In 2020, CodeMash is launching a new concept: the CodeMash Maker Space!

Attendees will have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with Arduino coding, electronics, 3d printing, and assembling hardware.  You will be able to gather in a physical space and network with other attendees. The CodeMash Maker Space will be located in the Executive Center board room area adjacent to the 3d printing lab, in the Empress room. The Ebony room will also be used for tools, like the laser cutter.  (A floor plan of the conference center will be available in the soon to be released CodeMash mobile app).

Overall Concept

As an attendee you can sign up for a project to work on during the conference, or just stop by and check out the space and chat with other makers. Tickets are available for morning and afternoon blocks. During CodeMash, you will find other like-minded makers of all experience levels working on projects or just hanging out.

Experience Not Required

The CodeMash Maker Space encourages an atmosphere of learning and has something to offer attendees at any level of experience.

  • If you are not familiar with soldering, the Maker Space will provide you with some opportunities to learn and practice.
  • Similarly, if you have never used a CAD tool or 3d printed, now is your chance!
  • If you are an experienced maker with soldering, design, or other skills- please come by and help others.
  • Volunteers will also be available to help if you get stuck.

Projects

Projects require EventBrite ticket registration so we can manage the scale and flow of the space. Some projects also have an additional fee that helps cover the cost of the materials, but you get to keep what you make. A limited number of tickets are now available. We will also release additional tickets during CodeMash.

See below for a list of projects, and get a ticket on the CodeMash EventBrite site. Detailed instructions for each project will be posted on the CodeMash web site during the conference, but see below for recommended software to get a good head start. Volunteers and other makers will also be able to help assist you in the Maker Space.

  • Simple LED blinking circuit – no soldering.
  • Marquee Scroller with 3d printed case – soldering required.
  • Joule Thief Flashlight with 3d printed case – soldering required.
  • Laser engraved logo with stand (wood) – no soldering.
  • CodeMash IoT Badge (very limited supplies) – soldering required.
  • Acrylic / Wood LED Badge – no soldering.
  • Weather and humidity sensor – no soldering.

Time Slots – Morning and Afternoon

After registering for a ticket (free or paid), come to the CodeMash Maker Space during your ticket time slot. Time slots for tickets will be available starting Tuesday afternoon and go the duration of the conference. You are welcome to work on your project at a different time slot, but ticket holders for the active time slot will have priority. We anticipate the maker space will be busiest during meal times. Some projects will take longer than others. Generally speaking, you can make significant progress in an hour. Please keep in mind that many projects also require tools, which are shared among attendees.

Tools and Supplies

In the CodeMash maker space, we will have a number of tools and supplies available for attendees as projects are assembled. This includes the following:

  • Breadboards
  • Electronics components for projects (resistors, transistors, led’s, capacitors, etc.)
  • Soldering Irons, Multimeters, tweezers
  • 3d printed cases for projects
  • A few dedicated 3d printers (operated by CodeMash staff)
  • 45 watt C02 Laser Cutter (operated by CodeMash staff)
  • Hammers
  • Nails
  • Plywood & Acrylic (for laser projects)
  • Band aids and ointment

Recommended Software

We recommend installing and exploring the following software packages before CodeMash. These tools are all free, and great for designing CAD (3d printing) or Vector files (SVG).

  • Fusion 360 – CAD modeling tool. Sign up for a free Hobbyist license.
  • Open SCAD – The Programmers Solid 3d CAD Modeler
  • Blender – Free modeling / sculpting tool for organic shapes.
  • Inkscape – Free vector design tool, useful for creating 2d SVG files that can be cut on the laser.
  • Arduino – Development environment for Micro controller hardware.
  • VS Code – Visual Studio Like development environment for Micro controller hardware. Platform.IO also recommended.