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<big>'''Welcome to Bloominglabs, Bloomington's very own hackerspace!'''</big>
 
<big>'''Welcome to Bloominglabs, Bloomington's very own hackerspace!'''</big>
  
<br>
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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.
<b>We have MOVED! Our new address is [https://goo.gl/maps/fmtE2 1609 S. Rogers Street Building 4!!]</b>
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<br>
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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. We are open to the public on Wednesday evenings from 7pm until 10pm and are family friendly.
+
  
 
== Stay informed ==
 
== Stay informed ==
  
 
* Sign up to the [http://www.bloominglabs.org/mailman/listinfo/bloominglabs-announce announcement mailing list] to keep up with our group.
 
* 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]
 
* 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+].
 
* 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+].
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* Our IRC server is at irc.bloominglabs.org:6667, #hackerspace.
 
* 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.
 
* 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
 
* '''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">
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<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 ==
 
== 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.
 +
<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>
  
== Current Events ([[PastEvents]])==
+
*'''All About Radio'''
* <font color="red">We have MOVED!! Our current address is [http://goo.gl/maps/y6SFF 1609 S. Rogers Street Building 4!!]</font>
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**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>
  
* Scribblebots workshop at Wonderlab
+
*'''Machining Fundamentals'''
** October 9, 1:30pm to 4pm
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**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.
** Check out [http://wonderlab.org/programs/events-calendar/spacelab-scribblebot.html Wonderlab's] page for more information
+
**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>
  
* Meet Your Maker
+
*'''Makevention'''
** Costume workshops/Membership Drive
+
**August 27th from 10am to 4pm at the Bloomington Convention Center
** We'll be open to the public every night, October 27th-30th, 7pm to 10pm
+
**Come celebrate the DIY spirit with makers from Bloomington and the surrounding communities
** Come by to work on your Halloween costume, work on your projects, check out our new space, or just hang out
+
**Do it with us at [http://www.makevention.org Makevention]!
** It can also count towards your 3-visit requirement to become a member
+
  
 
*'''Public Hack Meetings!'''
 
*'''Public Hack Meetings!'''
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** Come build projects, ask questions, teach things, and learn stuff
 
** Come build projects, ask questions, teach things, and learn stuff
 
** All ages and everyone is welcome
 
** All ages and everyone is welcome
 +
 +
=== Current Initiatives ===
 +
*Space Improvements
 +
**Tool and workspace arrangement
 +
 +
=== Fund Drives ===
 +
*[[New 3d Printer | A new 3d Printer - probably a Lulzbot Taz 5(2200usd)]]
  
 
== Membership ==
 
== 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.
 
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.
 +
  
 
== [[Public meetings|Meetings]] ==
 
== [[Public meetings|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. 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
  
== [[Location|Our Location]] ==
 
 
We have moved to a new space! Our new address is 1609 S. Rogers, Building 4, and it is an open, well-insulated warehouse which is over 3100 square feet in size. This space is about a mile south of downtown and is accessible from the B-Line Trail. You can see it on a map at: [http://goo.gl/maps/E3iTh Our Awesome New Space]
 
  
 
== [[Laser|Laser Cutter]] ==
 
== [[Laser|Laser Cutter]] ==
We have funded a laser cutter, which is now on-site!! 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].
+
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].
  
 
We have a [http://fslaser.com/products/lasers/newhobby 5th generation 40W laser from Full Spectrum].
 
We have a [http://fslaser.com/products/lasers/newhobby 5th generation 40W laser from Full Spectrum].
 
  
 
== Who are we? ==
 
== Who are we? ==
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* Read our [[Bylaws]] for a more formalized overview
 
* Read our [[Bylaws]] for a more formalized overview
  
== [[Grants]] ==
 
 
 
== Kits For Sale ==
 
 
Bloominglabs is a reseller of [http://adafruit.com adafruit] kits and products. See [[KitsForSale]] for details.
 
 
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 ==
 
 
We are currently teaching a machining course for members only. Disappointed? Consider joining Bloominglabs!
 
 
Reserve a spot at any of our workshops or classes by sending '''email to contact]at[bloominglabs.org'''.
 
  
 
== What is a hacker space? ==
 
== 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.
 
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.
 
 
== Current Projects ==
 
[[Projects]]
 
 
 
== What needs to be done yet? ==
 
Check out the [[Todo]] list to see the latest things we need to get done.
 
 
Also see who else is working on this project: [[Special:ListUsers]]
 
  
 
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!)]
* [http://makerspacegoshen.org/ Makerspace Goshen (Goshen Indiana)]
+
* <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 122: Line 190:
 
* [http://wiki.detroitfacility.org/index.php/Main_Page Detroit Facility]  
 
* [http://wiki.detroitfacility.org/index.php/Main_Page Detroit Facility]  
 
* [http://www.i3detroit.com/ i3 Detroit]
 
* [http://www.i3detroit.com/ i3 Detroit]
 
  
 
== 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]
 
* [http://www.iub.edu/~iumakes/index.html IU Makes]
* [http://bfabs.wordpress.com/ Bloomington personal Fabrication Group (IU 3D Printing Club)] - also a trac hosted [http://bloominglabs.org/trac/pfab/ here]
+
* <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://sustain.indiana.edu/programs/hoosier-to-hoosier/index.php The annual Hoosier to Hoosier event (resale trail)]
 
* [http://www.discardia.org/ Discardia]
 
* [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