We had a great turnout at Andrew’s LED workshop. It was attended by regular Hacklab members and some new faces who were visiting the lab for the first time.

Andrew discussed the basics of how semiconductors and diodes behave, and how to calculate the related currents and voltages in the circuit. He showed to drive low-power LEDs simply with a current-limiting resistor, and the limitations of that design. He went on to show a circuit for an active constant-current method of driving high power LEDs, and demonstrated various models in LTSpice.

Thanks to everyone who attended the workshop, and thanks to Andrew for presenting it! Watch this blog (and our @hacklabto Twitter) for notices of future electronics and craft workshops at the Hacklab.

Unfortunately Andrew has to reschedule the LED workshop, so it will NOT be held tomorrow! It will be held on Sunday, August 8 at 14:00 instead. Update your calendars!

Tim Pritlove, founder of the Blinkenlights Project, long term Chaos Computer Club member and Chaos Communication Congress organizer, stopped by Toronto for a visit this week. He gave a presentation at Hacklab Toronto about the Liquid Feedback Project, which is a software package and philosophy being used by the Pirate Party in Germany to facilitate decision making.

Tim presented to a full house of interested Hacklabbers, fielded lots of questions, and sparked some interesting discussion on the nature of democracy. Thanks, Tim!

Tim’s Liquid Feedback Slides.

Many hackers use LEDs in their circuits. On Sunday July 25, 2010 at 2 p.m., Andrew Kilpatrick will be leading a workshop on how to use LEDs! You will learn both the theory and practice to correctly:

• Read an LED datasheet
• Calculate parameters for your circuit
• Drive high-power, super-bright LEDs
• Boost efficiency and brightness without blowing up your LED

Non-members are welcome, but a cash donation to the lab would be appreciated.

Hacklab Toronto is two years old!

It’s been a great two years — lots of projects, memories and friendships. The result of our efforts is a fun, well-equipped and sustainable hackerspace in Toronto!

Come celebrate with us, show off the lab to your friends, or check it out for the first time.

Show up after 7pm, and bring along some drinks or snacks, if you intend to be hungry or thirsty. Check out the sidebar of the blog for information on how to get to the lab.

Every Tuesday, from around 6pm until late, the lab opens up our front door to members of the public. We’re specifically excited about folks who want to show off projects they have made or are working on, want to ask for help with making something awesome, or want to help out on other folks’ projects. Bringing a laptop along to just chill out with other geeks is also welcome.

There’s no minimal skill level required to participate, and we do our best to be a respectful, friendly environment for everyone. Regretfully we are not wheelchair accessible – there are 17 steps leading up to the lab, and 2 steps up to the bathroom. As a heads-up to folks with sensory processing issues, the Tuesdays can get quite busy and noisy. 7 to 8 pm tends to be the busiest time.

Members of the media are also welcome, but in the interest of member privacy we have cute little press passes hanging by the door, and require that permission be sought before taking photos with people in them.

One of our members has been arrested on a number of charges related to the G20.

Byron is innocent until proven guilty, and as a member of the lab and a friend we are concerned for him.

HackLabTO is a non-profit organization which encourages people to socialize, share knowledge, and work together on technology projects. We run classes, workshops, and a community space in Kensington market.

Thursday May 6th, 7 to 9PM at the HackLab. Bring snacks, a machine to install / upgrade, or just your smiling self.

Pi Day is nearly upon us, and no celebration plans have yet been made.  I hereby propose that we meet at the hacklab on Sunday, March 14, from 5pm onward, for a celebration of pi(e).  Create your best pie, bring whatever beverages you desire, and let’s have a good time!

This is a free one-day Esperanto class for total beginners. You will get an excellent overview of all the basics of the Esperanto language and culture. Non-members and random other friends are fully welcome to attend too. Just show up.

Location: Toronto HackLab, 170A Baldwin St in Kensington Market
Date: January 23, 2010
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch break
Cost: Free, but you’re welcome to bring food for the teacher or fellow students

Join the HackLab-Lang Google group to be updated about future language boot camps!