August MA Make and Take

[HalloweenZombie]

Time to plan the next M&T. Dave has kindly volunteered his house for an August date. How about August 13th?

Dave's willing to help us out with controllers. Also, I think we should to a B.Y.O.P. since it's a little late in the season and I'm sure everyone will have their own stuff to work on.

[Manor Matt]

Aug 13th works for me, and I'm sure by August I'll have several props at some level of completion that will need working on....
and Thanks to Dave for offering his place (we all know he just wants to show off his carpentry skills and his new mower....lol)

[Zombie-F]

I'm pretty sure the 13th is ok with me! I'll certainly let you know if it's not. :p

[CarolTerror]

I'm certain that the 13th is good for *ME*... I'll check with John tomorrow to see if it's a kid weekend or not.

I love this idea... by August, I'll be working on my own stuff. YAY!!!! :jol:

[MonkeyBasic]

I'm going to do my best to make it as well!!!

[CarolTerror]

The 13th is a good day for John, too!! So the House of Terra is united in its "thumbs-up" for August 13th...

[Hell Hound]

We are hoping to be able to go, but, we're going to see Alice Cooper that night so I'm not sure yet, gotta check the show time and stuff

[Zombie-F]

I'll be covering the prop-1 specifically. I know a number of us already have the stuff for this one, but I'll compile a list of items to obtain for those who don't already have the stuff for this. A starter kit will run you $62.50 from EFX-TEK. It comes with a trainer board that helps you get started without having to buy solenoids, relays or other items you'd like to try controlling.

I will also have a bevvy of other devices to connect to it to demo what you can do with one of these puppies.

This will be mostly a refresher/starter course. I will be glad to field any questions for any level of use.

A little off-topic, but are we going to do a July M&T?

[CarolTerror]

I think I'd have to pass on a July M&T. I'm going to be obsessing way too deeply about the ECHC decorations, which are going to be largely handmade this year. I can feel the obsessiveness starting already, in fact...

[HalloweenZombie]

July is tough for me too. On call for the first weekend and ECHC. But you know me. I'm a make and take ho, so I'll do my best to get there should there be one.

[Lotus]

july is tough for me too. On call for the first weekend and echc. But you know me. I'm a make and take ho, so i'll do my best to get there should there be one.

hehehehehehehe vic is a hoe

[Manor Matt]

I thought the July M&T was 'making' the Ultimate hangoverand 'taking' away memories of another great Gathering.....

Looking forward to doing some stuff with the Prop-1, have had the controller, trainer board, etc., for almost 2 years now and never did anything with it...I got stuck at the coding. But after playing with the Picaxe coding I feel better about tackling the Prop-1......

[Zombie-F]

Actually, I just realized I probably can't do July either. Too much going on. BBQ the first weekend, the gathering the last and I have other haunt obligations to get going (and done) in there as well.

[Zombie-F]

I was talking with Glen from the East Coast Haunt Club over the weekend and he's interested in learning the Picaxe rather than the Prop-1. There is no way I'm teaching both. I have already started the work on the lessons for the prop-1 so I'm just going to continue with that.

In my humblest of opinions, even thought he picaxe is infinitely less expensive of a controller solution (about $23 Startup, $5 for subsequent chips) it requires a bit of electronics knowledge to get running in addition to teaching the programming. I don't think this is a good option for a starter with no prior experience.

The Prop-1 is $62.50 for a starter kit, and $40 for subsequent boards. The biggest pro is that the board will work right out of the box with no need to build electronic circuits for it to work. For the starter course I'll be doing in August, this is what I'm teaching.

So, in light of that, this is not a cheap project to start with but will be easier for you to get up and running.

Here is what everyone who wants to participate will need to buy:
EFX-TEK PROP-1 STARTER KIT (http://www.efx-tek.com/php/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=10)
USB-to-Serial Adapter (http://www.efx-tek.com/php/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=13)
And if you don't have a USB cable to run between the PC and your board, you'll need:
USB type-A to mini type-B Cable (http://www.efx-tek.com/php/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=17)

The USB-to-Serial Adapter and USB type-A to mini type-B Cable are one-time purchases. You will not need to buy them again.

That's it. Just that. You will also want to bring a laptop or netbook PC with you to do the programming with. If you don't have one, don't worry, we can "share" mine amongst a few people.

[Zombie-F]

I will go over how to connect the controller to your pc, how to write and understand a few simple programs, and how to load those programs into the controller.

I will have a series of handouts to give everyone to take home to help retain what you're learning.

[gmacted]

Are we going to have to call you professor Zombie-F going forward?

[Zombie-F]

The Abominable Dr. Zombie-F. :D

[HauntCast]

I am working in the afternoon on the 13th. If this was on the 14th I'd be there?

[HalloweenZombie]

I have no problem with Sunday the 14th if everyone else is OK with it.

[Zombie-F]

Works for me too. Any other problems with the 14th?

[Manor Matt]

it works for me.....

[MassMax]

I can do the 14th. My only concern is that Sunday evening traffic on either I-495 North or I-93 North might be a bit heavy, as compared to Saturday evening. That's prime family vacation time, besides the normal volume of people returning from a weekend on the Cape.

I just ordered the Prop-1 kit and I'm looking forward to learning about it. If I have something ready in time, I may also bring my first attempt at a pneumatic prop (simple pop-up) so I can ask for advice and maybe test it with the controller.

[Zombie-F]

I can do the 14th. My only concern is that Sunday evening traffic on either I-495 North or I-93 North might be a bit heavy, as compared to Saturday evening. That's prime family vacation time, besides the normal volume of people returning from a weekend on the Cape.

I just ordered the Prop-1 kit and I'm looking forward to learning about it. If I have something ready in time, I may also bring my first attempt at a pneumatic prop (simple pop-up) so I can ask for advice and maybe test it with the controller.

To control the pop-up you'll need a solenoid, preferably one that runs off of 12VDC and has a 5-port/4-way valve.

[HalloweenZombie]

Since there were no objections to moving the date so Chris could attend, let's make it official:
Time: Sunday August 14th
Project: Prop-1 and/or bring your own project

[HauntCast]

Awe, you guys are so sweet:D Thanks for making the change.

[madscientist70]

[QUOTE=Zombie-F;550857]I'll be covering the prop-1 specifically. I know a number of us already have the stuff for this one, but I'll compile a list of items to obtain for those who don't already have the stuff for this. A starter kit will run you $62.50 from EFX-TEK. It comes with a trainer board that helps you get started without having to buy solenoids, relays or other items you'd like to try controlling.

I will also have a bevvy of other devices to connect to it to demo what you can do with one of these puppies.

This will be mostly a refresher/starter course. I will be glad to field any questions for any level of use.

Dave, Will the Picaxe controllers be covered? I know it sounds noobish but thats all I have?

[Denhaunt]

Hello...miss you guys.

[Lotus]

hello...miss you guys.

come home denny come home

[HalloweenZombie]

We miss you too Denny. If you made it back home for the Gathering that wouldn't be such a problem, would it?

[Denhaunt]

We miss you too Denny. If you made it back home for the Gathering that wouldn't be such a problem, would it?

Nah...I'll hop on the next plane.

Actually, I'm getting together with some local folks here to do a small build this weekend. It won't be then same :(

[Lotus]

I am going to miss you Denny

[Zombie-F]

Quick update... I may have a work trip some time in August and right now I'm being told it will be on August 23. Depending on if the trip gets moved up a week (which sometimes can happen) I may need to reschedule this M&T.

[MonkeyBasic]

I'm out as well. This falls right in the middle of a family vacation. I'll make it out for September!

[Hell Hound]

The 14th works for us so provided Your trip doesn't get changed Dave we will definitely be there!

[Zombie-F]

As of right now, the M&T is still on. Usually, my trips get pushed back if they're going to move at all. :)

[HalloweenZombie]

Yay!!!

[HauntCast]

I will be there. Finally I'll learn how to program the Prop 1.
I have a Trash can Trauma that I'm not using this year if anyone wants it for their haunt. Let me know and I'll bring it.

[Manor Matt]

Chris, I'd be glad to use your TCT this year if you're not using it... will save me the time to build one for this year (still collecting cylinders & solenoids...lol).

Looking forward to next Sunday, hopefully will have some stuff to finish up once the Prop-1 class is over......

[HauntCast]

Matt, I'll bring it. It's made with a bike pump, but the action is superb. This thing gets great startles.

[CarolTerror]

The Terrors are definitely in for the 14th!! I'm pretty sure that Prop 1 is beyond my capabilities at this time, but I'd love to listen, watch, and get copies of any handouts that will be going around. Project-wise, I still have my PVC figure from the last M&T as well as a few other projects that need work.

Are we doing Pot-Luck food/drink?

[Zombie-F]

Ok, I'm trying to get a head count here. Who all is going?

Confirmed:


Myself
The Terrors
Vic
Manor Matt
Chris Baker
Tom Waters

Maybe:


Lotus
MassMax
madscientist70

I will be covering the prop-1, so anyone interested in learning should bring their kit (along with the prop-1 trainer, a laptop computer, and the cables to connect the laptop to the prop-1.

I will have some handouts to give and some LEDs, resistors and the like to teach with.

[Denhaunt]

Ok, I'm trying to get a head count here. Who all is going?

Confirmed:


Myself
The Terrors
Vic
Manor Matt
Chris Baker
Tom Waters

Maybe:


Lotus
MassMax
madscientist70

I will be covering the prop-1, so anyone interested in learning should bring their kit (along with the prop-1 trainer, a laptop computer, and the cables to connect the laptop to the prop-1.

I will have some handouts to give and some LEDs, resistors and the like to teach with.

Aaarrrg :(

Have fun guys. I would send you a lifed-sized paper cut out of myself but I shutter to think of what might be done to/with it. Oh the possibilities.

[HalloweenZombie]

The first thing that comes to mind is to cut a hole in the mouth.

[MassMax]

Hi guys,

Please count me in. I hope to have my pop-up/TCT ready to go by Sunday, to test with my Prop-1.

Dave, can you please PM me your address?

What's the plan for food? Are we doing a pot luck like last time, as Carol suggested? If so, I make a mean clam chowder.

[Lotus]

I only go if Denny is there = P but yea I should be there

[HauntCast]

Denny, we'll miss you brotha. I'll try to shoot video of us defiling your paper cut out.

[Zombie-F]

Ok, I'm trying to get a head count here. Who all is going?

Confirmed:


Myself
The Terrors
Vic
Manor Matt
Chris Baker
Tom Waters
Lotus
MassMax

Maybe:


madscientist70

Things to bring (if you can):


A chair
Table
Pop up canopy
Beverages for yourself
Anything you may want to eat off the grill. I'll have burgers and dogs, but if you want special stuff feel free to bring some. :)

[HauntCast]

What is the start time?

[wandererrob]

Too bad I'll be in PA this weekend :/

I could realy use some new knowledge for my prop-1s. I've got two I still haven't given a purpose yet.

[Manor Matt]

I'll bring some extra chairs, at least 1 table, and my popup canopy. Anything else needed (other than beverages & food) ?

I'll try to remember to whip up another batch of frozen shot glasses and something to fill them with too.....

[Zombie-F]

Manor Matt is da man!

Chris, we'll start around noon. I'll actually start the teaching once I feel enough of us are present to do so. Any stragglers can play catch up when they arrive.

I've been feverishly working on the handouts to take home. I hope I can finish them before the M&T. Worst case, I talk a lot and do a lot of over-the-shoulder hands on training. :p

[MassMax]

I'll bring some extra chairs, at least 1 table, and my popup canopy. Anything else needed (other than beverages & food) ?


I'll also bring a canopy, an extra folding table, and some spare chairs.

Warren

[Zombie-F]

It's looking like rain for Sunday, but you know... New England weather can change at the drop of a hat. In the event it does rain, we'll be doing this crammed into my dining room and living room.

[Hell Hound]

The only canopy I have is a carport, and not easily moved, but, we will bring a table chairs, and some form of food and of course booze!

[madscientist70]

Sorry Gang, Was hoping to be caught up on customers machine by now so I could attend. But it looks like another Sunday at work! Hope you all have a great time and will see you in September!

[HalloweenZombie]

I have a canopy too. I'll bring it.

[Lotus]

It's looking like rain for Sunday, but you know... New England weather can change at the drop of a hat. In the event it does rain, we'll be doing this crammed into my dining room and living room.

Looks like its going to rain late at night so we should be fine

[Manor Matt]

I also have a couple of large tarps too..... 100'x50' or so...... so we could always just cover the entire deck, multiple canopies, and 1/3 of your yard too.... (don't have any poles for the tarp though.... just lotsa rope & twine....lol)

[Denhaunt]

The first thing that comes to mind is to cut a hole in the mouth.

Um, I'm flattered...maybe...I think? I'm gonna go take a shower now - I feel so dirty.

[Lotus]

I also have a couple of large tarps too..... 100'x50' or so...... so we could always just cover the entire deck, multiple canopies, and 1/3 of your yard too.... (don't have any poles for the tarp though.... just lotsa rope & twine....lol)

OMG LETS TURN DAVE'S YARD into a TARP CITY

[Hell Hound]

Matt, Stacey says your tall enough! You can stand in the middle and hold it up for the rest of us!

[Hell Hound]

The Tarp... get your mind out of the gutter!!!

[HauntCast]

I'll bring a few Hauntcast hoodies with me if anybody's interested.

[MassMax]

I'll bring a few Hauntcast hoodies with me if anybody's interested.

Do you have any XXL? :cool: If so, I'd be interested.

[Zombie-F]

With the weather being questionable and given we'll be working with computers and electronics, this is going to wind up being an indoor event. We'll have to cram into my living and dining room and I'll do my best to teach.

I think we'll wind up ordering out for pizza, so bring a few bucks to donate to the cause.

[HauntCast]

Pizza is a good idea. I don't feel like bringing food.

I'll have l, xl, and 2xl hoodies.

[Zombie-F]

Actually, the weather is supposed to hold until tonight, so I think as long as we build up our little Haunter Canopy city, we should be ok. If it does start to rain, we can bag everything and go inside.

[Lotus]

Don't know if i am going to make it guys woke up feeling under the weather if i do i will be late

[HalloweenZombie]

That was a fun make and take. My Prop-1 is ready to go for my spitter prop! Thanks Dave!

I probably did more socializing than prop building, but I needed to be with my haunt peeps. I had a great time. We should do it one more time before October hits.

[Zombie-F]

It was a little difficult to get and keep any kind of order, but I think the three or so people who really wanted to learn something about the Prop-1 walked away with some amount of knowledge that is useful.

I agree one more before October would be great!

[HauntCast]

Thanks again Dave for the hospitality. I have September 24th open. That evening there is a Creature Double Feature Round Up 2 in Norwood at the Sheraton Four Point Conference Center on Route One. Creature Double Feature and Creature Double Feature on WLVI . I'm going to promote Hauntcast and it sounds like a lot of fun.

[MassMax]

I'd be happy to host a M&T at my house in Ayer on September 24. My large 30' x 30' garage will be cleared out in preparation for setting up my haunt, so we'll have plenty of covered workspace in the event of rain. I have enough power tools, including compound mitre saws and a compressor, to cover pretty much any project. I also have a new deck, perfect for grillin' and chillin'.

I realize it's a bit far for the South Shore crowd, but the event Chris mentioned would be on their ride home. Let me know if folks are interested (we should probably start a new thread).

[Zombie-F]

Sounds good to me. Shall we start a new thread for it? :)