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<big>'''Welcome to Bloominglabs, Bloomington's very own hackerspace!'''</big>
 
<big>'''Welcome to Bloominglabs, Bloomington's very own hackerspace!'''</big>
  
Bloominglabs is Indiana's first hackerspace also known as a makerspace. We are a group of community members that have commonly rented a place where we can collectively build projects. We are open to the public on Wednesday evenings from 7pm until 10pm and are family friendly.
+
Bloominglabs is Indiana's first hackerspace (also known as a makerspace). We are a group of community members that have commonly rented a place where we can build projects both collectively and individually. Our space is located at 1609 S. Rogers Street, Building 4. We are open to the public on Wednesday evenings from 7pm until 10pm and are family friendly.
  
Also, a big hackerspace welcome to Club Cyberia, the new Indianapolis hackerspace! This space has been a long time in the making, and is now a reality. Check them out at http://clubcyberia.org/index.php/Main_Page.
+
== Stay informed ==
  
 +
* Sign up to the [http://www.bloominglabs.org/mailman/listinfo/bloominglabs-announce announcement mailing list] to keep up with our group.
 +
* <font color=red>New!</font> We have a [http://www.bloominglabs.org/mailman/listinfo/bloominglabs-discuss discuss mailing list] now.
 +
* Our [https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=bloominglabs%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York  Calendar of events]
 +
* Follow us on Twitter [[Image:Twitter_icon.png]] [http://twitter.com/Bloominglabs @Bloominglabs], [[Image:Facebook icon.png]] [http://www.facebook.com/pages/BloomingLabs/123873197660062?ref=ts Facebook], and [https://plus.google.com/communities/105267599217836498217?gpinv=AMIXal-2hdMvNciF3pyRl26BurSmDyi3qZS9iewT4Sdvpx9KYt3mUlam08ovoQiCUZ_TgOc9EXsRIEBjTNKH8tYT9G2hG6yhJ2J3LlgNC0em8Aca51_xPVM&cfem=1 Google+].
 +
* Checkout photos from past events on [http://www.flickr.com/photos/bloominglabs Flickr]
 +
* Our IRC server is at irc.bloominglabs.org:6667, #hackerspace.
 +
* We can also be reached via old fashioned email at contact (]at[) bloominglabs dot o r g.
 +
* Send us email to get an invite to our [http://bloominglabs.slack.com/ Slack site].
 +
* '''We have a new mailing address!''' P.O. Box 2443, Bloomington, IN 47402
  
 
== Support ==
 
== Support ==
We are a non-profit now! Bloominglabs is incorporated as its own entity in the state of Indiana, and is fiscally sponsored by School Factory, Inc., a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Want to make a donation with PayPal? Please use this link:
+
Bloominglabs Incorporated is a non-profit registered within in the state of Indiana and has 501(c)3 charitable status. Want to make a donation with PayPal? Please use this link:
 
* (Note to members - this link should not be used for paying membership dues)
 
* (Note to members - this link should not be used for paying membership dues)
  
 
<html>
 
<html>
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
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<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
 
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
 
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="EGAUDNW2GTZA6">
+
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="J7WBD5CUBZWVN">
 
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
 
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
 
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
 
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
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Information for our members: this is how we process cash and hardware [[Donations]].
 
Information for our members: this is how we process cash and hardware [[Donations]].
  
 +
== News ==
  
== [[Laser|Laser Cutter]] ==
+
=== Current Events ([[PastEvents]])===
We are currently doing a pledge drive to purchase a laser cutter for Bloominglabs. What can people do with this you might ask?? It can cut light wood and acrylic for rapid prototyping. It can also etch wood, acrylic, and metal. Many objects from iphones to laptops can be directly engraved with a laser. Be sure to [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_FmlorBGqg watch] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN5CvB47fL8 some] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfCZpuFUT4U videos] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arjRtCjI9AQ here], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfohmrM806w here], and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC_Kgs81olQ here].
+
* '''Make a Useless Machine'''
 +
** Email contact ]at[ bloominglabs.org to sign up! Workshops can be taken individually.
 +
**'''Arduino Workshop'''
 +
***1 day, 3 hours of class time
 +
***April 25th, 6:30pm-9:30pm
 +
***The Arduino is a popular, affordable, and accessible microcontroller that can be used in a myriad of projects.
 +
***Learn how to use an Arduino to control LED lights, take inputs from buttons and switches, and drive a stepper motor.
 +
***Learn how to program a microprocessor to control your Useless Machine.
 +
***Bring your own laptop with the free Arduino software installed.
 +
***Cost for non-members: $25 ($15 for the class and $10 for the materials)
 +
***Laptops may be available upon request. All other materials will be provided.
 +
**'''Laser Box Cutting Workshop'''
 +
***2 days, 2 hours of class time plus printing time, shared with 3D Printing Workshop
 +
***May 2nd and 9th, 6:30pm-9:30pm
 +
***Learn the basics of how to use a laser cutter/engraver to make a customized box for your Useless Machine (or for fun) and decorate it in your own style using Inkscape.
 +
***Bring your own laptop with Inkscape installed.
 +
***Cost for non-members: $13 ($10 for the class, $3 for materials and laser time)
 +
**'''3D Printing Workshop'''
 +
***2 days, 2 hours of class time plus printing time, shared with Laser Box Cutting Workshop
 +
***May 2nd and 9th, 6:30pm-9:30pm
 +
***Learn the basics of using a 3d printer so that you can print your own Useless Machine finger, game pieces, specialized parts, cool art pieces, or  whatever you can think of using FreeCAD.
 +
***Bring your own laptop with FreeCAD installed.
 +
***Cost for non-members: $12 ($10 for the class and $2 for materials)
 +
**'''Useless Machine Bundle'''
 +
***Take the above 3 workshops plus come on May 16th from 6:30pm-9:30pm to put it all together
 +
***April 25th, May 2nd, May 9th, May 16th, 6:30pm-9:30pm
 +
***Includes the Arduino Workshop, Laser Box Cutting Workshop, the 3D Printing Workshop, plus one Put It All Together Workshop on the 16th.
 +
***Bring your own laptop with Inkscape, FreeCAD, and the Arduino software installed.
 +
***Cost for non-members: $55 ($35 for the classes and $20 for the materials)
 +
** Laptops may be available on request.
 +
<html>
 +
<form target="paypal" action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
 +
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
 +
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="3ZSMQV8GE6PQQ">
 +
<table>
 +
<tr><td><input type="hidden" name="on0" value="Reserve a spot!">Reserve a spot!</td></tr><tr><td><select name="os0">
 +
<option value="Arduino - Non-member">Arduino - Non-member $25.00 USD</option>
 +
<option value="Laser Cutting - Non-member">Laser Cutting - Non-member $13.00 USD</option>
 +
<option value="3D Printing - Non-member">3D Printing - Non-member $12.00 USD</option>
 +
<option value="Useless Machine Bundle - Non-member">Useless Machine Bundle - Non-member $55.00 USD</option>
 +
<option value="Arduino - Member">Arduino - Member $10.00 USD</option>
 +
<option value="Laser Cutting - Member">Laser Cutting - Member $3.00 USD</option>
 +
<option value="3D Printer - Member">3D Printer - Member $2.00 USD</option>
 +
<option value="Useless Machine Bundle - Member">Useless Machine Bundle - Member $20.00 USD</option>
 +
</select> </td></tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<input type="hidden" name="currency_code" value="USD">
 +
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_cart_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
 +
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
 +
</form>
 +
</html>
  
What laser do we want? We've done our research and we have decided on a [http://fslaser.com/products/lasers/newhobby 5th generation 40W laser Full Spectrum].
+
*'''All About Radio'''
 +
**2 days, 3.5 hours per class, followed by a separate Ham radio testing day for those who wish to pursue licensing
 +
**May 24th and 31st, 6:00pm-9:30pm, Ham testing is Saturday June 4th
 +
**Learn the fundamental principals of radio, how it was discovered, and how it works with visual demonstrations. We will build a solid foundation of knowledge then move up to practical applications and hobbies based around it. Modulation techniques, antennas, scanners, part15 broadasting, Ham radio, and other topics will be covered. Recommended for ages 12 on up.
 +
**Ham radio test-prep will be included. The cost of the Ham VE testing is NOT included in this course ($15).
 +
**Cost for non-members: $30, members are $15.
 +
<html>
 +
<form target="paypal" action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
 +
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
 +
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="P6LCSHVWHZCV2">
 +
<table>
 +
<tr><td><input type="hidden" name="on0" value="Reserve a spot!">Reserve a spot!</td></tr><tr><td><select name="os0">
 +
<option value="All About Radio - Non-member">All About Radio - Non-member $30.00 USD</option>
 +
<option value="All About Radio - Member">All About Radio - Member $15.00 USD</option>
 +
</select> </td></tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<input type="hidden" name="currency_code" value="USD">
 +
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_cart_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
 +
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
 +
</form>
 +
</html>
  
We are very close to reaching our funding goal, please see our [[Laser]] page for the latest info. Care to make a tax deductible donation for this cause? Simply use the above PayPal button and mark the donation for "Bloominglabs Laser Project".
+
*'''Machining Fundamentals'''
 +
**4 days, 3 hours per class. There is a limit of 3 people for this class. There is homework which must be completed before starting the course.
 +
**6/6 (Monday), 6/14 (Tuesday), 6/21 (Tuesday), 6/28 (Tuesday)
 +
**This is a machine tool workshop focusing on manual mill and lathe operations which will get participants started with a basic understanding of these and other related skills. We will start with safety, then cover proper operations of the mill and the lathe. Then we will cover indicating and measurments followed by the project. The project will be an aluminum plumb-bob.
 +
**The cut-off for signing up is May 30th in order to complete the homework in time.
 +
** Cost for non-members: $80, members are $20.
 +
<html>
 +
<form target="paypal" action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
 +
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
 +
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="649K5D2E682ME">
 +
<table>
 +
<tr><td><input type="hidden" name="on0" value="Reserve a spot!">Reserve a spot!</td></tr><tr><td><select name="os0">
 +
<option value="Machining Fundamentals - Non-member">Machining Fundamentals - Non-member $80.00 USD</option>
 +
<option value="Machining Fundamentals - Member">Machining Fundamentals - Member $20.00 USD</option>
 +
</select> </td></tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<input type="hidden" name="currency_code" value="USD">
 +
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_cart_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
 +
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
 +
</form>
 +
</html>
  
== Who are we? ==
+
*'''Makevention'''
Bloominglabs was forged from the Bloomington Hackerspace Initiative and the former IU Robotics Club. We are a bunch of people that want to do interesting things and explore the world and technology around us.
+
**August 27th from 10am to 4pm at the Bloomington Convention Center
*[[Bylaws]]
+
**Come celebrate the DIY spirit with makers from Bloomington and the surrounding communities
 
+
**Do it with us at [http://www.makevention.org Makevention]!
== Stay informed ==
+
* Sign up to the [http://www.bloominglabs.org/mailman/listinfo/bloominglabs-announce announcement mailing list] to keep up with our group.
+
* Our [https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=bloominglabs%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York  Calendar of events]
+
* Follow us on Twitter [[Image:Twitter_icon.png]] [http://twitter.com/Bloominglabs @Bloominglabs]and [[Image:Facebook icon.png]] [http://www.facebook.com/pages/BloomingLabs/123873197660062?ref=ts Facebook].
+
* Checkout photos from past events on [http://www.flickr.com/photos/bloominglabs Flickr]
+
* Our IRC server is at irc.bloominglabs.org:6667, #hackerspace.
+
* We can also be reached via old fashioned email at contact (]at[) bloominglabs dot o r g.
+
 
+
== [[Location|Our Location]] ==
+
 
+
We have 1,000 sq ft of which 750 sq ft is unfinished, cement floor workspace and 250 sq ft is finished office space for hanging out. There's also a full bathroom. The address is 3927 W. Roll Avenue which is just north of 2nd Street up Curry Pike. Come check it out!  [[http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3927+West+Roll+Avenue,+Bloomington,+IN&hl=en&sll=38.244257,-85.738805&sspn=0.010516,0.014913&oq=3927+w+roll+ave,&vpsrc=0&hnear=3927+W+Roll+Ave,+Bloomington,+Indiana+47403&t=h&z=16 MAP]]
+
 
+
== [[Grants]] ==
+
 
+
== Kits For Sale ==
+
 
+
Bloominglabs is a reseller of [http://adafruit.com adafruit] kits and products. See [[KitsForSale]] for details.
+
<p>
+
For members: check out our page about selling things at the workshops at [[SellingThings]] and for calculating sales tax, check out [http://www.zip2tax.com/z2t_lookup.asp?inputZip=47401 Sales Tax Calculator for 47401]
+
 
+
== Workshops/Classes ==
+
Reserve a spot at any of our workshops or classes by sending '''email to contact]at[bloominglabs.org'''.
+
 
+
== Current Events ([[PastEvents]])==
+
 
+
We have '''[[lockers]]''' available for rent now!!
+
 
+
*'''Decorate the 4th Street pedestrian bridge for WCIW!'''
+
**The third week of April is World Creativity & Innovation Week. Bloominglabs is going to celebrate by decorating the pedestrian bridge that runs over 4th Street connecting Fountain Square Mall to the Garage Art parking garage.
+
**We will be meeting at Bloominglabs on Tuesday, April 16th, between 6pm and 10pm to brainstorm and starting building. This is a free, public, all-ages event. Everyone is welcome including art groups who want to be in on the project.
+
**We'll build what we can on Tuesday evening, finish the build on Wednesday and install on Thursday. So come Tueday, bring your ideas, and if you have interesting materials you would like to use, bring those too! See you there!
+
 
+
*'''[[Makevention]]'''
+
** We are in the beginning stages of planning a maker fair in Bloomington called "Makevention"
+
** Keep an eye on our page for more information!
+
  
 
*'''Public Hack Meetings!'''
 
*'''Public Hack Meetings!'''
Line 75: Line 140:
 
** All ages and everyone is welcome
 
** All ages and everyone is welcome
  
== News ==
+
=== Current Initiatives ===
 +
*Space Improvements
 +
**Tool and workspace arrangement
  
* We have acquired a mill. If want to chip in for it, add your pledge to the [[Mill]] page.
+
=== Fund Drives ===
* We are trying to acquire a laser cutter. If you want to chip in for it, add your pledge to the [[Laser]] page.
+
*[[New 3d Printer | A new 3d Printer - probably a Lulzbot Taz 5(2200usd)]]
  
== What is a hacker space? ==
+
== Membership ==
It's a physical location where people can share resources for their own creative pursuits. It's also a resource where people can come in off the street and advance their own knowledge. In urban locations it can often be hard to find places to weld/build/make noise and keep projects on-going without having to tear down and put-up your work each evening. With a hacker space people can work on their projects and not worry about annoying their neighbors or spouses. The social aspect is also an incredibly important component. Having people to bounce ideas off of and discuss your projects with when you get stuck is a great thing.
+
We are accepting memberships! Please see the [[Membership Manual]] for details. If you are a new member please check out the [[New Members]] page as well.
  
== Membership ==
 
We are accepting memberships! Please see the [[Membership Manual]] for details.
 
  
 
== [[Public meetings|Meetings]] ==
 
== [[Public meetings|Meetings]] ==
Currently we meet every Wednesday at 7:00pm at 3927 W. Roll Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana. These meetings are open to the public; anyone is welcome to attend. We usually meet for 2-3 hours and have a lot of fun. Having access to tools is only part of the equation, socializing with people and learning from each other is another large benefit from our group. Pretty much whatever people want to work on or learn is fair game. We currently have an electronics and robotics focus but there's also interest in general science and astronomy as well. If it's cool and interesting then we are all interested.
+
Currently we meet every Wednesday at 7:00pm at 1609 S. Rogers Street Building 4, Bloomington, Indiana. These meetings are open to the public; anyone is welcome to attend. We usually meet for 2-3 hours and have a lot of fun. Having access to tools is only part of the equation, socializing with people and learning from each other is another large benefit from our group. Pretty much whatever people want to work on or learn is fair game. If it's cool and interesting then we are all interested.
  
 
* [[Meeting_Minutes]]
 
* [[Meeting_Minutes]]
 
* [[Bloominglabs Log]] - highlights of Bloominglabs events and news
 
* [[Bloominglabs Log]] - highlights of Bloominglabs events and news
  
== Current Projects ==
 
[[Projects]]
 
  
== What needs to be done yet? ==
+
== [[Laser|Laser Cutter]] ==
Check out the [[Todo]] list to see the latest things we need to get done.
+
We have a laser cutter!! What can people do with this you might ask?? It can cut light wood and acrylic for rapid prototyping. It can also etch wood, acrylic, and metal. Many objects from iphones to laptops can be directly engraved with a laser. Be sure to [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_FmlorBGqg watch] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN5CvB47fL8 some] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfCZpuFUT4U videos] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arjRtCjI9AQ here], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfohmrM806w here], and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC_Kgs81olQ here].
  
Also see who else is working on this project: [[Special:ListUsers]]
+
We have a [http://fslaser.com/products/lasers/newhobby 5th generation 40W laser from Full Spectrum].
 +
 
 +
== Who are we? ==
 +
We are a bunch of people that want to do interesting things and explore the world and technology around us.  Expression of this interest takes at least as many forms as we have members, and often employs an amalgam of found and newly-constructed hardware and/or open-source and self-authored software components, but may be as simple as screwing some pieces of wood together to make a useful tool we don't have yet.
 +
 
 +
Bloominglabs was forged from the Bloomington Hackerspace Initiative and the former IU Robotics Club.
 +
 
 +
* Read our [[Bylaws]] for a more formalized overview
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== What is a hacker space? ==
 +
It's a physical location where people can share resources for their own creative pursuits. It's also a resource where people can come in off the street and advance their own knowledge. In urban locations it can often be hard to find places to weld/build/make noise and keep projects on-going without having to tear down and put-up your work each evening. With a hacker space people can work on their projects and not worry about annoying their neighbors or spouses. The social aspect is also an incredibly important component. Having people to bounce ideas off of and discuss your projects with when you get stuck is a great thing.
  
 
Uploaded files: [[Special:ImageList]]
 
Uploaded files: [[Special:ImageList]]
  
== Nearby Hacker Spaces or initiatives: ==
+
 
 +
== Nearby Hackerspaces/Makerspace or initiatives: ==
 
* [http://clubcyberia.org/index.php/Main_Page Club Cyberia (INDIANAPOLIS!)]
 
* [http://clubcyberia.org/index.php/Main_Page Club Cyberia (INDIANAPOLIS!)]
 +
* <strike>[http://makerspacegoshen.org/ Makerspace Goshen (Goshen Indiana)]</strike>
 +
* [http://castlemakers.org/ Greencastle's Makergroup]
 +
* [http://www.shakmakerspace.com/ The SHAK (Kokomo, Indiana)]
 
* [http://hive13.org Hive13 (Cincinnati, OH)]
 
* [http://hive13.org Hive13 (Cincinnati, OH)]
 
* [http://www.lvl1.org LVL1 (Louisville Kentucky)]
 
* [http://www.lvl1.org LVL1 (Louisville Kentucky)]
Line 114: Line 192:
  
 
== Other Cool Groups in Bloomington ==
 
== Other Cool Groups in Bloomington ==
* [http://www.bloomingtonprintcollective.org/ The Bloomington Print Collective] -- a non-profit community print shop.
+
* <s>[http://www.bloomingtonprintcollective.org/ The Bloomington Print Collective] -- a non-profit community print shop.</s> Closed their doors October of 2015 :(
 
* [http://ifnbloomington.blogspot.com/ Indiana Filmmakers Network] -- provides support, camaraderie and resources to filmmakers.
 
* [http://ifnbloomington.blogspot.com/ Indiana Filmmakers Network] -- provides support, camaraderie and resources to filmmakers.
 
* [http://www.bloomingtonradio.org/ Bloomington Amateur Radio Club]
 
* [http://www.bloomingtonradio.org/ Bloomington Amateur Radio Club]
 
* [http://www.indiana.edu/~k9iu/ Indiana University Amateur Radio Club]
 
* [http://www.indiana.edu/~k9iu/ Indiana University Amateur Radio Club]
 +
* [http://www.iub.edu/~iumakes/index.html IU Makes]
 +
* <s>[http://bfabs.wordpress.com/ Bloomington personal Fabrication Group (IU 3D Printing Club)]</s> (no longer meeting) - also a trac hosted <s>[http://bloominglabs.org/trac/pfab/ here]</s>
 +
* [http://sustain.indiana.edu/programs/hoosier-to-hoosier/index.php The annual Hoosier to Hoosier event (resale trail)]
 +
* [http://www.discardia.org/ Discardia]
 +
* [http://www.presspuzzles.com/ Press (jigsaw) Puzzles]

Revision as of 15:37, 5 May 2016

Welcome to Bloominglabs, Bloomington's very own hackerspace!

Bloominglabs is Indiana's first hackerspace (also known as a makerspace). We are a group of community members that have commonly rented a place where we can build projects both collectively and individually. Our space is located at 1609 S. Rogers Street, Building 4. We are open to the public on Wednesday evenings from 7pm until 10pm and are family friendly.

Contents

Stay informed

Support

Bloominglabs Incorporated is a non-profit registered within in the state of Indiana and has 501(c)3 charitable status. Want to make a donation with PayPal? Please use this link:

  • (Note to members - this link should not be used for paying membership dues)


Information for our members: this is how we process cash and hardware Donations.

News

Current Events (PastEvents)

  • Make a Useless Machine
    • Email contact ]at[ bloominglabs.org to sign up! Workshops can be taken individually.
    • Arduino Workshop
      • 1 day, 3 hours of class time
      • April 25th, 6:30pm-9:30pm
      • The Arduino is a popular, affordable, and accessible microcontroller that can be used in a myriad of projects.
      • Learn how to use an Arduino to control LED lights, take inputs from buttons and switches, and drive a stepper motor.
      • Learn how to program a microprocessor to control your Useless Machine.
      • Bring your own laptop with the free Arduino software installed.
      • Cost for non-members: $25 ($15 for the class and $10 for the materials)
      • Laptops may be available upon request. All other materials will be provided.
    • Laser Box Cutting Workshop
      • 2 days, 2 hours of class time plus printing time, shared with 3D Printing Workshop
      • May 2nd and 9th, 6:30pm-9:30pm
      • Learn the basics of how to use a laser cutter/engraver to make a customized box for your Useless Machine (or for fun) and decorate it in your own style using Inkscape.
      • Bring your own laptop with Inkscape installed.
      • Cost for non-members: $13 ($10 for the class, $3 for materials and laser time)
    • 3D Printing Workshop
      • 2 days, 2 hours of class time plus printing time, shared with Laser Box Cutting Workshop
      • May 2nd and 9th, 6:30pm-9:30pm
      • Learn the basics of using a 3d printer so that you can print your own Useless Machine finger, game pieces, specialized parts, cool art pieces, or whatever you can think of using FreeCAD.
      • Bring your own laptop with FreeCAD installed.
      • Cost for non-members: $12 ($10 for the class and $2 for materials)
    • Useless Machine Bundle
      • Take the above 3 workshops plus come on May 16th from 6:30pm-9:30pm to put it all together
      • April 25th, May 2nd, May 9th, May 16th, 6:30pm-9:30pm
      • Includes the Arduino Workshop, Laser Box Cutting Workshop, the 3D Printing Workshop, plus one Put It All Together Workshop on the 16th.
      • Bring your own laptop with Inkscape, FreeCAD, and the Arduino software installed.
      • Cost for non-members: $55 ($35 for the classes and $20 for the materials)
    • Laptops may be available on request.

Reserve a spot!

  • All About Radio
    • 2 days, 3.5 hours per class, followed by a separate Ham radio testing day for those who wish to pursue licensing
    • May 24th and 31st, 6:00pm-9:30pm, Ham testing is Saturday June 4th
    • Learn the fundamental principals of radio, how it was discovered, and how it works with visual demonstrations. We will build a solid foundation of knowledge then move up to practical applications and hobbies based around it. Modulation techniques, antennas, scanners, part15 broadasting, Ham radio, and other topics will be covered. Recommended for ages 12 on up.
    • Ham radio test-prep will be included. The cost of the Ham VE testing is NOT included in this course ($15).
    • Cost for non-members: $30, members are $15.

Reserve a spot!

  • Machining Fundamentals
    • 4 days, 3 hours per class. There is a limit of 3 people for this class. There is homework which must be completed before starting the course.
    • 6/6 (Monday), 6/14 (Tuesday), 6/21 (Tuesday), 6/28 (Tuesday)
    • This is a machine tool workshop focusing on manual mill and lathe operations which will get participants started with a basic understanding of these and other related skills. We will start with safety, then cover proper operations of the mill and the lathe. Then we will cover indicating and measurments followed by the project. The project will be an aluminum plumb-bob.
    • The cut-off for signing up is May 30th in order to complete the homework in time.
    • Cost for non-members: $80, members are $20.

Reserve a spot!

  • Makevention
    • August 27th from 10am to 4pm at the Bloomington Convention Center
    • Come celebrate the DIY spirit with makers from Bloomington and the surrounding communities
    • Do it with us at Makevention!
  • Public Hack Meetings!
    • Every Wednesday from 7pm until 10pm
    • Come build projects, ask questions, teach things, and learn stuff
    • All ages and everyone is welcome

Current Initiatives

  • Space Improvements
    • Tool and workspace arrangement

Fund Drives

Membership

We are accepting memberships! Please see the Membership Manual for details. If you are a new member please check out the New Members page as well.


Meetings

Currently we meet every Wednesday at 7:00pm at 1609 S. Rogers Street Building 4, Bloomington, Indiana. These meetings are open to the public; anyone is welcome to attend. We usually meet for 2-3 hours and have a lot of fun. Having access to tools is only part of the equation, socializing with people and learning from each other is another large benefit from our group. Pretty much whatever people want to work on or learn is fair game. If it's cool and interesting then we are all interested.


Laser Cutter

We have a laser cutter!! What can people do with this you might ask?? It can cut light wood and acrylic for rapid prototyping. It can also etch wood, acrylic, and metal. Many objects from iphones to laptops can be directly engraved with a laser. Be sure to watch some videos here, here, and here.

We have a 5th generation 40W laser from Full Spectrum.

Who are we?

We are a bunch of people that want to do interesting things and explore the world and technology around us. Expression of this interest takes at least as many forms as we have members, and often employs an amalgam of found and newly-constructed hardware and/or open-source and self-authored software components, but may be as simple as screwing some pieces of wood together to make a useful tool we don't have yet.

Bloominglabs was forged from the Bloomington Hackerspace Initiative and the former IU Robotics Club.

  • Read our Bylaws for a more formalized overview


What is a hacker space?

It's a physical location where people can share resources for their own creative pursuits. It's also a resource where people can come in off the street and advance their own knowledge. In urban locations it can often be hard to find places to weld/build/make noise and keep projects on-going without having to tear down and put-up your work each evening. With a hacker space people can work on their projects and not worry about annoying their neighbors or spouses. The social aspect is also an incredibly important component. Having people to bounce ideas off of and discuss your projects with when you get stuck is a great thing.

Uploaded files: Special:ImageList


Nearby Hackerspaces/Makerspace or initiatives:

Other Cool Groups in Bloomington

Personal tools