Unleash the Clicks: Mechanical Keyboard Meetup Returns!

We’re thrilled to announce the return of our Mechanical Keyboard Meetup, set to take place on Saturday, November 25th, at the vibrant Tog Hackerspace. Following the resounding success of our previous event, we’re gearing up for another afternoon of clickety-clack excitement, keyboard exploration, and community building.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, November 25th, 3 pm
  • Location: Tog Hackerspace
  • Address: Unit 1B Motor City, Kylemore Road, Dublin 12, D12 CF6V

What to Expect:

  1. Keyboard Showcase: Immerse yourself in the world of mechanical keyboards as enthusiasts showcase their prized setups. From custom builds to unique keycap designs, there’s something for every keyboard aficionado.
  2. Hands-On Experience: Bring your own keyboard or explore a variety of setups. Feel the switches, test the keycaps, and discover the artistry that goes into crafting these beloved typing companions.
  3. Knowledge Sharing: Engage in conversations with fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the mechanical keyboard scene, there’s always something new to learn and share.

Why Attend:

  • Community Connection: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for mechanical keyboards. Forge new friendships and expand your network within the keyboard enthusiast community.
  • Learning Opportunities: Discover the latest trends, mods, and innovations in the world of mechanical keyboards. From switch preferences to DIY keyboard projects, there’s a wealth of knowledge to uncover.

How to Participate:

To secure your spot at this exciting event, register through our Eventbrite page. Your generous donations will contribute to the success of future meetups and allow us to continue fostering a vibrant community of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. A ticket is not required but it helps us plan.

Spread the Word:

Help us make this meetup even more spectacular by spreading the word! Share our event on social media, forums, and with anyone you think would love to join the mechanical keyboard extravaganza.

Follow Us:

Stay updated on all the latest details and sneak peeks leading up to the event by following us on Twitter.

Conclusion:

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of mechanical keyboards at the Tog Hackerspace Mechanical Keyboard Meetup! Let’s celebrate our shared passion, learn from each other, and make this gathering a memorable experience.

See you on November 25th for an afternoon of clicky keys, good vibes, and community camaraderie!

ChatGPT Hackathon

Are you curious about what ChatGPT is and what it can do?
Have you been looking for an opportunity to try out some applications with it?
Would you like to try out your own knowledge and share it with others in a fun and friendly environment?

Then why don’t you come round to the first ChatGPT AI hackathon being held in by Tog in Dublin on Saturday 18 November?

We will run a free event during the day from 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm for anyone to visit and make things with this accessible new technology.

The event will be open to of people of all backgrounds and abilities and no expertise ChatGPT and other AI technologies will be required.
Bring a laptop or other device to participate though!

The event will feature demonstrations on how to use Chat GPT, challenges for things to make with it and there will be show and tell and prizes for what people make at the end.

Just afterwards will be the famous Tog Open Social so you will be welcome to stay and socialise with other technology geeks over a pizza. https://www.meetup.com/tog-dublin-hackerspace/events/297065665/

So please join us on Saturday the 18th of November from 2pm to 6:30 p.m. for the Chat GPT hackathon.

The event is free but let us know beforehand if you can so we can have an idea of numbers: info@tog.ie

Lock Picking Without A Keyhole

One of our members came to lockpicking night with a problem. Their 1980s pride and joy motor had a passenger door locked. So easy to open? Well, there was also the problem that this door has no keyhole. Not wanting to break the lock and damage the car, the member took it to Conor the host of our lockpicking group night. After a little study and poking around with the mechanism, the door opened to many happy faces.

If you are interested in exploring the world of lockpicking, please drop by our bi-weekly Thursday night sessions.

Community Support Fund

In a heartening stride towards fostering community enrichment and combating isolation, Tog Hackerspace has been awarded a one-off fund under the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme, overseen by the Dublin City Council. This grant comes as a resounding endorsement of Tog Hackerspace’s commitment to providing a safe haven for individuals of all walks of life to connect, create, and learn together. At its core, this grant will sustain our cherished free weekly open nights, amplifying their impact for the betterment of the community.

Empowering Connection: In a world where isolation can creep into the lives of the most vulnerable, Tog Hackerspace’s open nights stand as beacons of inclusion and togetherness. Our open nights have long served as a vital resource for those susceptible to feelings of isolation, including the elderly, the long-term unemployed, and new communities seeking a sense of belonging. Stepping beyond the confines of conventional leisure activities like sports or music, Tog Hackerspace provides a unique outlet for individuals drawn to the allure of creation and collaboration.

A Creative Haven: Tog Hackerspace is more than a venue; it’s a vibrant hub where passion meets purpose. As we stand on the cusp of an era where creativity and innovation are paramount, our space fills a niche that transcends the ordinary. It’s a space where people converge not to watch but to participate, where they delve into the art of making alongside kindred spirits. The grant will facilitate the continuation of these gatherings, ensuring that this haven for creative expression remains accessible to all.

The Heart of Peer-to-Peer Learning: At Tog Hackerspace, we believe that the truest form of learning is that which is shared. Our group nights, thoughtfully designed around an array of themes, encapsulate this ethos. Our approach champions a low barrier to entry, inviting anyone with a spark of curiosity to drop by and be part of something bigger. The peer-to-peer model we employ provides an environment where skills and knowledge are exchanged freely, bolstering a sense of community and empowerment.

Biweekly Rhythms of Connection: The grant’s impact will reverberate through our events, which operate on a biweekly cycle. These events serve as not just gatherings, but as touchpoints that foster ongoing relationships and collaborations. With the newfound resources at our disposal, we’re poised to elevate the quality of these experiences, ensuring that each gathering is a meaningful step towards building lasting connections.

As we look ahead to the months ahead, buoyed by the support of the Community Enhancement Programme and Dublin City Council, Tog Hackerspace stands ready to make a lasting difference. With the grant firmly in place, we’re poised to uphold the values of inclusivity, creativity, and shared knowledge. Tog Hackerspace’s open nights will continue to be a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives, where innovation flourishes and the joy of connection knows no bounds.

  • Monday Electronics Night
  • Wednesday Maker Night
  • Thursday Lockpicking

Check out our calendar or meetup page.

We would like to thank the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dublin City LCDC and Dublin City Council for this grant.

raSTEM Visit

We welcomed members of the raSTEM project from Croatia. They are on a fact-finding trip to Dublin visiting STEM formal educators and non-formal.

Our own Jeffrey Roe gave them a tour and talk about what we do in Tog.

“raSTEM – Development of STEM in Vukovar”, which is supported by the European Union (European Social Fund/ Office for Associations of the Government of the Republic of Croatia).
The goal of the raSTEM project is to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to popularize STEM through the development of new and innovative STEM content for end users – children, youth and the population in general.

The study visit is to find examples of good practice. The group consists of 20 participants (representatives of project partners: professors, gymnasiums and technical schools from Vukovar, representatives of the University of Osijek, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Information Technologies, City of Vukovar, Vukovar Development Agency And representatives of local CSOs).

Lead partner is of the project is, YPGD MGMD Youth Peace Group Danube, Vukovar (Croatia).
The project is implemented by the partner organizations and institutions: 
1. Vura d.o.o. – Development Agency, Vukovar
2. European House, Vukovar
3. Gymnasium, Vukovar
4. Nikola Tesla Technical Secondary School, Vukovar
5. University of Osijek, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Information Technologies
6. City of Vukovar 

FOSSi: A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Silicon

Are you interested in learning about integrated circuit (IC) design and fabrication but don’t know where to start? Look no further than the Free and Open Source Silicon (FOSSi) ecosystem! Join us for an exciting and informative talk where we’ll introduce you to the FOSSi ecosystem and how it can benefit electronics enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike.

If you missed this event it is now on youtube.

Description

In this event, Thomas Pluck, a passionate FOSSi advocate, will guide you through the various aspects of the FOSSi ecosystem. He’ll provide an overview of the free and open source software (FOSS) tools available for IC design and simulation, including HDL simulators, synthesis tools, layout editors, and verification tools. You’ll learn about the community-driven approach to software development and the continuous support and updates available to FOSSi users.

Moreover, Thomas will highlight the educational resources and opportunities available through FOSSi, including online courses, webinars, and workshops. You’ll discover how FOSSi fosters innovation and collaboration through design contests and hackathons.

Finally, Thomas will discuss the affordability of IC design and fabrication through FOSSi. You’ll learn about the guidance and resources available for affordable fabrication options, enabling designers to bring their designs to life.

Continue reading “FOSSi: A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Silicon”