Smartphone Speaker Boxes

02 February, 16:14, by Verdi

Since Christmas I have been building smartphone passive speaker boxes. To be honest I was prompted to do so by my daughter who has instigated a regime of making Christmas presents that cost less than $20 which leads to a lot of pre Christmas stress for me and who knows, could be a topic next December!

Then I spotted an idea on Pinterest and was intrigued by the idea of making a speaker that could amplify the phone’s internal speaker.

First I bought a plan with 3 designs from Stockade, and built each one shown below. They all redirect the sound towards you and probably double the volume. They make a handy place to put the phone during long calls.

Then I spotted this “Folded Horn Passive Phone Speaker on Instructables.com

I liked the design because it keeps the phone accessible, directs the sound nicely, is more space efficient on my desk and I can see everything on the screen.

The only drawback is its not easy to get a charge cable in place.
Building the box was easy to do, though time consuming because of all of the parts I had to make. Once the pieces were cut out, I only needed some white glue and clamps to construct it. I painted it and made some fancy wooden sides to improve the look and voila, I had my gift!

Then I had requests to make some more, and now I am working this week on number 4.

I did make a couple of slight changes to the design, adding weight in the base and changing the slope on the phone mount in order to make it more stable. I experimented with pathway, adding custom curves to the internal path in the hope of improving the sound but in the end I don’t think it did much.

It needs tests for volume and frequency response but so far I can say its noticeably louder and it works as a player speaker even though its a bit boxy sounding. (Considering its an iPhone speaker what can one expect?)

So if you are interested I am making drawings to share (see next weeks blog) and I am making a design for the laser cutter so that we can create a kit of parts. You can make the parts yourself or simply buy the kit and glue it up. For diode members the costs could be pretty minimal, for non Diyode members we can charge a bit more.

Let me know what you think. Is the a good idea, would like to hear of more projects, and do you have some to share?

Chau,
Cliff

June Events for the DIYversity Project

12 June, 22:57, by EvaB
The DIYversity Project is a year-long initiative to diversify the population of makers at Diyode Maker Club. Here is a poster for the  information about upcoming open nights in June. The events are open to all and free to attend. Come on out and get making!

Diyode has received the City of Guelph Wellbeing Grant

24 March, 22:16, by EvaB

We have been selected to receive funds for our organization. Thank you for your kind consideration, City of Guelph!

From their website https://guelph.ca/2019/03/city-announces-2019-wellbeing-grant-recipients/ :

“Each spring, the Wellbeing Grant program allocates funding to not-for-profit organizations to support operating costs, events and special programs or projects that improve community wellbeing.”

This helps us out quite a bit, as we moved locations from Wyndham Street to our current location at 183 Dufferin Street last August.  Our move was costly, as all moves are, in particular since we had industrial machines to relocate.

The $3,000 grant helps offset some of these costs and helps us stay healthy as a community organization.

Thank you very much, City of Guelph!

Patched!

07 December, 23:37, by EvaB

The little plastic window on the dust bag was beyond helping with tape.  There was an old t shirt at the shop that had a large screen printed image on it that made the jersey fabric less air permeable.  A double layer was sewn onto the window.

And from the back (showing also the hazards to clothing of the procedure)

…and, it works!

The Large Machines Move

24 August, 23:47, by EvaB

Yesterday…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…and…. Done!!

This is Wednesday

22 August, 20:33, by EvaB

The last day this room will look like this:

 

Thank you to some members who put a *lot* of time and effort into making this room and the main floor look spectacular.  Michael deftly organized and provided strong encouragement for this project and saw in his mind what this would look like. He also did electric planing to get the floor clean, sanding and painting; Chris did the majority of electric planing (a hard job), sanded, painted and urethaned; Lori sanded, Brennan painted and organized tool rentals, Paul, John C, Stephen, Gabriel and Jamie who also helped with preparing this room and the first floor, which also looks stunning.

 

 

More to be done.  We will get to it….

Renovations are under way at our new home!!

12 August, 22:10, by EvaB

We are in week two of customizing 183 Dufferin Street, the new home of Diyode.  This space will have more room for everything we do, and be beautiful too!

Looking into the new classroom area from the main floor common fabrication room.  The answer to the tweet  🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

New metal shop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upper floor wood shop with lots of natural light.  The floors will be refinished this week.  It will be stunning!

Life Gears Academy Adult Programming Classes

27 April, 20:59, by EvaB

These will be at  Diyode Community Workshop, at 71 Wyndham St. S,  conducted by Life Gears Academy in May and June this year.  If you are interested, the link to their site is here:  https://www.lifegears.org/adult-classes

Adult Classes

We are now offering courses for adults to allow them to develop various skills mainly in the field of Computer Sciences. Please look below for our crash courses. Adult classes refer to anyone who is 18 or older.

Intro to Programming

Runs Saturdays 11am to 1pm at Diyode (71 Wyndham St S, Guelph) for May 5,12,26, and June 2,9,16. $120

This would be taught in either python or c (no previous knowledge needed), and would cover the topics below.

Unix and basic CLI, values and types, variables, user input, conditional statements, control structures (loops), functions/subroutines , recursion, and a basic intro to file systems.

Register here.

SQL

Runs Saturdays 1:30am to 3:30pm at Diyode (71 Wyndham St S, Guelph) for May 5,12,26, and June 2,9,16. $120

Databases would be using MySQL and this course would cover the following.

Basic CLI for MySQL only, what is an RDB?, why do we use MySQL and its cousins?, standardization and why it helps, how a database is structured, permissions and users, database commands, tables and values, table commands, select, update, delete, drop (DANGEROUS), sub queries , variables (brief), and how SQL can be used in a job.

Register here.

 

 

Makerspace Jobs

24 April, 20:22, by EvaB

Makerspace Assistant (Part-Time, 12 Month Contract)

Idea Exchange, Old Post Office


Are you constantly tinkering to discover how things work? Do you have a passion for mechanics and get excited about new technology? Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge and findings with people who share your passion? Idea Exchange is seeking a talented and creative Makerspace Assistant for our brand new location, the Old Post Office. Does this sound like you?

As a Makerspace Assistant, you will plan, organize and conduct makerspace programming for members as an extension of your knowledge and passion for all facets of technology. You will act as the makerspace expert by training other staff and volunteers on the ins and outs of the makerspace and equipment. Additionally, you will assist with circulation responsibilities and other duties as required.

To be qualified for the role, you will have experience working in a makerspace including troubleshooting and maintaining equipment. Your aptitude for mechatronics, familiarity with small tools and equipment, and previous experience in a service environment is essential as you develop a unique hands-on space where learning takes place. Previous experience with a 3D printer, laser cutter or similar technologies is an asset. Previous training and instructing experience is an asset.  

This is a part-time, 12-month contract position where you will work approximately 24 hours in a bi-weekly period. The position may require work from multiple branch locations within Cambridge. The starting schedule is as follows and is subject to change.

Week 1 Week 2
Monday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Off
Sunday 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Off

 

If you think you are up to the task, please apply by May 7, 2018 to:

Corrine Denbok, HR Specialist
Idea Exchange
1 North Square, Cambridge, Ontario, N1S 2K6
Email: hr@ideaexchange.org
Apply Online: http://ideaexchange.org/about/career-opportunities

 

Makerspace Team Lead (Full-Time, 12 Month Contract)

Idea Exchange, Old Post Office


Are you passionate about mechatronics with the ability to see the broader scope of learning? Are you a natural leader but likes to keep your hands in the day-to-day work? Idea Exchange is seeking a talented and creative Makerspace Team Lead for our brand new location, the Old Post Office. Does this sound like you?

As a Makerspace Team Lead, you will oversee makerspace programming including guiding program creation, delivery, training, and overall program assessment. You will seek and engage community partnerships to enhance future programming. Additionally, you will participate in the day-to-day activities within the branch including assisting in programming and circulation duties.

To be qualified for the role, you will have experience working in a makerspace including troubleshooting and maintaining equipment. Your aptitude for mechatronics, familiarity with small tools and equipment, and previous experience in a service environment is essential as you develop a unique hands-on space where learning takes place. Your exceptional communication skills will be helpful as you quickly build rapport with outside partners and members. Your education will include a post-secondary diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent). Previous training/instructing experience and previous supervisory experience is considered an asset.  

This is a full-time, 12-month contract position where you will work approximately 70 hours in a bi-weekly period. The position may require work from multiple branch locations within Cambridge. The starting schedule is as follows and is subject to change.

Week 1 Week 2
Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 12:00 – 8:30 p.m. 12:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Thursday 12:00 – 8:30 p.m. 12:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday Off 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday Off 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

 

If you think you are up to the task, please apply by May 7, 2018 to:

Corrine Denbok, HR Specialist
Idea Exchange
1 North Square, Cambridge, Ontario, N1S 2K6
Email: hr@ideaexchange.org
Apply Online: http://ideaexchange.org/about/career-opportunities

 

 

 

The Old Post Office is the newest Idea Exchange location. It will be a space for creative minds to gather – to tinker, code, bend, sketch, fabricate and build. A place where the past and future meet because it’s not just about who you are and what you do, but who you will become and what you will discover.

Idea Exchange has transformed into a space where people of all ages can come together to share their passion for art, reading, knowledge sharing, technology, creativity and culture. Our six locations in the community provide endless resources, learning and fun to our members making Idea Exchange a pillar of arts and culture in Cambridge. Want to learn more? Visit us at http://ideaexchange.org.

Please note that this position is open to internal and external candidates. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A vulnerable police records check may be required as a condition of employment depending on the nature of the position.

 

Custom Stratocaster

24 April, 20:15, by EvaB

One of our former members, Joel Dube did this fine work.

This is a custom stratocaster build. The top wood is zircote and the back and pickguard are black limba. The sound knobs are made from Indian Rosewood. The neck, electronics and hardware were taken from a Squier affinity series stratocaster.