Spectrum - UofS - January 17-20

[FingerTech]

Hey TechWorkers,
Registration is now open for special displays. I have a form to fill out and need your quick help.

Thinking about what you plan to bring for display:
Do we have any special requirements? ie. Power, Computer, Internet, Water, TV/DVD, Projector/Screen
Other Requirements (Space, setup instructions, etc)?
How safe is your display for the public? (1 = dangerous; 5 = no danger)
If your display's safety rating is 3 or less, please list precautionary measures you will take to ensure the public's safety.
How interactive is your display for the public? (1 = do not touch; 5 = hands-on)

I will bring the Time Fountain I built for the open house. It just needs power and a table spot. It is harmless (5) and I give it a 5 for interactivity.

Albert - can the lasercutter be there?
Tim - reprap?
Al and JRans - can the fingerpainting CNC program be hooked up to the small Sherline mill? Replace the cutting bit with a marker?
What else can we show off? Get creative!

[JamesCooper]

Glad to hear that you're spearheading a movement to have us present at Spectrum. Though I don't have anything in particular to present, I'd be happy to help out in any way I can.

[thesaxmachine]

Laser cutter can be there. Needs some good ventilation. Danger level 2-3 probably, but can be brought down.
sherline can certainly be there too, currently running mach3 prolly needs some updates to java and the like - needs interwebs
Tronbox can be finished to be raffled off for funds.
Copters can be duct taped back up for maximum displayage.
Random robots can puts about.

projector and screen would be nice if there are larger tours so people can see what laser/cnc is doing
Camera to hook up to projector

Getting setup in Hardy lab would be the best location ie flying copters, ventilation

[Kaldonis]

I might be able to revive TouchCNC to work on the Sherline... If Al is up for it that is. I would need access to it for a few hours to tweak everything. The marker idea is great, definitely increases the safety & interactivity of it. What do you say, Al?

[thesaxmachine]

I'm up for it. Try pencil first since markers will prolly dry out, however it is pretty easy to shove a sharpie in the sherline. You should raid your supply closet.

[FingerTech]

Spectrum's default setup time is Wednesday after 7pm. We could maybe go earlier but I don't think it's necessary.

[thesaxmachine]

What about parking during the event?

[FingerTech]

Updated info from an email I just received.

Setup : Wednesday after 5:30. They will be supplying tables and chairs.
Parking : I'm going to pick up the parking passes Wednesday. We get to park between the rink and Eng building on Thursday and Friday and in Y lot on the weekend.
Exhibitor's Entrance : We're supposed to use the curling rink doors to enter the event. They should have name tags or a name list or something there and let you in. If they don't let you in, let me know.
Food : There will be free snacks in room 2B51, but not a full meal.
Opening Ceremonies : These will be held in room 1B71 at 8:30 AM on Thursday if you're interested. CTV news crews will be coming around right when Spectrum opens to film stuff, so we should be good to go right at 8:45am on Thursday. If you guys have any other questions, just let me know.

[JamesCooper]

FYI, their hours of operation:
Thursday from 9:00am to 6:00pm
Friday from 9:00am to 9:00pm
Saturday from 9:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday from 9:00am to 6:00pm

[Kaldonis]

Report so far:

School tours are very tiring. They just keep coming and coming and coming...
Didn't sell many raffle tickets, 15 at the most. Odds of winning a prize are currently 1 in 3.
Demos went fairly well. Should have spent more time in advance preparing TouchCNC, but it was working fine in the afternoon.
In general, everyone seemed to like our booth.