HackLab.TO is a not-for-profit community space with a diverse membership, including artists, computer programmers, web designers, and hardware hackers. It is inspired by the philosophies of the global hackerspaces movement which encourages people to socialize, share knowledge, and work together on their projects. Newcomers are welcome every Tuesday night at Unpatched Tuesdays starting at 6pm.

Member Benefits

• 24/7 access to the space to hang out and work on projects
• Option to organize events and bring guests
• Bin to store personal items
• Voting rights at AGM
• Access to private wiki and mailing list
• Access to private, full-speed WiFi network
• Full use of Hacklab resources

Hacklab.TO has a lot of interesting and useful resources available to, and provided by the members. Working as a group facilitates the purchase, donation, or creation of awesome tools and toys to be enjoyed by everyone. Here’s a list of some of what HackLab has to offer its members:

Community Tools

• This Website and Blog
• Member-run Wiki featuring documentation and information about the lab
• Public and Private (Members-Only) Mailing Lists for group discussion
• Google Calendar for managing lab events
• Whiteboards for inventing amazing things and leaving funny messages for other members
• A library of interesting computer and technology books
• Classroom space to run events in
• Public, rate-limited WiFi network for our neighbours

Electronics Tools

• Edsyn LONER 951SX soldering station
• 2x Circuit Specialists CSI9000 Hot Air SMT Rework station
• 3A 0-30V Bench PSU w/ current limiting
• Homebuilt 1A +5/+12/Variable Bench PSU with Voltmeter
• Pyramid 5A 12V Power Supply
• Tektronix TDS2012B Digital Storage Oscilliscope
• Saleae Logic 16-channel digital logic analyzer
• Many and varied multimeters, one with thermocouple temperature probe
• PICKit3 PIC Development Kit
• Function Generator
• Several “Helping Hands,” a small Panavise, tweezers, wire cutters
• Multi-Chemistry Battery Charger
• Arduino and other Microcontroller Development Boards
• Large supply of common electronics components, including common resistors and capacitors
• Members who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about DIY electronics!

Biology Tools (DIYBio.to)

• 2x 1000X microscopes
• 2x thermocyclers
• Horizontal gel electrophoresis apparatus
• Vortexer
• Autoclave
• Desktop centrifuge
• Stirring hotplate
• Micropipette set
• -20c freezer, 4c fridge

Amateur Radio Tools

• Ham Shack – VE3HRQ, the Hacklab Radio Qlub.
• HF, VHF, and UHF radios
• Outdoor antenna capable of transmitting and receiving on bands from 10m through to 80m
• Morse key
• Computer interface for SSTV and other fun things

Craft Tools

• ULS 25-Watt Laser Cutter controlled by EMC2 Software
• MakerBot Industries CupCake CNC with Heated Build Platform and MakerGear Extruder
• 2x Ultimaker 3D Printer
• Type A Series 1 3D Printer
• Sewing Machine
• Serger
• X-Acto Knives, Cutting Mat, Rotary Paper Cutter
• Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
• Label Makers
• Large selection of Hand Tools
• Dremel (and similar) Rotary Tools, with Drill Press and Router Table stands
• Other crafty members!

Multimedia Tools

• Canon compact digital camera
• 3-LCD video projector and projector screen
• Sound system with excellent amp and speakers
• Various cool DMX lighting

Safety and Security Features

• RFID Door Access System
• Intercom between lab and front door
• Recent lab accesses announced on IRC and Twitter
• Hard phone line in case you need to escape from the Matrix or call 911
• Regularly inspected First Aid Kit and Fire Extinguishers
• Other PPE such as safety goggles as required

Awesome Toys

• Large LED Pixelboard, controllable from the network
• Ceiling full of DMX lighting to do cool things with
• Locksport kit with lots of fun tools and locks to pick
• Giant traffic light that can be controlled via network

Computer Gear

• Powerful VMWare server – members can have VMs
• WiFi and 10/100/1000 Wired Network w/redundant internet connections and a static netblock
• Duplex-Capable B&W Laser Printer
• Colour laser printer
• Lots of disk storage – 1TB NFS server
• PXE Boot Environment for easy OS installs
• External USB DVD-RW drive
• Lots of spare keyboards and mice
• Multiple lab laptops with various operating systems

Food Tools

• Full-size Kitchen!
• Fridge (stocked with drinks for $1/$1.50 ea)
• Stove, Dishwasher, Sink, larger counter
• Bowls, Plates, Glasses, Silverware
• Basic Pots & Pans, trays, large mixing/serving bowls
• Appliances include: food processor, hand mixer, blender, expresso machine, kettle, microwave, toaster oven.
• Party supplies like paper plates, plastic glasses, napkins, etc
• Full selection of spices, oils, vinegars, baking ingredients, etc
• Vegan dinner cooked every Tuesday for the open house! Come at 5:30pm if you’d like to help!