Ed's FabLab Stuff

UPDATE:

Just recently, my partner Alex and I started a company, using the FabLab for our R&D work. We'd like to give back as much as we can in the form of improved tools and open source hardware designs. Here are a couple of early contributions:

CONTRIBUTIONS:

InfraRed Reciever Circuit

This circuit is a remote control decoder which takes an infrared signal from any Sony remote (or universal remote emulating Sony) and passes it over the serial port to a pc in a standardized format called "uir". A program on the pc can listen to the serial port and generate actions based on which keys were pressed. I designed and etched the pc board, soldered the components, programmed the micro controller, as well as assembled the cables, all in the FabLab. The code posted contains Neil Gershenfeld's serial driver so it is limited to his "non commercial" policy. I have rewritten this, but have decided not to post it for numerous reasons. You may change the code to control any form of embedded device with a simple remote or control your computer with computer automation software such as LIRC or GIRDER. Make sure you choose UIR format and turn off the init routine. Send me any questions or feedback here.

Python Parameterized Gear Script

This script is a handy little gear generator. Gears are parametrized and can have any number of teeth, size, teeth ratio etc. Currently, parameters are inputed by changing the variables at the begining of the script. The program outputs a file in a standard format called "SVG" or scalable vector graphics. The file can then be converted and sent to the laser cutter to print any gear needed. The code posted contains some portions of Neil Gershenfeld's gik.py, including the svgwrite method (which outputs SVGs which only seem to open in his cam software). I could rewrite this, but am currently looking at a few open source drawing programs and will pick one to customize for use in the FabLab. When I get around to it, I will add this as a plugin for the chosen drawing program (if it doesn't already have a gear plugin), freeing this from Neil's "non commercial use" policy. Until then, play around and send me any questions or feedback here.

HISTORY:

I stumbled across the Boston FabLab during the week of its opening in January 2004. I had been dreaming of such a place and immediately fell in love with the possibilities it afforded. I have been hacking and teaching in the Boston FabLab ever since. During this time, I decided to go back to school at UMass Boston to finish my degree so I wasn't able to contribute as much as I would have liked. After graduating in June, I was able to come and work at the FabLab full time.

I worked with MIT Research Scientist David Cavallo during the spring and early summer, teaching high school students how to use the FabLab for digital fabrication. In August, MITs Center for Bits And Atoms (CBA) sent me to Norway, to help open a FabLab there. I got to meet up and work with the amazing people from each FabLab across the world. This was a great experience.

One of the themes at the Norway FabLab opening was the idea of using the FabLab concept to help start businesses. I talked to some investment guys who where looking to fund an initial business as somewhat of a test case. The only problem was that the investment was centered around an existing product idea that had been floating around. I eventually decided that I would take some time to develop a product and get back to them, rather than go with the original idea. I've been working on this product since September and recruited Alex, my very capable UMass classmate, to found the company with me. More on this is soon to come............

LINKS:

FabLab Site

FabLab Downloads

SouthEndTechnologyCenter Site

Carl's FabLab Page (from South Africa)

Fab Company

Fab Company's Community Forum