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Lockpicking @ Science Gallery SECRET Exhibition

Pin_tumbler_unlocked.svgJester here, I have been invited to run a 2 hour hands on lockpicking workshop in the Science Gallery as part of their SECRET Exhibition on the 10th and 15th of September 2015. The first date sold out quicker than I would get around to putting up a blog post, so allow me to tell you about the 2nd one.

The event description is on the Science Gallery website is HERE. In the 2 hour session I will include 30 minutes of presentation slides showing the inside of a lock, and how we manipulate the lock without the use of a key. I will also show examples of other types of locks that you might see on a regular basis, and the possible insecurities of these locks. This is followed by us giving lockpicking a go ourselves. The Science Gallery were kind enough to supply locks and lockpicks for the session, but I will also bring along some of TOG’s collection from the Ha’penny Bridge.

If you are interested, I have placed the booking form below, or please jump over to the Science Gallery booking page HERE and grab yourself a place

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Board Game Night

 

As many of you may be aware, we’ve been thinking long and hard about running game nights in Tog for a while now. You may have even played a few games with us at one of our open socials, but finally the stars have aligned and we’re now running a regular Board Game Night on the first Friday of the month 6:30 to 10:30pm starting from THIS FRIDAY, 4th September.

The basic concept of Board Game Night is that once per month a game is selected as the main focus of the night, and we’ll try to get a few copies of the game (when possible) so that everyone that comes can play and enjoy that game. It wont always be possible to have multiple copies, so we will have other similarly themed games going on simultaneously when that’s not possible.

It’s free and open to everyone, so just come down and play some games!

 

For our first night, we’re kicking off with Splendor as our main game of choice. We will of course have others available including Small World, Ticket to Ride, Boss Monster and others should we get a big group enough together.

“Splendor is a game of chip-collecting and card development. Players are merchants of the Renaissance trying to buy gem mines, means of transportation, shops—all in order to acquire the most prestige points. If you’re wealthy enough, you might even receive a visit from a noble at some point, which of course will further increase your prestige.” BoardGameGeek

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Daggercon – Security Conference – 8th October 2015 – FREE

daggercon 2015 logoAs many of you are aware, security knowledge sharing is close to TOG’s heart, and with that we are always excited to see more security conferences happening in Dublin. Even better when it does not require a company credit card to attend. This is why I would like to tell you all about a free security conference taking part in Dublin in October this year. I ( jester ) am helping out with the planning and I will be running a lockpicking table during the event, so be sure to pop along and say hi. Bring your picks if you have them 🙂

Daggercon is a new and upcoming computer security conference, organized by the security community. Supporting security communities are involved in the creation of this conference so please show your support by spreading the word, and attending.

WHEN?
Thursday, October 8, 2015 from 09:30 to 16:30

WHERE?
Building 6, IBM Technology Campus, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 ( Google Maps ) ( Dublin Bus – 38 and 38a )

Continue reading “Daggercon – Security Conference – 8th October 2015 – FREE”

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Hard Disk Fun

hard disk speedHaving some fun with old hard disks…. by taking them apart of course 🙂 Pics here.

There’s some interesting parts inside. Some fantastically strong magnets and an air core coil are used to position the heads. Stepper motors are long gone from hard drives! Might try some wireless charging experiments with the coil.

The platters themselves are spun by a type of 3 phase motor. Connected this up to a spare speed controller (ESC) from a model aircraft. Was able to spin it right up to 15,000 rpm using the aircraft remote control. Checked the speed with the trusty laser tachometer. That’s 250 revs per second, or 1 rev every 4 milliseconds. Makes a great sound at full speed.

Now to figure out some use for such a tiny high speed motor. Gyroscopic effects are very evident at such high speeds too. Maybe make some self balancing widget!

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August Open Social

streamersIt’s Open Social time again…. this coming Saturday 15th Aug. At the last Open Social in July, we were just a week away from Dublin Maker. The place was hectic with activity. This Open Social will see Toggers much more relaxed. Drop in and hang out for the evening. If you’ve never been to the social, or even TOG itself, you’ll find it a great alternative Saturday evening in town. Look around….talk to members and visitors about projects or things you’d like to do.

 

Talk about beer brewing to some of our brewer members or about locks to our lock pickers. Ask about joining as a full member.We’ve cleaned out the pizza oven and its ready to go. The space stays open until the last member is left……usually the small hours of Sunday morning. The open social is free to attend for members and visitors alike. Our doors will be open from 7pm.

 

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Lego Automaton Jukebox – stage 0.2 incomplete, stage 0.3 started

It takes time & certain amount of failed ideas to design anything. Ideas rarely come in a box, they require slow birth rather than rapid unpacking.

STAGE 0.1 IdeaBuldozer-01

B: “What would you build if I gave you a coin counter?

I: ”Any purpose?”

B: ”Yes, to make a machine so the visitors put money in.”

I: ”hmmm… a Jukebox? … hmm with dancing Ducks…”

STAGE 0.2 Learning

I have decided to build prototype of an automaton from Lego Technic. There were plenty sets & I have never had an opportunity to play with those… ehhh Lego <3

Day 1: some basic Lego models from booklets

Day 2: big bulldozer started – learning Lego

Day 3: BREAK sorting bricks day… too hard too find elements anyway.

Day 4: BREAK DISASTER element needs to be ordered online

Day 5: BREAK unsuccessful at building part replacement from other bricks

Day 6-9: BREAKBuldozer-04

Day 10: part arrives 😀

Day 11: model is finished… gears aren’t working

Day 12: disassembling 🙁

Day 13: Here we go again!

Day 14-15: It works! – Lego lvl Advanced reached.

Day 16: Time to upgrade!

Day 17: I hbrick-01ave decide to add electronics from Lego Mind Storm Setbrick-02

Day 18- 28: BREAK – Dublin Maker

…..

…..

SUMMARY

Upon my positive experience with Lego & positive associations towards bricks from public I have decided to build actual Automaton from Lego. Ducks bricks will have to be designed & 3D printed.Buldozer-02

STAGE 0.3 3D printing Lego Bricks

Day …XX(lost count, but it’s today) First general Lego Piece was 3D printed 🙂

SUCCESS 3D printed Lego piece fits with regular bricks!

SHORT TERM GOALS:

  • Build automaton
  • Design Lego Bricks in a shape of Ducks
  • 3D print Ducks
  • program Bulldozer (why not its almost done!)
  • find manual for coin counters…

Would you like to try to create own designs? Come along to our ongoing (every second Monday) CAD workshop in Tog. Looking forward to see you here – next class 17th of August 2015.

 

Buldozer-03

Latest decision –  to add Arduino & remote controller to Bulldozer 😀