Unfortunately, we have to cancel the Bob Ross Paint-Along classes scheduled for this Saturday. We have a conflicting event during the same time that requires the full attention of the group (stay tuned for an amazing post on that). Look out for a rescheduled class in early May. Thanks to everyone who RSVPed. You should be receiving cancellation emails today.
We wanted to let everyone know that we have updated our online payment system for membership dues. We are now using Amazon payments and we are offering reoccurring subscriptions to help make the payment process easier for our members.
If you are currently a member and would like to sign up for reoccurring monthly payments please use the new payment options on Membership page for Aprils dues and you will be all set to go.
We appreciate the tremendous growth that we have had in regards to new members and we are always trying to make things like dues easier. We appreciate your patience as we continue to grow and as we continue to provide more member services.
Thanks
i3 Detroit Team
Remember those two FIRST robotics teams who spent so much time in our shop this winter? Well, now it’s competition season, time to shine! Oak Park’s team 1216 (the Knights) has been around for a few years, but because of graduations, all the students in the program were rookies this year. Clawson’s team 3302 (the Turbo Trojans) is a brand-new team this year. But they’re rookies no longer! Having taken to the field this weekend in Ann Arbor, both teams got a chance to compete, and 3302 went all the way to the semifinals. Congratulations to all involved!
This year’s game is played with two alliances, each composed of three teams, facing off against each other. In the photo, team 3302 has just taken the field with their partners. The atmosphere is tense and impatient as spectators and competitors alike wait for the green light that starts the game. Video of the actual matches will be up soon…
Both teams will compete again in Troy on March 26th and 27th. Come out and cheer them on!
Just a quick glance at the schedule:
Monday: Nothing scheduled yet. Come hang out if the space is open!
Tuesday: Electronics meetup, no RSVP required. Theme: Soldering iron clinic — tip tinning, cleaners and holders, the role of flux in the soldering process. May also get into the other gear on the bench. I’ll try really hard to have the doors open by 7; somewhat earlier is likely. BYOSI if you want specific advice!
Wednesday: Maker Faire Detroit planning meeting at the Detroit Main Library. Expect i3 to be pretty quiet…
Thursday: Metal Machining class part 2.
Friday: The monthly Unusual Musical Instrument Jam Session, same time as PS:One does theirs. Bring noisy stuff! Also, FIRST competition begins in Ann Arbor. Also, new-member orientation — if you’ve been wanting to join, get here!
Saturday: Go cheer on team 1216 Oak Park Knights and team 3302 Clawson Turbo Trojans at the FIRST regional!
Sunday: Electronics class, piezo noisemakers. 2-4pm.
i3Detroit has been adding members like crazy since the new rates went live! We’ve also had a lot of questions, so this post is to clarify some things. If anything is unclear, please post a comment.
New dues structure: The old one-size-fits-some $100/mo plan is gone, replaced with four new options:
As you might have guessed, Crafter/Coder represents most of the recent influx. It’s a great way to get started as a member, and if you never feel the urge to upgrade, that’s fine! It still takes money to run a place like this, of course, but it’s fine (and better in the long run) if that support comes from a larger, more diverse group. Lower dues and a broader member base will help i3Detroit thrive as a vibrant, active part of the DIY community. Spread the word!
Easier membership: You no longer need to show up for a meeting or be voted in as a member. Tuesdays are still a great time to meet the group, but it’s now possible to do the paperwork, do the orientation, pay your first dues, and get your keycard in a single evening, any evening! Get in touch with any member to get started — or just drop in when we’re open.
Also, look forward to…
More Classes: As you may already know, we try to run a lot of events and classes. None of us (yet) are professional teachers, so this is a learning experience for everyone! With your help, we’re getting better at it, and we’re always adding tools and supplies to make more stuff possible. Look for our machining and electronics classes to continue, along with more craft make-and-takes, software workshops, et cetera. Non-members are welcome to teach classes too, so please get in touch if you have knowledge to share with the community!
New Space: The details aren’t finalized, but we’re moving. Moving into a much larger space. A much larger space with room for bigger tools. Bigger tools like a full-size Bridgeport mill. Also, a networking lab (think CCNA prep lab, but multi-vendor), expanded crafting space, probably a vehicle hoist… This is big, look for the official announcement in a few days!