Date
Friday, 05 May 2017 7:30 PM
Many Makers and hobbyists would like to use microprocessors such as Arduinos and Raspberry Pi’s to drive small electric motors. Such motors come in several varieties, each with its own driving needs and best uses. We will have a presentation on the types of electric motors most commonly used by DIYers, and how to simply and inexpensively (not always the same thing) connect them to your microcomputer of choice.
The presentation will be followed by a demonstration of Arduinos driving samples of these small motors. Participants can build along if they wish, since hands-on is often a more effective way to learn than just having someone stand in front of the group and talk. ^_^
To build along, you will need:
• Arduino of some form (Arduino UNO is suggested)
• Appropriate USB cable for Arduino
• Prototype board
• Supply of wires for prototype board
• Laptop with Arduino software installed https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
• Small motor (DC, stepper, standard or continuous-rotation servo)
• DC power supply appropriate to motor (5 volt, 12 volt, …), preferably with 2.1mm barrel connector.
The presenter will make available motor-driver chips that participants can borrow for the evening. If you want to get your own, the parts of interest are:
• L293D https://www.adafruit.com/product/807 (in stock)
• TB6612 https://www.adafruit.com/product/2448 (out of stock as of 5/3/2017)
Find us in our new location:
Red Brick Courthouse
29 Courthouse Square
Rockville, MD 20850
We are on the second floor (take the elevator).
From the main entrance, go to the end of the hall. Take the elevator on the left. We will be on the second floor. Note, use only the elevator, and not the stairs which have alarms.
This is walking distance from downtown Rockville, and only 6 minutes walking from the Rockville Metro Station!!
Parking is abundant around the area, and you should find a lot or garage that is free after-hours using this website:
http://www.rockvilleparking.com/
If you’re willing to pay $4 for close-in parking, go to the garage diagonally opposite the Red Brick Courthouse, with the entrance on Maryland Avenue.
Our members had success parking for free at the lot –
11 N Washington St.
Rockville, MD
This lot is on the same street as the main entrance to the Red Brick Court House. This garage has tight turns in it. It is the alley immediately behind the green M&T Bank sign and before the main intersection as shown here: 
A thank you goes to:
Montgomery County’s Innovation Program
for providing space access.
We look forward to seeing you at this event. If you need help finding the room, please call 850-624-0174.
Upcoming meetings include:
Introduction to drones – fly for entertainment, or for science!
After this, maybe we should build a 3D printed drone?
• Facial recognition based locks – keys are overrated
• Swarm robots – the sum is greater than the parts! How far can we push simple robots to do complex things?
• Youth-focused maker events – children are more empowered than ever. They can teach us a thing or two.
Come out to learn how to participate, how to get your ideas made, and how to find help for your projects! We have experts in 3D printing, electronics, design, and more. We are a diverse crew of people, with interesting experiences and passions.
Be part of the movement. Come out and help your local MakerSpace.
We help make prototypes! We take your idea to the next level. Join a culture of collaboration. As always, we have Open Lab, where you can tinker on your project.
Experience our weekly Friday night MakerSpace meetings. All are welcome to hack/build, network, and collaborate at these events.
Discover, learn, and work together on:
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Automation
• 3D Printing or Micro-production
• Robots
• Microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, etc..
• Big Data and Sensors
• Computer Science
• Technology Entrepreneurship
Learn a new skill, get help, and offer help.
If you are working on a project then bring your own equipment and supplies.
We accept donations of: soldering stations, 3D printers, microcontrollers/programmers, motors, parts, and other tools.