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Arch Reactor Blog

    BrushBot has Evolved to AgitatorBot!

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    It's somewhat effective...

    One of the members at the space was working on some circuit boards, but they were taking a long time to etch because there was no agitator (being just a tupperware bowl and some muratic acid rather than a proper etching tank). He was walking over to the bowl every few minutes and giving it a swirl. Deech came up with a unique solution.

    Deech noticed our faithful little brush bot. (This guy: http://www.amazon.com/Toysmith-4574-4M-Brush-Robot/dp/B002EWYEHW)

    He was a toy that a well meaning relative gave Deech for a small gift, which was put together and left at the space for giggles.

    Turns out, without the brush, he hooked perfectly over the rim and happily ran around the edge, setting up nice standing waves in the bowl and causing the board to rotate slowly. In short, he worked like he was designed for it. Plus, googly eyes.

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    Autonomous Robot Race Results

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    Categories:

    • Fastest Lap - George with a 20 second time
    • First to cross finish line (all racing at once) - George
    • Endurance (Most Laps) - Niels won with 10+ laps and he most likely could have gone further but we stopped it.
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    Pi and Cookies with Ben Nuttall of the Raspberry Pi Foundation

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    Ben Nuttall of the Raspberry Pi Foundation will be visiting Arch Reactor as he continues on his journey from NYC to Salt Lake City!  Ben is visiting various hackerspaces, schools, and other community spaces for his 2014 US Tour.  Bring your Pi projects to show off and learn more about the Raspberry Pi.

    Come join us Friday, Aug 15th for a night of Pi and cookies.

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    Shapeoko Build Progress

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    Chris has completed our new Shapeoko and run a few test jobs.  On July 29th we will have a Shapeoko Workshop night where we will do training.  That night we will teach you how to use design software like Easel to produce a simple bottle opener.

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    Educators Use Maker Movement To Spark Student Interest In STEM Careers

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    Photo by: Sarah Darby/Missouri Business Alert

    Missouri Business Alert has published a great article discussing the Bright Ideas Expo and Arch Reactor's involvment.

    http://missouribusinessalert.com/industry/45489/2014/06/24/educators-use-maker-movement-to-spark-student-interest-in-stem-careers/

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    Arch Reactor to Host Instructables Dremel Build Night!

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    Instructables and Dremel have selected Arch Reactor as one of its locations to host a build night to learn how to use Dremel tools and create awesome things!

    We will be Dremel-ing and writing up our projects for others to learn via doing through the power of sharing knowledge. After a 15 minute safety demonstration, we will have five Dremel rotary tools with accessory kits and three Dremel reciprocating tools to make a mountain of awesome projects! We have a lot of things at Arch Reactor that could serve as the foundation for projects, but we want your ideas, your participation, and your projects to shine here. Bring any materials you may have and transform them into science, art, or something unique.

    All are welcome. Check the Arch Reactor Calendar in July for the event datea and start time. There will be a mandatory 15 minute safety demonstration at the start of the build night.
    Update: Tuesday, July 15th is the date. Show up as early as 7 pm to get started. If you can't make it until later, show up when you can. We have plenty of Dremel Tools to share.

    Come out and build things with Dremel tools and learn how to make your projects a reality fast!  See you there!

    Update 6/22/2014: Below is a photo of the package of tools and accessories that have arrived for the Build Night.

                                       

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    Shapeoko CNC Mill

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    Inventables is giving Arch Reactor a Shapeoko CNC mill kit!  The parts have arrived, and we'll be scheduling an assembly event soon.  

    Inventables is also providing materials for us to host a workshop on how to use their Easel design system.  When we get a firm date on when those materials will arrive, we'll schedule that workshop.

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    Arduino Class

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    The next Arduino class has been scheduled!  It will be Sundays from 7/13 to 8/3 at 7PM
     
    No microcontroller, programming or electronics experience needed. 
    If you have an Arduino (or some clone) bring it, otherwise come and learn which would be best for you. Free, but please RSVP to directorofeducation@archreactor.org . Questions can also be sent to that address. There is no cost for the class.
     
    • July 13th Intro, flashing LEDs, serial communication
    • July 20th LCDs, third party ICs, I2c and SPI protocols
    • July 27st Multiple voltages, wireless communication, controlling AC, DC motors
    • Aug. 3rd Free day for catch up or topic of participant's interest

    If you attended the workshop at the Bright Idea Expo, you can find the powerpoint and code on our github repository

     

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    Bright Ideas Expo

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    Looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend at the expo.  We will have a table with some various demos and Chris Weiss will be hosting some introductory Arduino workshops.

     

    UPDATE:

    The powerpoint and code used for the Arudino Workshop is now available at https://github.com/ArchReactor/ArduinoIntro

     

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    Arduino-based Car Sensor

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    Member Michael Kuba made a writeup on a DIY sensor and display to display the boost in his turbocharged car. More info at http://archreactor.org/project/carduino.

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