind us to water.<br />
* Yeah, I really want to do some kind of garden-hacking. Here's a Garduino project from Instructables - it's for indoor gardening: http://www.instructables.com/id/Garduino_Gardening_Arduino/ [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 02:48, 18 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Backyard Fish Farming ==<br />
<blockquote>Now, a growing group of urban agriculture enthusiasts are translating the practice of land-based fish farming to a very local level. Their system of choice is called aquaponics -- a symbiotic setup in which plants and fish are raised simultaneously in recirculating water. The two "crops" are complementary: fish waste fertilizes the plants, which naturally filter the water so that it stays clean even when many fish are raised in close quarters (one might even call it a form of heavily engineered polyculture).</blockquote><br />
<br />
Sounds like more fun than urban chicken farming. What's the minimal sustainable size needed for a project like this?<br />
<br />
=== Reference ===<br />
* http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010153.html<br />
* http://www.utne.com/2008-09-01/Environment/Special-Online-Project-Sustainable-Seafood.aspx<br />
* Might find interested folks in Baltimore via http://www.foodmake.org/<br />
* http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/ - particularly [http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/index.php the forums]<br />
* http://www.scribd.com/doc/12685513/DIY-Urban-Aquaculture-Manual<br />
* [http://www.umbi.umd.edu/comb/research-programs/recirculating/marine-aquaculture.php UMBI] in the Inner Harbor does this on a bigger scale, without the plant-growing part<br />
<br />
[[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:29, 17 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* At the Robotfest, Jon and I talked to a guy from HacDC who does apartment aquaponics. I forget his name but we should try to track him down. I really want to try this. [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 02:54, 18 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Construction Assistance ==<br />
<br />
If we have light shop tools and experienced folks on hand we might be able to offer open shop hours for drop-in fee based tool use. Similar to [http://www.bethsdiyworkshop.com/ Beth's DIY Workshop], we're not going to do it for you (this isn't a cheap form of appliance repair), but we can help you do it. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:32, 17 July 2009 (UTC)</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Project_Proposals&diff=750Project Proposals2009-07-18T03:03:37Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Backyard Fish Farming */ some more refs</p>
<hr />
<div>If you're interested in participating in or leading a project, please sign so people know how to get in touch with you.<br />
<br />
== Arduino Keg Meter/Barbot ==<br />
Basically a way to measure how much beer has left a keg and the ability to log who drank how much beer. Similar project: http://kegbot.org/wiki/Main_Page<br />
We could place the keg on a scale and measure how much less a keg weighs after a user has finished pouring, place the glass on a scale zero out the reading and then measure how much the glass weighs afterwards, or find a food safe flow meter to measure how much beer passed through the hose. I would like to use RFID to recognize each user and log the results to a webpage or a projector display of the current standings. This would be a great way to run a fund raiser and once the initial hardware was built super cheap to order extra RFID tags. I have all the supplies needed to build a kegerator except for a fridge to cool it. [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 19:03, 8 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Here is a link to an NYC Resistor Barbot party. $20 all u can drink made by a barbot http://www.nycresistor.com/2009/06/30/its-barbot-time-again/<br />
<br />
== Giant LED VU Meter ==<br />
This i see as something we can assemble and sell to local clubs and maybe use for our own parties. I'm thinking large scale and go from green to yellow to red so there would be no need for RGB LEDs just wire a line of 4-5 leds and have that row display when the music reaches a certain volume.<br />
<br />
Here is a link using a piezo to measure the volume of the music: http://www.nerdkits.com/videos/sound_meter/<br />
<br />
The LEDs would be fairly cheap. Using this image as a template: http://www.enote.si/studio/images/vumeter.gif. If we say on average $.6 per LED, which looks a bit high but bear with me. 8 rows of 5 green + 3 rows of 5 yellow + 3 rows of 5 red = 70 LEDs * $.6 = $42 per VU Meter + cost of microcontroller ~$30. So a set of working VU Meters to put in a club would cost us ~$114 and if sold for $200-$300 we could make a nice profit while still learning and teaching.<br />
<br />
== UAV Project(s) ==<br />
<br />
=== Ardupilot ===<br />
<br />
[http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/ardupilot-main-page Kit]<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x $25 board that connects to an arduino to control a plane, boat, or car via gps.<br />
* 1x GPS Module $60 <br />
* 1x Optional board to make it compatible with R/C planes.<br />
<br />
=== Blimpduino ===<br />
<br />
[http://store.diydrones.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=KT-0000-01 Kit]<br />
<br />
== Bicycle POV LED ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGBike-POV-Open-project/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x ATMega328p / ATMega168 microcontroller<br />
* 1x TLC5940 / TLC5941, 16 PWM Ouput LED driver<br />
* 16x Superflux RGB LEDs<br />
* 1x A3213<br />
* 3x PN2222, NPN transistors<br />
* Assorted resistors, capacitors, tact switches and connectors (check schematic and board layout)<br />
<br />
== Guerrilla Marketing ==<br />
<br />
What if we had a workshop where we made some sort of gorilla marketing device. One way to go would be some sort electronic apparel, like an ambient orb hat or some kind of musical shirt, etc. Or it could follow examples of other gorilla marketers like the [http://www.bikesagainstbush.com/blog/about.php|chalk printing bicycle] or the [http://laughingsquid.com/aqua-teen-hunger-force-promo-causes-panic-in-boston Boston Aqua Teen Hunger Force flashing LED signs]. Something simple, fun and easy to individualize. Why not tell people about the newly energized Baltimore maker/tinker/hacker/builder/breaker community?<br />
<br />
* go for it, any volunteers to organize? [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 23:25, 8 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Ambient Orb ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
<br />
* http://fightpc.blogspot.com/2008/03/arduino-mood-light.html<br />
* http://www.instructables.com/id/Mobius_LED_Lantern/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1 x Arduino or Clone ~$20-$30<br />
* 1 x Some Sort of Difuser. i.e. Frosted lamp, saran wrap, etc. $0-A lot<br />
* 1+ LED's high or low power<br />
** Low Power LED: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=105<br />
*** Does not require extra parts<br />
** http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8718<br />
*** High Power LED: External power source: http://store.gravitech.us/waadswposu12.html<br />
*** Heatsink<br />
<br />
== Weather Instruments and Networks ==<br />
<br />
Build weather instruments, assemble into a weather station using wifi, etc. Install around Inner Harbor, and "Northwest Harbor" (Canton). Especially wind and waves for sailors. <br />
<br />
Instruments, compare with Ft. McHenry data http://opendap.co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/stations/stationData.jsp?id=8574680 and http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/geo.shtml?location=21201<br />
<br />
Feed data to:<br />
* weather underground http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/index.asp<br />
* Citizen Weather Observer Program http://www.wxqa.com/ and http://www.findu.com/<br />
* NOAA http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/coop/ & other programs<br />
* Local marinas & sailing centers:<br />
** downtownsailing.org<br />
<br />
Installation locations:<br />
* downtownsailing.org at Baltimore Museum of Industry, Riverside/Locust Point.<br />
* Marinas<br />
<br />
===== Display stations =====<br />
Build a small display station with LCD display from salvaged laptop showing wind, waves, sever-weather/radar, etc. for the Inner Harbor. Install at marinas, etc.<br />
<br />
== AM Radio Transmitter ==<br />
You don't need any sort of licensing to broadcast on AM frequencies if your transmitter is 100 milliwatts or less. A transmitter with a basic wire antenna can get 50 to 200 feet of range, however a more substantial outdoor antenna can transmit as far as two miles. I would be interested in setting up an internet radio station and then using multiple transmitters to broadcast that station over AM around Baltimore. The transmitter stations would require enough computing resources to connect to the internet in some way, decode an internet radio stream, and output an audio signal to the AM transmitter. The transmitters themselves can be purchased for about $75-100 dollars, but it's possible we could construct a transmitter from plans for much cheaper. Five to ten well placed transmitters could cover a significant amount Baltimore city. <br />
* [http://www.sstran.com/index.html Transmitter Information]<br />
* [http://www.fcc.gov/lpfm/ Low Power FM (!) alternative] (My understanding is that the Man is not accepting applications for LPFM stations. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 02:54, 2 July 2009 (UTC))<br />
<br />
===== Steps =====<br />
<br />
* Setup a stream<br />
* Build an Arduino/xbee that dials into the stream and outputs audio (I'm don't think an Arduino has the processing power to connect to the internet, decode an audio stream, and provide an analog output. An old laptop or eeepc, which already had network and audio interfaces might be cheap enough to work. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 03:04, 2 July 2009 (UTC))<br />
* Connect audio with AM transmitter<br />
* Build a nice case with antennae(s)<br />
* Replicate and distribute<br />
* Broadcast to the masses<br />
<br />
===== Hacker Radio Broadcast topics =====<br />
<br />
* Freeculture<br />
* DIY discussions<br />
* Copyright law<br />
* Opensource<br />
* Coverage of local events<br />
* Creative Commons music show?<br />
<br />
== Intervention at Baltimore Development Collective's geodesic dome ==<br />
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/artbma/3620589054/ This dome] is a finalist in the Sondheim Artscape Prize. It's located in front of the Baltimore Museum of Art. It is just begging for a techno-art intervention from the Baltimore Node.<br />
<br />
== RFID-tag City Landmarks ==<br />
Enable self-guided walking tours.<br />
<br />
== Veteran's Transponders ==<br />
Hardware and/or software that allows veterans to recognize each other when proximate based on war/battle/unit data.<br />
<br />
== Internet access in the inner city ==<br />
Wireless mesh?<br />
Public Computer Centers ([http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/files/BB%20NOFA%20FINAL%20with%20disclaimer_1.pdf PDF]) - Federal stimulus funds available. Application window is July 14-August 14. <br><br />
(Is this a better link? [http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/forms/PCC/Public%20Computer%20Centers%20Application.pdf PDF])<br />
I am definitely interested in developing this --[[User:Antilog|Erich Steiger]] 03:19, 16 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Circuit Bending 101 ==<br />
All-ages introduction to hacking electronic toys and digital electronics.<br />
<br />
==== Parts ====<br />
* Toys from salvation army and other thrift stores<br />
* Soldering iron and solid core wire<br />
* Continuity/Voltage/Current Tester<br />
* Heat Sink Tubing<br />
<br />
== Roof Top Garden ==<br />
I know we have roof top access at the LoF. I have not seem the roof yet and we would have to ask Sherwin but i think it would be cool to build a roof top garden it would also help satisfy the sustainability aspect some people talked about. We could also make it nerdy and wire up some sensors to monitor the soil moisture and remind us to water.<br />
* Yeah, I really want to do some kind of garden-hacking. Here's a Garduino project from Instructables - it's for indoor gardening: http://www.instructables.com/id/Garduino_Gardening_Arduino/ [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 02:48, 18 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Backyard Fish Farming ==<br />
<blockquote>Now, a growing group of urban agriculture enthusiasts are translating the practice of land-based fish farming to a very local level. Their system of choice is called aquaponics -- a symbiotic setup in which plants and fish are raised simultaneously in recirculating water. The two "crops" are complementary: fish waste fertilizes the plants, which naturally filter the water so that it stays clean even when many fish are raised in close quarters (one might even call it a form of heavily engineered polyculture).</blockquote><br />
<br />
Sounds like more fun than urban chicken farming. What's the minimal sustainable size needed for a project like this?<br />
<br />
=== Reference ===<br />
* http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010153.html<br />
* http://www.utne.com/2008-09-01/Environment/Special-Online-Project-Sustainable-Seafood.aspx<br />
* Might find interested folks in Baltimore via http://www.foodmake.org/<br />
* http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/ - particularly [http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/index.php the forums]<br />
* http://www.scribd.com/doc/12685513/DIY-Urban-Aquaculture-Manual<br />
<br />
<br />
[[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:29, 17 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* At the Robotfest, Jon and I talked to a guy from HacDC who does apartment aquaponics. I forget his name but we should try to track him down. I really want to try this. [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 02:54, 18 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Construction Assistance ==<br />
<br />
If we have light shop tools and experienced folks on hand we might be able to offer open shop hours for drop-in fee based tool use. Similar to [http://www.bethsdiyworkshop.com/ Beth's DIY Workshop], we're not going to do it for you (this isn't a cheap form of appliance repair), but we can help you do it. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:32, 17 July 2009 (UTC)</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Project_Proposals&diff=749Project Proposals2009-07-18T02:54:30Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Backyard Fish Farming */</p>
<hr />
<div>If you're interested in participating in or leading a project, please sign so people know how to get in touch with you.<br />
<br />
== Arduino Keg Meter/Barbot ==<br />
Basically a way to measure how much beer has left a keg and the ability to log who drank how much beer. Similar project: http://kegbot.org/wiki/Main_Page<br />
We could place the keg on a scale and measure how much less a keg weighs after a user has finished pouring, place the glass on a scale zero out the reading and then measure how much the glass weighs afterwards, or find a food safe flow meter to measure how much beer passed through the hose. I would like to use RFID to recognize each user and log the results to a webpage or a projector display of the current standings. This would be a great way to run a fund raiser and once the initial hardware was built super cheap to order extra RFID tags. I have all the supplies needed to build a kegerator except for a fridge to cool it. [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 19:03, 8 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Here is a link to an NYC Resistor Barbot party. $20 all u can drink made by a barbot http://www.nycresistor.com/2009/06/30/its-barbot-time-again/<br />
<br />
== Giant LED VU Meter ==<br />
This i see as something we can assemble and sell to local clubs and maybe use for our own parties. I'm thinking large scale and go from green to yellow to red so there would be no need for RGB LEDs just wire a line of 4-5 leds and have that row display when the music reaches a certain volume.<br />
<br />
Here is a link using a piezo to measure the volume of the music: http://www.nerdkits.com/videos/sound_meter/<br />
<br />
The LEDs would be fairly cheap. Using this image as a template: http://www.enote.si/studio/images/vumeter.gif. If we say on average $.6 per LED, which looks a bit high but bear with me. 8 rows of 5 green + 3 rows of 5 yellow + 3 rows of 5 red = 70 LEDs * $.6 = $42 per VU Meter + cost of microcontroller ~$30. So a set of working VU Meters to put in a club would cost us ~$114 and if sold for $200-$300 we could make a nice profit while still learning and teaching.<br />
<br />
== UAV Project(s) ==<br />
<br />
=== Ardupilot ===<br />
<br />
[http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/ardupilot-main-page Kit]<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x $25 board that connects to an arduino to control a plane, boat, or car via gps.<br />
* 1x GPS Module $60 <br />
* 1x Optional board to make it compatible with R/C planes.<br />
<br />
=== Blimpduino ===<br />
<br />
[http://store.diydrones.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=KT-0000-01 Kit]<br />
<br />
== Bicycle POV LED ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGBike-POV-Open-project/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x ATMega328p / ATMega168 microcontroller<br />
* 1x TLC5940 / TLC5941, 16 PWM Ouput LED driver<br />
* 16x Superflux RGB LEDs<br />
* 1x A3213<br />
* 3x PN2222, NPN transistors<br />
* Assorted resistors, capacitors, tact switches and connectors (check schematic and board layout)<br />
<br />
== Guerrilla Marketing ==<br />
<br />
What if we had a workshop where we made some sort of gorilla marketing device. One way to go would be some sort electronic apparel, like an ambient orb hat or some kind of musical shirt, etc. Or it could follow examples of other gorilla marketers like the [http://www.bikesagainstbush.com/blog/about.php|chalk printing bicycle] or the [http://laughingsquid.com/aqua-teen-hunger-force-promo-causes-panic-in-boston Boston Aqua Teen Hunger Force flashing LED signs]. Something simple, fun and easy to individualize. Why not tell people about the newly energized Baltimore maker/tinker/hacker/builder/breaker community?<br />
<br />
* go for it, any volunteers to organize? [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 23:25, 8 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Ambient Orb ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
<br />
* http://fightpc.blogspot.com/2008/03/arduino-mood-light.html<br />
* http://www.instructables.com/id/Mobius_LED_Lantern/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1 x Arduino or Clone ~$20-$30<br />
* 1 x Some Sort of Difuser. i.e. Frosted lamp, saran wrap, etc. $0-A lot<br />
* 1+ LED's high or low power<br />
** Low Power LED: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=105<br />
*** Does not require extra parts<br />
** http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8718<br />
*** High Power LED: External power source: http://store.gravitech.us/waadswposu12.html<br />
*** Heatsink<br />
<br />
== Weather Instruments and Networks ==<br />
<br />
Build weather instruments, assemble into a weather station using wifi, etc. Install around Inner Harbor, and "Northwest Harbor" (Canton). Especially wind and waves for sailors. <br />
<br />
Instruments, compare with Ft. McHenry data http://opendap.co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/stations/stationData.jsp?id=8574680 and http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/geo.shtml?location=21201<br />
<br />
Feed data to:<br />
* weather underground http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/index.asp<br />
* Citizen Weather Observer Program http://www.wxqa.com/ and http://www.findu.com/<br />
* NOAA http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/coop/ & other programs<br />
* Local marinas & sailing centers:<br />
** downtownsailing.org<br />
<br />
Installation locations:<br />
* downtownsailing.org at Baltimore Museum of Industry, Riverside/Locust Point.<br />
* Marinas<br />
<br />
===== Display stations =====<br />
Build a small display station with LCD display from salvaged laptop showing wind, waves, sever-weather/radar, etc. for the Inner Harbor. Install at marinas, etc.<br />
<br />
== AM Radio Transmitter ==<br />
You don't need any sort of licensing to broadcast on AM frequencies if your transmitter is 100 milliwatts or less. A transmitter with a basic wire antenna can get 50 to 200 feet of range, however a more substantial outdoor antenna can transmit as far as two miles. I would be interested in setting up an internet radio station and then using multiple transmitters to broadcast that station over AM around Baltimore. The transmitter stations would require enough computing resources to connect to the internet in some way, decode an internet radio stream, and output an audio signal to the AM transmitter. The transmitters themselves can be purchased for about $75-100 dollars, but it's possible we could construct a transmitter from plans for much cheaper. Five to ten well placed transmitters could cover a significant amount Baltimore city. <br />
* [http://www.sstran.com/index.html Transmitter Information]<br />
* [http://www.fcc.gov/lpfm/ Low Power FM (!) alternative] (My understanding is that the Man is not accepting applications for LPFM stations. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 02:54, 2 July 2009 (UTC))<br />
<br />
===== Steps =====<br />
<br />
* Setup a stream<br />
* Build an Arduino/xbee that dials into the stream and outputs audio (I'm don't think an Arduino has the processing power to connect to the internet, decode an audio stream, and provide an analog output. An old laptop or eeepc, which already had network and audio interfaces might be cheap enough to work. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 03:04, 2 July 2009 (UTC))<br />
* Connect audio with AM transmitter<br />
* Build a nice case with antennae(s)<br />
* Replicate and distribute<br />
* Broadcast to the masses<br />
<br />
===== Hacker Radio Broadcast topics =====<br />
<br />
* Freeculture<br />
* DIY discussions<br />
* Copyright law<br />
* Opensource<br />
* Coverage of local events<br />
* Creative Commons music show?<br />
<br />
== Intervention at Baltimore Development Collective's geodesic dome ==<br />
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/artbma/3620589054/ This dome] is a finalist in the Sondheim Artscape Prize. It's located in front of the Baltimore Museum of Art. It is just begging for a techno-art intervention from the Baltimore Node.<br />
<br />
== RFID-tag City Landmarks ==<br />
Enable self-guided walking tours.<br />
<br />
== Veteran's Transponders ==<br />
Hardware and/or software that allows veterans to recognize each other when proximate based on war/battle/unit data.<br />
<br />
== Internet access in the inner city ==<br />
Wireless mesh?<br />
Public Computer Centers ([http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/files/BB%20NOFA%20FINAL%20with%20disclaimer_1.pdf PDF]) - Federal stimulus funds available. Application window is July 14-August 14. <br><br />
(Is this a better link? [http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/forms/PCC/Public%20Computer%20Centers%20Application.pdf PDF])<br />
I am definitely interested in developing this --[[User:Antilog|Erich Steiger]] 03:19, 16 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Circuit Bending 101 ==<br />
All-ages introduction to hacking electronic toys and digital electronics.<br />
<br />
==== Parts ====<br />
* Toys from salvation army and other thrift stores<br />
* Soldering iron and solid core wire<br />
* Continuity/Voltage/Current Tester<br />
* Heat Sink Tubing<br />
<br />
== Roof Top Garden ==<br />
I know we have roof top access at the LoF. I have not seem the roof yet and we would have to ask Sherwin but i think it would be cool to build a roof top garden it would also help satisfy the sustainability aspect some people talked about. We could also make it nerdy and wire up some sensors to monitor the soil moisture and remind us to water.<br />
* Yeah, I really want to do some kind of garden-hacking. Here's a Garduino project from Instructables - it's for indoor gardening: http://www.instructables.com/id/Garduino_Gardening_Arduino/ [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 02:48, 18 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Backyard Fish Farming ==<br />
<blockquote>Now, a growing group of urban agriculture enthusiasts are translating the practice of land-based fish farming to a very local level. Their system of choice is called aquaponics -- a symbiotic setup in which plants and fish are raised simultaneously in recirculating water. The two "crops" are complementary: fish waste fertilizes the plants, which naturally filter the water so that it stays clean even when many fish are raised in close quarters (one might even call it a form of heavily engineered polyculture).</blockquote><br />
<br />
Sounds like more fun than urban chicken farming. What's the minimal sustainable size needed for a project like this?<br />
<br />
=== Reference ===<br />
* http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010153.html<br />
* http://www.utne.com/2008-09-01/Environment/Special-Online-Project-Sustainable-Seafood.aspx<br />
* Might find interested folks in Baltimore via http://www.foodmake.org/<br />
<br />
[[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:29, 17 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* At the Robotfest, Jon and I talked to a guy from HacDC who does apartment aquaponics. I forget his name but we should try to track him down. I really want to try this. [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 02:54, 18 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Construction Assistance ==<br />
<br />
If we have light shop tools and experienced folks on hand we might be able to offer open shop hours for drop-in fee based tool use. Similar to [http://www.bethsdiyworkshop.com/ Beth's DIY Workshop], we're not going to do it for you (this isn't a cheap form of appliance repair), but we can help you do it. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:32, 17 July 2009 (UTC)</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Project_Proposals&diff=748Project Proposals2009-07-18T02:48:52Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Roof Top Garden */</p>
<hr />
<div>If you're interested in participating in or leading a project, please sign so people know how to get in touch with you.<br />
<br />
== Arduino Keg Meter/Barbot ==<br />
Basically a way to measure how much beer has left a keg and the ability to log who drank how much beer. Similar project: http://kegbot.org/wiki/Main_Page<br />
We could place the keg on a scale and measure how much less a keg weighs after a user has finished pouring, place the glass on a scale zero out the reading and then measure how much the glass weighs afterwards, or find a food safe flow meter to measure how much beer passed through the hose. I would like to use RFID to recognize each user and log the results to a webpage or a projector display of the current standings. This would be a great way to run a fund raiser and once the initial hardware was built super cheap to order extra RFID tags. I have all the supplies needed to build a kegerator except for a fridge to cool it. [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 19:03, 8 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Here is a link to an NYC Resistor Barbot party. $20 all u can drink made by a barbot http://www.nycresistor.com/2009/06/30/its-barbot-time-again/<br />
<br />
== Giant LED VU Meter ==<br />
This i see as something we can assemble and sell to local clubs and maybe use for our own parties. I'm thinking large scale and go from green to yellow to red so there would be no need for RGB LEDs just wire a line of 4-5 leds and have that row display when the music reaches a certain volume.<br />
<br />
Here is a link using a piezo to measure the volume of the music: http://www.nerdkits.com/videos/sound_meter/<br />
<br />
The LEDs would be fairly cheap. Using this image as a template: http://www.enote.si/studio/images/vumeter.gif. If we say on average $.6 per LED, which looks a bit high but bear with me. 8 rows of 5 green + 3 rows of 5 yellow + 3 rows of 5 red = 70 LEDs * $.6 = $42 per VU Meter + cost of microcontroller ~$30. So a set of working VU Meters to put in a club would cost us ~$114 and if sold for $200-$300 we could make a nice profit while still learning and teaching.<br />
<br />
== UAV Project(s) ==<br />
<br />
=== Ardupilot ===<br />
<br />
[http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/ardupilot-main-page Kit]<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x $25 board that connects to an arduino to control a plane, boat, or car via gps.<br />
* 1x GPS Module $60 <br />
* 1x Optional board to make it compatible with R/C planes.<br />
<br />
=== Blimpduino ===<br />
<br />
[http://store.diydrones.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=KT-0000-01 Kit]<br />
<br />
== Bicycle POV LED ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGBike-POV-Open-project/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x ATMega328p / ATMega168 microcontroller<br />
* 1x TLC5940 / TLC5941, 16 PWM Ouput LED driver<br />
* 16x Superflux RGB LEDs<br />
* 1x A3213<br />
* 3x PN2222, NPN transistors<br />
* Assorted resistors, capacitors, tact switches and connectors (check schematic and board layout)<br />
<br />
== Guerrilla Marketing ==<br />
<br />
What if we had a workshop where we made some sort of gorilla marketing device. One way to go would be some sort electronic apparel, like an ambient orb hat or some kind of musical shirt, etc. Or it could follow examples of other gorilla marketers like the [http://www.bikesagainstbush.com/blog/about.php|chalk printing bicycle] or the [http://laughingsquid.com/aqua-teen-hunger-force-promo-causes-panic-in-boston Boston Aqua Teen Hunger Force flashing LED signs]. Something simple, fun and easy to individualize. Why not tell people about the newly energized Baltimore maker/tinker/hacker/builder/breaker community?<br />
<br />
* go for it, any volunteers to organize? [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 23:25, 8 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Ambient Orb ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
<br />
* http://fightpc.blogspot.com/2008/03/arduino-mood-light.html<br />
* http://www.instructables.com/id/Mobius_LED_Lantern/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1 x Arduino or Clone ~$20-$30<br />
* 1 x Some Sort of Difuser. i.e. Frosted lamp, saran wrap, etc. $0-A lot<br />
* 1+ LED's high or low power<br />
** Low Power LED: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=105<br />
*** Does not require extra parts<br />
** http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8718<br />
*** High Power LED: External power source: http://store.gravitech.us/waadswposu12.html<br />
*** Heatsink<br />
<br />
== Weather Instruments and Networks ==<br />
<br />
Build weather instruments, assemble into a weather station using wifi, etc. Install around Inner Harbor, and "Northwest Harbor" (Canton). Especially wind and waves for sailors. <br />
<br />
Instruments, compare with Ft. McHenry data http://opendap.co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/stations/stationData.jsp?id=8574680 and http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/geo.shtml?location=21201<br />
<br />
Feed data to:<br />
* weather underground http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/index.asp<br />
* Citizen Weather Observer Program http://www.wxqa.com/ and http://www.findu.com/<br />
* NOAA http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/coop/ & other programs<br />
* Local marinas & sailing centers:<br />
** downtownsailing.org<br />
<br />
Installation locations:<br />
* downtownsailing.org at Baltimore Museum of Industry, Riverside/Locust Point.<br />
* Marinas<br />
<br />
===== Display stations =====<br />
Build a small display station with LCD display from salvaged laptop showing wind, waves, sever-weather/radar, etc. for the Inner Harbor. Install at marinas, etc.<br />
<br />
== AM Radio Transmitter ==<br />
You don't need any sort of licensing to broadcast on AM frequencies if your transmitter is 100 milliwatts or less. A transmitter with a basic wire antenna can get 50 to 200 feet of range, however a more substantial outdoor antenna can transmit as far as two miles. I would be interested in setting up an internet radio station and then using multiple transmitters to broadcast that station over AM around Baltimore. The transmitter stations would require enough computing resources to connect to the internet in some way, decode an internet radio stream, and output an audio signal to the AM transmitter. The transmitters themselves can be purchased for about $75-100 dollars, but it's possible we could construct a transmitter from plans for much cheaper. Five to ten well placed transmitters could cover a significant amount Baltimore city. <br />
* [http://www.sstran.com/index.html Transmitter Information]<br />
* [http://www.fcc.gov/lpfm/ Low Power FM (!) alternative] (My understanding is that the Man is not accepting applications for LPFM stations. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 02:54, 2 July 2009 (UTC))<br />
<br />
===== Steps =====<br />
<br />
* Setup a stream<br />
* Build an Arduino/xbee that dials into the stream and outputs audio (I'm don't think an Arduino has the processing power to connect to the internet, decode an audio stream, and provide an analog output. An old laptop or eeepc, which already had network and audio interfaces might be cheap enough to work. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 03:04, 2 July 2009 (UTC))<br />
* Connect audio with AM transmitter<br />
* Build a nice case with antennae(s)<br />
* Replicate and distribute<br />
* Broadcast to the masses<br />
<br />
===== Hacker Radio Broadcast topics =====<br />
<br />
* Freeculture<br />
* DIY discussions<br />
* Copyright law<br />
* Opensource<br />
* Coverage of local events<br />
* Creative Commons music show?<br />
<br />
== Intervention at Baltimore Development Collective's geodesic dome ==<br />
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/artbma/3620589054/ This dome] is a finalist in the Sondheim Artscape Prize. It's located in front of the Baltimore Museum of Art. It is just begging for a techno-art intervention from the Baltimore Node.<br />
<br />
== RFID-tag City Landmarks ==<br />
Enable self-guided walking tours.<br />
<br />
== Veteran's Transponders ==<br />
Hardware and/or software that allows veterans to recognize each other when proximate based on war/battle/unit data.<br />
<br />
== Internet access in the inner city ==<br />
Wireless mesh?<br />
Public Computer Centers ([http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/files/BB%20NOFA%20FINAL%20with%20disclaimer_1.pdf PDF]) - Federal stimulus funds available. Application window is July 14-August 14. <br><br />
(Is this a better link? [http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/forms/PCC/Public%20Computer%20Centers%20Application.pdf PDF])<br />
I am definitely interested in developing this --[[User:Antilog|Erich Steiger]] 03:19, 16 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Circuit Bending 101 ==<br />
All-ages introduction to hacking electronic toys and digital electronics.<br />
<br />
==== Parts ====<br />
* Toys from salvation army and other thrift stores<br />
* Soldering iron and solid core wire<br />
* Continuity/Voltage/Current Tester<br />
* Heat Sink Tubing<br />
<br />
== Roof Top Garden ==<br />
I know we have roof top access at the LoF. I have not seem the roof yet and we would have to ask Sherwin but i think it would be cool to build a roof top garden it would also help satisfy the sustainability aspect some people talked about. We could also make it nerdy and wire up some sensors to monitor the soil moisture and remind us to water.<br />
* Yeah, I really want to do some kind of garden-hacking. Here's a Garduino project from Instructables - it's for indoor gardening: http://www.instructables.com/id/Garduino_Gardening_Arduino/ [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 02:48, 18 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Backyard Fish Farming ==<br />
<blockquote>Now, a growing group of urban agriculture enthusiasts are translating the practice of land-based fish farming to a very local level. Their system of choice is called aquaponics -- a symbiotic setup in which plants and fish are raised simultaneously in recirculating water. The two "crops" are complementary: fish waste fertilizes the plants, which naturally filter the water so that it stays clean even when many fish are raised in close quarters (one might even call it a form of heavily engineered polyculture).</blockquote><br />
<br />
Sounds like more fun than urban chicken farming. What's the minimal sustainable size needed for a project like this?<br />
<br />
=== Reference ===<br />
* http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010153.html<br />
* http://www.utne.com/2008-09-01/Environment/Special-Online-Project-Sustainable-Seafood.aspx<br />
* Might find interested folks in Baltimore via http://www.foodmake.org/<br />
<br />
[[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:29, 17 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Construction Assistance ==<br />
<br />
If we have light shop tools and experienced folks on hand we might be able to offer open shop hours for drop-in fee based tool use. Similar to [http://www.bethsdiyworkshop.com/ Beth's DIY Workshop], we're not going to do it for you (this isn't a cheap form of appliance repair), but we can help you do it. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 19:32, 17 July 2009 (UTC)</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Workshop1&diff=635Workshop12009-07-14T00:47:49Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Code */ notes on installing for Windows</p>
<hr />
<div>==Email sent to Attendees:==<br />
<br />
Event: Baltimore Node - Workshop #1 Ambient Orb<br />
<br />
Date: Thursday, July 09, 2009 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (ET)<br />
<br />
Location:<br />
Mica<br />
<br />
113 W North Ave<br />
Baltimore, MD 21201<br />
<br />
For more information click here: Baltimore Node - Workshop #1 Ambient Orb<br />
<br />
<br />
What to Bring:<br />
<br />
1. A laptop if you have one. It will make the uploading of code the arduinos a lot smoother and we can try and trouble shoot any problems with the development environment.<br />
2. If you bring your laptop try and bring a usb A to B cable. It the one that normally plugs into printers. This will be the interface for connecting the arduino for programming and reading data.<br />
<br />
<br />
Instructions to get in:<br />
<br />
You should proceed to the gate near Joe Squared if no one is there you can ring the bell. The North Avenue door is a separate business entrance. We will probably have someone stationed downstairs but once you enter you will have to sign in with security and then take the stairs to the fourth floor. I will post signs. Its not too hard to find.<br />
<br />
Street parking is free by 7 and there is an ungated lot on the East side of the building that usually isn't full. The gated lot is by permit only.<br />
<br />
<br />
See you all there!<br />
<br />
== Soldering Wires to the LED ==<br />
<br />
The colors are just to help keep everything similar. You could use whatever colors you wanted (or have on hand).<br />
<br />
Solder a black wire to the connection of the LED labeled with a minus sign (-)<br />
<br />
Solder a blue wire to the connection labeled B+<br />
<br />
Solder a red wire to the connection labeled R+<br />
<br />
Solder a white wire to the connection labeled G+<br />
<br />
== Code ==<br />
<br />
You'll need:<br />
<br />
* the arduino software, available at http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Software<br />
<br />
* Python Ver 2.5, available at http://python.org/. If you're running Mac OS X 10.5 or Linux you've already got it.<br />
<br />
* the "[http://sourceforge.net/projects/pyserial/files/ pyserial]" and "[http://python-twitter.googlecode.com/files/python-twitter-0.6.tar.gz python-twitter]" libraries for python. They can be found at http://pypi.python.org/pypi. Installation assistance will be available at the workshop.<br />
=== Notes on installing on Windows ===<br />
* In addition to pyserial and python-twitter, you'll need to install [https://sourceforge.net/projects/pywin32/ pywin32]. Note that you have to use Python version 2.5 - these various modules don't work for 2.6 yet.<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Moodlamp.pde ===<br />
<pre><br />
/*<br />
* Code for cross-fading 3 LEDs, red, green and blue (RGB) <br />
* To create fades, you need to do two things: <br />
* 1. Describe the colors you want to be displayed<br />
* 2. List the order you want them to fade in<br />
*<br />
* DESCRIBING A COLOR:<br />
* A color is just an array of three percentages, 0-100, <br />
* controlling the red, green and blue LEDs<br />
*<br />
* Red is the red LED at full, blue and green off<br />
* int red = { 100, 0, 0 }<br />
* Dim white is all three LEDs at 30%<br />
* int dimWhite = {30, 30, 30}<br />
* etc.<br />
*<br />
* Some common colors are provided below, or make your own<br />
* <br />
* LISTING THE ORDER:<br />
* In the main part of the program, you need to list the order <br />
* you want to colors to appear in, e.g.<br />
* crossFade(red);<br />
* crossFade(green);<br />
* crossFade(blue);<br />
*<br />
* Those colors will appear in that order, fading out of <br />
* one color and into the next <br />
*<br />
* In addition, there are 5 optional settings you can adjust:<br />
* 1. The initial color is set to black (so the first color fades in), but <br />
* you can set the initial color to be any other color<br />
* 2. The internal loop runs for 1020 interations; the 'wait' variable<br />
* sets the approximate duration of a single crossfade. In theory, <br />
* a 'wait' of 10 ms should make a crossFade of ~10 seconds. In <br />
* practice, the other functions the code is performing slow this <br />
* down to ~11 seconds on my board. YMMV.<br />
* 3. If 'repeat' is set to 0, the program will loop indefinitely.<br />
* if it is set to a number, it will loop that number of times,<br />
* then stop on the last color in the sequence. (Set 'return' to 1, <br />
* and make the last color black if you want it to fade out at the end.)<br />
* 4. There is an optional 'hold' variable, which pasues the <br />
* program for 'hold' milliseconds when a color is complete, <br />
* but before the next color starts.<br />
* 5. Set the DEBUG flag to 1 if you want debugging output to be<br />
* sent to the serial monitor.<br />
*<br />
* The internals of the program aren't complicated, but they<br />
* are a little fussy -- the inner workings are explained <br />
* below the main loop.<br />
*<br />
* April 2007, Clay Shirky <clay.shirky@nyu.edu> <br />
*/ <br />
<br />
// Output<br />
int redPin = 9; // Red LED, connected to digital pin 9<br />
int grnPin = 10; // Green LED, connected to digital pin 10<br />
int bluPin = 11; // Blue LED, connected to digital pin 11<br />
<br />
// Color arrays<br />
int black[3] = { 0, 0, 0 };<br />
int white[3] = { 100, 100, 100 };<br />
int red[3] = { 100, 0, 0 };<br />
int green[3] = { 0, 100, 0 };<br />
int blue[3] = { 0, 0, 100 };<br />
int yellow[3] = { 40, 95, 0 };<br />
int dimWhite[3] = { 30, 30, 30 };<br />
// etc.<br />
<br />
// Set initial color<br />
int redVal = black[0];<br />
int grnVal = black[1]; <br />
int bluVal = black[2];<br />
<br />
int wait = 10; // 10ms internal crossFade delay; increase for slower fades<br />
int hold = 0; // Optional hold when a color is complete, before the next crossFade<br />
int DEBUG = 1; // DEBUG counter; if set to 1, will write values back via serial<br />
int loopCount = 60; // How often should DEBUG report?<br />
int repeat = 3; // How many times should we loop before stopping? (0 for no stop)<br />
int j = 0; // Loop counter for repeat<br />
<br />
// Initialize color variables<br />
int prevR = redVal;<br />
int prevG = grnVal;<br />
int prevB = bluVal;<br />
<br />
// Set up the LED outputs<br />
void setup()<br />
{<br />
pinMode(redPin, OUTPUT); // sets the pins as output<br />
pinMode(grnPin, OUTPUT); <br />
pinMode(bluPin, OUTPUT); <br />
<br />
if (DEBUG) { // If we want to see values for debugging...<br />
Serial.begin(9600); // ...set up the serial ouput <br />
}<br />
}<br />
<br />
// Main program: list the order of crossfades<br />
void loop()<br />
{<br />
crossFade(red);<br />
crossFade(green);<br />
crossFade(blue);<br />
crossFade(yellow);<br />
<br />
if (repeat) { // Do we loop a finite number of times?<br />
j += 1;<br />
if (j >= repeat) { // Are we there yet?<br />
exit(j); // If so, stop.<br />
}<br />
}<br />
}<br />
<br />
/* BELOW THIS LINE IS THE MATH -- YOU SHOULDN'T NEED TO CHANGE THIS FOR THE BASICS<br />
* <br />
* The program works like this:<br />
* Imagine a crossfade that moves the red LED from 0-10, <br />
* the green from 0-5, and the blue from 10 to 7, in<br />
* ten steps.<br />
* We'd want to count the 10 steps and increase or <br />
* decrease color values in evenly stepped increments.<br />
* Imagine a + indicates raising a value by 1, and a -<br />
* equals lowering it. Our 10 step fade would look like:<br />
* <br />
* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10<br />
* R + + + + + + + + + +<br />
* G + + + + +<br />
* B - - -<br />
* <br />
* The red rises from 0 to 10 in ten steps, the green from <br />
* 0-5 in 5 steps, and the blue falls from 10 to 7 in three steps.<br />
* <br />
* In the real program, the color percentages are converted to <br />
* 0-255 values, and there are 1020 steps (255*4).<br />
* <br />
* To figure out how big a step there should be between one up- or<br />
* down-tick of one of the LED values, we call calculateStep(), <br />
* which calculates the absolute gap between the start and end values, <br />
* and then divides that gap by 1020 to determine the size of the step <br />
* between adjustments in the value.<br />
*/<br />
<br />
int calculateStep(int prevValue, int endValue) {<br />
int step = endValue - prevValue; // What's the overall gap?<br />
if (step) { // If its non-zero, <br />
step = 1020/step; // divide by 1020<br />
} <br />
return step;<br />
}<br />
<br />
/* The next function is calculateVal. When the loop value, i,<br />
* reaches the step size appropriate for one of the<br />
* colors, it increases or decreases the value of that color by 1. <br />
* (R, G, and B are each calculated separately.)<br />
*/<br />
<br />
int calculateVal(int step, int val, int i) {<br />
<br />
if ((step) && i % step == 0) { // If step is non-zero and its time to change a value,<br />
if (step > 0) { // increment the value if step is positive...<br />
val += 1; <br />
} <br />
else if (step < 0) { // ...or decrement it if step is negative<br />
val -= 1;<br />
} <br />
}<br />
// Defensive driving: make sure val stays in the range 0-255<br />
if (val > 255) {<br />
val = 255;<br />
} <br />
else if (val < 0) {<br />
val = 0;<br />
}<br />
return val;<br />
}<br />
<br />
/* crossFade() converts the percentage colors to a <br />
* 0-255 range, then loops 1020 times, checking to see if <br />
* the value needs to be updated each time, then writing<br />
* the color values to the correct pins.<br />
*/<br />
<br />
void crossFade(int color[3]) {<br />
// Convert to 0-255<br />
int R = (color[0] * 255) / 100;<br />
int G = (color[1] * 255) / 100;<br />
int B = (color[2] * 255) / 100;<br />
<br />
int stepR = calculateStep(prevR, R);<br />
int stepG = calculateStep(prevG, G); <br />
int stepB = calculateStep(prevB, B);<br />
<br />
for (int i = 0; i <= 1020; i++) {<br />
redVal = calculateVal(stepR, redVal, i);<br />
grnVal = calculateVal(stepG, grnVal, i);<br />
bluVal = calculateVal(stepB, bluVal, i);<br />
<br />
analogWrite(redPin, redVal); // Write current values to LED pins<br />
analogWrite(grnPin, grnVal); <br />
analogWrite(bluPin, bluVal); <br />
<br />
delay(wait); // Pause for 'wait' milliseconds before resuming the loop<br />
<br />
if (DEBUG) { // If we want serial output, print it at the <br />
if (i == 0 or i % loopCount == 0) { // beginning, and every loopCount times<br />
Serial.print("Loop/RGB: #");<br />
Serial.print(i);<br />
Serial.print(" | ");<br />
Serial.print(redVal);<br />
Serial.print(" / ");<br />
Serial.print(grnVal);<br />
Serial.print(" / "); <br />
Serial.println(bluVal); <br />
} <br />
DEBUG += 1;<br />
}<br />
}<br />
// Update current values for next loop<br />
prevR = redVal; <br />
prevG = grnVal; <br />
prevB = bluVal;<br />
delay(hold); // Pause for optional 'wait' milliseconds before resuming the loop<br />
}<br />
</pre><br />
<br />
=== TwitterReader.pde ===<br />
<pre><br />
/* <br />
* Serial RGB LED TOO<br />
* ------------------<br />
* Serial commands control the brightness of R,G,B LEDs <br />
*<br />
* Command structure is "#RRGGBB"<br />
*<br />
*<br />
* Created 18 October 2006<br />
* copyleft 2006 Tod E. Kurt <tod@todbot.com<br />
* http://todbot.com/<br />
*/<br />
<br />
#define slen 7 // 7 characters, e.g. '#ff6666'<br />
char serInStr[slen]; // array to hold the incoming serial string bytes<br />
<br />
int redPin = 9; // Red LED, connected to digital pin 9<br />
int greenPin = 10; // Green LED, connected to digital pin 10<br />
int bluePin = 11; // Blue LED, connected to digital pin 11<br />
<br />
void setup() {<br />
pinMode(redPin, OUTPUT); // sets the pins as output<br />
pinMode(greenPin, OUTPUT); <br />
pinMode(bluePin, OUTPUT);<br />
Serial.begin(9600);<br />
analogWrite(redPin, 127); // set them all to mid brightness<br />
analogWrite(greenPin, 127); // set them all to mid brightness<br />
analogWrite(bluePin, 127); // set them all to mid brightness<br />
Serial.println("enter color command (e.g. '#ff3333') :"); <br />
}<br />
<br />
void loop () {<br />
//read the serial port and create a string out of what you read<br />
int spos = readSerialString();<br />
<br />
if(spos==slen && serInStr[0] == '#') {<br />
long colorVal = strtol(serInStr+1,NULL,16);<br />
Serial.print("setting color to r:");<br />
Serial.print((colorVal&0xff0000)>>16);<br />
Serial.print(" g:");<br />
Serial.print((colorVal&0x00ff00)>>8);<br />
Serial.print(" b:");<br />
Serial.println((colorVal&0x0000ff)>>0);<br />
memset(serInStr,0,slen); // indicates we've used this string<br />
//spos = 0;<br />
analogWrite(redPin, (colorVal&0xff0000)>>16 );<br />
analogWrite(greenPin, (colorVal&0x00ff00)>>8 );<br />
analogWrite(bluePin, (colorVal&0x0000ff)>>0 );<br />
}<br />
<br />
delay(200); // wait a bit, for serial data<br />
}<br />
<br />
//read a string from the serial and store it in an array<br />
int readSerialString () <br />
{<br />
int i=0;<br />
if(!Serial.available()) <br />
{<br />
return -1;<br />
}<br />
while (Serial.available() && i < slen) <br />
{<br />
int c = Serial.read();<br />
serInStr[i++] = c;<br />
}<br />
Serial.println(serInStr);<br />
return i;<br />
}<br />
</pre><br />
<br />
=== twitterreader.py ===<br />
<pre><br />
import serial<br />
import re<br />
import twitter<br />
import time<br />
ser = serial.Serial('/dev/tty.usbserial-A70072ix', 9600)<br />
client = twitter.Api(username='bmoreardtwit', password='ardtwit')<br />
while 1:<br />
latest_posts = client.GetReplies()<br />
tmp=latest_posts[0].text<br />
#print latest_posts[0].text<br />
match=re.search('(#.*)',tmp)<br />
tmp=match.group(1)<br />
tmp=tmp.encode("latin1")<br />
ser.write(tmp)<br />
time.sleep(30)<br />
</pre></div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=569Main Page2009-07-09T23:38:54Z<p>Sylviachi: click here for workshop1</p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome to the baltimore node wiki! Please feel free to peruse and edit. This site is intended as the online brain of the Baltimore Node hackerspace, circa June 2009.<br />
<br />
== Ambient Orb Workshop ==<br />
* [[Workshop1|CLICK HERE!!!]]<br />
== Important Dates ==<br />
* <strike>'''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.</strike> See [[1442 Fleet St Notes]].<br />
* '''<strike>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.</strike> See [[Notes on JBL Properties]].<br />
* '''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]!<br />
* '''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].<br />
* '''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.<br />
* '''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].<br />
<br />
== Quick links ==<br />
<br />
===Ideas, making, fun===<br />
* [[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.<br />
* [[Event Proposals]] - Share your ideas for events or workshops you'd like to host, teach, or run at the Node's space.<br />
* [[Workshop1]] - Twitterable Arduino Lamp.<br />
<br />
===Organizational===<br />
* [[Version Zero]] - While we aspire to great things across all of this, our fair city of Baltimore, We have to start somewhere. This is the proposal. <br />
* [[Finding a space]] - Research and findings related to space acquisition. If you've got a lead, put it here.<br />
* [[Mo money...]] - A foray into the awesome science of starting a hackerspace.<br />
* [[Things to fill the Space]] - Stuff we got and stuff we need<br />
* [[501(c)(3) process]] - A place to document the process of becoming a 501(c)3 and show where we are in the process.<br />
* [[IP and licensing policy]] - Area for discussion of potential intellectual property policies.<br />
* [[Grants]] - possible sources of funding<br />
* [[Outreach and inclusion]] - a list of groups, organizations, and populations in the baltimore area we want to reach out to to make sure they know we exist (e.g., diy/electronic music, interactive and multimedia artists, colleges and universities). If you know anyone related to or connected to a group on the list, talk to them and tell them what we're trying to do and find out how we can help them do what they do.<br />
* [[Logo idea]]<br />
<br />
== Founding documents ==<br />
* [[Articles of Incorporation]]<br />
* [[Mission Statement]]<br />
* [[Bylaws]]<br />
* [[Board of Directors]]<br />
* [[Membership Agreement]]<br />
<br />
== Meeting Notes ==<br />
* [[2009-06-11 Meeting Notes]]<br />
* [[2009-06-18 Meeting Notes]]<br />
* [[2009-06-26 Meeting Notes]]<br />
* [[2009-07-02 Meeting Notes]]<br />
<br />
== Communication Channels ==<br />
* '''Website''': [http://baltimorenode.org baltimorenode.org]<br />
* '''Blog''': [http://blip.baltimorenode.org blip.baltimorenode.org]<br />
* '''Twitter''': [http://twitter.com/baltimorenode twitter.com/baltimorenode]<br />
* '''IRC''': #baltimorenode on freenode.net - [irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode] <br />
<br />
==== Mailing Lists ====<br />
* [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion General discussion list]: Get your geek on, find help with projects, ask questions, get directions to the next meeting, share awesome findings, suggest projects<br />
* [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-hackerspace-planning Planning list]: Meta-discussion on the nuts and bolts of baltimore node business. For now discussion will probably center around finding space and planning events)</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Logo_idea&diff=566Logo idea2009-07-09T21:20:53Z<p>Sylviachi: nice</p>
<hr />
<div>''So I was playing around with this idea for a logo. What do you guys think? Any other ideas?'' [[User:Kellyegan|Kellyegan]] 01:22, 9 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
[http://kellyegan.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/baltimorenode.png logo idea]<br />
<br />
''When Adam and I first got together I had the idea to make a component based crab. The idea was to use a crab shell with LEDs for eyes, disk capacitors for claws, and resistors for legs. I havn't sat down with my girlfriend to draft it up yet so i'll try to do that this weekend.'' [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 02:27, 9 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
''That's pretty sweet Kelly, I like it. [[Special:Contributions/12.167.154.53|12.167.154.53]]''<br />
<br />
''I really like it. What's the type you're using? Jon and I are guessing Avant Garde. Anyways, I would tweak "Baltimore" a little bit. I think it also needs a little vertical padding from "NODE." Maybe also try doing it in a condensed type, or in lowercase perhaps? It'd be nice if the network-y shape corresponded to something in Baltimore - like some major streets near our future physical home.'' [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 21:20, 9 July 2009 (UTC)</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=477Main Page2009-07-07T19:58:18Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Quick links */ add link to Grants page</p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome to the baltimore node wiki! Please feel free to peruse and edit. This site is intended as the online brain of the Baltimore Node hackerspace, circa June 2009.<br />
<br />
== Important Dates ==<br />
* '''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.<br />
* '''July 9, 2009''' Visit to [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=3801+Falls+Rd,+Baltimore,+Baltimore+City,+Maryland+21211&sll=39.284407,-76.596937&sspn=0.009832,0.022724&gl=us&g=1442+Fleet+St.&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FdIwWAIdH6Ju-w&split=0&ll=39.334181,-76.635883&spn=0.009825,0.022724&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A 3801 Falls Road], a potential home for the Node. Meet at the address at 1:00pm.<br />
* '''July 9, 2009''' Workshop #1 "Ambient Orb" from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (ET) at 113 W North Ave (MICA). Get your [http://bmorenode1.eventbrite.com/ tickets here]!<br />
* '''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.<br />
<br />
== Quick links ==<br />
* [[Version Zero]] - While we aspire to great things across all of this, our fair city of Baltimore, We have to start somewhere. This is the proposal.<br />
* [[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.<br />
* [[Event Proposals]] - Share your ideas for events or workshops you'd like to host, teach, or run at the Node's space. <br />
* [[Finding a space]] - Research and findings related to space acquisition. If you've got a lead, put it here.<br />
* [[Structure and organization]] - this is how we roll. <br />
* [[501(c)(3) process]] - A place to document the process of becoming a 501(c)3 and show where we are in the process.<br />
* [[Membership]] - joining baltimore node.<br />
* [[People]] - until there is an official channel for becoming a member, this is the list of people you can consider part of the hackerspace.<br />
* [[Outreach and inclusion]] - a list of groups, organizations, and populations in the baltimore area we want to reach out to to make sure they know we exist (e.g., diy/electronic music, interactive and multimedia artists, colleges and universities). If you know anyone related to or connected to a group on the list, talk to them and tell them what we're trying to do and find out how we can help them do what they do.<br />
* [[Mo money...]] - A foray into the awesome science of starting a hackerspace.<br />
* [[Things to fill the Space]] - Stuff we got and stuff we need<br />
* [[IP and licensing policy]] - Area for discussion of potential intellectual property policies.<br />
* [[Grants]] - possible sources of funding<br />
<br />
== Founding documents ==<br />
* [[Articles of Incorporation]]<br />
* [[Mission Statement]]<br />
* [[Bylaws]]<br />
* [[Board of Directors]]<br />
<br />
== Meeting Notes ==<br />
* [[2009-06-11 Meeting Notes]]<br />
* [[2009-06-18 Meeting Notes]]<br />
* [[2009-06-26 Meeting Notes]]<br />
* [[2009-07-02 Meeting Notes]]<br />
<br />
== Communication Channels ==<br />
* '''Website''': [http://baltimorenode.org baltimorenode.org]<br />
* '''Blog''': [http://blip.baltimorenode.org blip.baltimorenode.org]<br />
* '''Twitter''': [http://twitter.com/baltimorenode twitter.com/baltimorenode]<br />
* '''IRC''': #baltimorenode on freenode.net - [irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode irc://irc.freenode.net/baltimorenode] <br />
<br />
==== Mailing Lists ====<br />
* [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-node-discussion General discussion list]: Get your geek on, find help with projects, ask questions, get directions to the next meeting, share awesome findings, suggest projects<br />
* [http://groups.google.com/group/baltimore-hackerspace-planning Planning list]: Meta-discussion on the nuts and bolts of baltimore node business. For now discussion will probably center around finding space and planning events)</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Grants&diff=472Grants2009-07-07T19:39:54Z<p>Sylviachi: first</p>
<hr />
<div>* [http://www.bcf.org/ourgrants/ourgrantsdetail.aspx?grid=27 Kresge Arts in Baltimore]<br />
**Grant size: $2,500-$10,000<br />
**Guidelines:<br />
***Quality arts and cultural activities.<br />
***Projects that increase exposure to the arts, and provide arts experiences in non-traditional spaces. Examples: artist residencies in after-school programs in non-traditional sites such as low-income housing developments, juvenile facilities, or women's shelters; the temporary use or re-purposing of a space to facilitate arts activities occurring within communities, or public art for an existing streetscape project.<br />
**Deadlines: 08/14/2009</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Outreach_and_inclusion&diff=471Outreach and inclusion2009-07-07T19:30:36Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Schools */ srsly guys why would you apostrophize that</p>
<hr />
<div>== Groups ==<br />
<br />
* Dorkbot<br />
* B'more on Rails<br />
* Ignite Baltimore<br />
* Outlet Baltimore<br />
* Charmsec<br />
* Velocipede<br />
* [http://harfordhackerspace.org/ Harford Hackerspace]<br />
* [http://hacdc.org/ HacDC]<br />
<br />
== Schools ==<br />
<br />
* Hopkins<br />
* MICA<br />
* UMBC<br />
* High Schools (Maybe their TSA programs?)<br />
* Homeschooling community<br />
<br />
== Others ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.gbtechcouncil.org/ Greater Baltimore Tech Council]</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Articles_of_Incorporation_for_a_Tax-Exempt_Nonstock_Corporation&diff=467Articles of Incorporation for a Tax-Exempt Nonstock Corporation2009-07-07T17:57:18Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Third */ remove the subpoints; paste in the first general sentence from mission statement - revised version</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
=== First === <br />
The undersigned <br />
* Adam D Bachman whose address is ''on the paper document''<br />
* Patrick Roanhouse whose address is ''on the paper document''<br />
* Kelly P. Egan whose address is ''on the paper document''<br />
* Steve Stowell whose address is ''on the paper document''<br />
* Mark Huson whose address is ''on the paper document''<br />
* Jonathan D Lesser who address is ''on the paper document''<br />
being at least eighteen years of age, do hereby form a corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland.<br />
<br />
=== Second ===<br />
The name of the corporation is Baltimore Node Corporation.<br />
<br />
=== Third ===<br />
The purposes for which the corporation is formed are as follows: to create and sustain an environment that promotes the creative use of technology for the benefit of art, science and culture. Said corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.<br />
<br />
=== Fourth ===<br />
The street address of the principal office of the corporation in Maryland is ''on the paper document''.<br />
<br />
=== Fifth ===<br />
The name of the resident agent of the corporation in Maryland is Adam D Bachman whose address is ''on the paper document''. <br />
<br />
=== Sixth ===<br />
The corporation has no authority to issue capital stock. <br />
<br />
=== Seventh ===<br />
The number of directors of the corporation shall be five (5) which number may be increased or decreased pursuant to the bylaws of the corporation. The names of the directors who shall act until the first meeting or until their successors are duly chosen and qualified are<br />
* Adam D Bachman whose address is ''on the paper document''<br />
* Patrick Roanhouse whose address is ''on the paper document''<br />
* Kelly P. Egan whose address is ''on the paper document''<br />
* Steve Stowell whose address is ''on the paper document''<br />
* Mark Huson whose address is ''on the paper document''<br />
* Jonathan D Lesser who address is ''on the paper document''<br />
<br />
=== Eighth ===<br />
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article Third hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.<br />
<br />
Upon the dissolution of the corporation, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.<br />
<br />
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed these articles and acknowledge the same to be my act.<br />
<br />
SIGNATURES OF INCORPORATORS:<br />
<br />
<br />
___________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
___________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
___________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
___________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
___________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
___________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I hereby consent to my designation in this document as resident agent for this corporation. <br />
<br />
SIGNATURE OF RESIDENT AGENT LISTED<br />
<br />
<br />
___________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Filing party's return address: ''on the paper document''</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Mission_Statement&diff=466Mission Statement2009-07-07T16:17:43Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Revised version of the above: */ me too</p>
<hr />
<div>The mission statement should be descriptive, yet concise. In a few lines, it should outline our purpose and aspirations.<br />
<br />
The "exclusively for charitable..." language will be added in our corporate charter so we can get a 501(c)(3) ruling from the IRS, but is not needed for a mission statement. For more information on a mission statement see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_statement en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_statement].<br />
<br />
''from the wikipedia article''<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
<br />
The mission statement can be used to resolve differences between stakeholders ''(in our case, Node members)''. Stakeholders affect and are affected by the organization's strategies.<br />
<br />
According to Vern McGinis, a mission should:<br />
:Define what the company is <br />
:Define what the company aspires to be<br />
:Be limited to exclude some ventures<br />
:Broad enough to allow for creative growth<br />
:Distinguish the company from all others<br />
:Serve as framework to evaluate current activities<br />
:Stated clearly so that it is understood by all<br />
<br />
The classic example of the mission statement is the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States: <br />
<br />
:'''''We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.'''''<br />
<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
''should hit: 1. the physical space, 2. activities and events, 3. the membership, 4. philosophical goals [[User:Abachman|Abachman]]''<br />
<br />
''should exclude issues which should be left to personal preference.''<br />
<br />
== Mission Statement draft ==<br />
'''Our mission is to create and sustain an environment that promotes creativity, invention, and exploration at the intersections of art, technology, science and culture. This mission shall include:'''<br />
<br />
'''1. Establishing and maintaining a nurturing physical space within Baltimore City that fosters creative technological exploration, collaboration, and education.'''<br />
* ''This point is about creating a space and what that space should be. IMO the space needs to meet the needs of technological exploration/collaboration/education; be a positive/nurturing environment and foster creativity.''<br />
'''2. Encouraging the sharing of the results of projects, experiments, and exploration with the community and world in a transparent, open and available manner.'''<br />
* ''I feel that the point of this sentence to to commit ourselves to freely sharing our work and making it available''<br />
* ''That's for you as creator and initiator of action to decide. No part of Baltimore Node can dictate to its members how they license their work (call it the Self Reliance clause). But, it should be made clear (elsewhere?) that if you're in the space, working on a project, folks are free to look over your shoulder.'' [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 20:57, 5 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
* ''I think it's reasonable to say that you can't work on secret or otherwise proprietary projects. HacDC has a [http://wiki.hacdc.org/index.php?title=Licensing_Policy licensing policy] (CC Noncommercial, Share alike, attribution), which they require for "All contributions and content produced by HacDC". I think it's a good policy because it sets the terms up front and avoids some potentially intractable IP issues. What if we started to build a robot together and came up with a slick new technique to do X. In coming up with X, lot of people offered input, but I decided that I came up with it and I file for a patent by myself. Conflict ensues. The HacDC license doesn't hamper innovation, it just says 'We're not a commercial R and D lab'. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 23:34, 5 July 2009 (UTC)'''<br />
* ''I was of the opinion that we shouldn't be telling people how they should license what they create but Jon makes a very strong case and i have to agree with him [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 01:33, 6 July 2009 (UTC)''<br />
* ''This is worth some discussion and a more detailed look in the bylaws... I don't think that the mission statement actually forces a decision on members, it simply encourages sharing.''<br />
* ''Yeah if we can keep this vague I think the way to word it is to make it so that the Node is about being open and transparent about the work we do as a group'' [[User:Mattyfo|Mattyfo]] 19:09, 6 July 2009 (UTC) <br />
'''3. Empowering its members and the community of Baltimore to explore the intersections of art, technology, science and culture.'''<br />
* ''This point is a commitment of what the organization should deliver to it's membership; I feel that it may need some work.''<br />
'''4. Actively engaging the community of Baltimore about issues involving the intersection of art, technology, science and culture.'''<br />
* ''This point is a commitment to engage the community on issues relevant to our organization''<br />
<br />
''I made a point of trying to make each point more generalized yet also more specific to their purpose. Also, silly grammar stuff but should we be using active verbs (IE -ing) or the other way around? [[User:Mattyfo|mattyfo]]''<br />
<br />
===Revised version of the above:===<br />
* ''The content of this version is not that different from above, but the languages has been significantly revised. So I didn't want to eliminate the original.'' [[User:Kellyegan|Kellyegan]] 03:34, 6 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* ''I like this.'' --[[User:Mattyfo|Mattyfo]] 18:55, 6 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* ''I like this version too.'' [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 15:31, 7 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
* ''Yo tambien.'' [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 16:17, 7 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
'''Baltimore Node Corporation seeks to create and sustain an environment that promotes the creative use of technology for the benefit of art, science and culture. To this end the Corporation shall:'''<br />
<br />
# '''Establish and maintain a physical space within the City of Baltimore that fosters creative technological exploration and invention.'''<br />
# '''Support a nurturing community of makers devoted to extending the Node's mission through education and collaboration.'''<br />
# '''Empower the Node's members to create, experiment and invent interesting and novel ways of using technology.'''<br />
# '''Encourage and support the sharing of research, experiments and knowledge with our community and the world.'''<br />
# '''Actively engage with the community of Baltimore on issues aligned with the Node’s mission.'''<br />
<br />
===Potential mission statement===<br />
'''Baltimore Node serves as the building block of a community that educates, affirms and promotes the role of making and inventing across the technology, art and sustainability fields.'''<br />
<br />
== Some examples from bylaws of other hacker spaces ==<br />
The HacDC and Noisebridge examples are from their Articles of Incorporation and/or Bylaws and are not exactly mission statements. <br />
<br />
==== HacDC ====<br />
# Build and maintain spaces suitable for technical and social collaboration.<br />
# Collaborate on all forms of technology, culture and craft in new and interesting ways.<br />
# Apply the results of its work to specific cultural, charitable and scientific causes.<br />
# Freely share its research and discoveries, using what is learned to teach others.<br />
# Recruit and develop talented members dedicated to these purposes.<br />
<br />
==== Noisebridge ====<br />
# To provide work space, storage, and other resources for projects related to art and technology.<br />
# Through talks, workshops, collaborative projects, and other activities, to encourage research, knowledge exchange, learning, and mentoring in a safe, clean space.<br />
# To develop, support the development of, and provide resources for the development of free and open source software and hardware.<br />
# To foster, by all legal means, the common purposes of its participants.<br />
# To conduct or engage in all lawful activities in furtherance of the stated purposes or those incidental to them. <br />
<br />
==== Harford Hackerspace ====<br />
The mission of this organization is to unify community members with similar interest in order to share their knowledge in an educational environment and to engage the next generation with hands-on, technical experiential activities. <br />
<br />
==== Pumping Station: One ====<br />
Its mission is to foster a collaborative environment wherein people can explore and create intersections between technology, science, art, and culture.<br />
<br />
Specific Goals<br />
<br />
* Acquire and maintain a collaborative workspace for communal use by all members.<br />
* Foster a creative, collaborative environment for experimentation and development in technology and art.<br />
* Interact with the local community that our space is situated in through education and cultural participation.<br />
* Share our developments and ideas with the world at large.<br />
* Facilitate communication with other spaces and colleagues nationally and internationally. Invite experts and other creative individuals to share their ideas and projects.</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Mission_Statement&diff=407Mission Statement2009-07-06T01:49:22Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Mission Statement draft */ its not it's; intersections not intersection</p>
<hr />
<div>The mission statement should be descriptive, yet concise. In a few lines, it should outline our purpose and aspirations.<br />
<br />
The "exclusively for charitable..." language will be added in our corporate charter so we can get a 501(c)(3) ruling from the IRS, but is not needed for a mission statement. For more information on a mission statement see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_statement en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_statement].<br />
<br />
''from the wikipedia article''<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
<br />
The mission statement can be used to resolve differences between stakeholders ''(in our case, Node members)''. Stakeholders affect and are affected by the organization's strategies.<br />
<br />
According to Vern McGinis, a mission should:<br />
:Define what the company is <br />
:Define what the company aspires to be<br />
:Be limited to exclude some ventures<br />
:Broad enough to allow for creative growth<br />
:Distinguish the company from all others<br />
:Serve as framework to evaluate current activities<br />
:Stated clearly so that it is understood by all<br />
<br />
The classic example of the mission statement is the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States: <br />
<br />
:'''''We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.'''''<br />
<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
''should hit: 1. the physical space, 2. activities and events, 3. the membership, 4. philosophical goals [[User:Abachman|Abachman]]''<br />
<br />
''should exclude issues which should be left to personal preference.''<br />
<br />
== Mission Statement draft ==<br />
'''Our mission is to create and sustain an environment that promotes creativity, invention, and exploration at the intersections of art, technology, science and culture. This mission shall include:'''<br />
<br />
'''1. Establishing and maintaining a nurturing physical space within Baltimore City that fosters creative technological exploration, collaboration, and education.'''<br />
* ''This point is about creating a space and what that space should be. IMO the space needs to meet the needs of technological exploration/collaboration/education; be a positive/nurturing environment and foster creativity.''<br />
'''2. Encouraging the sharing of the results of projects, experiments, and exploration with the community and world in a transparent, open and available manner.'''<br />
* ''I feel that the point of this sentence to to commit ourselves to freely sharing our work and making it available''<br />
* ''That's for you as creator and initiator of action to decide. No part of Baltimore Node can dictate to its members how they license their work (call it the Self Reliance clause). But, it should be made clear (elsewhere?) that if you're in the space, working on a project, folks are free to look over your shoulder.'' [[User:Abachman|Abachman]] 20:57, 5 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
* ''I think it's reasonable to say that you can't work on secret or otherwise proprietary projects. HacDC has a [http://wiki.hacdc.org/index.php?title=Licensing_Policy licensing policy] (CC Noncommercial, Share alike, attribution), which they require for "All contributions and content produced by HacDC". I think it's a good policy because it sets the terms up front and avoids some potentially intractable IP issues. What if we started to build a robot together and came up with a slick new technique to do X. In coming up with X, lot of people offered input, but I decided that I came up with it and I file for a patent by myself. Conflict ensues. The HacDC license doesn't hamper innovation, it just says 'We're not a commercial R and D lab'. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 23:34, 5 July 2009 (UTC)'''<br />
* ''I was of the opinion that we shouldn't be telling people how they should license what they create but Jon makes a very strong case and i have to agree with him [[User:Mehuman|Mehuman]] 01:33, 6 July 2009 (UTC)''<br />
'''3. Empowering its members and the community of Baltimore to explore the intersections of art, technology, science and culture.'''<br />
* ''This point is a commitment of what the organization should deliver to it's membership; I feel that it may need some work.''<br />
'''4. Actively engaging the community of Baltimore about issues involving the intersection of art, technology, science and culture.'''<br />
* ''This point is a commitment to engage the community on issues relevant to our organization''<br />
<br />
''I made a point of trying to make each point more generalized yet also more specific to their purpose. Also, silly grammar stuff but should we be using active verbs (IE -ing) or the other way around? [[User:Mattyfo|mattyfo]]''<br />
<br />
Potential mission statement<br />
<br />
Baltimore Node serves as the building block of a community that educates, affirms and promotes the role of making and inventing across the technology, art and sustainability fields.<br />
<br />
== Some examples from bylaws of other hacker spaces ==<br />
The HacDC and Noisebridge examples are from their Articles of Incorporation and/or Bylaws and are not exactly mission statements. <br />
<br />
==== HacDC ====<br />
# Build and maintain spaces suitable for technical and social collaboration.<br />
# Collaborate on all forms of technology, culture and craft in new and interesting ways.<br />
# Apply the results of its work to specific cultural, charitable and scientific causes.<br />
# Freely share its research and discoveries, using what is learned to teach others.<br />
# Recruit and develop talented members dedicated to these purposes.<br />
<br />
==== Noisebridge ====<br />
# To provide work space, storage, and other resources for projects related to art and technology.<br />
# Through talks, workshops, collaborative projects, and other activities, to encourage research, knowledge exchange, learning, and mentoring in a safe, clean space.<br />
# To develop, support the development of, and provide resources for the development of free and open source software and hardware.<br />
# To foster, by all legal means, the common purposes of its participants.<br />
# To conduct or engage in all lawful activities in furtherance of the stated purposes or those incidental to them. <br />
<br />
==== Harford Hackerspace ====<br />
The mission of this organization is to unify community members with similar interest in order to share their knowledge in an educational environment and to engage the next generation with hands-on, technical experiential activities. <br />
<br />
==== Pumping Station: One ====<br />
Its mission is to foster a collaborative environment wherein people can explore and create intersections between technology, science, art, and culture.<br />
<br />
Specific Goals<br />
<br />
* Acquire and maintain a collaborative workspace for communal use by all members.<br />
* Foster a creative, collaborative environment for experimentation and development in technology and art.<br />
* Interact with the local community that our space is situated in through education and cultural participation.<br />
* Share our developments and ideas with the world at large.<br />
* Facilitate communication with other spaces and colleagues nationally and internationally. Invite experts and other creative individuals to share their ideas and projects.</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Mission_Statement&diff=317Mission Statement2009-07-03T21:13:29Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Mission Statement draft */ intersection/s/</p>
<hr />
<div>The mission statement should be descriptive, yet concise. In a few lines, it should outline our purpose and aspirations.<br />
<br />
The "exclusively for charitable..." language will be added in our corporate charter so we can get a 501(c)(3) ruling from the IRS, but is not needed for a mission statement. For more information on a mission statement see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_statement en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_statement].<br />
<br />
''from the wikipedia article''<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
<br />
The mission statement can be used to resolve differences between stakeholders ''(in our case, Node members)''. Stakeholders affect and are affected by the organization's strategies.<br />
<br />
According to Vern McGinis, a mission should:<br />
:Define what the company is <br />
:Define what the company aspires to be<br />
:Be limited to exclude some ventures<br />
:Broad enough to allow for creative growth<br />
:Distinguish the company from all others<br />
:Serve as framework to evaluate current activities<br />
:Stated clearly so that it is understood by all<br />
<br />
The classic example of the mission statement is the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States: <br />
<br />
:'''''We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.'''''<br />
<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Mission Statement draft ==<br />
<br />
''should hit: 1. the physical space, 2. activities and events, 3. the membership, 4. philosophical goals''<br />
<br />
Our mission is to create an environment that promotes creativity and exploration at the intersections of art, technology, science, and culture. This mission shall include:<br />
<br />
# Create and maintain a space in Baltimore City to foster technological exploration, collaboration, and community education.<br />
# Share the results of our work with the world through open access publishing and public events.<br />
# Empower members and the Baltimore community to explore the technical landscape. ''i.e., help people be not afraid to be awesome''<br />
# Engage the Baltimore community on issues involving the intersection of technology, art, and daily life. <br />
# ...<br />
<br />
== Some examples from bylaws of other hacker spaces ==<br />
The HacDC and Noisebridge examples are from their Articles of Incorporation and/or Bylaws and are not exactly mission statements. <br />
<br />
==== HacDC ====<br />
# Build and maintain spaces suitable for technical and social collaboration.<br />
# Collaborate on all forms of technology, culture and craft in new and interesting ways.<br />
# Apply the results of its work to specific cultural, charitable and scientific causes.<br />
# Freely share its research and discoveries, using what is learned to teach others.<br />
# Recruit and develop talented members dedicated to these purposes.<br />
<br />
==== Noisebridge ====<br />
# To provide work space, storage, and other resources for projects related to art and technology.<br />
# Through talks, workshops, collaborative projects, and other activities, to encourage research, knowledge exchange, learning, and mentoring in a safe, clean space.<br />
# To develop, support the development of, and provide resources for the development of free and open source software and hardware.<br />
# To foster, by all legal means, the common purposes of its participants.<br />
# To conduct or engage in all lawful activities in furtherance of the stated purposes or those incidental to them. <br />
<br />
==== Harford Hackerspace ====<br />
The mission of this organization is to unify community members with similar interest in order to share their knowledge in an educational environment and to engage the next generation with hands-on, technical experiential activities. <br />
<br />
==== Pumping Station: One ====<br />
Its mission is to foster a collaborative environment wherein people can explore and create intersections between technology, science, art, and culture.<br />
<br />
Specific Goals<br />
<br />
* Acquire and maintain a collaborative workspace for communal use by all members.<br />
* Foster a creative, collaborative environment for experimentation and development in technology and art.<br />
* Interact with the local community that our space is situated in through education and cultural participation.<br />
* Share our developments and ideas with the world at large.<br />
* Facilitate communication with other spaces and colleagues nationally and internationally. Invite experts and other creative individuals to share their ideas and projects.</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Mo_money...&diff=192Mo money...2009-07-02T01:08:39Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Revenue */</p>
<hr />
<div>We should start to outline what it will take a)get this place going b)keep this place going.<br />
<br />
==In the bank==<br />
<br />
<br />
==Startup expenses==<br />
* '''$170''' (+$50 to expedite) Incorporating in the state of Maryland <br />
* '''$750?''' Filing for 501(c)3 status with the IRS (unsure on this number)<br />
* '''$?''' Furniture (probably mostly donations)<br />
* '''$?''' We should have some basic equipment on hand for people to use and for workshops.<br />
<br />
==Operating expenses==<br />
A good rule of thumb would be to have 3 months operating in the bank at any given time.<br />
* '''$?''' Rent & utilities<br />
* '''$?''' PO Box<br />
* '''$?''' Insurance (to indemnify leadership & members)<br />
<br />
==Revenue==<br />
<br />
=== Dues ===<br />
Add your name here if you are willing to commit to being a member at this point. This will help us estimate our initial monthly revenues. Put the maximum amount you would be willing to pay for dues in parenthesis after your name. This will help us find the sweet spot for monthly dues, which may end up being less than you're willing to pay!<br />
* Jon Lesser ($75)<br />
* Sylvia Chi ($50)<br />
<br />
=== Donations ===<br />
If you are willing and able to make a donation to the Node, add your name here along with the amount. The donations will go to things like security deposit, incorporation fees, supplies, equipment, outreach, and other '''non-recurring costs'''. Donations will likely be tax deductible if we get our initial 501(c)(3) letter from the IRS this year.<br />
* Jon Lesser ($500)</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Bylaws&diff=171Bylaws2009-07-01T16:27:48Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Article 6: Amendment of Bylaws */ pasted in Amendments sec from HacDC's bylaws</p>
<hr />
<div>We should start by looking at the [http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/Documentation#Bylaws_and_Regulations bylaws of other hackerspaces]<br />
<br />
I read through the bylaws of HacDC, Pumping Station: one, Maker's Local 256, and Noisebridge. This is cribbed primarily from HacDC so far with some changes: one membership class, no new member sponsorship, and a different BoD structure. Definitely edit however you see fit and we can all talk out the details as we need to. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 08:13, 1 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Wiki Tip: If you type <nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>, Media Wiki will insert a your username and a timestamp. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Article 1: Purpose ==<br />
''See [[Mission Statement]].''<br />
<br />
== Article 2: Membership ==<br />
=== Section 1: Designation of Membership Classes ===<br />
Baltimore Node shall have a single membership class, that of member.<br />
<br />
=== Section 2: Membership Qualifications ===<br />
Any person who supports the purposes laid out in Article I of these bylaws is qualified to become a member.<br />
<br />
''I feel like officially recognized membership should be dependent on some amount of doing, either paying for membership or performing some amount of service for the organization that proves deserving of membership (with a very high bar). "supports the purposes" kind of sounds like a church. While we're a charitable org, you don't get a key unless you pay. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]]''<br />
*''I think that's an issue to be addressed under section 3: becoming a member. However, I'm not sure what the purpose is of having separate sections for who qualifies to become a member and then how that qualified person actually becomes a member.'' [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 16:11, 1 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
=== Section 3: Becoming a member ===<br />
Any qualified person may be elected to become a member at any regular meeting. Qualified persons do not need to be nominated or sponsored by an existing member, but they must be elected by more than three quarters (3/4ths) of members present at the meeting. <br />
<br />
=== Section 4: Membership Dues ===<br />
The amount, payment period, due date and acceptable methods for collection of dues shall be reviewed each year at the annual meeting. A majority vote of the members at any meeting may change the procedure and terms for payment of dues. Member dues may be waived for a three month period due to financial hardship or relocation by written petition signed by more than three quarters (3/4ths) of the Board of Directors. Payment of dues may be waived for any other reason only by members at a duly called meeting.<br />
<br />
=== Section 5: Membership Rights and Responsibilities ===<br />
Each member shall have an equal right to voice their opinion and vote their preference or abstain from voting in the affairs of the corporation. Each member shall exercise only one vote for each decision before the corporation. Each member shall have reasonable inspection rights of corporate records. Each member shall be responsible for timely payment of dues, providing their current address, contact information, and preference for electronic receipt of communications. Each member is responsible for continuing to support the purposes of the corporation.<br />
<br />
=== Section 6: Membership Resignation and Termination ===<br />
Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Secretary. Resignation shall not relieve a member of unpaid dues or other monies owed. Membership may be suspended for non-payment of dues by the Treasurer. Any suspended member may restore their membership 90 days after suspension upon payment of dues owed and payable through one month beyond the end of the suspension period, or upon the granting of a dues waiver as outlined in Section 4. Membership may also be terminated for any reason by written petition signed by more than three quarters (3/4ths) of the members. <br />
<br />
== Article 3: Meetings ==<br />
<br />
=== Section 1: Annual Meetings ===<br />
<br />
=== Section 2: Regular Meetings ===<br />
<br />
=== Section 3: Notice of Meetings ===<br />
<br />
=== Section 4: Quorum ===<br />
One third of the voting power shall constitute a quorum. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power represented at the meeting shall be the act of the members, unless the vote of a greater number is required by these bylaws or the Law.<br />
<br />
== Article 4: Officers ==<br />
=== Section 1: Role, Number, Qualification, Term and Compensation ===<br />
<br />
There shall be four officers, consisting of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Each officer must be a member and each officer shall serve from the time of their election until their successor is elected and qualifies. No officer may serve more than 3 consecutive terms. No officer shall be compensated for their service as an officer, though the corporation may provide insurance and indemnity for officers as allowed by law.<br />
<br />
=== Section 2: Duties President ===<br />
<br />
The President shall preside over meetings or designate an alternate, attempt to achieve consensus in all decision-making, ensure the membership is informed of all relevant issues, and serve other duties of a President as required by law or custom.<br />
<br />
=== Section 3: Duties of the Vice President ===<br />
<br />
The Vice President shall be primarily responsible for the information systems and communication processes of the corporation, coordinate the teams that manage and design those systems, draft policies and procedures for information system use, ensure effective communication and information exchange within the corporation, and serving all other duties of a Vice President as required by law or custom, including acting when the President is unable or unwilling to act.<br />
<br />
=== Section 4: Duties of the Secretary ===<br />
<br />
The Secretary shall be responsible for record keeping including membership and board meeting actions and petitions, sending out meeting announcements, posting and distributing copies of membership meeting minutes and relevant meeting agendas to the membership, assuring that corporate records are maintained, and serving all other duties of a Secretary as required by law or custom.<br />
<br />
=== Section 5: Duties of the Treasurer ===<br />
<br />
The Treasurer shall be custodian of corporate funds, collect dues, make a financial report for each meeting, assist in the preparation of the budget, develop fundraising plans, make financial information available to members and the public, and serve all other duties of a Treasurer as required by law or custom.<br />
<br />
=== Section 6: Duty of the Officers as a whole to provide an Annual Report ===<br />
<br />
The Officers must prepare an annual report to be distributed at the annual meeting. The report should chronicle the activities of the corporation, including specific narratives on the corporation's work, the corporation's annual financial statements, relevant legal filings, and relevant copies of the organization's district and federal tax returns.<br />
<br />
=== Section 7: Officer Elections ===<br />
Officer elections will take place at each annual meeting. Each member present shall be given an opportunity to be a candidate for each officer position. If there is more than one candidate for an officer position, the candidate which obtains the highest number votes from members present shall be elected. If there are no candidates for an officer position, the outgoing officeholder may, if eligible, elect to serve another term or select any willing member to serve in that position.<br />
<br />
== Article 5: Board of Directors ==<br />
=== Responsibilities ===<br />
The Board of Directors is a body that shall fulfill all roles required by Maryland law. Any decisions not mandated by Maryland law to fall with the Board of Directors may only be delegated to the Board of Directors by a vote of the membership to amend these bylaws to explicitly give the board of directors such decision making power. Any policy affecting the organization at-large will, unless stated otherwise, be decided upon by the voting membership.<br />
<br />
== Article 6: Amendment of Bylaws ==<br />
These bylaws may be amended only when an amendment proposal petition is approved at a membership meeting and signed by more than three quarters (3/4ths) of voting members. Written notice of such petition must be submitted electronically to all members and delivered to all members of the corporation physically in person or by registered mail to take effect.</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Bylaws&diff=170Bylaws2009-07-01T16:14:32Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Article 1: Purpose */ see Mission Statement page for now</p>
<hr />
<div>We should start by looking at the [http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/Documentation#Bylaws_and_Regulations bylaws of other hackerspaces]<br />
<br />
I read through the bylaws of HacDC, Pumping Station: one, Maker's Local 256, and Noisebridge. This is cribbed primarily from HacDC so far with some changes: one membership class, no new member sponsorship, and a different BoD structure. Definitely edit however you see fit and we can all talk out the details as we need to. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 08:13, 1 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Wiki Tip: If you type <nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>, Media Wiki will insert a your username and a timestamp. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Article 1: Purpose ==<br />
''See [[Mission Statement]].''<br />
<br />
== Article 2: Membership ==<br />
=== Section 1: Designation of Membership Classes ===<br />
Baltimore Node shall have a single membership class, that of member.<br />
<br />
=== Section 2: Membership Qualifications ===<br />
Any person who supports the purposes laid out in Article I of these bylaws is qualified to become a member.<br />
<br />
''I feel like officially recognized membership should be dependent on some amount of doing, either paying for membership or performing some amount of service for the organization that proves deserving of membership (with a very high bar). "supports the purposes" kind of sounds like a church. While we're a charitable org, you don't get a key unless you pay. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]]''<br />
*''I think that's an issue to be addressed under section 3: becoming a member. However, I'm not sure what the purpose is of having separate sections for who qualifies to become a member and then how that qualified person actually becomes a member.'' [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 16:11, 1 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
=== Section 3: Becoming a member ===<br />
Any qualified person may be elected to become a member at any regular meeting. Qualified persons do not need to be nominated or sponsored by an existing member, but they must be elected by more than three quarters (3/4ths) of members present at the meeting. <br />
<br />
=== Section 4: Membership Dues ===<br />
The amount, payment period, due date and acceptable methods for collection of dues shall be reviewed each year at the annual meeting. A majority vote of the members at any meeting may change the procedure and terms for payment of dues. Member dues may be waived for a three month period due to financial hardship or relocation by written petition signed by more than three quarters (3/4ths) of the Board of Directors. Payment of dues may be waived for any other reason only by members at a duly called meeting.<br />
<br />
=== Section 5: Membership Rights and Responsibilities ===<br />
Each member shall have an equal right to voice their opinion and vote their preference or abstain from voting in the affairs of the corporation. Each member shall exercise only one vote for each decision before the corporation. Each member shall have reasonable inspection rights of corporate records. Each member shall be responsible for timely payment of dues, providing their current address, contact information, and preference for electronic receipt of communications. Each member is responsible for continuing to support the purposes of the corporation.<br />
<br />
=== Section 6: Membership Resignation and Termination ===<br />
Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Secretary. Resignation shall not relieve a member of unpaid dues or other monies owed. Membership may be suspended for non-payment of dues by the Treasurer. Any suspended member may restore their membership 90 days after suspension upon payment of dues owed and payable through one month beyond the end of the suspension period, or upon the granting of a dues waiver as outlined in Section 4. Membership may also be terminated for any reason by written petition signed by more than three quarters (3/4ths) of the members. <br />
<br />
== Article 3: Meetings ==<br />
<br />
=== Section 1: Annual Meetings ===<br />
<br />
=== Section 2: Regular Meetings ===<br />
<br />
=== Section 3: Notice of Meetings ===<br />
<br />
=== Section 4: Quorum ===<br />
One third of the voting power shall constitute a quorum. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power represented at the meeting shall be the act of the members, unless the vote of a greater number is required by these bylaws or the Law.<br />
<br />
== Article 4: Officers ==<br />
=== Section 1: Role, Number, Qualification, Term and Compensation ===<br />
<br />
There shall be four officers, consisting of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Each officer must be a member and each officer shall serve from the time of their election until their successor is elected and qualifies. No officer may serve more than 3 consecutive terms. No officer shall be compensated for their service as an officer, though the corporation may provide insurance and indemnity for officers as allowed by law.<br />
<br />
=== Section 2: Duties President ===<br />
<br />
The President shall preside over meetings or designate an alternate, attempt to achieve consensus in all decision-making, ensure the membership is informed of all relevant issues, and serve other duties of a President as required by law or custom.<br />
<br />
=== Section 3: Duties of the Vice President ===<br />
<br />
The Vice President shall be primarily responsible for the information systems and communication processes of the corporation, coordinate the teams that manage and design those systems, draft policies and procedures for information system use, ensure effective communication and information exchange within the corporation, and serving all other duties of a Vice President as required by law or custom, including acting when the President is unable or unwilling to act.<br />
<br />
=== Section 4: Duties of the Secretary ===<br />
<br />
The Secretary shall be responsible for record keeping including membership and board meeting actions and petitions, sending out meeting announcements, posting and distributing copies of membership meeting minutes and relevant meeting agendas to the membership, assuring that corporate records are maintained, and serving all other duties of a Secretary as required by law or custom.<br />
<br />
=== Section 5: Duties of the Treasurer ===<br />
<br />
The Treasurer shall be custodian of corporate funds, collect dues, make a financial report for each meeting, assist in the preparation of the budget, develop fundraising plans, make financial information available to members and the public, and serve all other duties of a Treasurer as required by law or custom.<br />
<br />
=== Section 6: Duty of the Officers as a whole to provide an Annual Report ===<br />
<br />
The Officers must prepare an annual report to be distributed at the annual meeting. The report should chronicle the activities of the corporation, including specific narratives on the corporation's work, the corporation's annual financial statements, relevant legal filings, and relevant copies of the organization's district and federal tax returns.<br />
<br />
=== Section 7: Officer Elections ===<br />
Officer elections will take place at each annual meeting. Each member present shall be given an opportunity to be a candidate for each officer position. If there is more than one candidate for an officer position, the candidate which obtains the highest number votes from members present shall be elected. If there are no candidates for an officer position, the outgoing officeholder may, if eligible, elect to serve another term or select any willing member to serve in that position.<br />
<br />
== Article 5: Board of Directors ==<br />
=== Responsibilities ===<br />
The Board of Directors is a body that shall fulfill all roles required by Maryland law. Any decisions not mandated by Maryland law to fall with the Board of Directors may only be delegated to the Board of Directors by a vote of the membership to amend these bylaws to explicitly give the board of directors such decision making power. Any policy affecting the organization at-large will, unless stated otherwise, be decided upon by the voting membership.<br />
<br />
== Article 6: Amendment of Bylaws ==</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=User:Sylviachi&diff=169User:Sylviachi2009-07-01T16:13:25Z<p>Sylviachi: Created page with 'Twitter: [http://www.twitter.com/sylviachi @sylviachi] Tumblr: [http://sylviac.tumblr.com sylviac.tumblr.com]'</p>
<hr />
<div>Twitter: [http://www.twitter.com/sylviachi @sylviachi]<br />
<br />
Tumblr: [http://sylviac.tumblr.com sylviac.tumblr.com]</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Bylaws&diff=168Bylaws2009-07-01T16:11:02Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Section 2: Membership Qualifications */ see sec. 3</p>
<hr />
<div>We should start by looking at the [http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/Documentation#Bylaws_and_Regulations bylaws of other hackerspaces]<br />
<br />
I read through the bylaws of HacDC, Pumping Station: one, Maker's Local 256, and Noisebridge. This is cribbed primarily from HacDC so far with some changes: one membership class, no new member sponsorship, and a different BoD structure. Definitely edit however you see fit and we can all talk out the details as we need to. [[User:Jonlesser|Jonlesser]] 08:13, 1 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Wiki Tip: If you type <nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>, Media Wiki will insert a your username and a timestamp. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Article 1: Purpose ==<br />
<br />
== Article 2: Membership ==<br />
=== Section 1: Designation of Membership Classes ===<br />
Baltimore Node shall have a single membership class, that of member.<br />
<br />
=== Section 2: Membership Qualifications ===<br />
Any person who supports the purposes laid out in Article I of these bylaws is qualified to become a member.<br />
<br />
''I feel like officially recognized membership should be dependent on some amount of doing, either paying for membership or performing some amount of service for the organization that proves deserving of membership (with a very high bar). "supports the purposes" kind of sounds like a church. While we're a charitable org, you don't get a key unless you pay. [[User:Abachman|Abachman]]''<br />
*''I think that's an issue to be addressed under section 3: becoming a member. However, I'm not sure what the purpose is of having separate sections for who qualifies to become a member and then how that qualified person actually becomes a member.'' [[User:Sylviachi|Sylviachi]] 16:11, 1 July 2009 (UTC)<br />
<br />
=== Section 3: Becoming a member ===<br />
Any qualified person may be elected to become a member at any regular meeting. Qualified persons do not need to be nominated or sponsored by an existing member, but they must be elected by more than three quarters (3/4ths) of members present at the meeting. <br />
<br />
=== Section 4: Membership Dues ===<br />
The amount, payment period, due date and acceptable methods for collection of dues shall be reviewed each year at the annual meeting. A majority vote of the members at any meeting may change the procedure and terms for payment of dues. Member dues may be waived for a three month period due to financial hardship or relocation by written petition signed by more than three quarters (3/4ths) of the Board of Directors. Payment of dues may be waived for any other reason only by members at a duly called meeting.<br />
<br />
=== Section 5: Membership Rights and Responsibilities ===<br />
Each member shall have an equal right to voice their opinion and vote their preference or abstain from voting in the affairs of the corporation. Each member shall exercise only one vote for each decision before the corporation. Each member shall have reasonable inspection rights of corporate records. Each member shall be responsible for timely payment of dues, providing their current address, contact information, and preference for electronic receipt of communications. Each member is responsible for continuing to support the purposes of the corporation.<br />
<br />
=== Section 6: Membership Resignation and Termination ===<br />
Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Secretary. Resignation shall not relieve a member of unpaid dues or other monies owed. Membership may be suspended for non-payment of dues by the Treasurer. Any suspended member may restore their membership 90 days after suspension upon payment of dues owed and payable through one month beyond the end of the suspension period, or upon the granting of a dues waiver as outlined in Section 4. Membership may also be terminated for any reason by written petition signed by more than three quarters (3/4ths) of the members. <br />
<br />
== Article 3: Meetings ==<br />
<br />
=== Section 1: Annual Meetings ===<br />
<br />
=== Section 2: Regular Meetings ===<br />
<br />
=== Section 3: Notice of Meetings ===<br />
<br />
=== Section 4: Quorum ===<br />
One third of the voting power shall constitute a quorum. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power represented at the meeting shall be the act of the members, unless the vote of a greater number is required by these bylaws or the Law.<br />
<br />
== Article 4: Officers ==<br />
=== Section 1: Role, Number, Qualification, Term and Compensation ===<br />
<br />
There shall be four officers, consisting of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Each officer must be a member and each officer shall serve from the time of their election until their successor is elected and qualifies. No officer may serve more than 3 consecutive terms. No officer shall be compensated for their service as an officer, though the corporation may provide insurance and indemnity for officers as allowed by law.<br />
<br />
=== Section 2: Duties President ===<br />
<br />
The President shall preside over meetings or designate an alternate, attempt to achieve consensus in all decision-making, ensure the membership is informed of all relevant issues, and serve other duties of a President as required by law or custom.<br />
<br />
=== Section 3: Duties of the Vice President ===<br />
<br />
The Vice President shall be primarily responsible for the information systems and communication processes of the corporation, coordinate the teams that manage and design those systems, draft policies and procedures for information system use, ensure effective communication and information exchange within the corporation, and serving all other duties of a Vice President as required by law or custom, including acting when the President is unable or unwilling to act.<br />
<br />
=== Section 4: Duties of the Secretary ===<br />
<br />
The Secretary shall be responsible for record keeping including membership and board meeting actions and petitions, sending out meeting announcements, posting and distributing copies of membership meeting minutes and relevant meeting agendas to the membership, assuring that corporate records are maintained, and serving all other duties of a Secretary as required by law or custom.<br />
<br />
=== Section 5: Duties of the Treasurer ===<br />
<br />
The Treasurer shall be custodian of corporate funds, collect dues, make a financial report for each meeting, assist in the preparation of the budget, develop fundraising plans, make financial information available to members and the public, and serve all other duties of a Treasurer as required by law or custom.<br />
<br />
=== Section 6: Duty of the Officers as a whole to provide an Annual Report ===<br />
<br />
The Officers must prepare an annual report to be distributed at the annual meeting. The report should chronicle the activities of the corporation, including specific narratives on the corporation's work, the corporation's annual financial statements, relevant legal filings, and relevant copies of the organization's district and federal tax returns.<br />
<br />
=== Section 7: Officer Elections ===<br />
Officer elections will take place at each annual meeting. Each member present shall be given an opportunity to be a candidate for each officer position. If there is more than one candidate for an officer position, the candidate which obtains the highest number votes from members present shall be elected. If there are no candidates for an officer position, the outgoing officeholder may, if eligible, elect to serve another term or select any willing member to serve in that position.<br />
<br />
== Article 5: Board of Directors ==<br />
=== Responsibilities ===<br />
The Board of Directors is a body that shall fulfill all roles required by Maryland law. Any decisions not mandated by Maryland law to fall with the Board of Directors may only be delegated to the Board of Directors by a vote of the membership to amend these bylaws to explicitly give the board of directors such decision making power. Any policy affecting the organization at-large will, unless stated otherwise, be decided upon by the voting membership.<br />
<br />
== Article 6: Amendment of Bylaws ==</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=501(c)(3)_process&diff=139501(c)(3) process2009-06-29T02:57:37Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Organizing documents */ listing the exempt purposes</p>
<hr />
<div>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].<br />
<br />
Being a 501(c)(3) has the following benefits (copied from the interwebs)<br />
* 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. <br />
* In most instances, we won't pay state corporate income, franchise, excise, use, or sales tax.<br />
* Can offer members, individuals, and corporate donors a tax deduction for their contributions. <br />
* 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.<br />
* Eligible for lower postal rates on third class bulk mailings through the US Postal Service. <br />
<br />
== The process ==<br />
These steps are cribbed from an email from Sublesky. Mike also recommended [http://www.amazon.com/How-Form-Nonprofit-Corporation-Your/dp/1413310265 How to Form your Own Nonprofit] (This appears to be a brand new edition published June 8, 2009. Talk about hot off the press!). <br />
# Decide who the board of directors is (these are the people who have responsibility for fiscal oversight of the corporation)<br />
# Come up with an appropriate mission statement (you need this for the paperwork to come, plus it's obviously a good idea to get everyone on the same page about what you're trying to do)<br />
# Decide who the officers are (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary) -- make sure the Treasurer is someone who is good at bookkeeping, can run Quickbooks or the like without screwing things up<br />
# File incorporation papers with the state of Maryland. The application fee is $170.<br />
# Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so we can open a bank account<br />
# File 501(c)3 application with the IRS (pretty time consuming but worth it). The application fee depends on the anticipated revenue. We are anticipating the fee to be $750.<br />
# In a few months you'll get a letter back from the IRS authorizing you to be a nonprofit for five years<br />
# At the end of five years you have to prove that you are really a charitable organization (they have a few tests they apply to your financial records)<br />
<br />
According to the IRS: [http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=169727,00.html Life Cycle of an Exempt Organization] - or, more specifically: [http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=122670,00.html Life Cycle of a Public Charity]:<br />
<br />
===Organizing documents===<br />
The trust instrument, corporate charter, articles of incorporation, articles of association, or other written instrument by which the organization is created under state law.<br />
<br />
[http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=123368,00.html Required provisions:] <br />
* must limit the organization's purposes to one or more of the exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) and must not expressly empower it to engage, other than as an insubstantial part of its activities, in activities that are not in furtherance of one or more of those purposes.<br />
**Apparently-relevant exempt purposes per 501(c)(3): charitable, scientific, and educational<br />
* assets of an organization must be permanently dedicated to an exempt purpose. ... the organizing document should contain a provision insuring their distribution for an exempt purpose in the event of dissolution.<br />
<br />
== Forms / paperwork ==<br />
[http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/ex_corp_form.pdf Maryland Tax-Exempt Non-Profit Corporation Form], [http://www.dat.state.md.us/ Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation]<br />
This form is for creating a tax-exempt corporation in the state of Maryland. It includes some basics steps that need to be completed.</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=501(c)(3)_process&diff=138501(c)(3) process2009-06-29T02:53:00Z<p>Sylviachi: intro sentence & link to fulltext of code provision</p>
<hr />
<div>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].<br />
<br />
Being a 501(c)(3) has the following benefits (copied from the interwebs)<br />
* 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. <br />
* In most instances, we won't pay state corporate income, franchise, excise, use, or sales tax.<br />
* Can offer members, individuals, and corporate donors a tax deduction for their contributions. <br />
* 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.<br />
* Eligible for lower postal rates on third class bulk mailings through the US Postal Service. <br />
<br />
== The process ==<br />
These steps are cribbed from an email from Sublesky. Mike also recommended [http://www.amazon.com/How-Form-Nonprofit-Corporation-Your/dp/1413310265 How to Form your Own Nonprofit] (This appears to be a brand new edition published June 8, 2009. Talk about hot off the press!). <br />
# Decide who the board of directors is (these are the people who have responsibility for fiscal oversight of the corporation)<br />
# Come up with an appropriate mission statement (you need this for the paperwork to come, plus it's obviously a good idea to get everyone on the same page about what you're trying to do)<br />
# Decide who the officers are (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary) -- make sure the Treasurer is someone who is good at bookkeeping, can run Quickbooks or the like without screwing things up<br />
# File incorporation papers with the state of Maryland. The application fee is $170.<br />
# Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so we can open a bank account<br />
# File 501(c)3 application with the IRS (pretty time consuming but worth it). The application fee depends on the anticipated revenue. We are anticipating the fee to be $750.<br />
# In a few months you'll get a letter back from the IRS authorizing you to be a nonprofit for five years<br />
# At the end of five years you have to prove that you are really a charitable organization (they have a few tests they apply to your financial records)<br />
<br />
According to the IRS: [http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=169727,00.html Life Cycle of an Exempt Organization] - or, more specifically: [http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=122670,00.html Life Cycle of a Public Charity]:<br />
<br />
===Organizing documents===<br />
The trust instrument, corporate charter, articles of incorporation, articles of association, or other written instrument by which the organization is created under state law.<br />
<br />
[http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=123368,00.html Required provisions:] <br />
* must limit the organization's purposes to one or more of the exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) and must not expressly empower it to engage, other than as an insubstantial part of its activities, in activities that are not in furtherance of one or more of those purposes.<br />
* assets of an organization must be permanently dedicated to an exempt purpose. ... the organizing document should contain a provision insuring their distribution for an exempt purpose in the event of dissolution.<br />
<br />
== Forms / paperwork ==<br />
[http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/ex_corp_form.pdf Maryland Tax-Exempt Non-Profit Corporation Form], [http://www.dat.state.md.us/ Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation]<br />
This form is for creating a tax-exempt corporation in the state of Maryland. It includes some basics steps that need to be completed.</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=501(c)(3)_process&diff=137501(c)(3) process2009-06-29T02:49:11Z<p>Sylviachi: /* The process */ reorg'd; moved IRS links to bottom, under steps from Mike, and added subsection on organizing docs</p>
<hr />
<div>Being a 501(c)(3) has the following benefits (copied from the interwebs)<br />
* 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. <br />
* In most instances, we won't pay state corporate income, franchise, excise, use, or sales tax.<br />
* Can offer members, individuals, and corporate donors a tax deduction for their contributions. <br />
* 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.<br />
* Eligible for lower postal rates on third class bulk mailings through the US Postal Service. <br />
<br />
== The process ==<br />
These steps are cribbed from an email from Sublesky. Mike also recommended [http://www.amazon.com/How-Form-Nonprofit-Corporation-Your/dp/1413310265 How to Form your Own Nonprofit] (This appears to be a brand new edition published June 8, 2009. Talk about hot off the press!). <br />
# Decide who the board of directors is (these are the people who have responsibility for fiscal oversight of the corporation)<br />
# Come up with an appropriate mission statement (you need this for the paperwork to come, plus it's obviously a good idea to get everyone on the same page about what you're trying to do)<br />
# Decide who the officers are (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary) -- make sure the Treasurer is someone who is good at bookkeeping, can run Quickbooks or the like without screwing things up<br />
# File incorporation papers with the state of Maryland. The application fee is $170.<br />
# Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so we can open a bank account<br />
# File 501(c)3 application with the IRS (pretty time consuming but worth it). The application fee depends on the anticipated revenue. We are anticipating the fee to be $750.<br />
# In a few months you'll get a letter back from the IRS authorizing you to be a nonprofit for five years<br />
# At the end of five years you have to prove that you are really a charitable organization (they have a few tests they apply to your financial records)<br />
<br />
According to the IRS: [http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=169727,00.html Life Cycle of an Exempt Organization] - or, more specifically: [http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=122670,00.html Life Cycle of a Public Charity]:<br />
<br />
===Organizing documents===<br />
The trust instrument, corporate charter, articles of incorporation, articles of association, or other written instrument by which the organization is created under state law.<br />
<br />
[http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=123368,00.html Required provisions:] <br />
* must limit the organization's purposes to one or more of the exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) and must not expressly empower it to engage, other than as an insubstantial part of its activities, in activities that are not in furtherance of one or more of those purposes.<br />
* assets of an organization must be permanently dedicated to an exempt purpose. ... the organizing document should contain a provision insuring their distribution for an exempt purpose in the event of dissolution.<br />
<br />
== Forms / paperwork ==<br />
[http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/ex_corp_form.pdf Maryland Tax-Exempt Non-Profit Corporation Form], [http://www.dat.state.md.us/ Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation]<br />
This form is for creating a tax-exempt corporation in the state of Maryland. It includes some basics steps that need to be completed.</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=501(c)(3)_process&diff=136501(c)(3) process2009-06-29T00:46:25Z<p>Sylviachi: added link to IRS' Lifecycle of an Exempt Organization</p>
<hr />
<div>Being a 501(c)(3) has the following benefits (copied from the interwebs)<br />
* 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. <br />
* In most instances, we won't pay state corporate income, franchise, excise, use, or sales tax.<br />
* Can offer members, individuals, and corporate donors a tax deduction for their contributions. <br />
* 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.<br />
* Eligible for lower postal rates on third class bulk mailings through the US Postal Service. <br />
<br />
== The process ==<br />
According to the IRS: [http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=169727,00.html Life Cycle of an Exempt Organization]<br />
<br />
These steps are cribbed from an email from Sublesky. Mike also recommended [http://www.amazon.com/How-Form-Nonprofit-Corporation-Your/dp/1413310265 How to Form your Own Nonprofit] (This appears to be a brand new edition published June 8, 2009. Talk about hot off the press!). <br />
# Decide who the board of directors is (these are the people who have responsibility for fiscal oversight of the corporation)<br />
# Come up with an appropriate mission statement (you need this for the paperwork to come, plus it's obviously a good idea to get everyone on the same page about what you're trying to do)<br />
# Decide who the officers are (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary) -- make sure the Treasurer is someone who is good at bookkeeping, can run Quickbooks or the like without screwing things up<br />
# File incorporation papers with the state of Maryland. The application fee is $170.<br />
# Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so we can open a bank account<br />
# File 501(c)3 application with the IRS (pretty time consuming but worth it). The application fee depends on the anticipated revenue. We are anticipating the fee to be $750.<br />
# In a few months you'll get a letter back from the IRS authorizing you to be a nonprofit for five years<br />
# At the end of five years you have to prove that you are really a charitable organization (they have a few tests they apply to your financial records)<br />
<br />
== Forms / paperwork ==<br />
[http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/ex_corp_form.pdf Maryland Tax-Exempt Non-Profit Corporation Form], [http://www.dat.state.md.us/ Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation]<br />
This form is for creating a tax-exempt corporation in the state of Maryland. It includes some basics steps that need to be completed.</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Structure_and_organization&diff=135Structure and organization2009-06-29T00:36:17Z<p>Sylviachi: /* LLC */ --> Incorporation in general</p>
<hr />
<div>== Formalizing our structure ==<br />
It seems that if we are going to accept money and rent property we are going to have to formalize our structure somehow. Maybe we should look at the pros and cons of some of these options. Also by incorporating in some fashion we reduce the liability each of us faces for being associated with the group.<br />
=== 501(c)(3) ===<br />
501(c)(3) is an IRS-bestowed federal tax-exempt status for non-profit organizations. [[501(c)(3) process|A separate page exists]] to discuss how to go about getting that tax-exempt status.<br />
<br />
===== Steps via Mike S. =====<br />
<br />
* Decide who the board of directors is (these are the people who have responsibility for fiscal oversight of the corporation)<br />
<br />
* Come up with an appropriate mission statement (you need this for the paperwork to come, plus it's obviously a good idea to get everyone on the same page about what you're trying to do)<br />
<br />
* Decide who the officers are (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary) -- make sure the Treasurer is someone who is good at bookkeeping, can run Quickbooks or the like without screwing things up<br />
<br />
* File incorporation papers with the state of Maryland<br />
<br />
* File 501(c)3 application with the IRS (pretty time consuming but worth it)<br />
<br />
* In a few months you'll get a letter back from the IRS authorizing you to be a nonprofit for five years<br />
<br />
* At the end of five years you have to prove that you are really a charitable organization (they have a few tests they apply to your financial records)<br />
<br />
==== Pros ====<br />
* Donations can be deducted from taxes.<br />
* Don't have to pay federal taxes.<br />
==== Cons ====<br />
*Process takes awhile (IANAL, but I understand you need to be operating for a year before you can apply)<br />
=== Incorporation===<br />
We have to incorporate in some manner in order to get 501(c)(3) designation. Maryland state forms available [http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/sdatforms.html#entity here]. Seems likely we will want to incorporate as a non-stock tax-exempt corporation.<br />
==== Pros ====<br />
* Fast<br />
==== Cons ====<br />
* No tax benefits. (Not necessarily - may incorporate as a tax-exempt corporation.)<br />
<br />
=== Fiscal Sponsorship from Fusion Group ===<br />
The Fusion Group is a 501(3)(c) that acts as a [http://www.fusiongroup.org/fiscalsponsor_001.htm fiscal sponsor]. From their website, "Fiscal sponsorship offers a great advantage for those who are launching new endeavors, where the long-term viability of the project is yet to be determined. Operating under a fiscal sponsor allows community leaders to begin programs and services for a trial or incubation period prior to deciding to file for independent incorporation." The [http://www.fusiongroup.org/application.htm application process] looks pretty straight forward and there are lots of other [http://www.fusiongroup.org/programs.html Baltimore-based groups] using their services, including the [http://www.redemmas.org/2640/ 2640 project].<br />
==== Pros ====<br />
* Easy application<br />
* We can take tax exempt contributions, apply for certain grants<br />
* We'd probably get some financial guidance and other resources from the Fusion Group<br />
==== Cons ====<br />
* We'll need to be accepted into their program, which is not guaranteed<br />
* 5%-10% of grants and donations are paid to Fusion to cover their administrative costs<br />
* Requires initial fee of $250 for five hours of Fusion consultation if application is approved<br />
<br />
== Services for accepting Money ==<br />
Member can conveniently go into credit card debt paying their dues thanks to these online services. All of these allow recurring billing, handle invoicing, etc. If we end up working with the Fusion Group, they might have their own methods for collecting money. <br />
* [https://payments.amazon.com/sdui/sdui/business?sn=paynow/subscription Amazon Simple Pay Subscriptions] is free through Sept. 2009, then costs 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction<br />
* [https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_wp-standard-overview-outside Paypal] costs 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.<br />
* [https://checkout.google.com/sell Google Checkout] costs 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.<br />
<br />
== Notes from Design Pattern on organization ==<br />
Here is a translation of the orginazational section of the [http://hackerspaces.org/Hacker-Space-Design-Patterns.pdf hackerspace design pattern], posted here so that we can edit/comment on them for our space. [http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/Documentation hackerspaces.org] has a number of good resources to look over, including bylaws and regulations of other hacker spaces around the country. <br />
<br />
=== The Plenum Pattern ===<br />
==== Problem ====<br />
You want to resolve internal conflicts, exercise democratic decision <br />
making, and discuss recent issues and future plans. <br />
==== Implementation ====<br />
Have a regular meeting with all members, if possible. Have an <br />
agenda and set goals. Make people commit themselves to tasks. <br />
Write down minutes of the meeting and post them on a mailing <br />
list and/or Wiki. Go for the only date that works: once a week. <br />
Weird dates like “first full-moon after the third Friday” will never <br />
work. Likewise, every other week or anything similar won’t work <br />
either. <br />
<br />
=== The Tuesday Pattern ===<br />
==== Problem ====<br />
Every weekday sucks. You will not find any day when every hacker <br />
can attend a meeting. Someone always has an appointment. <br />
==== Implementation ====<br />
Meet on Tuesday. Since all days are equally bad, just pick <br />
Tuesday. End of discussion.<br />
<br />
=== The OpenChaos Pattern ===<br />
==== Problem ==== <br />
You want to draw in new people and provide an interface to the <br />
outside world. <br />
==== Implementation ====<br />
Have a monthly, public, and open lecture, talk or workshop. <br />
Announce it at your local time (no UTC, CEST, EST or something <br />
else). Invite interesting visitors to your regular meetings and don’t <br />
tell the weirdos. <br />
<br />
=== The U23 Pattern ===<br />
==== Problem ====<br />
Your older members graduate from college or get married. Your <br />
space needs fresh blood. <br />
==== Implementation ====<br />
Recruit young people through a challenge you set up for them, in <br />
the form of a course that spans several weeks. Overwhelm them <br />
with problems from hardware and software hacking and let them <br />
solve them in teams. Prepare for the challenge and tutor them, <br />
but give them room to experiment. Retire after the team building <br />
and let the smartest of the young ones run the space.<br />
<br />
=== The Sine Curve Pattern ===<br />
==== Problem ====<br />
You did everything right. You had some big events and a nice time <br />
in your shiny hacker space. But after some time the enthusiasm <br />
goes away and your projects are stagnating. <br />
==== Implementation ====<br />
Peak enthusiasm at a hacker space has the form of a sine curve <br />
with a cycle duration of four years. Keep the hacker space <br />
running, even if the feel-good factor is temporarily on holiday. <br />
Chances are good that your space will be awesome again in two <br />
years. Don’t give up! Maybe an exciting new member will knock <br />
on your door tomorrow.</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Structure_and_organization&diff=134Structure and organization2009-06-29T00:33:11Z<p>Sylviachi: link to 501(c)(3) process page etc.</p>
<hr />
<div>== Formalizing our structure ==<br />
It seems that if we are going to accept money and rent property we are going to have to formalize our structure somehow. Maybe we should look at the pros and cons of some of these options. Also by incorporating in some fashion we reduce the liability each of us faces for being associated with the group.<br />
=== 501(c)(3) ===<br />
501(c)(3) is an IRS-bestowed federal tax-exempt status for non-profit organizations. [[501(c)(3) process|A separate page exists]] to discuss how to go about getting that tax-exempt status.<br />
<br />
===== Steps via Mike S. =====<br />
<br />
* Decide who the board of directors is (these are the people who have responsibility for fiscal oversight of the corporation)<br />
<br />
* Come up with an appropriate mission statement (you need this for the paperwork to come, plus it's obviously a good idea to get everyone on the same page about what you're trying to do)<br />
<br />
* Decide who the officers are (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary) -- make sure the Treasurer is someone who is good at bookkeeping, can run Quickbooks or the like without screwing things up<br />
<br />
* File incorporation papers with the state of Maryland<br />
<br />
* File 501(c)3 application with the IRS (pretty time consuming but worth it)<br />
<br />
* In a few months you'll get a letter back from the IRS authorizing you to be a nonprofit for five years<br />
<br />
* At the end of five years you have to prove that you are really a charitable organization (they have a few tests they apply to your financial records)<br />
<br />
==== Pros ====<br />
* Donations can be deducted from taxes.<br />
* Don't have to pay federal taxes.<br />
==== Cons ====<br />
*Process takes awhile (IANAL, but I understand you need to be operating for a year before you can apply)<br />
=== LLC ===<br />
==== Pros ====<br />
* Fast<br />
==== Cons ====<br />
* No tax benefits.<br />
=== Fiscal Sponsorship from Fusion Group ===<br />
The Fusion Group is a 501(3)(c) that acts as a [http://www.fusiongroup.org/fiscalsponsor_001.htm fiscal sponsor]. From their website, "Fiscal sponsorship offers a great advantage for those who are launching new endeavors, where the long-term viability of the project is yet to be determined. Operating under a fiscal sponsor allows community leaders to begin programs and services for a trial or incubation period prior to deciding to file for independent incorporation." The [http://www.fusiongroup.org/application.htm application process] looks pretty straight forward and there are lots of other [http://www.fusiongroup.org/programs.html Baltimore-based groups] using their services, including the [http://www.redemmas.org/2640/ 2640 project].<br />
==== Pros ====<br />
* Easy application<br />
* We can take tax exempt contributions, apply for certain grants<br />
* We'd probably get some financial guidance and other resources from the Fusion Group<br />
==== Cons ====<br />
* We'll need to be accepted into their program, which is not guaranteed<br />
* 5%-10% of grants and donations are paid to Fusion to cover their administrative costs<br />
* Requires initial fee of $250 for five hours of Fusion consultation if application is approved<br />
<br />
== Services for accepting Money ==<br />
Member can conveniently go into credit card debt paying their dues thanks to these online services. All of these allow recurring billing, handle invoicing, etc. If we end up working with the Fusion Group, they might have their own methods for collecting money. <br />
* [https://payments.amazon.com/sdui/sdui/business?sn=paynow/subscription Amazon Simple Pay Subscriptions] is free through Sept. 2009, then costs 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction<br />
* [https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_wp-standard-overview-outside Paypal] costs 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.<br />
* [https://checkout.google.com/sell Google Checkout] costs 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.<br />
<br />
== Notes from Design Pattern on organization ==<br />
Here is a translation of the orginazational section of the [http://hackerspaces.org/Hacker-Space-Design-Patterns.pdf hackerspace design pattern], posted here so that we can edit/comment on them for our space. [http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/Documentation hackerspaces.org] has a number of good resources to look over, including bylaws and regulations of other hacker spaces around the country. <br />
<br />
=== The Plenum Pattern ===<br />
==== Problem ====<br />
You want to resolve internal conflicts, exercise democratic decision <br />
making, and discuss recent issues and future plans. <br />
==== Implementation ====<br />
Have a regular meeting with all members, if possible. Have an <br />
agenda and set goals. Make people commit themselves to tasks. <br />
Write down minutes of the meeting and post them on a mailing <br />
list and/or Wiki. Go for the only date that works: once a week. <br />
Weird dates like “first full-moon after the third Friday” will never <br />
work. Likewise, every other week or anything similar won’t work <br />
either. <br />
<br />
=== The Tuesday Pattern ===<br />
==== Problem ====<br />
Every weekday sucks. You will not find any day when every hacker <br />
can attend a meeting. Someone always has an appointment. <br />
==== Implementation ====<br />
Meet on Tuesday. Since all days are equally bad, just pick <br />
Tuesday. End of discussion.<br />
<br />
=== The OpenChaos Pattern ===<br />
==== Problem ==== <br />
You want to draw in new people and provide an interface to the <br />
outside world. <br />
==== Implementation ====<br />
Have a monthly, public, and open lecture, talk or workshop. <br />
Announce it at your local time (no UTC, CEST, EST or something <br />
else). Invite interesting visitors to your regular meetings and don’t <br />
tell the weirdos. <br />
<br />
=== The U23 Pattern ===<br />
==== Problem ====<br />
Your older members graduate from college or get married. Your <br />
space needs fresh blood. <br />
==== Implementation ====<br />
Recruit young people through a challenge you set up for them, in <br />
the form of a course that spans several weeks. Overwhelm them <br />
with problems from hardware and software hacking and let them <br />
solve them in teams. Prepare for the challenge and tutor them, <br />
but give them room to experiment. Retire after the team building <br />
and let the smartest of the young ones run the space.<br />
<br />
=== The Sine Curve Pattern ===<br />
==== Problem ====<br />
You did everything right. You had some big events and a nice time <br />
in your shiny hacker space. But after some time the enthusiasm <br />
goes away and your projects are stagnating. <br />
==== Implementation ====<br />
Peak enthusiasm at a hacker space has the form of a sine curve <br />
with a cycle duration of four years. Keep the hacker space <br />
running, even if the feel-good factor is temporarily on holiday. <br />
Chances are good that your space will be awesome again in two <br />
years. Don’t give up! Maybe an exciting new member will knock <br />
on your door tomorrow.</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Project_Proposals&diff=98Project Proposals2009-06-27T04:16:07Z<p>Sylviachi: /* Intervention at Baltimore Development Collective's geodesic dome */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Bicycle POV LED ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGBike-POV-Open-project/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x ATMega328p / ATMega168 microcontroller<br />
* 1x TLC5940 / TLC5941, 16 PWM Ouput LED driver<br />
* 16x Superflux RGB LEDs<br />
* 1x A3213<br />
* 3x PN2222, NPN transistors<br />
* Assorted resistors, capacitors, tact switches and connectors (check schematic and board layout)<br />
<br />
== Gorilla Marketing ==<br />
HonFest marks the beginning of the festival season. While its too late to get booth at any of these events its not too late to make our presence known. What if we had a workshop where we made some sort of gorilla marketing device. One way to go would be some sort electronic apparel, like an ambient orb hat or some kind of musical shirt, etc. Or it could follow examples of other gorilla marketers like the [http://www.bikesagainstbush.com/blog/about.php|chalk printing bicycle] or a flashing LED signs (WARNING: Not sure if the Baltimore police are as reactionary as the [http://laughingsquid.com/aqua-teen-hunger-force-promo-causes-panic-in-boston| Boston police].) Something simple, fun and easy to individualize. Why not tell people about the newly energized Baltimore Hacker community?<br />
<br />
== Ambient Orb ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
<br />
* http://fightpc.blogspot.com/2008/03/arduino-mood-light.html<br />
* http://www.instructables.com/id/Mobius_LED_Lantern/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1 x Arduino or Clone ~$20-$30<br />
* 1 x Some Sort of Difuser. i.e. Frosted lamp, saran wrap, etc. $0-A lot<br />
* 1+ LED's high or low power<br />
** Low Power LED: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=105<br />
*** Does not require extra parts<br />
** http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8718<br />
*** High Power LED: External power source: http://store.gravitech.us/waadswposu12.html<br />
*** Heatsink<br />
<br />
== Weather Instruments and Networks ==<br />
<br />
Build weather instruments, assemble into a weather station using wifi, etc. Install around Inner Harbor, and "Northwest Harbor" (Canton). Especially wind and waves for sailors. <br />
<br />
Instruments, compare with Ft. McHenry data http://opendap.co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/stations/stationData.jsp?id=8574680 and http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/geo.shtml?location=21201<br />
<br />
Feed data to:<br />
* weather underground http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/index.asp<br />
* Citizen Weather Observer Program http://www.wxqa.com/ and http://www.findu.com/<br />
* NOAA http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/coop/ & other programs<br />
* Local marinas & sailing centers:<br />
** downtownsailing.org<br />
<br />
Installation locations:<br />
* downtownsailing.org at Baltimore Museum of Industry, Riverside/Locust Point.<br />
* Marinas<br />
<br />
===== Display stations =====<br />
Build a small display station with LCD display from salvaged laptop showing wind, waves, sever-weather/radar, etc. for the Inner Harbor. Install at marinas, etc.<br />
<br />
== AM Radio Transmitter ==<br />
You don't need any sort of licensing to broadcast on AM frequencies if your transmitter is 100 milliwatts or less. A transmitter with a basic wire antenna can get 50 to 200 feet of range, however a more substantial outdoor antenna can transmit as far as two miles. I would be interested in setting up an internet radio station and then using multiple transmitters to broadcast that station over AM around Baltimore. The transmitter stations would require enough computing resources to connect to the internet in some way, decode an internet radio stream, and output an audio signal to the AM transmitter. The transmitters themselves can be purchased for about $75-100 dollars, but it's possible we could construct a transmitter from plans for much cheaper. Five to ten well placed transmitters could cover a significant amount Baltimore city. <br />
* [http://www.sstran.com/index.html Transmitter Information]<br />
<br />
===== Steps =====<br />
<br />
* Setup a stream<br />
* Build an Arduino/xbee that dials into the stream and outputs audio<br />
* Connect audio with AM transmitter<br />
* Build a nice case with antennae(s)<br />
* Replicate and distribute<br />
* Broadcast to the masses<br />
<br />
===== Hacker Radio Broadcast topics =====<br />
<br />
* Freeculture<br />
* DIY discussions<br />
* Copyright law<br />
* Opensource<br />
* Coverage of local events<br />
* Creative Commons music show?<br />
<br />
== Intervention at Baltimore Development Collective's geodesic dome ==<br />
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/artbma/3620589054/ This dome] is a finalist in the Sondheim Artscape Prize. It's located in front of the Baltimore Museum of Art. It is just begging for a techno-art intervention from the Baltimore Node.</div>Sylviachihttps://wiki.baltimorenode.org/index.php?title=Project_Proposals&diff=97Project Proposals2009-06-27T04:15:47Z<p>Sylviachi: intervention now!</p>
<hr />
<div>== Bicycle POV LED ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGBike-POV-Open-project/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1x ATMega328p / ATMega168 microcontroller<br />
* 1x TLC5940 / TLC5941, 16 PWM Ouput LED driver<br />
* 16x Superflux RGB LEDs<br />
* 1x A3213<br />
* 3x PN2222, NPN transistors<br />
* Assorted resistors, capacitors, tact switches and connectors (check schematic and board layout)<br />
<br />
== Gorilla Marketing ==<br />
HonFest marks the beginning of the festival season. While its too late to get booth at any of these events its not too late to make our presence known. What if we had a workshop where we made some sort of gorilla marketing device. One way to go would be some sort electronic apparel, like an ambient orb hat or some kind of musical shirt, etc. Or it could follow examples of other gorilla marketers like the [http://www.bikesagainstbush.com/blog/about.php|chalk printing bicycle] or a flashing LED signs (WARNING: Not sure if the Baltimore police are as reactionary as the [http://laughingsquid.com/aqua-teen-hunger-force-promo-causes-panic-in-boston| Boston police].) Something simple, fun and easy to individualize. Why not tell people about the newly energized Baltimore Hacker community?<br />
<br />
== Ambient Orb ==<br />
<br />
==== Examples: ====<br />
<br />
* http://fightpc.blogspot.com/2008/03/arduino-mood-light.html<br />
* http://www.instructables.com/id/Mobius_LED_Lantern/<br />
<br />
==== Parts: ====<br />
<br />
* 1 x Arduino or Clone ~$20-$30<br />
* 1 x Some Sort of Difuser. i.e. Frosted lamp, saran wrap, etc. $0-A lot<br />
* 1+ LED's high or low power<br />
** Low Power LED: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=105<br />
*** Does not require extra parts<br />
** http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8718<br />
*** High Power LED: External power source: http://store.gravitech.us/waadswposu12.html<br />
*** Heatsink<br />
<br />
== Weather Instruments and Networks ==<br />
<br />
Build weather instruments, assemble into a weather station using wifi, etc. Install around Inner Harbor, and "Northwest Harbor" (Canton). Especially wind and waves for sailors. <br />
<br />
Instruments, compare with Ft. McHenry data http://opendap.co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/stations/stationData.jsp?id=8574680 and http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/geo.shtml?location=21201<br />
<br />
Feed data to:<br />
* weather underground http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/index.asp<br />
* Citizen Weather Observer Program http://www.wxqa.com/ and http://www.findu.com/<br />
* NOAA http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/coop/ & other programs<br />
* Local marinas & sailing centers:<br />
** downtownsailing.org<br />
<br />
Installation locations:<br />
* downtownsailing.org at Baltimore Museum of Industry, Riverside/Locust Point.<br />
* Marinas<br />
<br />
===== Display stations =====<br />
Build a small display station with LCD display from salvaged laptop showing wind, waves, sever-weather/radar, etc. for the Inner Harbor. Install at marinas, etc.<br />
<br />
== AM Radio Transmitter ==<br />
You don't need any sort of licensing to broadcast on AM frequencies if your transmitter is 100 milliwatts or less. A transmitter with a basic wire antenna can get 50 to 200 feet of range, however a more substantial outdoor antenna can transmit as far as two miles. I would be interested in setting up an internet radio station and then using multiple transmitters to broadcast that station over AM around Baltimore. The transmitter stations would require enough computing resources to connect to the internet in some way, decode an internet radio stream, and output an audio signal to the AM transmitter. The transmitters themselves can be purchased for about $75-100 dollars, but it's possible we could construct a transmitter from plans for much cheaper. Five to ten well placed transmitters could cover a significant amount Baltimore city. <br />
* [http://www.sstran.com/index.html Transmitter Information]<br />
<br />
===== Steps =====<br />
<br />
* Setup a stream<br />
* Build an Arduino/xbee that dials into the stream and outputs audio<br />
* Connect audio with AM transmitter<br />
* Build a nice case with antennae(s)<br />
* Replicate and distribute<br />
* Broadcast to the masses<br />
<br />
===== Hacker Radio Broadcast topics =====<br />
<br />
* Freeculture<br />
* DIY discussions<br />
* Copyright law<br />
* Opensource<br />
* Coverage of local events<br />
* Creative Commons music show?<br />
<br />
=== Intervention at Baltimore Development Collective's geodesic dome ===<br />
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/artbma/3620589054/ This dome] is a finalist in the Sondheim Artscape Prize. It's located in front of the Baltimore Museum of Art. It is just begging for a techno-art intervention from the Baltimore Node.</div>Sylviachi