Call for Hardware Prototypes!

Hi Drew,

You might change the title to Call for [Hardware] Prototypes so that people who are prototyping the hard part aren't misled

gotcha, and that's the best part!

Anyone else going to be attending the Make: Hardware Innovation Workshop?  It starts this afternoon.  Please give a ring or text 773 710 7131 or tweet at me (@pdp7).  I always enjoy meeting fellow element14 Community members!

I'll be posting about the event on my social accounts:

Google+: https://plus.google.com/117542001281850354871/posts?banner=pwa

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pdp7

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dfustini

Cheers,

Drew

Hi Drew,

I have an idea for you to discuss with the Hardware Workshop Group.

Being disabled, it takes me for ever to implement my tools in hardware and software.  What I could use is some generous people to whom I could share the design with and have them complete the build for me.  I would both pay for all of the parts plus I would willing permit the design to go into the open Hardware domain.  This might also be an idea for Element14 to create open source boards/devices for sale to the membership.

I am sure that there are other old geezers like myself who could use this level of support, so I was hoping that the group could consider offering a service to people who need some helping hands and fresher minds to get their ideas into usable form with today's technology.

Anyway, I would appreciate the effort.

Thanks

DAB

Hi DAB, just so I can get a better idea, what aspects would be involved with completing the build?  Would that be fabrication and assembly?

Also, a couple speakers did talk about applying new technologies and materials to help the disabled complete tasks.  I still need to go through my notes and organize all the pictures I took though before I can recall the specifics.  I'll post once I do.

I'm sure I'll also be meeting plenty more innovative makers and talented engineers over the coming days, so I'll keep your request in mind.

Thanks,

Drew

Hi Drew,

To clarify my interest.  I have a lot of ideas that require me to design a circuit, prototype it and then have PC boards made.

I usually only have about 5 good hours to work on projects a day.  Most of that time is devoted to my book writing, so I only get to the other projects if I still have energy/time.  Needless to say, that leads to a very erratic development cycle.

What I need is helping hands.  For me to learn a circuit design tool to explore a design is nearly impossible.  Pain and medication has drastically reduced my ability to learn new things.  So if I could draw up a circuit and have someone explore its applicability with design tools would be a big help.  Once everything is ready to go, I could use someone to create the board design.  After that, I could populate the board and apply it to my research.

I also need someone who would be willing to write the data collection, analysis and display software.

I am hoping that someone or several people would be interested in learning the systems aspects of the project from me in exchange for their help.  I am always available for mentoring anyone who needs help, especially here at E14.  In essence, I wish to trade my knowledge for some helping hands.

My research project on lightning is both fun and could be a major contribution to the worlds knowledge on how charge moves in the atmosphere to the point where lighting discharges.  I have several theories on how this process works, but I need to build some measurement devices so that I can collect data to confirm my ideas.

In effect, I wish to take Open Hardware into an Open Systems effort.  After all, sharing ideas is how progress is made and working with experienced people like me is a great way for young engineers to see some of the more intricate issues involved with Systems analysis, design and implementation.

From my point of view, everyone wins.  I get the tools I need.  Those that help me get to learn some crazy ideas from me and the Open community get to reuse the tools and ideas.

Anyway, that is what I think could happen if people are willing to work under those conditions.

Thanks

DAB