Board of Directors Meeting 20150322
This meeting will be held in Modified SRC3 format.
Contents
- 1 Time, location
- 2 Prior minutes
- 3 Officer/Committee reports
- 4 Consent Agenda
- 4.1 Approve Election Schedule 2015 (Andrew LeCody)
- 4.2 Intercom System (Brooks Scharff)
- 4.3 Makerspace owned Foundry/Furnace (Paul Wilson)
- 4.4 Laser Printers and Printer Supplies (Stan Simmons)
- 4.5 Financial Committee Funds (Benjamin Groves)
- 4.6 Security Upgrade (Robert Davidson)
- 4.7 Electrical Upgrade (Robert Davidson & William Petefish)
- 4.8 Windows Licenses (Robert Davidson)
- 4.9 Lasersaur Project (Luke Olson)
- 4.10 Fix Guest Rules (Andrew LeCody)
- 4.11 Need for Safety and Shop Rules Signs in the Metal Shop (Danny Meeks)
- 5 New Business
- 5.1 New Potters Wheel for Foundry (Nathan Jones and Nick Sainz)
- 5.2 Scope of work at DMS allowed under lease. (Brandon Green)
- 5.3 Epoxy coating for workshop floor (Brandon Green)
- 5.4 Portable lift for auto (Brandon Green)
- 5.5 Funding for tools for workshop and auto (Brandon Green)
- 5.6 Immediate needs for Electronics Room & Workbenches (Ken Purcell)
- 5.7 Electronics Room PC (Ken Purcell)
- 6 Minutes
- 7 February 2015 Budget Report
- 8 Approved Purchase Tracking
Time, location
16:00, Dallas Makerspace
Prior minutes
Board_of_Directors_Meeting_20150215#Minutes
Officer/Committee reports
- 3d Fabrication Committee - Lisa Selk
- Amateur Radio Committee - Benjamin Groves
- Amateur Radio Exam Tomorrow, 03/23/2015
- Amateur Radio General Class to follow, beginning on 04/13/2015
- I, Benjamin Groves, am looking to step down at the Amateur Radio Committee Chair
- I am spread too thin with DMS and professional work responsibilities, and I feel as such that I am holding up this fine group
- I am impressed to see new members and growing interest in the Amateur Radio Committee
- I am saddened that I have not gotten us an antenna up on the roof yet
- I will look for an opportunity in the near future to hold a Committee meeting where we can meet and discuss
- Email me or side message in Discourse if you have interest or wish to discuss
- Aerospace Committee - Romeo Espana
- Automotive Committee - Brandon Green
- Use of auto funds can be viewed on this spreadsheet
- DMS Racing's 24 hours of lemons entry was a great success despite the race being cancelled
- We had a good looking race ready car at the track with all the drivers ready to go
- Managed to get featured on Jalopnik with the test day footage we did get https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR7FwbV2_As
- Car is being temporarily stored in parking lot under car cover (it's not taking up a parking space)
- Car will be used for monthly classes and more endurance road race events this fall
- After Lemons project have been using funds to stock cleaning supplies, replace bench vice, replace broken creeper, stock small nut / bolt assortment, improve drill bit organization
- Continuing to look into improvements to both general workshop (tools) and auto area (flooring)
- Last week held an engine teardown class that had good attendance of new people
- Have maintenance classes lined up to teach on the race car (scheduling pending lift decision)
- Will be more strict on leaving vehicles inside going forward (ie hopefully never)
- Blacksmith Committee - John Haskins
- Bio Committee - Andrew Floyd
- Civic Hacking - Stephen Wylie
- Classroom Committee - Gus Reiter
- Creative Arts Committee - Haley Moore
- Electronics Robotics Committee - Ken Purcell
- The much needed electronics gear was ordered and is here except the oscilloscope. It should get here next week.
- Equipment donation by Allan Batteiger @ARBatteiger of 3 very useful Bench Power Supplies, Chip Programmer, Robots, 1U Server and Serial Protocol Analyzer. Communication and coordination by Nick Sainz and evaluation by Art Givens. Thanks to them all! Please send them thanks on DMS Talk.
- Bench Power Supply donation by John Beadles @Jbeadles, please thank him on Talk.
- Extremely successful Adafruit group orders 1 & 2 - $2047 vs $1706 saving members $341. Order 3 underway of $470.
- Planning a electronics mentor program to have someone available one night a week for electronics questions and build advice.
- Electronics committee members have been hosting lost of classes; over 6 so far and 3 more by end of month.
- Users have been doing well keeping the room clean.
- Financial Committee - Ben Groves
- February Books are mostly complete
- There is mismatch in clearing which is being looked at
- The numbers per committee and balance look mostly correct, so the current calculated balance is listed below
- Submission of receipts is not optional
- Receipts must be submitted in physical or electronic form to Ben
- Use the blue folder
- email [email protected]
- Receipts must be submitted in physical or electronic form to Ben
- February Books are mostly complete
- Foundry Committee - John Kuhlenschmidt
- Had two classes since last report
- Intro To Stained Glass
- Intro to Pottery - 7 attended even with weather problems.
- Planning on having a another Stain glass and Pottery class in April due to demand, also a Bead class.
- Laser Committee - William Petefish
- Talked about committee chair. Consensus is to keep going as we are.
- We took a look at the used Epilog and got into contact with Epilog about it. They advised us not to touch it w/ a 10' clown pole.
- We have put together a proposal for a second laser. (see below as the Lasersaur Project) This includes all of the buildout and materials to make the system work.
- Machine Shop Committee - Bryan Gangwere
- Metal Shop Committee - Danny Meeks
- Operations and Facilities Committee - Andrew LeCody
- Renamed "Credit Card" payment option to "Credit/Debit Card (Preferred)", as it's easier to work with than PayPal.
- Allen Wan fixed toilet issues. Please thank him!
- Will finish cat5 drop to 3d fab after meeting.
- Public Relations Committee - Steve Blanchard
- Wood Shop Committee - Alex Rhodes
- VECTOR Committee - Nic Schell
- New projects - Vector (Nicholas Schell), Snow Derby (Mitch Cerroni)
- Class held - Diagnosing pinball machine electronics (Mar 7) taught by Daniel Jackson
- Dallas Makerspace promotional materials needed for Texas Pinball Festival (March 27-29th) will coordinate with PR Committee
Consent Agenda
Newly proposed agenda items appear in the consent agenda. Any member present at the meeting may pull an item out of the consent agenda for discussion, at which point it goes under "New Business". If nobody objects to the solutions presented by the consent agenda, everything in the consent agenda passes by consensus. Items that have more than one proposed solution should be moved to the "New Business" section.
Any member may edit this wiki page and place an item on the agenda. However, discussion of agenda items should be done via the forums. The cut-off time for addition to or revision of the consent agenda's items is 48 hours prior to the meeting. Please note, agenda items (Consent, New, or Old) that request spending $250 or more must include a section on "Relevance to our tax exempt purpose".
Approve Election Schedule 2015 (Andrew LeCody)
Problem: It is once again time for the annual Board of Directors election. Dates and times for Statement of Intent submission and polls open/close need to be set.
Solution: Set the following schedule for the 2015 election:
- Statements of Intent must be filled before March 31st at 11:59pm
- Voting starts on April 9th at 7pm
- Voting ends on April 16th at 7pm
Intercom System (Brooks Scharff)
Problem: At the old space, we had a working intercom system that would announce calendar events, and could also be used to announce messages in emergencies. This does not exist at our current space. The wires to the existing speakers (which are very old) are virtually untraceable.
Solution: Authorize spending on ceiling-mount speakers (2x 4 packs of http://amzn.com/B0030CNHLY - total $500), a SIP adaptor (1x http://amzn.com/B0037TO4IK - total $115), and speaker wire (undetermined length, not to exceed $100). We already own an amplifier and the software to announce events, etc.
Details: The requested equipment would give us a fully-functional intercom and paging system. Events can again be announced before they start (reminding members in the room that they will need to relocate), and/or authorized users can dial in to the SIP adaptor (can be PIN-protected) with existing DMS phones and make announcements (even possible to do remotely in emergencies if we choose to make this available). We can use the speakers for any other purpose as needed.
Makerspace owned Foundry/Furnace (Paul Wilson)
Problem: Currently the only furnace and crucibles appropriate for use for melting metals for sand-casting is personally owned by a member, and therefore any casting is subject to the availability and personal schedule of that member.
Solution: Purchase a furnace, burner, and crucibles for the Makerspace. Suggest we purchase the Model A furnace and one large and two small crucibles with lifting/pouring shanks for $445, plus shipping from this site: http://foundry101.com/learlink1.htm
Details: Concerns of safety of using the equipment properly can be addressed by keeping the equipment in a padlocked area with the code only given out after the appropriate class(es) have been taken, similar to how the use of NinjaFlex filament is handled for 3d Printing.
Relevance to our tax exempt purpose: A Makerspace owned furnace will allow for easier scheduling of classes and member use of the equipment without needing to match personal schedules with a member to use privately owned item(s).
Laser Printers and Printer Supplies (Stan Simmons)
Problem: Currently the Laser printers can not reliably be used because they are chronically out of paper.
Solution: Since the printers don't "belong" to any specific committee, have OPS purchase paper and other supplies to keep the printers operational. Additionally, put up a donation box with a suggested donation of $0.02 per page. (Amazon cost for 8.5x11 copy paper is less than $0.02/pg delivered, Sams Club paper is less).
Details: Being able to print class materials is often needed and furthers the utility of many classes and meetings. Being able to print a sign for the front door and class room doors will help prevent guests from wandering around trying to find specific classes.
Financial Committee Funds (Benjamin Groves)
Problem: Periodically the Financial Committee encounters expenditure needs (fees, forms, supplies).
Solution: Allocate $300 to existing Financial Committee Fund from General Fund.
Details: Financial Committee Fund exists, but has zero balance.
Security Upgrade (Robert Davidson)
Problem: There is a lack of visibility in the woodshop and metalshop
Solution: Allocate $378 for the purchase of 2 Cameras from the General Fund. These are the Micro Dome Cameras
Relevance to our tax exempt purpose: Cameras allow for the Admins and the Committee to identify what happen in a room with a 20/20 Vision and with absolute clarity. This allows the review of footage to look at safety violations.
Electrical Upgrade (Robert Davidson & William Petefish)
Problem: The EV Charger is running in a diminished state currently to allow for a full power to the charger a upgrade needs to be done to increase the power to 100 Amps.
Solution: Allocate up to $1,500 for the purchase and Installation of a 100 Amp Circuit to the EV Charger.
Details: Tesla is willing to pay up to $1,500 for the installation of the charger and we would agree to be put on the Tesla map of chargers.
Relevance to our tax exempt purpose: Supporting EV development and an emerging technology. Is inline with the overall goals of DMS.
Windows Licenses (Robert Davidson)
Problem: Windows Licenses are needed for machines within DMS.
Solution: Recommend Purchase the following licenses.
- 50X Windows 8.1 Licenses @ $8 Each these are base Licenses (Non Upgrade) $400 Note these can't be upgraded so in the future upgrade licenses may need to be purchased.
- 3X Server 2012 R2 Standard @ $53 Each one license for Woodshop one for Machining one for ops $159
- 50X Windows Server devices CAL's @$2 Each (These are for each Machine connecting to the server) $100
- 50X Windows Remote Desktop Services User CAL's @$7 Each (These are for each user using the Remote Connectivity will need to scale with use) $350
- Total Cost $1009 for licensing.
Relevance to our tax exempt purpose: This software allows access to the applications and devices that power the machines at Dallas Makerspace.
Lasersaur Project (Luke Olson)
Problem: The laser cutter is heavily utilized on a consistent basis which results in longer wait times to access the machine and more frequent downtime. The downtime interrupts projects and reflects badly on the makerspace.
Solution: Allocate $12,500 to the laser committee to put a Lasersaur into service at the makerspace. After 120 days return unused funds to the general fund (if applicable).
Details: The Lasersaur is an open source laser cutter that was originally funded by a Kickstarter campaign in 2010. It has evolved over six publicly available iterations since then that have focused mostly on ease of assembly and reliability. The recommended build has a working area of 24" by 48" and a 100 watt laser tube.
Complex assemblies and custom fabricated components are available for purchase to simplify and accelerate the build process and are included in the proposed budget. The documentation includes step by step instructions for assembly. The assembly requires basic hand tools and an introductory knowledge of electronics. Members would be encouraged to help build the machine through regularly scheduled group build sessions.
The exact cost and build time is difficult to determine upfront because of the vast number of variables involved. The approximate cost of components to build a Lasersaur as of March 2015 is $10,700 (higher than the indicated cost on the Lasersaur website). A few other things would be needed for the project that would come out of the remaining funds including a table or platform for the Lasersaur, material for the cutting bed (like aluminum honeycomb), dedicated CO2 fire extinguisher, a computer for interaction, ducting, signage, cabling, etc.
Pros
- Lower cost compared to commercial laser cutters
- Sturdy build with high quality materials and components
- Open source hardware and software
- Extensive written and illustrated documentation
- All design files freely available
- Active support community of users, builders, and designers
- Can be customized to meet the needs of the makerspace
- Educates members on laser technology and automation design in a hands-on way
- Improves reputation of the Dallas Makerspace in maker communities and provides publicity
- Sets precedent for low cost laser cutter at the makerspace enabling cost effective expansion
Cons
- Project could be abandoned by leadership and members
- No commercially backed technical support
- No established method for raster engraving
Relevance to our tax exempt purpose: The construction and maintenance of the Lasersaur itself would be educational for participating members. Findings and design improvements would be shared with the larger open source hardware and Lasersaur community. Additional laser cutting capacity at the makerspace would enable members to continue work on projects that would otherwise be halted by downtime with a single laser cutter or inability to access a laser cutter due to high utilization.
Fix Guest Rules (Andrew LeCody)
Problem: At a previous meeting we simplified the rules, but forgot to update the guest rules to clarify that they are not allowed to use tools.
Solution: Change rule #3 of the guest rules to:
Guests are not allowed to use tools and equipment, except as part of a scheduled class/workshop.
Need for Safety and Shop Rules Signs in the Metal Shop (Danny Meeks)
Problem: At the moment there is confusion over what the shop rules are, what training is required to use the welding/cutting equipment. Also there are safety concerns noticed by other members as well as the issue of keeping the shop clean and organized.
Solution: Large durable signs listing shop rules and safety procedures printed and hung on walls that should help to clear up confusion. Requesting $200 for aluminum sheeting.
Details: I am in a position to have these signs printed for free by my employer, but will need funds for the material itself. Planning to have them UV printed directly to aluminum sheeting for durability and hung in clear view of all who enter the metal shop.
New Business
New Potters Wheel for Foundry (Nathan Jones and Nick Sainz)
Problem: With the growing interest in ceramics at DMS, we are having to rely on member owned electric pottery wheels to put on classes and one on one teaching, this is limiting the abilities of foundry to fulfill the educational requirements of our 501c3.
Solution: Authorize spending of $1189.88 on a new Brent Model C pottery wheel (c-122-3). Link (https://www.baileypottery.com/potterywheels/brentwheels.htm) This is currently the best price on the market for this wheel delivered.
Details: The classes that we have offered in ceramics would not of been possible without the generous temporary loaning of 3 ceramic wheels from Nathan Jones and John K. But, these wheels are small portable or table top model and not ideal for learning on. A Brent Model C pottery wheel matches all the key features on the current Brent CXC wheel we have at the space. Also Brent wheels are industrial work horse machines that hold their value and often lasting a lifetime with only minor maintenance.
Relevance to our tax exempt purpose: Foundry now has 5 plus members willing to teach ceramics classes and the purchase of this wheel would only aid their ability to educate our membership and maker community.
Scope of work at DMS allowed under lease. (Brandon Green)
Problem: The board appears to have some trepidation that the activities we are engaging in on the premises would upset the landlord. Either the board should be behind what we are doing or they have a responsibility to cease all activity that violates agreements that have been signed. As just one example, the extremely vague automotive authorization of 'small amounts of work on personal cars' could be taken to mean anything short of a full time for profit auto repair business (which we clearly are not) or limiting to only checking the air in your tires. We can't operate under the threat that there is a line we might be crossing but have no knowledge of where that line exists.
Solution: Invite landlord to tour premises and show them explicitly what we are doing here. Either they will come up with a list of what we must cease (so we at least know what we can / cant do here), or they will be fine and we can stop worrying and focus on improving and growing the space.
On interpreting small amounts: There are two parts to defining 'small amounts', the size of a given activity and the number of activities. If we take the approach that only the size of a given activity matters, and say an oil change is a small amount of work on a car, then what if we opened a 24/7 lube shop that did nothing but oil changes? That would obviously not be acceptable, therefore the number of activities must be taken into consideration.
Also if we took the approach of trying to quantify the size of any given automotive task the allow and deny based on some arbitrary line, then we would end up in an impossible to enforce situation. Where you could replace a light bulb in a headlight but not the whole headlight assembly, or you could replace an air filter but not install a cold air intake, or you could change your brake pads but not install new brake lines. That is not an approach that is worth attempting.
So clearly the number of activities must be a primary component in deciding what we can do. As long as we limit automotive activity to current members and it must be done inside the green square, then we naturally are limited to small amounts of work as we have only a relatively small amount of space to work in.
Epoxy coating for workshop floor (Brandon Green)
Problem: The floor in the ramp unloading area and workshop is both slick and prone to spills soaking into the concrete, we need to improve the floor in the unloading area to give it a durable non slip surface.
Solution: Transfer $4,000 to a committee for professional installation of non slip epoxy coating on 1,033 sqft area inside the ramp door (up to the expansion joints in the concrete, so there wont just be an epoxy square in the middle of the floor).
Details: We should invest in a professionally installed epoxy coating because it will greatly improve the appearance, safety, and durability of the area. I meet with a rep from Red Rhino flooring and got a quote of $3.75 / sqft for the 1,033 sqft area of the green square and space up to ramp ($3,873). This is for an epoxy coating that includes a non slip aluminum oxide additive. That would be the final cost and includes them doing all the prep necessary to do the installation. Also includes a 3 year warranty for any defects like flaking or peeling up of the coating. Doing the entire workshop (not including wood, metal) would be ~5,700 sqft @ $3.10 / sqft ($17,670)
Alternatives: It would cost about $0.50 / sqft in materials to do an epoxy coating ourselves, we would also have the cost of renting grinders, patching materials, and doing the work ourselves. We would not get any kind of warranty and would not be able to purchase the same high grade epoxy that a professional installer can use. There is a high risk of not following best practices due to lack of experience and ending up with a floor that starts to peel / fail.
Doing just a roll of plastic flooring like Versaroll pvc would be ~$1.50 / sqft http://newageproducts.com/flooring/ and would not stand up to use, we would have to glue it down and metal tables / stands would easily cut through it http://reviews.costco.com/2070/11678133/newage-products-gray-7-5x20-versaroll-pvc-flooring-reviews/reviews.htm?sort=rating&dir=asc
Something like RaceDeck tile floor would be $3.50 / sqft and it would not prevent fluids from reaching the concrete
Relevance to our tax exempt purpose: Not only would a durable non slip surface greatly increase safety, it would protect the floor to prevent future costs or liabilities for repair by DMS
Portable lift for auto (Brandon Green)
Problem: Automotive committee cannot meet its goal of helping facilitate education of car mechanics and operating relevant classes and projects effectively when everyone is required to crawl on ground under vehicles held up by temporary jack stands.
Solution #1: Transfer $3,000 to auto committee for the purpose of purchasing a portable single post lift such as the Master Series SPL-6 Portable Single Post Lift
Details #1: Previously we were looking into a 2 post lift, which would require electrical work to hard wire in and bolt anchors in concrete. At only double the cost we can get a single post portable lift, which solves one of the major concerns of taking up too much floor space with a permanently mounted lift. This lift somewhat resembles a pallet jack in portability, but with a steel column containing a hydraulic cylinder and safety latch mechanism that can lift 6,000 pounds.
Solution #2: Transfer $4,500 to auto committee for the purpose of purchasing a 4 post lift that includes casters and rolling jacks, such as the Atlas® 409-HP
Details #2: A 4 post lift is more stable (not relying of proper positioning of jack points vs car center of gravity) and does not require bolting into the concrete to use. It also can come with casters to allow you to move it, but it will still always take up a footprint of ~10' x 17'
Relevance to our tax exempt purpose: A lift makes car work safer, which promotes well being of all members. It also enables many kind of classes that would not be possible otherwise, furthering our primary mission of education
Funding for tools for workshop and auto (Brandon Green)
Problem: It is embarrassing to show up to the space and then not be able to find basic tools such as a drill or useable angle grinder because they are all in use or broken. Also Automotive committee has an assortment of loaned / low quality / incomplete sets of tools. Auto would like to purchase these necessary tools but needs funding to do so. Currently Auto has less than $100 in funds, (previous month of purchases pending submission for reimbursement), you can see the estimated committee balance and detailed spending on this spreadsheet
Solution #1: Transfer $2,500 to auto committee
Solution #2: Create automatic $1,000 / month allowance that auto can use for the betterment of both auto area and the entire workshop
Details: Some of the tools that this money could go towards, note that this list totals more than $4,000, and just the ryobi tool restocking alone will be about $1,300
| Cost | Part | URL |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | 2x Kobalt 1/4" sae socket set | http://www.lowes.com/pd_338636-25428-85217_0__ |
| $60 | 2x Kobalt 3/8" sae deep socket set | http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=338616-25428-85213 |
| $60 | 2x 1/4 and 3/8 socket extension sets | |
| $200 | 2x of all sizes of Kobalt socket sets, sae and metric | |
| $60 | 2x Kobalt 7 piece metric ratcheting wrench | http://www.lowes.com/pd_338362-22328-85557_4294857647 |
| $180 | Klutch Impact Socket Set — 94-Pc., 3/8in.- & 1/2in.-Drive | http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200631739_200631739 |
| $180 | Klutch 2-Headed LED Tripod Worklight — 60 Watts, 5,100 Lumens | http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200585836_200585836 |
| $120 | Innova Premium CanOBD2 with ABS Diagnostic Tool, Model# 3100 | http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200460471_200460471 |
| $30 | Klutch Compression Gauge Test Set | http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200630836_200630836 |
| $20 | Titan Automotive Panel Removers — 6-Pc. Set, Model# 11566 | http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200419713_200419713 |
| $260 | Arcan Aluminum Jack Stands — 5-Ton Capacity, Pair, Model# AJS5T | http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200514331_200514331 |
| $60 | Titan Digital Torque Adapter — 1/2in. Drive, Model# 23154 | http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200624138_200624138 |
| $129 | Milwaukee M-Spector 360 Digital Inspection Camera — Tool Only, Model# 2313-20 | http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200498741_200498741 |
| $300 | Air Impact Wrench, Ingersoll Rand 2135TiMax | http://www.zoro.com/i/G1278331/ |
| $34 | Ratchet Accessory Set | http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200621096_200621096 |
| $680 | Additional tool cabinet | http://www.lowes.com/pd_538540-55738-HS41SSRC-13_4294607608__?productId=50175949 |
| $120 | 4x ryobi p271 1/2" drill | |
| $140 | 2x ryobi p234g (small) impact driver | |
| $240 | 2x ryobi p260 1/2" impact wrench | |
| $80 | 2x ryobi p421 angle grinder | |
| $140 | 2x ryobi p241 right angle 3/8" drill | |
| $330 | 3x ryobi p122 2 pack 4ah batteries | |
| $80 | 1x ryobi p125 6 port charger | |
| $105 | 2x ryobi p720 20 watt LED work light | |
| $120 | 2x 100 pack 4.5 inch metal cut-off wheel | http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Pack-4-1-2-x-040-x7-8-Cut-off-Wheel-Metal-Stainless-Steel-Cutting-Discs-/111583964739 |
Relevance to our tax exempt purpose: Without a complete set of tools we are unable to effectively hold classes or complete projects. Trying to work without the correct tools is also unnecessarily unsafe
Immediate needs for Electronics Room & Workbenches (Ken Purcell)
Problem: Electronics has come a long way but just getting basic tools and equipment has consumed all of our committee budget. Covering the rest of our basic needs would take months even with our recent increase in class offerings and honorariums. We need to outfit the rest of the electronics room to truly make it useful to the rest of the membership.
Solution: Buy the rest of the tools and consumables we need to make the room more useful.
Relevance to our tax exempt purpose: We are severely hampered in even basic functions and unable to effectively hold classes or complete projects. We would like to start to offer group builds and classes, having enough tools would allow us to at least have basic sets for more than a couple of members.
Electronics Room PC (Ken Purcell)
Problem: Electronics has a couple of laptops but they are so slow that it takes 8-9 minutes to boot and another 4-5 minutes to open almost any program. For example: the Arduino IDE takes minutes to load and even longer to compile and upload a sketch. Most of the laptops do not even have a power supply anymore or have been hacked to use a non-standard supply. A PC would allow us to setup the donated universal chip programmer, setup the new donated label maker and have a computer to drive the VirtualBench if we work an arrangement with National Instruments.
Solution We would like to buy/build a desktop PC for the Electronics Room to run various programming IDE's for users to upload and test their microcontroller projects. This would also allow us to have a local library of datasheets and programming examples for members to use. We ask the BOD to allocate $800 to build or buy a Desktop PC. There probably is a monitor or two available in the space.
Relevance to our tax exempt purpose: Having a computer to program microcontrollers, lookup datasheets and store a library of information enhances our users experience and make learning electronics easier.
Minutes
Dallas Makerspace Board of Directors Meeting notes : March 22nd, 2015 In attendance: - Andrew LeCody - Pearce Dunlap - Benjamin Groves - Andrew Falgout - Robert Davidson Meeting called to order at 4:15pm *** Prior Minutes *** - Prior Minutes Pass *** Officer / Committee Reports *** Committee News *** Consent Agenda *** These items pass consent agenda with unanimous consent - Approve Election Schedule 2015 (Andrew LeCody) - Intercom System (Brooks Scharff) - Laser Printers and Printer Supplies (Stan Simmons) - Financial Committee Funds (Benjamin Groves) - Security Upgrade (Robert Davidson) - Electrical Upgrade (Robert Davidson & William Petefish) - Windows Licenses (Robert Davidson) - Fix Guest Rules (Andrew LeCody) - Need for Safety and Shop Rules Signs in the Metal Shop (Danny Meeks) *** PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS *** Makerspace owned Foundry/Furnace (Paul Wilson) - Allocate $600 to Foundry Committee with the intent for them to purchase a Model A Furnace, crucibles, and shipping as outlined in this proposal - The allocation also includes allocation for a protective sandbox and any potential safety equipment needs - Proposed by Benjamin Groves, seconded by Andrew LeCody - Unanimous Approval by the Board Lasersaur Project (Luke Olson) - Allocate $12,500 to the Laser Committee with the intent for them to purchase parts and build a Lasersaur Laser Cutter as outlined in this proposal - Proposed by Andrew LeCody, seconded by Pearce Dunlap - Unanimous Approval by the Board *** NEW BUSINESS *** New Potters Wheel for Foundry (Nathan Jones and Nick Sainz) - Note that there is a donation of 10 to 12 pottery wheels under discussion - Conditional approval for General Funds purchase of a Brent Model C Pottery Wheen as outlined in this proposal, if the donation doesn't happen - Proposed by Andrew LeCody, seconded by Benjamin Groves - Unanimous Approval by the Board Scope of work at DMS allowed under lease (Brandon Green) - Two standing DMS rules: - No commercial automotive work - We are under constraint to not damage the floor, don't damage the floor - Automotive Committee has an action item to update and re-post their rules - Item dropped as the intent was discussion without a votable item Epoxy coating for workshop floor (Brandon Green) - Item dropped without objection Portable lift for auto (Brandon Green) - Item tabled without objection Funding for tools for workshop and auto (Brandon Green) - Approve allocation of $2500 to Automotive Committee for purchase of general use tools as outlined in this proposal - Approve allocation of $250 per month to the Automotive Committee - Proposed by Benjamin Groves, seconded Andrew LeCody - Unanimous Approval by the Board Appoint Brandon Green as Procurement Officer (Robert Davidson) - Proposed by Robert Davidson, seconded by Andrew LeCody - Unanimous Approval by the Board Immediate needs for Electronics Room & Workbenches (Ken Purcell) - Approve allocation of $1000 to Electronics Committee - Increase monthly allocation to Electronics Committee to $250 per month - Proposed by Robert Davidson, seconded by Andrew LeCody - Unanimous Approval by the Board Electronics Room PC (Ken Purcell) - Approve allocation of $1200 to Operations Committee, for the construction of a computer for the Electronics Committee - Proposed by Andrew LeCody, seconded by Benjamin Groves - Unanimous Approval by the Board Shift $10,000 from General Funds to Savings Fund - Proposed by Andrew LeCody, seconded by Andrew Falgout - Unanimous Approval by the Board Next Board Meeting Scheduled on April 19th at 4:00pm Meeting adjourned at 7:01pm
February 2015 Budget Report
The included report is the sum of transactions as of 02/28/2015. Board Approved spending on new air compressor ($8500) and needed electrical work ($6600) were not seen in February. These purchases are expected in March, and the General Funds listed below (as Unclassified) are ~$15000 over actual balance.
(clearing errors were worked out - it was a matter of process, the numbers are accurate)
3D Fabrication Committee 1,310.23
3D Printer Operations 1,038.79
Amateur Radio Committee 314.00
Authorized Spending Fund 307.83
Automotive Committee 1,062.71
Bio Committee Fund 244.43
Blacksmithing Committee 1,300.00
Cintas First Aid Maintenance 50.00
Classroom Committee 1,625.53
Creative Arts Committee 546.70
Electronics & Robotics Committe 779.85
Foundry Committee 435.00
Laser Committee 3,488.21
Laser Cutter Operations Fund 430.00
Machine Shop Committee 200.89
Maker Fellowship Fund 1,059.15
Metal Shop Committee 330.65
Operations and Facilities 697.78
PR Committee 688.35
Premium Class Fund 350.96
Project - 2nd Laser Cutter 300.00
Project - Delta 3d Printer 72.70
Project - Jewelry Making 119.34
Project - Lathe Tooling 8.28
Project - MultiCam CNC Router -543.41
Savings Fund 10,004.77
Screen Printing Operations Fund 480.39
Snack Fund 1,328.86
VECTOR Committee 350.00
Vinyl Cutter Fund 212.58
Wood Shop Committee -180.08
Unclassified 57,418.67
TOTAL 85,833.16
Approved Purchase Tracking
Below is a condensed list of purchasing decisions made by the Board of Directors (above), and the status of these action items.
[✓] Purchase Ceiling-Mount Speakers, SIP Adaptor, Speaker Wire for up to $715 from General Funds [✓] Allocate $300 to Financial Committee (QB#1365) [✓] Purchase 2 Security Cameras for $378 from General Funds [✓] Purchase and install EV Charger for up to $1500 from General Funds [✓] Purchase Windows Licenses for $1009 from General Funds [✓] Allocate $200 to Metal Shop for production of safety signage (QB#1366) [✓] Allocate $600 to Foundry Committee for purchase of Model A Furnace, Crucibles (QB#1367) [✓] Allocate $12,500 to Laser Committee for purchase of Lasersaur Laser Cutter (QB#1368) [✓] Purchase Brent Model C Pottery wheel, or accept donation [✓] Allocate $2500 to Automotive Committee for purchase of general shop tools (QB#1369) [✓] Establish $250 per month allocation to the Automotive Committee [✓] Allocate $1000 to Electronics Committee (QB#1370) [✓] Establish $250 per month allocation to the Electronics Committee [✓] Allocate $1200 to Operations Committee for their purchase and construction of a computer for Electronics Committee (QB#1371) [✓] Transfer $10000 from General Fund to Savings Fund
