The Mobile Hackspace Project

The Mobile Hackspace Project
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Primary Contact	Dominic
Created	26/06/2012
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Status	Dormant
Type	Events
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Mobile Hackspace Project - "Go Anywhere, Build Anything!"

Cross UK Tour

Starting at Edinburgh HackLab and travelling south through the UK and Wales to Penzance Open Shed passing through several major cities on the way possibly visiting Hackspaces and other places of interest with the Mobile Hackspace.

Something like this to include a few major towns. Anything on the South Coast of near London would be on a seperate tour.

What?

In 2010 some friends and I founded the Nottingham Hackspace, now a huge workshop filled with tools and space to work on nearly any project. Nottinghack has a thriving online community and over 120 members who pay monthly to use the space. Members and visitors share skills and get inspired by the space and the things they can make in it. A lot of the effort of Hackspace has been getting people to come to the Hackspace and see how awesome it is. Now I want to take Hackspace to them by putting it in a truck and taking it on the road.

I am excited by self education but I'm also becoming more interested by STEM or STEAM as I prefer to think of it. I especially feel influenced by thisYou Tube of [ Gever Tulley].

What a Hackspace isn't

A Hackspace is more than a workshop with tools in it. A Hackspace includes the community built around the space. If you simply hire a room and fill it with tools and there isn't a community, that isn't a hackspace.

Focal point at an event

The sorts of event that the Mobile Hackspace might compliment:

• FSC Hack Day
• The UK Maker Faire
• Electro Magnetic Field
• NHS Hackday Yes I know it's for software
• OGG Camp
• Science in the Park

The Mobile Hackspace Project is a personal project of Dominic Morrow acting as a part of the Hackspace Foundation. Mobile Hackspace project is a working title for this project.

The idea is to equip a vehicle with all the key equipment of a Hackspace and take that Hackspace to the hackers, wherever that may be. The mobile hackspace would provide tools, especially higher end technology used for prototyping or fabrication of nearly anything anywhere.

Additional applications of the mobile hackspace would be:

• Schools and educational
• Promoting the Hackspace movement

Can't think of anything else now. More stuff to come.

Funding the Mobile Hackspace

I am going to try and fund this on Kickstarter when it launches in the UK. I am going to start my project page now (late September) with a mind to running it as soon as Kickstarter starts in the UK. According to Kickstarter they will launch this autumn in the UK

I will be trying to get £10k of funding. Kickstarter requires a project to be funded rather than a business so my project is create the Mobile Hackspace and then take it on a tour of the UK something like John O'Groats to Lands End the idea would be to visit the Hackspaces and other institutions that have funded the mobile Hackspace.

Go Anywhere, Build Anything!

The Nottingham Hackspace started as a group meeting in the pub. We had no real space of our own at all and almost no tools, litterally what we could turn up with. We had a lot of fun in those days. Ironically we were spending more in the pub in one night than many of us pay in membership for a month!

In those days we could only dream of having the sort of prototyping tools we have now at the hackspace, those tools have opened up the possibilities of what we can make, inspired us to learn more and helped us to continue to grow the hackspace. What if we could take that inspiration on the road?

At the EMF Camp we tooled up my van with the Hackspace laser cutter, we also took loads of handtools, a vinyl cutter, soldering irons and other items.

When members of the Nottingham Hackspace went to the EMF Camp we wanted to create a focal point for the camp that was an actual Hackspace. We were keen to have the one place at the event that people could make things and this proved to be a considerable draw.

The laser takes up almost all of my Kangoo. We used tap water (very naughty) in the big orange gorillatub at the front of the van and pocked the extraction out the side door. Prior to the camp I was worried about folks messing about with the laser in the night time so putting it in the van meant I could lock it away. In the end I didn't need to lock the van up. My other reason for putting the laser in the van was to have a steady and stable work platform. The trestle tables we took are notoriously wobbly and week. On reflection a bit of hardboard and a couple of hay bales might have been a good solution. In a mobile Hackspace the laser would be bench mounted.

Though it looks like a shanty, the Hackspace village became a focal point for making. Though we weren't that well equipped and we had to adapt to being in a field it did seem that what we provided was very useful. The domed event shelter at the back of my van will be used with the mobile Hackspace at other outdoor events.

Pop Up Hackspace at FSC hackday - Comments by the FSC Hackday Organiser

Back in May the Feild Stuudies Council hosted a hackday looking at how to bring the advantages of mobile technology to teaching geography and related subjects in the great outdoors (stacks of info on the website and blog). Part of this weekend involved Bristol Hackspace "curating" a pop up hackspace in the Soil Lab at the centre. Essentially this was approx £700 of consubables, components and a few tools, plus what Brizzle could get in the back of a car, plus some other contributions. In a space that could have been designed for hackery (stone benches, stacks of natural light, no fire hazards AT ALL, good power supply) this lab provided a great facility for any and all hackers who wanted to get a 'bit physical' with their innovations.

As good as it was though, the following salient lessons were learned:

• We bought too much stuff for a weekend's consumption for 30 people (but it's hard to buy much less and still have a useful selection)
• as useful as the tools were, the skills were the real value, and more than that, the sharing of the skills was the hard but valuable bit
• having a seperate lab from the rest of the hack put up a bit of a barrier- this stuff works especially well if you take it right into the space where the action is
• you only need as many tools as you can use, and you can only use as many as you have skilled people for- it comes down to people.
• you can never have too many clamps.
• it takes not much time to set up a space out of a car (perhaps a couple of hours) and half that to break it down and pack it up.
• a sturdy table is worth it's weight in rhubidium (but they can pack down!)
• for a short term pop up lab the tools that make a difference are the one's that deliver quick results. Cutters, vac formers, solder stations etc. Slow tools are interesting, but of limited value (3d printers not so hot )

Currently Under Consideration

Iveco Daily Luton Walkthrough

Example shown 2007 IVECO DAILY LUTON 3450 WB Diesel from Vantasticuk.com

• £5340 inc VAT
• 2007 (57 Reg), Luton Van, 3,500 kg GVW
• 2287 cc
• Manual with 2 Seats
• Medium Wheel Base
• 120 bhp Diesel
• 4 Doors, cargo area door include steps and hand rails.
• MOT Until 12/2012

This Luton van is a "Walkthough" meaning that the back can be accessed from the drivers cab. It's designed for delivery companies so the driver doesn't have to walk all the way around the outside to get packets. It doesn't have many seats but that is okay.

Unit is spacious and has sufficient space on the left and right possibly for a workbench on one side and storage shelving on the other. There is also space for stuff above the drivers area. It has walkthrough access from the cab as well as a side and rear door.

Land Rover no longer under consideration due to cost

Mobile workshop 110 with lift up sides

• 2004 (53) 110 Hardtop Td5 Diesel - Direct from Severn Trent Water plc
• Fitted with DC welder and generator, Grinder, handwash etc
• Price £8,400 Including VAT (£7,000 plus VAT) Including new MOT, service and comprehensive guarantee

Costs

Item	Est. Cost	Notes	Comment
Vehicle	£8,400.00	An ideal vehicle with DC generator, power sockets tow set etc exmod.co.uk
Insurance - Annual	£1,300.00	vehicle insurance only
Road Tax - Annual	£215.00	DVLA
MOT - Annual	£0	Not required in the 1st year
Secure Storage - Annual	£8 per week	City Council
Brownchurch Roof Rack	£?	2nd Hand item required + fitting

Insurance vehicle only

The image below is based on a compare the market quote for insurance making a few assumptions. It would not include public liability and content, also I'd need to factor the cost of parking the Mobile Hackspace too.

How will the Mobile Hackspace Project benefit existing Hackspaces

For the cost of moving the Hackspace (includes fuel, overheads and driver), any UK Hackerspace or group can hire the mobile Hackspace to use as a platform for their group at an event, other Hack-day or whatever. The Mobile Hackspace can easily be re-branded with vinyl banners to become an extension of that Hackspace at any other venue.

Additionally one of the key benefits of the a Hackspace is the skills you can find or share within. On disadvantage of the mobile Hackspace idea is that unless it's filled with seats and people willing to give their time for free, it may be short on a pool of skills and knowledge. There is already a good strong network of friendly Hackerspaces around the UK and around the world. By keeping closely intouch with these and also being visible at their events, they can use the mobile Hackspace as a focal point for outreach or simply get involved locally at an event mobile Hackspace is attending.

How will this be funded?

I intend to run a campaign on the UK launch of Kickstarter.com. Kickstarter say that it will launch in the UK in Autumn 2012. I will need to make a video and will be looking for volunteers to speak about Hackspace and what it means to them.

Kick Starter Rewards and ideas

Things that will be needed for kickstarter

• video
• amazon payments account
• good bio of what the project is and how it will work
• rewards

What rewards

• Company logo on van & website
• Corporate event visit (UK)
• Tour of UK visit (Hackspace special)
• Private donar name on the side of van
• TShirts & Key Rings

Stuff we'll want in the van!

The mobile Hackspace will be kitted out with lots of tools and materials to make things. It should be able to facilitate groups of around 10 makers (outside) and 2 to 3 maker insider working with the CNC tools (laser, vinyl cutter etc). The cargo area should include an electronics lab work bench with bench power supply, components, scopes, good lighting, ventilated solder fan and a multimeter.

Most importantly there will be space to put folding tables, chairs and event shelters. The outside of the mobile space will include power outlets, lighting and awnings to allow for a larger "Hackspace" to be set up around the van.

Tools and Equipment

• vinyl cutter
• laser engraver
• 3D printer perhaps
• power drills and drivers
• glue guns
• staple guns
• pillar drill
• CNC Mill

Mobile Hackspace Kit (build a Hackspace in a field storged on/in vehicle)

• tables & chairs
• event shelters
• hard floor matting
• lighting (outdoor)
• power adaptors (weather proof)

What the vehicle needs

• power hook up
• inverter/generator
• solar panel and universal charging points/lockers? (pop up internet cafe and charging station)
• lots of storage compartments or shelving
• lighting
• water tank and tap
• fire extinguishers
• large roof rack storage if possible
• Bike rack?
• mobile hot spot (how do buses do this?)
• secure locking, mobiliser, secure points to lock kit inside as well as a tracker?
• air compressor
• side awning
• tow bar for add on unit or caravan
• projector and drop down screen (outside)

Suitable Vehicles

Ideally the vehicle could run on carrot juice and be very environmentally friendly. Budget suggests it might have to save the planet some other way. Bio-diesel seems plausible as does LPG conversion (though I am not sure what difference either option makes to emissions). Having it's electrical power (when not in motion) at least partially solar and wind would be great.

Remember the Gastrowagon? I have something in mind like "The Gastrowagon" from Cook on the Wild Side, an early 90s Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall show about cooking stuff you find. The gastrowagon was very cool. He lived on top of it in a box, it had water, an oven and all sorts of other stuff that opened out the side of it.

What appears to be the remains of the gastrowagon and a chap doing it up! I like Land Rovers a lot anyway so that might influence my decision somewhat.

Land Rover Defender 130 Quadtech Rear Box Body This item looks perfec, it's ONLY the Rear Box Body but £900 seems plausable to me. It requires a Landy 130 which is a little less obtainable. this one looks perfect

Here is a great page of Land Rover 130 Quadtech's and Workshops for sale!

exmod.co.uk Land Rover 130 Quadtech

other ideas

It's always tempting to consider novelty vehicles like this one. These are not at all practicle, they are expensive to buy, run and insure. They are not fuel efficient or reliable and the draw of their coolness does not out weigh the disadvantages of their size and limitations.

Likewise I am avoiding anything special like this Oops, hi yes that was me with the pinzie- gotta love that Witham Specialist Vehicles site. Look for Combat Engineer Tractor. Then take a cold shower.

• BBC Radio Outside Broadcasts run a fleet of Mercedes Vito Vehicles (Crew Cab aka Dualiner bodyshape). With comfortable seating for five and a reaonable loadspace these vehicles do sterling service across the UK. While the loadspace is nothing like the Luton, the loading is ballpark similar, and crucially the people being moved do so in comfort, and very low cost. example on autotrader with secure cage in rear
• Converted Motorhomes- if you rip out the kitchen and washroom of an old high top camper you can fit in a remarkable amount of rackmount equipment, in standing headroom too, and in insulated comfort.

• Note should be made of the Mobile Hackspace project proposed by Bob Clough at HACMan using this novelty bottle forward control landrover
• sandwhich truck
• long wheelbase landrover (especially old fire engine type or anything with side lockers
• UPS type van or any van you can walk into the back of from the drivers seat. I love that.
• a Luton van is big
• the van I already own (very small)

Why don't you get a bus that would be cool?

True, it might be cool and old buses might not cost as much as you think. At the Manchester Mini Maker Faire I spent some time talking with Andrew Teverson of The Stage Bus, a double decker dus (not a route master) that converts into a stage with large sound system, lighting, dressing room etc. Apparently on the top deck there is a kitchen and bedroom with bunks though Andrew (who was rather tall) said he bangs his head on the ceiling a lot and that it's hot in summer and cold in winter.

Of driving the bus Andrew said that technically anyone with a Full UK Driving Licence can drive upto 8 people in it. However he said he has an HGV licence which makes insurance considerably easier to get. Andrew said the bus cost about £3k but that the refit had been more. They have to store it at a caravan storage place and this costs them about £2k a year. Insurance covers the bus and contents I think and he said that it was expensive. I think Stage Bus is a great idea and I certainly plan to hire it if I ever have a suitable event. I think the model it uses as a business is a good one and very similar to how Mobile Hackspace might work.

Link Dump

• Hackbus Wiki
• Apollo-NG Page on Hackerspaces.org & Apollo-NG Home Page
• The REALLYBIGROADTRIP Geek Arts Bus Australia
• The Stagebus
• The Mobile Hackspace project of HACMan & Bob Clough
• Spark Truck& SparkTruck KickStarter and video here

Cool Ideas

• bumper stickers!
• Sponsors of Spark Truck
• Pictures of Maker Trucks!

Kit Costs (WIP)

Item	Est. Cost New	Notes	Link
Laser Cutter/Engraver 40W CO2 A4	£1,400.00		HPC Lasers
Air Compressor	£180		Machine Mart
Drill Press	£200		Machine Mart
3D Printer	£
Solder Station/Reflow Hot air etc	£
Bench Power Supply	£