Open Night Tours: Difference between revisions

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{{update|date=March 2019|reason=Generally okay. But needs 2.5 adding in, membership expectation and integrating with rest of wiki.}}
{{hack|https://nottinghack.org.uk/about-2/join-us/|join us (Nottinghack website)}}


If you're around on any Open Night, you might notice people giving tours.  The people giving tours have been authorised by the [[Team:Membership|Membership Team]] to do so. This is to ensure that tours given on Open Nights include all the pertinent information prospective members need to receive, as well as making sure the prospective member is given a pleasant, accurate impression of the space.
''This wiki page is intended primarily as guidance for team members giving tours of the Space to prospective members.''
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=== Spotting a Visitor ===
If somebody wants to join the Hackspace they need to attend a Membership Tour. These are now organised every Wednesday starting at 7pm sharp (doors open at 6:45).
People must book on Eventbrite so we can tell them if their planned tour is cancelled for any reason.
If someone turns up and we can give them a tour great, but we should reserve the right to turn people away if they haven't booked.


Most first-time visitors to the space will walk in and look lost. They might look for Ein the Duck, but more often than not, they will wander around a bit and look confused.
If you're around on a Wednesday evening, you may well notice people giving tours. 
The people giving tours have been authorised by the [[Team:Membership|Membership Team]] to do so.  
This is to ensure that tours given on Open Nights include all the pertinent information prospective members need to receive,  
as well as making sure the prospective member is given a pleasant, accurate impression of the space.


You can go up to them and say "Hi!" Or ask them if they need any help.  If they say they're interested in seeing the space, or want to know more, or want to become a member, ask them if they want a tour of the space.
=Preparation=


If they have bikes, show them to the bike parking area, rather than leaving them in the comfy area, or, god forbid, the hallway.
==Risk Assessment==


Don't forget to introduce yourself!
Make sure you are aware of the [[Team:Membership/Risk_Assessments/Membership_Tour|Risk Assessment]] bits which apply to giving tours. In summary:


=== What is the space? ===
* If an attendee becomes ill, they should be asked to leave the Space.
* Make sure use of loud tools is stopped while the tour is nearby.
* If there is a fire, attendees should leave the building immediately.
* Have a look around for trip hazards and make sure there is enough light.


It's always good to start the tour with a brief explanation about what the space is.  Call it a communal workshop space, call it a group shed, call it whatever you want - whatever your definition of a hackspace is.  Point out that it's entirely funded by member dues and contributions, and members make all the decisions and work together to make the space what it is. Everything is volunteer driven, and members are expected to put in a bit more than they take out.
==Getting Ready==


Ask the visitors if they've heard of hackspaces before, and how they heard about our space.  They might have friends who are members, they might have seen our website, they might even be members of other spaces.  
At around 6:40 or 6:45, open the doors to the Space and prop the outer door open with the sign.


=== What do members get? ===
If people arrive with bikes, it's fine for them to be brought upstairs and left somewhere out of the way.


Start telling them all about what members get - access to all the tools and consumables, a say in how the space is run, how it works, and where the money goes, access to the wifi, and 24-hour access to the space itself.  Bring up the Google Group as a great place to get info about what goes on in the space, the wiki and website have shedloads of information, and there are volunteer teams that take responsibility for parts of the space - like the Laser Team or the Membership Team or the Snackspace Team, and there's a Team Slack where people can talk and plan.
Be ready for people with specific access needs, such as having to use a lift rather than the spiral staircase.


Point out the magnetic lock on the door and how members need an RFID card to get in. Any RFID card or dongle that can be read by the system can be used - including City cards, bus cards, Mango cards, Oyster cards, work IDs, etc. Point out that some cards will function for the door but '''not''' function with the laser cutter, so we give out plain white cards for free with membership.
Say hello to people as they arrive, so they feel welcome. Ask them how they heard about the Space. Keep the chat going:


=== What's in the space? ===
* Well done for finding the Space.
* What are you interested in?
* Did you have to travel far?
* Maybe even - What's your favourite quiche?


This is the bulk of the tour, pointing out all the neat tools and consumables we have for them to use.  You can go in any direction you want, but this is a loose anti-clockwise route that shows off everything.
=Introduction (in the comfy area)=


==== Comfy area! ====
==Background==


Things to point out:
Explain that questions are welcome during the tour and that you will try to answer - but nobody can possibly know everything about the Space.


The comfy couches and the nice lighting.  Say it's a nice place to relax, eat, work on laptops, read, do small crafty things, or just generally chill out.
Ask whether anyone wants to have a go at defining what a hackspace is - communal workshop, a place with lots of tools, a place with space to work.
Note that there is also a great sense of community at the Space.


The musical instruments and tell them about Folk and Old Time Music night that happen regularly on Monday nights - open to the public and for all skill levels. They also have a Facebook group where they share pieces and organise their activities.
The Space does not offer a paid for service, it is member run:


The projector and computer, telling them about how they can show videos or presentations, and how we occasionally have member-only Bad Movie Nights on Fridays.
* There are no paid staff. That is one reason why prospective members have to take a tour, there is never a guarantee of someone being around to explain the rules and what is available in the Space. Rather different from a gym membership, or an iTunes subscription, for example.
* The Space is funded by its members.
* The Space is run by its members:
** That includes both doing useful tasks and making decisions,
** A team of seven elected trustees have greater responsibility.
* Everyone at the Space is a volunteer - so everyone has a responsibility to contribute and look after the Space.
* There are teams of volunteers who take responsibility for different areas such as the laser cutter, woodworking and membership.
* There is concept of Hack the Space Days where the Space closes for normal stuff and, instead, people focus on improving the Space. There are also mini-hack days where the Space remains open, but people are still encouraged to help improve the Space.


The library, including how the books are long-term loans or donations, and cover a wide range of subjects.
In short, the principle is that people should try to give more to the Space than they take.


The museum of obsolete technology.
The attendees have obviously managed to find the Space. Worth noting that it is relatively accessible by bus and tram.
Parking is available on the local roads, with payment by RingGo - £2.70 per 24 hour period, and free if you arrive after 6pm.


==== Studio! ====
==What do members get?==


Things to point out:
Immediately after joining, all members get:


The good lighting and tables making it great for working on not-too-messy projects.
* 24 hour access to the Space (a combination of door codes and an RFID card).
* Access to the tools and consumables within the Space.
* WiFi.
* Access to the Space's Discord server (check that people are familiar with Discord).
* A say in how the Space is run.


How we have workshops in this room because it's easy to organise. If you know of upcoming workshops, talk about them.
==Rules of the Space==


Large-project storage and how it's used and what it's used for. If you know about some of the projects on there, point them out in particular as things people are doing at the space.
The rules are very important, but not onerous. You should have a read of them if you decide to join the Space, they are on the website.


==== RFID Induction Hijinx! ====
We are not going to go over all of the rules now - we will touch on a few as we go around on the tour. However, the particularly important ones (where contravention may get you banned from the space) are:


Things to point out:
* Do not do anything dangerous - you are responsible for your safety, the safety of others and the safety of the space. This rule is often referred to as "don't be on fire".
* Do not be rude or abusive to anyone.
* Do not steal from the Space.
* Do not sleep in the Space (believe it or not, people have been known to treat it as their home and try to live in the Space 24x7).


How the induction system works with some tools.  Try it out with your RFID card for "DENIED" fun!
==Hackspace Management System==


The embroidery machine and the nice examples on the wall.
Usually known as HMS. Because there are no staff at the Space, as much as possible is automated.
It's hard to explain HMS in detail, because it does so much - membership administration, access to the Space, use of vending machines, etc.
When you sign-up as a member, you will create an HMS account for yourself. That will let you:


The 3D printer and the nice examples we have.
* See the various door codes.
* Book use of any of the tools which require booking.
* Book inductions for the tools where an induction session is needed before you are allowed to use them.
* Print "Do Not Hack" labels.
* View and top-up your Snackspace balance - an account used for vending machines, paying for time on chargeable tools (such as the laser cutter), etc.


==== Craft Area! ====
We'll talk a bit more about some of those things later.


Things to point out:
Now onto the tour....


Industrial sewing machine and overlocker, saying that with any large tools, if you ask on the Google Group, someone can show you how to use them safely.  If they ask what an overlocker does, show them an example of the stitches.
=The Tour=


The craft desk and all the supplies on it, including that these are all consumable as you see fit.
==Comfy Area==


The storage area, including the fabric, the hand-knitting yarn, the machine-knitting yarn, the beads, the leather, the paper, and all the other bits and pieces that make up the craft area. Mention that we have several sewing machines, knitting machines, bead looms, and other tools for craftwork, and they're all available to be used, as well as all the consumables are to be used up as anyone sees fit.
This is where you are now. It's an area to chill out, relax, work on your laptop, and perhaps do small craft projects.  
There is a projector which gets used on film nights and a PS/4 for playing games.


If they seem to think that they'll never need anything from the craft area, point out the googly eyes or the glitter. Because, sometimes, you need eyes. Or glitter.
There are various musical instruments and, occasionally, musical events get organised (of course, you can always organise an event yourself if you wish).


The cutting table and how it's great for working on large projects that need spreading out.
It also contains the Space's library of donated books - some of more use than others, and some extra useful as they hold up the shelves.


==== 2.5 Map! ====
Then there is the museum of obsolete technology.


Show off the map. Point out where you're currently standing.
==Studio==


Talk about the 2.5 nights.  Talk about how everyone is helping out. Encourage people to help out.
Here there is good lighting and several tables. It's good for general projects, provided they are not too messy.


Point out how it's all being done properly, and maybe tell a few horror stories of bad DIY.
Also, because it is easy to reorganise the room, it is where workshops and events generally take place. For example there is a regular Combat Robotics meet-up which takes place here.


==== Workshop! ====
There are a few things to point out while we are here...


Before you go into the workshop, point out that it's very noisy and you might have periods where you can't talk or you'll have to shout.
===Members' storage===


Don't shout if you don't want to.  You can ask people to briefly stop working on their projects when you're in that area.
You can purchase a storage box. There is a one off charge, currently £7.50. This is for longer term storage. There is a second area, with more room, downstairs.


===== Electronics Bench! =====
===Large project storage===


Things to point out:
This is a place where members can store projects which they are actively working on which are too large to fit into a storage box.
Things should not be dumped for ever, so they must be labelled with a Do Not Hack label - they are printed using HMS and come out of the label printer which is very conveniently located on the shelves.


The tools available, including the soldering irons, testing equipment, heat guns, tiny drills, and other bits.
===Vending machines===


The huge range of components and consumables, all free for members.
Drinks, snacks and a few consumables. Use your RFID card and payments will be deducted from your Snackspace balance.
You can view and top-up your Snackspace account in HMS using a credit or debit card. That's probably easiest, but there are note and coin acceptors downstairs, if needed.


The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) etching equipment, which means you can create your own circuit boards from scratch.
===RFID===


If they need help on an electronics project, suggest that the Google Group would be a good place to go to look for help.  Everyone will have an opinion.
It's probably becoming clear that your RFID card is important!
It gets you into the Space, it lets you buy food and it grants you access to tools that need induction, once you have been authorised.


===== Consumables! =====
You will be able to grab your first RFID card from a box as you come in for the first time as a member (it's a simple process to configure the card, with instructions on the wiki). If you should ever need a replacement card, we ask for a £1 donation.


Things to point out:
You can potentially use any other RFID card that you have.
Any RFID card or dongle that can be read by the system can be used - including City cards, bus cards, Mango cards, Oyster cards, work IDs, etc.
Be aware though that some cards will function for the door but '''not''' function with the laser cutter, so we give out plain white cards for free with membership.


Everything on that shelving can be used.
===Screen printing===


All the bits can be used.
A small room dedicated to screen printing and including a small dark room.


Most of them have been donated by members.  But we also have a Consumables Group that buys bits and pieces that we need in bulk, like good screws and hot glue sticks and things like that.
==Craft Room / Textiles Workshop==


If they ever want to put something on wheels - show them the wheels box.
This is intended to be cleanest crafting space - no glue or sticky tape. There are various things you can use: sewing machine; iron; CNC embroidery machine.
You will also find lots of consumables in this area. Lots of fun tools such as mug and t-shirt presses.


===== Laser Cutter! =====
===Consumables===


Things to point out:
Throughout the Space, consumables are there to be used - unless they are labelled "Do Not Hack". Most are donated although there is also a team that buys some bits and
bobs - things like screws.


The laser cutter works wonderfully on acrylic, MDF, plywood, card, leather, foam and some types of rubber. Show off examples from the scrap piles.
Essentially an honour system. No one is really monitoring.  
Ask yourself whether you are doing the Space a favour by using something which nobody else would ever want (fax rolls would be a good example), or whether you are using something useful in which case it would be good to either replace it or to provide something else useful instead.


It doesn't work on metal, glass, and it makes felt too fuzzy and biscuits inedible.
===Donations===


You need an induction to use the laser cutter. Why?  Because the laser cutter itself can get out of alignment very easily, the software is difficult to understand, and if you're not careful, it WILL catch on fire. Show off the burnt piece of wood.
A good time to mention donations in general.  
Although we sometimes welcome donations this can cause problems as the Space becomes cluttered with stuff that no-one really wants and it takes time and effort to get rid of.
As a rule of thumb:


Mention that the induction is £20, and that to use the cutter, you pay £3 for every hour. Google Group/Wiki for the induction information.
* Replacing consumables - YES.
* Good quality tools & components - MAYBE.
* Old / obsolete / broken equipment - NO.


===== Spray Booth! =====
Ask on Discord if you are not sure. There is a Hackbay channel on Discord where you can offer stuff to other members.


Things to point out:
===Inductions===


Fully ventilated - dust doesn't come in, fumes don't go out.
A good time to mention inductions, as the CNC embroidery machine is the first tool we have come across which requires induction.


Hooks and places to leave things to dry.
Inductions are to protect the tool, you and other people. Inductions cost £20, made up of a £10 donation to the Space and £10 to the inductor as a thank-you for giving up their time.
You request inductions via HMS and can enquire on Discord for a likely timescale - there is quite a wait for some machines because of the availability of inductors.


This might be a good place to also bring up the Do Not Hack policy.  If it has a name, a date, and says Do Not Hack - leave it alone!
There is a full list of tools needing an induction on the wiki, but in summary:


===== Bike Area! =====
* Laser Cutter,
* Resin Printer (not currently available),
* Embroidery Machine,
* Some woodworking and metalworking tools.


Things to point out:
Worth noting that some tools also have a usage charge, intended to cover the cost of operation:


All the bike tools
* Laser Cutter, currently £3 an hour,
* Embroidery Machine, currently £1 an hour.


All the bike bits
Also worth noting that for any tool that you haven't used before, even if it doesn't need a formal induction, you can always ask for a bit of help on Discord.


Bike parking for members - a nice safe place to park if they're going into town.
==Kitchen==


Lots of members know about bikes - ask the Google Group for help.
Tea and coffee is provided. There is often milk around, but you can always bring some along yourself.
Members are free to use the facilities, but remember you also need to clean up - there is no paid cleaner.


No, we do not need your bike parts, thank you.
==Toilet==


===== Donations! =====
This is the only toilet within the Space. It is Unisex and there is additional bolt on the outer door for greater privacy. Cleaning materials and bin bags are at the back.


Things to point out:
There are other toilets in the communal areas of the building, with access codes available on HMS.


That we like getting donations of things that work or can be broken down into good consumable parts.
==Workshop==


That we do not like getting CRT monitors or TVs, large computer cases, broken computer bits, junk, rusty metal, printers or bike parts.
General workshop area. Dirty benches / clean benches - note the labels.
Variety of tools around that you can see, and more consumables.
Point out the radial arm saw - it requires no induction, but it is potentially dangerous. Ultimately, you are always responsible for your own safety.


===== Metal Working Area! =====
==Laser Cutter==


Things to point out:
As mentioned earlier, there is an hourly charge. It is an induction tool - covering how it is used, what material you can cut, etc. 
Decent scrap pieces are retained for future use but, again, you are responsible for clearing up any mess.


Myford Metal Lathe! It was purchased by members running a pledge drive - where everyone gets together, decide that they really like a tool, and that they want to chip in to buy it.  Say it's from the 70s, and that it came from Beeston, so it's a bit of Nottingham history too.  The lathe does two-dimensional metal milling.
==CNC Machines==


Bridgport Mill! It was also purchased by a pledge drive, and it does three-axes metal milling. Say that both the mill and the lathe require a one-on-one several-hour induction/training session to use safely, and that you can find out about this on the Wiki or on the Google Group.
CNC Router / Mill - cuts a variety of materials and carves in 3D. Bring your own bit.
CNC Lathe.
These are not induction tools.


Grinders, welding equipment, saws and other metalworking tools.
==Dusty Area==


===== Dusty Area! =====
Table saw - probably most dangerous tool we have in the Space:


Things to point out:
* risk of injury,
* fire risk (there has been a fire before).


The wood lathe.
Induction is required for those obvious reasons. This area is separated to keep sawdust at a minimum in the rest of the workshop. Bring your own masks!


The table saw.
Tools should be used with their exhaust extract engaged.


The belt sander.
As with all areas in the Space, machines, surfaces and floors should be cleaned after use - for safety and because we care for the Space and other members.


How this area is separated to keep sawdust at a minimum in the rest of the workshop.
==Metalworking area==


===== Woodworking Area! =====
Many useful tools, some of which require induction.
Very much the sort of professional tool which you would be unlikely to have at home, but here for you to use.


Things to point out:
Mention how pledge drives are often used to raise money to buy new machines.


The big pillar drill (another pledge drive!)
Touch on how the area is moving downstairs.


The hand tools, including how we're in the process of replacing our bad/not-so-great tools with really nice professional-level tools, such as the new drills.
==Spray Booth==


The small power tools, and how if you're not comfortable with a tool, just ask for help.
Has an extractor.


===== Sink and Screenprinting! =====
==Move Downstairs==


Pull out one of the screenprinting frames to show off the kind of things we do with screenprinting.  Point out the UV cabinet (but don't open it!) and then point out the giant sink and how great it is for washing anything that doesn't belong in the kitchen.
Point out lift.
Stairs.
Entrance on Roden street, useful to bring in bikes, bulky materials and tools.
Mention the activities of our neighbours - rehearsal rooms, dance studio, stinky doggy daycare.  


===== Safety Equipment! =====
==3D printing area==


Briefly point out the safety equipment before you leave the workshop. Make sure they know it's there when they need it.
Examples of 3D printing kicking around.


==== Toilets! ====
==Electronics area==


Briefly point out the toilets, just so they know where they are.
Point out tools and consumables.


==== Kitchen! ====
==Blue Room==


Things to point out:
Co-working. Printers. Computers (?). Plotter.
Meetings here - nice big screen for Zoom.  The open members meeting is on the first Wednesday of every month.


The oven, toaster, microwave, kettle, urn, hot plates (above the cupboards), dishwasher, and other cooking implements for making delicious things
==New Metalworking Area==


The pantry/communal food storage area and fridge.  Make sure they know that they're responsible for it if they put their name on it, and that clean-outs do happen.
==Bike repair==


The tea and coffee, and how it's always free.  Donations are more than welcome, whether it's cash in the tin or going out to get milk when it's out.
Lots of bike tools, lots of bike bits.
 
Bike parking for members - a nice safe place to park if they're going into town.
==== Vending Machine! ====
Lots of members know about bikes - ask on Discord for help.
 
But no, we do not need your old bike parts, thank you.
Show off that the vending machine vends food.
 
Point out that, for members, the same RFID card that got them into the space can be used to start their vending machine tab, which they're reminded about monthly.
 
Point out the Space Raiders. You know you want to.
 
==== Blue Room! ====
 
Things to point out:
 
A place for members to hide out if events are happening - point out the lock on the door.
 
A nice place to work if you're away-from-the-office/freelancing.  Mention how quiet it is during the day (which may be hard to believe depending on the dance studio's noise levels).
 
How monthly Open Members Meetings are held in here on the first Wednesday of every month, and how everyone can have a say in how the space is run, what sort of things are purchased, what the space does, and how the space will work in the future.
 
The computer and printers, which are available for members to use if they need to.


The giant TV, which is also available for members to use.
==Classroom==


==== Storage Room! ====
==Members Storage==


Point at a storage box and tell them that every member can buy a storage box for £5 and use it to store things so they don't have to cart everything back and forth.
==Journey back upstairs==


Point out that room is tight.
=Back in the comfy area - Roundup=


=== What does membership get you? ===
==Membership Payments==


Repeat that membership gets you full 24-hour access to the space and all the tools and consumables, as well as a voice in how the space is run and where the space is going. Say that they can also run to be a trustee, who is legally responsible for the space as a limited liability company.
Fees - pay what it is worth to you, but there is a £5 monthly minimum (for tax reasons). 
£15 is a reasonable amount for someone who makes average use of the Space. Must be paid by standing order, because the processing is automated within HMS.
It is perfectly acceptable for payments to be varied up and down depending on how much you are able to use the Space - for example you might be working away for a period of time, or have other commitments for a while.


This is usually when they ask about membership fees.  WE HAVE NO SET MEMBERSHIP FEE. It is entirely up to each individual member to decide what they want to pay, and it depends solely on what they think is right for how they are using the space.  It's up to each person to decide what the space is worth to them and what they can afford, and it can be changed as their situation changes.
==Process for Joining==


Point out, however, that it costs around £11 an hour to keep the space running. That's just paying the rent and keeping the lights on.  That's not fixing anything up or buying new tools.
We have a laptop where you can enter your email address to express interest in joining. Has to be done while you are on the Space's network to show that you have completed a tour.
You will then get an email with links to complete the sign-up process.
There is no obligation, and no follow-up / chaser emails.


All membership dues are paid in by standing order.  No, we do not take cash. You can change the amount at any time, you can stop it at any time, you can restart it at any time.
If you want to join, when you receive that email:


'''We want you to want to be here.'''
* Follow the instructions to register on HMS (still no obligation).
* One of the membership team will then review your details (not much of a review, but we are obliged to know details of members' real name and address, and this is to weed out obvious fakes or bots). That will usually happen quickly.
* You will then receive an email about setting up a standing order. You need to set up with correct reference so the system picks up that you are paying. Again this is because it is automated by HMS.
* Every night data is pulled in from bank (although can be longer). Once payment is received then you are a member.
* You will then get another email giving instructions on how to access the Space - door codes and a PIN to setup your RFID card (also available on HMS).
* Setting up the RFID card is easy and there are instructions on the Wiki.


=== How do they become members? ===
==Process for leaving==


This is where you bring in a laptop or tablet that has [http://HMS HMS] loaded - look around the studio and someone should have it. The process is as follows:
Unfortunately people do leave us sometimes. Leaving is easy, there are no embarrassing conversations:


# Person enters their email address into HMS, with the option to sign up for the newsletter.
* Stop your regular payment.
# Person receives an email from HMS asking them to complete their details.
* Remove any items from storage.
# Membership team reviews the details (just to make sure it's not a robot), and moves the person into stage 2.
* You get a couple of weeks grace to restart payments or remove stored items.
# Person receives an email with all the standing order information, including a Account Reference code.
# Person sets up the standing order at their bank with the Account Reference code.
# Every night, the data is pulled from the bank and entered into HMS. Any new members in the system receive an email with the door codes, as well as telling them to get their RFID card activated.
# Person comes in the next Wednesday, gets their RFID card activated, and boom! Member!


Point out that emails have a tendency to hide in the Spam folders, so to always check before bugging everyone.  And that the turnaround, if they're timely with their standing order, is usually a week.
It is easy to rejoin as you will already be setup on HMS - just start paying again.


Now sit them down with HMS in front of them and get them to sign up!
==Getting people signed up==
Laptop must be connected to members' WiFi, but not logged in to HMS. There will be a "Register Interest" option.


=== Any more questions? ===
Invite people to enter their email address. They can then stay around and chat some more, or can leave when they are ready.


If they have any more questions, you can either answer these yourself, or see if one of the regulars in the studio can answer.
=Rules=
Included here (from Edgar's document) for reference, should any questions arise.


Tell them they're more than willing to go look around at bits, or ask people what they're doing, or just generally enjoy the space.  If they have something they want to work on, let them go and do that - after checking that they're comfortable with the tools they want to use.
''But, do we actually need this section?''


Set them free, and start the next tour!
* Do not be on Fire
* Membership of the Hackspace - >18 and making monthly payment.
* Guests & Visitors - Welcome and you are wholly responsible for their behaviour and safety.
* Be Excellent to One Another.
* Respect the Hackspace.
* Do Not Hack - Labels claim materials and request others don’t use.
* UK Legislation – Must comply with applicable laws.
* Storage in the Hackspace - Limited storage space.
*  Donating to the Hackspace – Consider the benefit to the Hackspace when donating - discuss in Discord.


[[Category:Infrastructure]]
[[Category:Infrastructure]]
[[Category:Membership]]
[[Category:Membership]]
[[Category:Open Nights]]
[[Category:Open Nights]]
[[Category:Events]]

Latest revision as of 07:15, 5 April 2025

  Please see Nottinghack Rules/Guide - join us (Nottinghack website)

This wiki page is intended primarily as guidance for team members giving tours of the Space to prospective members.

If somebody wants to join the Hackspace they need to attend a Membership Tour. These are now organised every Wednesday starting at 7pm sharp (doors open at 6:45). People must book on Eventbrite so we can tell them if their planned tour is cancelled for any reason. If someone turns up and we can give them a tour great, but we should reserve the right to turn people away if they haven't booked.

If you're around on a Wednesday evening, you may well notice people giving tours. The people giving tours have been authorised by the Membership Team to do so. This is to ensure that tours given on Open Nights include all the pertinent information prospective members need to receive, as well as making sure the prospective member is given a pleasant, accurate impression of the space.

Preparation

Risk Assessment

Make sure you are aware of the Risk Assessment bits which apply to giving tours. In summary:

  • If an attendee becomes ill, they should be asked to leave the Space.
  • Make sure use of loud tools is stopped while the tour is nearby.
  • If there is a fire, attendees should leave the building immediately.
  • Have a look around for trip hazards and make sure there is enough light.

Getting Ready

At around 6:40 or 6:45, open the doors to the Space and prop the outer door open with the sign.

If people arrive with bikes, it's fine for them to be brought upstairs and left somewhere out of the way.

Be ready for people with specific access needs, such as having to use a lift rather than the spiral staircase.

Say hello to people as they arrive, so they feel welcome. Ask them how they heard about the Space. Keep the chat going:

  • Well done for finding the Space.
  • What are you interested in?
  • Did you have to travel far?
  • Maybe even - What's your favourite quiche?

Introduction (in the comfy area)

Background

Explain that questions are welcome during the tour and that you will try to answer - but nobody can possibly know everything about the Space.

Ask whether anyone wants to have a go at defining what a hackspace is - communal workshop, a place with lots of tools, a place with space to work. Note that there is also a great sense of community at the Space.

The Space does not offer a paid for service, it is member run:

  • There are no paid staff. That is one reason why prospective members have to take a tour, there is never a guarantee of someone being around to explain the rules and what is available in the Space. Rather different from a gym membership, or an iTunes subscription, for example.
  • The Space is funded by its members.
  • The Space is run by its members:
    • That includes both doing useful tasks and making decisions,
    • A team of seven elected trustees have greater responsibility.
  • Everyone at the Space is a volunteer - so everyone has a responsibility to contribute and look after the Space.
  • There are teams of volunteers who take responsibility for different areas such as the laser cutter, woodworking and membership.
  • There is concept of Hack the Space Days where the Space closes for normal stuff and, instead, people focus on improving the Space. There are also mini-hack days where the Space remains open, but people are still encouraged to help improve the Space.

In short, the principle is that people should try to give more to the Space than they take.

The attendees have obviously managed to find the Space. Worth noting that it is relatively accessible by bus and tram. Parking is available on the local roads, with payment by RingGo - £2.70 per 24 hour period, and free if you arrive after 6pm.

What do members get?

Immediately after joining, all members get:

  • 24 hour access to the Space (a combination of door codes and an RFID card).
  • Access to the tools and consumables within the Space.
  • WiFi.
  • Access to the Space's Discord server (check that people are familiar with Discord).
  • A say in how the Space is run.

Rules of the Space

The rules are very important, but not onerous. You should have a read of them if you decide to join the Space, they are on the website.

We are not going to go over all of the rules now - we will touch on a few as we go around on the tour. However, the particularly important ones (where contravention may get you banned from the space) are:

  • Do not do anything dangerous - you are responsible for your safety, the safety of others and the safety of the space. This rule is often referred to as "don't be on fire".
  • Do not be rude or abusive to anyone.
  • Do not steal from the Space.
  • Do not sleep in the Space (believe it or not, people have been known to treat it as their home and try to live in the Space 24x7).

Hackspace Management System

Usually known as HMS. Because there are no staff at the Space, as much as possible is automated. It's hard to explain HMS in detail, because it does so much - membership administration, access to the Space, use of vending machines, etc. When you sign-up as a member, you will create an HMS account for yourself. That will let you:

  • See the various door codes.
  • Book use of any of the tools which require booking.
  • Book inductions for the tools where an induction session is needed before you are allowed to use them.
  • Print "Do Not Hack" labels.
  • View and top-up your Snackspace balance - an account used for vending machines, paying for time on chargeable tools (such as the laser cutter), etc.

We'll talk a bit more about some of those things later.

Now onto the tour....

The Tour

Comfy Area

This is where you are now. It's an area to chill out, relax, work on your laptop, and perhaps do small craft projects. There is a projector which gets used on film nights and a PS/4 for playing games.

There are various musical instruments and, occasionally, musical events get organised (of course, you can always organise an event yourself if you wish).

It also contains the Space's library of donated books - some of more use than others, and some extra useful as they hold up the shelves.

Then there is the museum of obsolete technology.

Studio

Here there is good lighting and several tables. It's good for general projects, provided they are not too messy.

Also, because it is easy to reorganise the room, it is where workshops and events generally take place. For example there is a regular Combat Robotics meet-up which takes place here.

There are a few things to point out while we are here...

Members' storage

You can purchase a storage box. There is a one off charge, currently £7.50. This is for longer term storage. There is a second area, with more room, downstairs.

Large project storage

This is a place where members can store projects which they are actively working on which are too large to fit into a storage box. Things should not be dumped for ever, so they must be labelled with a Do Not Hack label - they are printed using HMS and come out of the label printer which is very conveniently located on the shelves.

Vending machines

Drinks, snacks and a few consumables. Use your RFID card and payments will be deducted from your Snackspace balance. You can view and top-up your Snackspace account in HMS using a credit or debit card. That's probably easiest, but there are note and coin acceptors downstairs, if needed.

RFID

It's probably becoming clear that your RFID card is important! It gets you into the Space, it lets you buy food and it grants you access to tools that need induction, once you have been authorised.

You will be able to grab your first RFID card from a box as you come in for the first time as a member (it's a simple process to configure the card, with instructions on the wiki). If you should ever need a replacement card, we ask for a £1 donation.

You can potentially use any other RFID card that you have. Any RFID card or dongle that can be read by the system can be used - including City cards, bus cards, Mango cards, Oyster cards, work IDs, etc. Be aware though that some cards will function for the door but not function with the laser cutter, so we give out plain white cards for free with membership.

Screen printing

A small room dedicated to screen printing and including a small dark room.

Craft Room / Textiles Workshop

This is intended to be cleanest crafting space - no glue or sticky tape. There are various things you can use: sewing machine; iron; CNC embroidery machine. You will also find lots of consumables in this area. Lots of fun tools such as mug and t-shirt presses.

Consumables

Throughout the Space, consumables are there to be used - unless they are labelled "Do Not Hack". Most are donated although there is also a team that buys some bits and bobs - things like screws.

Essentially an honour system. No one is really monitoring. Ask yourself whether you are doing the Space a favour by using something which nobody else would ever want (fax rolls would be a good example), or whether you are using something useful in which case it would be good to either replace it or to provide something else useful instead.

Donations

A good time to mention donations in general. Although we sometimes welcome donations this can cause problems as the Space becomes cluttered with stuff that no-one really wants and it takes time and effort to get rid of. As a rule of thumb:

  • Replacing consumables - YES.
  • Good quality tools & components - MAYBE.
  • Old / obsolete / broken equipment - NO.

Ask on Discord if you are not sure. There is a Hackbay channel on Discord where you can offer stuff to other members.

Inductions

A good time to mention inductions, as the CNC embroidery machine is the first tool we have come across which requires induction.

Inductions are to protect the tool, you and other people. Inductions cost £20, made up of a £10 donation to the Space and £10 to the inductor as a thank-you for giving up their time. You request inductions via HMS and can enquire on Discord for a likely timescale - there is quite a wait for some machines because of the availability of inductors.

There is a full list of tools needing an induction on the wiki, but in summary:

  • Laser Cutter,
  • Resin Printer (not currently available),
  • Embroidery Machine,
  • Some woodworking and metalworking tools.

Worth noting that some tools also have a usage charge, intended to cover the cost of operation:

  • Laser Cutter, currently £3 an hour,
  • Embroidery Machine, currently £1 an hour.

Also worth noting that for any tool that you haven't used before, even if it doesn't need a formal induction, you can always ask for a bit of help on Discord.

Kitchen

Tea and coffee is provided. There is often milk around, but you can always bring some along yourself. Members are free to use the facilities, but remember you also need to clean up - there is no paid cleaner.

Toilet

This is the only toilet within the Space. It is Unisex and there is additional bolt on the outer door for greater privacy. Cleaning materials and bin bags are at the back.

There are other toilets in the communal areas of the building, with access codes available on HMS.

Workshop

General workshop area. Dirty benches / clean benches - note the labels. Variety of tools around that you can see, and more consumables. Point out the radial arm saw - it requires no induction, but it is potentially dangerous. Ultimately, you are always responsible for your own safety.

Laser Cutter

As mentioned earlier, there is an hourly charge. It is an induction tool - covering how it is used, what material you can cut, etc. Decent scrap pieces are retained for future use but, again, you are responsible for clearing up any mess.

CNC Machines

CNC Router / Mill - cuts a variety of materials and carves in 3D. Bring your own bit. CNC Lathe. These are not induction tools.

Dusty Area

Table saw - probably most dangerous tool we have in the Space:

  • risk of injury,
  • fire risk (there has been a fire before).

Induction is required for those obvious reasons. This area is separated to keep sawdust at a minimum in the rest of the workshop. Bring your own masks!

Tools should be used with their exhaust extract engaged.

As with all areas in the Space, machines, surfaces and floors should be cleaned after use - for safety and because we care for the Space and other members.

Metalworking area

Many useful tools, some of which require induction. Very much the sort of professional tool which you would be unlikely to have at home, but here for you to use.

Mention how pledge drives are often used to raise money to buy new machines.

Touch on how the area is moving downstairs.

Spray Booth

Has an extractor.

Move Downstairs

Point out lift. Stairs. Entrance on Roden street, useful to bring in bikes, bulky materials and tools. Mention the activities of our neighbours - rehearsal rooms, dance studio, stinky doggy daycare.

3D printing area

Examples of 3D printing kicking around.

Electronics area

Point out tools and consumables.

Blue Room

Co-working. Printers. Computers (?). Plotter. Meetings here - nice big screen for Zoom. The open members meeting is on the first Wednesday of every month.

New Metalworking Area

Bike repair

Lots of bike tools, lots of bike bits. Bike parking for members - a nice safe place to park if they're going into town. Lots of members know about bikes - ask on Discord for help. But no, we do not need your old bike parts, thank you.

Classroom

Members Storage

Journey back upstairs

Back in the comfy area - Roundup

Membership Payments

Fees - pay what it is worth to you, but there is a £5 monthly minimum (for tax reasons). £15 is a reasonable amount for someone who makes average use of the Space. Must be paid by standing order, because the processing is automated within HMS. It is perfectly acceptable for payments to be varied up and down depending on how much you are able to use the Space - for example you might be working away for a period of time, or have other commitments for a while.

Process for Joining

We have a laptop where you can enter your email address to express interest in joining. Has to be done while you are on the Space's network to show that you have completed a tour. You will then get an email with links to complete the sign-up process. There is no obligation, and no follow-up / chaser emails.

If you want to join, when you receive that email:

  • Follow the instructions to register on HMS (still no obligation).
  • One of the membership team will then review your details (not much of a review, but we are obliged to know details of members' real name and address, and this is to weed out obvious fakes or bots). That will usually happen quickly.
  • You will then receive an email about setting up a standing order. You need to set up with correct reference so the system picks up that you are paying. Again this is because it is automated by HMS.
  • Every night data is pulled in from bank (although can be longer). Once payment is received then you are a member.
  • You will then get another email giving instructions on how to access the Space - door codes and a PIN to setup your RFID card (also available on HMS).
  • Setting up the RFID card is easy and there are instructions on the Wiki.

Process for leaving

Unfortunately people do leave us sometimes. Leaving is easy, there are no embarrassing conversations:

  • Stop your regular payment.
  • Remove any items from storage.
  • You get a couple of weeks grace to restart payments or remove stored items.

It is easy to rejoin as you will already be setup on HMS - just start paying again.

Getting people signed up

Laptop must be connected to members' WiFi, but not logged in to HMS. There will be a "Register Interest" option.

Invite people to enter their email address. They can then stay around and chat some more, or can leave when they are ready.

Rules

Included here (from Edgar's document) for reference, should any questions arise.

But, do we actually need this section?

  • Do not be on Fire
  • Membership of the Hackspace - >18 and making monthly payment.
  • Guests & Visitors - Welcome and you are wholly responsible for their behaviour and safety.
  • Be Excellent to One Another.
  • Respect the Hackspace.
  • Do Not Hack - Labels claim materials and request others don’t use.
  • UK Legislation – Must comply with applicable laws.
  • Storage in the Hackspace - Limited storage space.
  • Donating to the Hackspace – Consider the benefit to the Hackspace when donating - discuss in Discord.
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