Events

Our public night at the space, happens every Tuesday at 7pm.

Come out and meet the artists, tinkerers and technologists that make up Protospace while refining your own project ideas.

While membership to Protospace is $50 a month, our Meet&Geek nights are free.

CAD: Introduction to 3D CAD (Fusion)

Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 9:01 AM

Class #11241, Course #253

Learn how to design (model) a simple object in three dimensions, using Fusion 360. (Important: There are steps you must complete before the course.)

In order to create a physical object on the Tormach CNC Mill, first you need to create a digital representation of what you’re going to create: a 3D model. To do that, you need the knowledge and skills that you can get in this course. (While primarily designed for members wanting to work on the Tormach, the principles are valuable for all forms of 3D production, including CNC wood routing or 3D printing.)

Course Content

This course covers:

• the best practices in 3D CAD
• the meaning of design intent
• how different design choices will influence the quality of your model
• process of 3D modelling
• use of Fusion 360
• tips and tricks.

Alternatives

Before training on or using the Tormach, you will need to understand 3D CAD design — hence this course. If you already have experience with Fusion 360, or another suitable 3D-CAD/CAM program, you do not need to take this course. Autodesk, post-secondary schools, and commercial training firms offer self-paced and instructor-led training, so if you have already gone through the Fusion 360 training content on your own, you do not need to attend this course.

However, note that 2D programs such as Draftsight or Illustrator, or sketching tools like SketchUp are not sufficient.

Mandatory Prerequisites

• You must be a Protospace member with no overdue payments.
• You must install and configure Fusion 360 in advance, not during the class time. If you plan to use a Protospace lab computer, you must come the day before and configure it as needed. We recommend that you bring your own laptop. Licensing information is below.
• Before attending, you must review the introduction document from Autodesk found at http://autode.sk/01_introduction

Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is Autodesk’s cloud-based 3D design software. Autodesk offers free, one-year access to all “start ups”, such as hobbyists, and you can renew indefinitely.

• Product overview: http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview
• Youtube overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpuVfUrPb4U
• (required) Trial/Download: http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/try-buy
• Licensing Instructions: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-activate-start-up-or-educational-licensing-for-Fusion-360.html
• (required) Introductory lesson: http://autode.sk/01_introduction

Presented by: Danny P

Cost: $20.00

Laser: Cutting and Engraving

Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 10:00 AM

Class #11215, Course #247

Learn how to make things using “frickin’ laser beams”!

You will learn how our first laser cutter (the “Rabbit”) operates, how to use the Lasercut 6.0 control software, how to treat the machine and the expectations for all users. The “Rabbit” (named for the Chinese brand that made most of it’s orginal components) is the oldest and largest of our laser cutter/engravers. This course is the entry point into using laser tools at Protospace, and it is required before using the Rabbit, or any of the other laser tools.

The class concludes with a hand-on walk-through of using the equipment. There is usually an opportunity for at least some participants to try cutting or engraving after the presentation. “Class time” usually runs 75-90 minutes, plus whatever additional time the participants which to spend practicing.

The course does NOT cover CAD programs or software used to create files to be cut on the laser.

This course is open to members who meet these conditions:

• Vetted members (keyholders) only,
• Completed the New Member Orientation and Basic Shop Safety workshop,
• Must have no dues or other payments overdue.

If you are still a probationary member you may still attend the course if space is available, but you will not receive a laser computer login until all requirements are filled.

Questions should be sent to laser@protospace.ca. The course materials are updated from time to time and the current published version can be found at https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By-vvp6fxFekczJxbDFqTEdUZWc.

Presented by: Brian Q

Cost: $5.00

Class #11275, Course #247

Learn how to make things using “frickin’ laser beams”!

You will learn how our first laser cutter (the “Rabbit”) operates, how to use the Lasercut 6.0 control software, how to treat the machine and the expectations for all users. The “Rabbit” (named for the Chinese brand that made most of it’s orginal components) is the oldest and largest of our laser cutter/engravers. This course is the entry point into using laser tools at Protospace, and it is required before using the Rabbit, or any of the other laser tools.

The class concludes with a hand-on walk-through of using the equipment. There is usually an opportunity for at least some participants to try cutting or engraving after the presentation. “Class time” usually runs 75-90 minutes, plus whatever additional time the participants which to spend practicing.

The course does NOT cover CAD programs or software used to create files to be cut on the laser.

This course is open to members who meet these conditions:

• Vetted members (keyholders) only,
• Completed the New Member Orientation and Basic Shop Safety workshop,
• Must have no dues or other payments overdue.

If you are still a probationary member you may still attend the course if space is available, but you will not receive a laser computer login until all requirements are filled.

Questions should be sent to laser@protospace.ca. The course materials are updated from time to time and the current published version can be found at https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By-vvp6fxFekczJxbDFqTEdUZWc.

Presented by: Byron H

Cost: $5.00

Class #11247, Course #249

This is the essential introduction to Protospace. You must take this course to use “any tool bigger than a screwdriver.” Pre-registration is not normally required, just drop in.

Presented by: Byron H

Cost: Free for members!

Class #11268, Course #391

This course will provide a jumpstart into programming C++ (The native language of Arduino) using the Arduino IDE.

This is a basic, introductory course. More complex programming cases may be covered in a future next-level course.

The cost of this class includes your very own ESP8266 and Temperature/Humidity sensor to take home! (Wemos D1 Mini + SHT30 shield)

What’s Covered:

• Your very own Arduino-Compatible ESP8266 Wemos D1 Mini (Microcontroller with WiFi) + Temperature/Humidity sensor to take home
• How to write your first C++ (Arduino) firmware
• How to work with Arduino IDE Libraries
• How to connect your ESP8266 to WiFi
• Best practices for single-threaded microcontroller programming (at a beginner level)
• Why the “blink” example program is evil
• How to set up your sensor to read out temperature and humidity to the serial port
• How to make your live sensor information available to a web browser or smartphone

Timing:

• The class is expected to take about 3 hours.

Requirements:

• Bring Your Own Computer!
• Your computer will need the latest Arduino IDE installed
  • Get the IDE from https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software (Do not choose web editor)
  • Do this BEFORE the class.
• Your IDE will need the esp8266/Arduino Board Manager URL loaded
  • Open Preferences and paste the link below into the “Additional Boards Manager URLs” box. If there is already a non-esp8266 URL in here, click the button to the right of the box to add a new URL without erasing the existing one, once entered click OK
  • After the URL is saved, go to Tools > Board > Board Manager
  • In the Filter box, type “esp”
  • When “esp8266 by ESP8266 Community” appears, click “Select Version” and then 2.4.0, click Install.
  • Do all of this BEFORE the class.
  • URL: https://github.com/esp8266/Arduino/releases/download/2.4.0/package_esp8266com_index.json
• Mac Users: The USB-to-Serial chip on the Wemos D1 Mini is not directly compatible with macOS. If you wish to use a mac, you will need to install the CH340G drivers for macOS. This is not necessarily an easy task as there are versions of the driver that could crash or compromise your system. If you need a hand with this, see me on a Tuesday night open house, with your Mac. Windows users please ignore all of this, Windows is plug-and-play for this chip.

Presented by: Kai T

Cost: $25.00

Class #11267, Course #249

This is the essential introduction to Protospace. You must take this course to use “any tool bigger than a screwdriver.” Pre-registration is not normally required, just drop in.

Presented by: Katryna C

Cost: Free for members!

Course Information

Class #11253, Course #361

Learn to Solder

Soldering is a basic skill for assembling any project that involves electrical or electronic components. The good news is that it’s not hard to learn, and anyone can do it!

In this class, we will begin with an interactive discussion about soldering, along with some slides covering a bit of theory about how we use heat to make good, solid, long lasting connections. Questions are encouraged. We will examine some Do’s and Don’ts in soldering electronics, and then get right into soldering a small project, with instructors to coach you, and answer any questions.

The discussion lasts for around an hour and the coach will be available for at least another hour, but you can stay and work on your project as long as you like.

Participants can choose from one of the following kits:

• Flickery Flame Soldering Kit (Perfect for Halloween, or just for fun)*
• Breadboard Voltage Regulator Kit (Useful if you’re making electronics projects)
• The Solarbotics Learn to Solder Kit (Basic, but has pretty flashing lights!)

(We may from time to time have other options available, like the Make Robot, or the ENTS Rocket). Please email byron.hynes@protospace.ca at least two days before the class to select your option. Participants who do not specify will be supplied with an available kit of our choice.)

We will primarily be using Protospace’s Soldering/Rework stations (https://www.gqelectronicsllc.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4432), but to make sure everyone can work efficiently, the instructors will bring similar soldering stations. If you have your own soldering iron/station, you should bring it to learn your own tools.

Note: because of limited number of soldering stations, space in electronics, and kits supplied, seats may not be held. You must pay to be registered. Drop-ins and late payments will not be able to participate.

Presented by: Barrie D

Cost: $15.00

Class #11276, Course #321

Description

This is the required course to use the Trotec laser engraver (the shiny new red one). The Trotec is faster, more reliable, and capable of engraving greyscale nuances from an image or vector file in a single pass. It is a different class of machine than the older, “Rabbit” laser that we are used to.

Members trained on the Trotec have 6 hours of use per month included in their membership Additional hours are billed at extra cost. (Discounted prepayments are available.) You can also reserve time on the Trotec.

Although this course has a cost, you aslo get another 15 free hours to use anytime after you are trained. (See the minutes of the Jan 2018) meeting if you want more details.

Coure Prerequisites:

• Completed New Member Orientation and General Safety
• Completed the Rabbit laser training course
• Membership dues current, and no other fees owing to Protospace

Requirements to use the Trotec:

• Complete this course.
• Complete a short practical project, with help or supervision, that includes a cut and an engrave
• Agreement to the Trotec policies laid out here:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By-vvp6fxFekUF9WZG9jaFdwMHc

Note:

• This Course still under construction. Bear with us as we iron out wrinkles.

Cost:

• There is a $40 fee for this course, however, those who take this course (and pay the fee) have an extra 15 hours of Trotec time, that does not expire.

Presented by: Byron H

Cost: $40.00

Tormach: CAM and Tormach Intro

Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 9:02 AM

Class #11242, Course #259

This course prepares you to use our CNC Tormach Mill.

Course Schedule

Training for the Tormach (CNC Mill) consists of three sections.

1. Classroom Session
   • milling and machining basics
   • introductory CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing)
   • This classroom-based session lasts about four hours.
2. CAM File preparation
   • CAM is the software used to generate the g-code programs that the CNC mill executes to run the job.
   • All participants will use Mach 3 (our g-code pre-processor) to prepare files for the Tormach itself.
3. Tormach Practical
   • You will learn how to start up, shut down and clean up the machine
   • You will perform a practical cut and make a set of sacrificial jaws from aluminium.
   • The actual cutting project will be scheduled in pairs AFTER completing the first part of the course.
   • Most participants need 3 to 4 hours to complete the project with their co-participant. Therefore, many participants will complete the project on a different day.

Special Requirements (Software)

This course will use Fusion 360 which can be downloaded and installed for free from Autodesk. If you are not attending a Protospace 3D CAD course before this course, please complete some of the tutorials and have a good understanding of how to use the program. If you are unable to use your CAD software at the start of the class, you will not be allowed to continue.

Prerequisites and Eligibility

This course is only available to keyholders (vetted members in good standing).

Prior to this course, you must have completed the Protospace lathe training or been specifically approved.

Cost

The course requires payment of the fee, and a contribution of 1 coffee.

• The fee covers the cost of material for the project, and 3/8″ 2 flute end-mill that is yours to keep.
• The coffee payment (large, 1 cream, one artificial sweetener) is due at the start of the practical portion of the course.
  Further coffee may be required to those who supervise or help with your first job personal job or project.

Tool use after training

• Using the Tormach correctly involves understanding a lot of new information, and the cost of a mistake could be exorbitantly high (damage to the machine and your project). Therefore, the first job or two that you do the Tormach must be supervised until you demonstrate skill and confidence with machine and the workflow of using it.

Presented by: Danny P

Cost: $40.00

Class #11242, Course #259

This course prepares you to use our CNC Tormach Mill.

Course Schedule

Training for the Tormach (CNC Mill) consists of three sections.

1. Classroom Session
   • milling and machining basics
   • introductory CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing)
   • This classroom-based session lasts about four hours.
2. CAM File preparation
   • CAM is the software used to generate the g-code programs that the CNC mill executes to run the job.
   • All participants will use Mach 3 (our g-code pre-processor) to prepare files for the Tormach itself.
3. Tormach Practical
   • You will learn how to start up, shut down and clean up the machine
   • You will perform a practical cut and make a set of sacrificial jaws from aluminium.
   • The actual cutting project will be scheduled in pairs AFTER completing the first part of the course.
   • Most participants need 3 to 4 hours to complete the project with their co-participant. Therefore, many participants will complete the project on a different day.

Special Requirements (Software)

This course will use Fusion 360 which can be downloaded and installed for free from Autodesk. If you are not attending a Protospace 3D CAD course before this course, please complete some of the tutorials and have a good understanding of how to use the program. If you are unable to use your CAD software at the start of the class, you will not be allowed to continue.

Prerequisites and Eligibility

This course is only available to keyholders (vetted members in good standing).

Prior to this course, you must have completed the Protospace lathe training or been specifically approved.

Cost

The course requires payment of the fee, and a contribution of 1 coffee.

• The fee covers the cost of material for the project, and 3/8″ 2 flute end-mill that is yours to keep.
• The coffee payment (large, 1 cream, one artificial sweetener) is due at the start of the practical portion of the course.
  Further coffee may be required to those who supervise or help with your first job personal job or project.

Tool use after training

• Using the Tormach correctly involves understanding a lot of new information, and the cost of a mistake could be exorbitantly high (damage to the machine and your project). Therefore, the first job or two that you do the Tormach must be supervised until you demonstrate skill and confidence with machine and the workflow of using it.

Presented by: Danny P

Cost: $40.00

Class #11265, Course #249

This is the essential introduction to Protospace. You must take this course to use “any tool bigger than a screwdriver.” Pre-registration is not normally required, just drop in.

Presented by: Byron H

Cost: Free for members!

Class #11271, Course #399

How to Make Maker Videos that Don’t Suck

In this workshop, we’ll cover techniques you can use to produce better, more watchable maker videos. Become the next Simone Giertz, or Alec Steele, or throw together a crowdfunding video.

This will be a very hands-on course and participants will be acting in their own maker videos on the day of the course. You and your face will be on camera (one of the things you will learn is to never, ever make a “hey guys” disembodied hands video). This course is not recommended for introverts.

Bring whatever camera gear you own, even if that’s just a smartphone and some LEGO to prop it up on. Also bring a project you’ve recently worked on at Protospace. As part of the class, you’ll be shooting a quick, 1-3 minute video talking about it, or the tools you used to create it.

The emphasis of this course will be on the shooting of Maker videos (staging, lighting, sound, camera work, and what to do with your hands. We’ll touch lightly on editing. (The vast majority of bad videos are bad because they’re ruined before anyone even pressed record. Editing can’t fix that, anyway.)

Steve will be demoing editing workflows using iMovie for iOS, iMovie for MacOS, Final Cut Pro, and a brief look at Adobe Premiere, but the methods work with any reasonably capable editing software. That said, if you have any of these applications, bring them with you for some hands on editing training.

Course length

4 hours.
1 hour of classroom time, 3 hours making a video.

Prerequisites

• A video camera (even a phone).
• A project or tool to talk about.
• Willingness to appear on camera.

Presented by: Steve T

Cost: $5.00

Class #11277, Course #321

Description

This is the required course to use the Trotec laser engraver (the shiny new red one). The Trotec is faster, more reliable, and capable of engraving greyscale nuances from an image or vector file in a single pass. It is a different class of machine than the older, “Rabbit” laser that we are used to.

Members trained on the Trotec have 6 hours of use per month included in their membership Additional hours are billed at extra cost. (Discounted prepayments are available.) You can also reserve time on the Trotec.

Although this course has a cost, you aslo get another 15 free hours to use anytime after you are trained. (See the minutes of the Jan 2018) meeting if you want more details.

Coure Prerequisites:

• Completed New Member Orientation and General Safety
• Completed the Rabbit laser training course
• Membership dues current, and no other fees owing to Protospace

Requirements to use the Trotec:

• Complete this course.
• Complete a short practical project, with help or supervision, that includes a cut and an engrave
• Agreement to the Trotec policies laid out here:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By-vvp6fxFekUF9WZG9jaFdwMHc

Note:

• This Course still under construction. Bear with us as we iron out wrinkles.

Cost:

• There is a $40 fee for this course, however, those who take this course (and pay the fee) have an extra 15 hours of Trotec time, that does not expire.

Presented by: Byron H

Cost: $40.00

Metal: Metal Cutting & Manual Lathe

Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 9:00 AM

Class #11232, Course #281

This course will cover safety, metal cutting, cutting tools, grinding HSS bits, work-holding, and lathe operation.

Although the course will cover cutting of iron, mild steel, and aluminum.

It consists of a 4 hour-ish lecture (9am-1pm) followed by an individual project.

Basic shop safety is a pre-requisite. The project is optional for people with previous experience on a metal lathe – talk to the instructor. The materials and tools required for the project is supplied, although an investment of $10-$50 in your own cutting bits will be required over time as you work on your own projects. Minimum 8 students must be registered to hold the class. Maximum of 20 may attend.

Presented by: John W

Cost: $10.00

Metal: Manual Mill & Advanced Lathe

Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 9:00 AM

Class #11236, Course #283

This will cover some advanced metal lathe techniques – things like power feeding, single point threading, and working with different types of metal. In addition, it will cover the manual mill including: milling bits, work holding, speeds and feeds, basic DRO usage, and machine operation. This will be a 3 hour-ish lecture (9am-12pm) followed by an individual project. The “Metal – Working with the Lathe” course is a pre-requisite. The project is optional for people with previous experience on a metal milling machine – talk to the instructor. The materials and tools required for the project is supplied, although an investment of $20-$100 in your own cutting bits will be required over time as you work on your own projects. Minimum 8 students must be registered to hold the class. Maximum of 20 may attend.

Presented by: John W

Cost: $10.00

Protospace Members: Visit https://my.protospace.ca/school to register!

Class #11252, Course #361

Learn to Solder

Soldering is a basic skill for assembling any project that involves electrical or electronic components. The good news is that it’s not hard to learn, and anyone can do it!

In this class, we will begin with an interactive discussion about soldering, along with some slides covering a bit of theory about how we use heat to make good, solid, long lasting connections. Questions are encouraged. We will examine some Do’s and Don’ts in soldering electronics, and then get right into soldering a small project, with instructors to coach you, and answer any questions.

The discussion lasts for around an hour and the coach will be available for at least another hour, but you can stay and work on your project as long as you like.

Participants can choose from one of the following kits:

• Flickery Flame Soldering Kit (Perfect for Halloween, or just for fun)*
• Breadboard Voltage Regulator Kit (Useful if you’re making electronics projects)
• The Solarbotics Learn to Solder Kit (Basic, but has pretty flashing lights!)

(We may from time to time have other options available, like the Make Robot, or the ENTS Rocket). Please email byron.hynes@protospace.ca at least two days before the class to select your option. Participants who do not specify will be supplied with an available kit of our choice.)

We will primarily be using Protospace’s Soldering/Rework stations (https://www.gqelectronicsllc.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4432), but to make sure everyone can work efficiently, the instructors will bring similar soldering stations. If you have your own soldering iron/station, you should bring it to learn your own tools.

Note: because of limited number of soldering stations, space in electronics, and kits supplied, seats may not be held. You must pay to be registered. Drop-ins and late payments will not be able to participate.

Presented by: Barrie D

Cost: $15.00