makephilia workshops

Class Descriptions

Beginner Soldering Workshop:

Electronics 101

Overview

Difficulty: Absolute Beginner
Duration: 3 Hours

Are you an artist eyeing electronics? Maybe cyberdeck curious? A mod synth builder? Tired of squirmy breadboards? Learn soldering! In this class you will learn how to properly use your soldering iron, what makes solder work, types of soldering, through-hole soldering techniques, desoldering and common soldering mistakes.

Absolute beginners are welcome! No experience is necessary for this class, just curiousity about how things work is enough. All tools and materials will be provided.The class focuses on assembly and soldering technique, not designing a PCB (printed circuit board). But you will also learn the how to use a multimeter and the function of each of the components, including resistors, capacitors, LEDs, switches, power source and chips.

We will be soldering together a one player LED tile game called Conway's Game of Life, a mathematical game that simulates population growth/decline and creates an organic display of patterns. There are 38 components to solder, so buckle up, you will be an expert at the end of class. Its easy once you know the right technique.

Soldering iron kit with Conway's Game of Life PCB for LED patterns.

-No one under 18 may attend this class.

Make a Pinhole Polaroid Camera from a Beer or Soda Can

Overview

Difficulty: Absolute Beginner
Duration: 3 Hours

Learn how to make a pinhole polaroid camera with stuff you can find around the house, but don't worry, we'll provide all the materials.

Together we will make pinhole cameras from two cans. Cans will be provided. You can use this camera with 4x5 film or polaroids or long exposure non silver based emulsion. We will also make a light tight film changing bag from opaque garbage bags and duct tape. Garbage bags will be provided. If you love making equipment from trash you will love this class. We will discuss long exposure reciprocity failure, light metering apps, and how a pinhole camera works.

Pinhole camera made from a beer can, used in Makephilia's pinhole Polaroid camera workshop.

-No one under 18 may attend this class.