[57north-announce] 57North Newsletter - August 2014
Iain R. Learmonth
irl at fsfe.org
Wed Aug 13 15:32:52 UTC 2014
Hi,
Please find attached the newsletter of 57North Hacklab, Aberdeen's
hackerspace, for July 2014. If you have any stories you'd like to see in the
next newsletter, please send an email to irl at fsfe.org with the details.
Please feel free to distribute this newsletter as you see fit.
Iain.
--
e: irl at fsfe.org w: iain.learmonth.me
x: irl at jabber.fsfe.org t: +447875886930
c: MM6MVQ g: IO87we
p: 1F72 607C 5FF2 CCD5 3F01 600D 56FF 9EA4 E984 6C49
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[1mAugust 2014[0m
[4m1.[24m [4mWelcome[0m
Welcome to the monthly 57North newsletter. This is the
second issue of this newsletter and it contains news about
the space, news about projects and news about our members.
It also contains a list of upcoming events for your diary.
If you would like something included in the next issue of
the newsletter, please send an email to irl at fsfe.org.
[4m2.[24m [4mAmateur[24m [4mRadio[24m [4mLicensing[0m
Since having more radio activities in the space, there has
been interest from members in becoming licensed to use the
radios. On Thursday 7th August, irl and adventureloop
visited the radio club and met with Peter Thomson GM1XEA who
runs the training and examination. irl returned on the
Saturday and has already got two of his practical activities
completed and is on his way to his Intermediate license and
adventureloop will be starting a Foundation course in
September. Nordin will also be taking a Foundation course
and hibby will be doing the Intermediate course when he
August 2014 Page 1
57North Hacklab https://57north.co/
returns from the desert.
+o Local radio club: http://aars.org.uk/
+o Radios wiki page: https://57north.co/wiki/Radio
[4m3.[24m [4mMember[24m [4mUpdate:[24m [4mhibby[0m
I've been making structured cabling and then phone systems
work in the desert all week. It's been groovy and
frustrating.
Here's a funny story of the stuff I come up against.
I've got rows upon rows of these:
http://i.imgur.com/XBNdsVO.jpg - 3 or 4x 3570x switches,
10gbit fibre connection back to a few
http://i.imgur.com/ixIHhpw.jpg 6509s in a few cabinets. I've
been trying to work out why there's so much fine dust (like
microsand) in the cabinets. The buildings were sealed and
sandtight before the telecoms kit was installed.
I had a chat with the HVAC guy to check the filters -
nothing unusual comes up. Ignore it for a day. Over
dinner, I had a conversation with another vendor who's been
here a while. "Oh yeah, sand? it's everywhere. The HVAC
wasn't done, so they covered all the cabinets in plastic
wrap and took the main doors off the hinges to get airflow
for the technicians".
Good - they sealed it all off. What they didn't seal off was
the false floor, so all the sand and dust, under the
influence of gravity and losing speed due to the slower air
came to rest there. Now, several weeks later, there are
cabinets pulling air through their bottoms (ooh! pardon?)
from a void containing sandy dust beneath. Yellow kit ahoy!
It could be a big problem: http://i.imgur.com/ZWAegIS.jpg
(from pre-commissioning storage). I'm sure it'll be fine.
Either way, I'll be on a boat in Trondheim.
For all of how bad I sometimes say it is, the desert has
nice sunrises, http://i.imgur.com/BbvrTxu.jpg, incredible
weather and lots of surprises. Every day's a lesson - when
you're low on resources, creative hacks are your only
solution to so many problems. It's a challenging, hostile
and rewarding environment to live and work in.
Stay tuned on the discussion mailing list for next week's
August 2014 Page 2
57North Hacklab https://57north.co/
exciting installation about how much fun it is to inspect
the wiring on a black phone in direct sunlight when the air
temperature is over 50C!
[4m4.[24m [4mProject[24m [4mIdea:[24m [4m3D[24m [4mPrinter/CNC[24m [4mMachine[0m
Nordin has a set of 3d printer/CnC miller parts (listed
below) that he would like to see doing something together in
the space. He's giving the parts as an incomplete kit to
the space in the hope that someone can make it into
something groovy. Note: Any completed project using the kit
items collectively must also be donated to the space.
Contact Nordin if you are interested in making a 3d
printer/CnC miller from the parts. Nordin asks that the kit,
if left unclaimed, not be broken up for unrelated projects
for a period of 2 months. Beyond that, individual parts can
be claimed by any current space member.
[4m5.[24m [4mProject[24m [4mIdea:[24m [4mQuadcopter[24m [4mDrone[24m [4mArmy[0m
After being kindly given a Turnigy micro-x quad to play
with, Nordin is seeking other interested parties to build a
drone quad army and is asking if others are interested in
some r/c quad fun? The goal is to achieve an airbone version
of those line-following robots using principles from
stigmergy rather than a control structure based on complex
representations etc.
The suggested quad is cheap, standards complaint and most
hackable, having an Arduino 328p flight controller powered
by MultWiii firmware (http://www.multiwii.com/software) and
plenty of spare i/o solder points. Initial plans are to
hook up a cheap DSM2 100mW transmitter circuit (on order) to
a ground Arduino that generates the simple PPM control data
via simple override pots (for now). Beyond that, two
choices:
(1) Explore use of the WiiMote's pixelart i2c camera as
computatively cheap beacon tracking like our moth
colleagues. Case use: Dones, follow that lightbar!
(2) Explore use of i2c gas sensors that follow concentration
gradients, like our puny but clever friends, the ants. Case
use: [Sniff sniff], Wheres that leak! - send the drone(s).
If you're interested, email the discussion list with ideas.
August 2014 Page 3
57North Hacklab https://57north.co/
[4m6.[24m [4mHibby's[24m [4mHoroscope[24m [4mCorner[0m
[4m6.1[24m [4mAries[0m
We start with the ram. You must embody the spirit of your
kind, and channel your strong and stout spirit into your
future this month. In focussing on your goals and locking
horns with your challenges, the energy from Uranus on the
rise shall carry you to glad tidings.
[4m6.2[24m [4mTaurus[0m
Welcome, bull. You have travelled a long way recently, and
the journey is far from over. Fear not, for you are not one
to be milked and you have the great power of Jupiter on your
side. By standing strong in the storm, you can overcome the
fatigue of your woes and continue joyfully.
[4m6.3[24m [4mGemini[0m
The Twins have influenced you deeply, I can feel their
energy emanating from you. With your unique balance of two
conflicting headspaces, you are feeling compelled to appease
everyone and succeeding well.If you can maintain the balance
and control Mercury, you shall do well this month.
[4m6.4[24m [4mCancer[0m
The crab - You are the strong bearer of others pressures,
holding proud against Saturn's onslaught. The sun is in your
transit now, and she is shining upon your good will and has
the power to heal. Enjoy well deserved rest, for you have
been a loyal friend - allow yourself to trust in others for
a change.
[4m6.5[24m [4mLeo[0m
Strong and proud lion, the sun is in your transit also. Take
strength in her golden rays, for they are of the same colour
as you and will recharge your energies if you permit them.
With a warm heart, you can celebrate your time to shine upon
others, for it is now.
[4m6.6[24m [4mVirgo[0m
Maiden, fear not threats from others. Your time is imminent,
with Mercury transitioning to a rise across the duration
August 2014 Page 4
57North Hacklab https://57north.co/
this month. You have felt compromised and intimidated by
others thanks to the recent strength of Neptune, but the
battle can come to an end now - draw pride, strength and
comfort from the victory.
[4m6.7[24m [4mLibra[0m
Much like the scales that represent you, friends have been
relying on you due to your balanced, well considered
opinion. Fear not in relying upon others this month. As
Venus is not feeling strong and the Sun is on the fall, you
have to accept that your weaknesses might be dominating your
headspace. Share this load and you shall find happiness.
[4m6.8[24m [4mScorpio[0m
Scorpion, move quickly and surely this month. Mars may be
intimidating for others, but you can grow with the Red
planet. Drawing on her energy, you can grow yourself and
your push your goals to a new level. With careful planning,
you can achieve lots this month.
[4m6.9[24m [4mSagittarius[0m
Archer, this month is a turbulent period for you. You have
to push forward and keep your eyes on the target - the only
way you can achieve that bullseye is with patience and
careful consideration. You must keep a low profile and your
accomplices close while your Jupiter transits through the
Danger Zone.
[4m6.10[24m [4mCapricorn[0m
Ah, goat - your sun transit is far off, but do not fear
these dark times. You can consider this a time for
introspection and consideration. You may feel far from
friends and loved ones but trust me, once you're reunited,
good times shall follow.
[4m6.11[24m [4mAquarius[0m
Water carrier, your time of subservience is long past. While
the sun is far you can shine, and with the recent movement
of Uranus, you can go far this month. As is typical, you
have to put in hard work and tolerate others, however this
always comes with its own rewards.
August 2014 Page 5
57North Hacklab https://57north.co/
[4m6.12[24m [4mPisces[0m
Ah, fish - come forward. Typically you are a slippery one,
quietly brooding and watching - this month, open yourself up
and draw from Neptune and Jupiter's interaction. While some
argue over whether this is the age of Aquarius or the age of
Pisces, listen not. Be strong and make this your age of
Pisces.
[4m7.[24m [4mUpcoming[24m [4mEvents[0m
Tuesday 19th August 2014
Cryptonoise @ The Illicit Still - 5pm to 7pm
Tuesday 19th August 2014
Open Night @ 57North Hacklab - 7pm to late
Wednesday 20th August 2014
TechMeetup @ Meston Building - 6:30pm to 9pm
Thursday 21st August 2014
AberLUG @ Ma Camerons - 7:30pm to late
Tuesday 26th August 2014
Open Night @ 57North Hacklab - 7pm to late
Tuesday 2nd September 2014
Cryptonoise @ The Illicit Still - 5pm to 7pm
Tuesday 2nd September 2014
Open Night @ 57North Hacklab - 7pm to late
Tuesday 9th September 2014
Open Night @ 57North Hacklab - 7pm to late
Tuesday 16th September 2014
Cryptonoise @ The Illicit Still - 5pm to 7pm
Tuesday 16th September 2014
Open Night @ 57North Hacklab - 7pm to late
You can see all the upcoming events for 57North Hacklab
at https://57north.co/calendar.
August 2014 Page 6
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