In the last 10 years, the rise of easy-to-program microcontrollers has led to an explosion of interactive electronics, also known as "physical computing." Using these microcontrollers as a starting point, computer programmers, engineers, artists and hackers are coming together to imagine new solutions, bridging the virtual and the real.
In the Maker Hub, we use Arduinos, Raspberry Pis (a small cheap linux computer), vintage electronics, and a wide variety of sensors, motors, leds, and other components to prototype innovative ideas in medicine, sports, robotics, activism, and games.
These tools are easier to learn than you might think, and our staff stands ready to help to get on board with electronics!
Electronics Station: What you need to know
- Always wear safety glasses in this space if you or anyone else is soldering.
- You need an orientation session to use the soldering irons.
- To learn more about soldering or get an orientation, talk to a Volunteer.
Free Consumables for Maker Projects
There are electronic components available for free in the Maker Hub. These include:
- wires
- solder
- recycled electronics
- buttons
- etc
Non-Free Consumables:
Due to the cost of aquiring some electronics, these materials are not free to use. If you are interested in removing some of these materials from the Maker Hub, please contact the Maker Hub Manager at makerhub@georgetown.edu. These materials include:
- Arduinos
- wearable electronics
- Feather Huzzah
- Raspberry Pi
- sensors
- LCD screens
- cables and adapters
- chargers
- electronics kits
- stepper motors and controllers
- etc
Non-Free items can be stored in your project box without charge, but cannot leave the Maker Hub. Talk to the Maker Hub Manager about recouping costs when you complete your project.
Check out our scheduled Workshops for hands-on learning opportunities with our equipment.
LinkedIn Learning
For more information on using the supplies and equipment found in this tool station, check out the resources listed below from LinkedIn Learning:
- Electronics Foundations - covers the basics of electronics
- Raspberry Pi - A list of 11 courses on Raspberry Pi, from essential training to building computer vision
- Arduino - A list of 6 courses covering foundations and development
- Soldering - covers the basics of soldering