FAQ

1) Q: Why am I getting referred to this FAQ page anyway ?

A: Most likely, because you just asked a question that was asked too often, or maybe was very recently discussed/answered on our mailing list which you deem too time-consuming to read, or similar. So instead of answering your question, which costs time, time that you saved by choosing to ignore mailing list and/or wiki, we now have made you spend time on finding the answer, instead of one of us answering it for the 80th time... You're welcome.

2) Q: How do the three lamps over the main table switch off, I can't find a switch!

A: At some point, during a change, they were disconnected from the remote switch as a temporary measure. And temporary measures have a nasty tendency to be very... untemporary on occasion. Don't worry, they're LED bulbs so it is only 5 watts per bulb. If you really prefer them off, unscrew them half a turn, that works.

3) Q: How does the sound system work?

A: You need to switch on two devices, and then use an MPD client to connect to the MPD music server. Switch on the mixing desk at the back (square push button on the right lower back), and switch on the hidden power amplifier by switching on channel #1 with the little white remote next to the entrance door. MPD server is at 10.0.20.3

4) Q: What is the space fan / space suction, what are those big white hoses for that hang from the ceiling / how do I suck away my solder vapours?

A: There is an industrial fan above the ceiling, with ducts to several air inlet points. Three of them are in the dirty room, one is over the 3D printer, two are over the soldering tables. This system is turned on by pulling the big yellow knob you find at your left, hanging from the ceiling when you enter the dirty room. You turn it off by pushing it in again. It is important to turn it on when you expect more than a handful of people because this is our only air freshening system. And obviously, when you need suction because you will be soldering, sawing, spraying, sanding, using solvents/glue, or are using a laser cutter. It is equally important to TURN IT OFF when you leave and close the space, for reasons of power consumption, and malfunction risks leading to possible overheating, or even fire.

5) Q: Why do we have two huge crowbars in the space?

A: We have two very young members who like to fight each other. So at one point, one of them gets possession of the crowbar, leaving the other one at a disadvantage. Apparently to even out this weapon inequality, one of them has bought a second crowbar so their chances of killing or maiming each other with a crowbar are equal and fair again. All the remaining members frown and or shrug when seeing these two, but what can you do... sigh.

6) Q: I want to use a few capacitors/screws/bolts/transistors/wires/connectors/relays/headers for my project. Do I pay for that? How much? How or to whom?

A: Easy question, hard to answer. The most heard answer is "use common sense". Though we've found the interpretation of common sense varies very wildly from one individual to the next. But I guess it means: please replenish if stock is getting low (or at least notify "us"), also taking into account the value of the item(s), and the added value you provide by using it for a space project (or absence thereof). Donations are always welcome of course!

7: Q: I want to take this hard disk/circuit board/electronics kit/soldering iron/stepper motor/gaffa tape/cable roll home, because I can well use it. May I ? What are the rules surrounding that ?

A: Although the answer at 6) also applies, for stuff with a higher value than trivial, the question becomes harder and harder to answer. The best is to ask on the mailing list, or ask a few members who you reckon know such things.

8) Q: But who are those "members who you reckon know such things" ?

A: Seriously? Well, nobody, officially. We are all just members, so no one has any power to decide things on his/her own. That said, many senior members have been around long enough to remember how stuff got donated, by whom, what their wishes or intentions were, what has been decided or discussed historically, etc. But yeah... hard to say.

9) Q: This welder / laser cutter / reflow station / plotter / 3D printer / band saw / CNC router / quadcopter is NEAT! I want to use it. Can I ? What are the rules, if any ?

A: We have a set of rules for power tools. These can only be used when either proper training was given by a member, or you have been deemed "capable" of responsible, correct and safe use. The other mentioned devices are very often loaned to the space by one of its members, or created in the space by a member. As a rule, you may not use such devices before contacting the owner/contact person for that item. The items ought to be labeled, but aren't always. There is an inventory list on this wiki, it may list it, along with the use conditions. Please check. If all else fails, ask another member, chances are he will know who the right person to ask is.

10) Q: Cooking in the space! Nice, cheap, social. Yes/no?

A: Yesss... maybe, with some caveats. The kitchen is not equipped to cook, is noften ot clean enough to cook, and very often, is left in a mess by people that did cook, making it all worse. We have also had some bad mishaps with people leaving good food in the space, as a gift for all.. Problem is, this food then goes unnoticed, gets forgotten, spoils, attracts flies or worse creatures, and stinks like you couldn't believe. All these are risks making cooking an activity that can have a huge negative impact on the space. So if you cook, keep this in mind, clean up, leave no traces, and all will be well. Probably.. (Oh but, we do hold very successful BBQs when the weather is nice !)