DIY card-access for Maker Space equipment
Contributed by
mvigeant
in response to
How should we introduce novice makers to basic skills?
Summary
A common challenge for training in maker spaces is finding a way to make access to the space as open as possible while restricting access to particular machines to those who have had the proper training. We have a DIY card-access system that interfaces with a database of trained users to only power-on machines when the card indicates the user has the proper training. Developed as a senior-design project by ECE & CompE students, this is shared under CC-Sharealike. Email mvigeant@bucknell.edu
Challenge Area
Training
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About this Solution
A challenge facing new makerspaces is enabling easy access for everyone, but limiting machine usage to those who are trained. This solution, the Maker Maker, is a easy-to-build power box that connects to a database of approved users. People with the right ID can power on the machine, but others cannot. All usage is tracked in the partner database.
Details
This solution consists of three parts:
1) Smart Tech Power box. The power box is a card-access controlled plug by which most makerspace equipment can be powered (3D printers, vinyl cutters, scanners, etc). The outer shell of this box is laser-cut (files provided below), and the inner works are mostly off-the shelf components (parts list included) along with a custom PCB board (files included below). You need one of these for each of the items you wish to control.
When an approved user's ID is inserted into the power box, it lights up green and powers on the target device. If anyone else inserts an ID, it lights up red. There are also use cases where a technician may override access and power the machine on.
2) ID Cards. The system is designed to work with blank pre-made RFID cards.
3) Database. A database that can track makerspace users, which machines they are qualified to use, and log usage. We use MySQL. This is the part of the implementation that needs the most customization for each implementation.
Using the Solution
1) Review the poster file below, this summarizes the project as a whole.
2) Work locally to build or access an appropriate user database. This is highly institution specific and may require high level discussions with your system administrators.
3) Review the instructions for building the Smart Tech Power Box and the parts list. We have laser cut files and PCB layout files that can be emailed to interested parties (file formats not compatabile with layout here).
4) Build the boxes - we recommend starting with a limited number (ex: 3) to test the solution on a few popular machines before rolling out to the entire makerspace.
Acknowledgements/Credits
This project is by students, faculty, and staff from the Bucknell University College of Engineering. The work is shared under Creative Commons Share Alike.
MakerSpace Badging System student design team: Zach Winters, Julie Darwin, Joe Kale, Dan Park, Andy Sellers, and Ian Wallace. Faculty / Staff advisors R. Allen Cheville, M. Stu Thompson, and Matt Lamparter. Customer: Margot Vigeant.
