Our lineup of informative, innovative, hands-on classes is geared towards people who are seeking to increase their skills, broaden their horizons, and try exciting new things. Expert community members and professionals will provide attendees with an exciting and informal learning atmosphere, with plenty of opportunity for creativity and collaboration with lab members and other students. We hope you will come out and be part of the experience.
We are also very proud of our *all-volunteer teaching staff.* All class proceeds go towards class materials and TX/RX Labs’ non-profit community outreach activities.
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Phone: 832-656-9413
Email: roland.von.k@txrxlabs.org
Details:
All classes will be held in TX/RX’s Lab at
2010A Commerce St.
Houston TX, 77002
Classes without sufficient enrollment will be postponed until the next session, with registrants receiving a full refund and priority enrollment during the next session. Those whose financial circumstances would prevent them from paying class fees should contact roland.von.k@txrxlabs.org to inquire about the possibility of a fee waiver.
Participants will learn the basic principles of soldering through a hands-on course. Includes an introduction to the soldering iron and its operation, basic through-hole soldering techniques, and many other topics. Participants will learn while assembling two simple project kits.
Course Fee: $30 ( includes $15 fee for project kits which participants will assemble and take home)
Introduction to Arduino
Sun. Apr. 1st (4/1) 10:30am-3pm
Participants will get a overview of the Arduino’s operation and features and then delve into hands-on development, learning how to use common sensors and program the Arduino platform. Arduinos and laptops will be provided. Space for this class is limited. (lunch included)
Prerequisite: None
Course Fee: $70 (includes an Arduino Uno, which participants can take home with them – if you wish to bring your own Arduino notify us and we will refund the cost of the Arduino [$30].)
Participants will go in-depth into the Arduino platform, covering topics such as interrupts, timers, peripheral modules, bit-banging, etc. This course will be a mix of hands on and lecture. Arduinos and laptops will be provided. Space for this class is limited.
Prerequisite: “Intro to Arduino” or similar experience.
Instructor: Roland von Kurnatowski III (bio)
Course Fee: $40
Advanced MicroController Programming
Sun. May 6th (5/6) 10am-1pm
The class will cover the advantages and the challenges associated with using C to program microcontrollers. There will be demonstrations using Arduinos and Arduino clones as well as other mostly AVR based boards. These boards will include examples that are smaller and cheaper as well as larger and more expensive then Arduino. We will also be covering the setup and use of the GCC compiler for the AVR line of microcontrollers from Atmel. (Requires basic knowledge of programming and micro controller theory.)
Prerequisite: None
Instructor: George Eggleston (bio)
Course Fee: $35
Intro to Tracking Solar Panel Arrays
Sun. May 13th (5/13) 12pm-3:30pm
Discussion on motion programming, structural and mechanical design, and economic issues of Solar Tracking Arrays. This class is lecture based.
This introduction will describe various types of closed-cycle engines known by the name of Robert Stirling, who first invented one. Although they are not as well known as the less-efficient internal combustion engines, they have many applications, from liquifying gases to powering submarines. The theoretical discussion includes mathematical analysis leading to equations which can be used for design and analysis of engines. The latter involves differential equations, participants with a good command of algebra should be able to understand most of the material, and use related computer programs.
Design of Analog Instrumentation – An Introduction
Sat. May 5th (5/5) 1-4pm
In a modern electronic instrument system, analog input electronics receives continuously-varying signals (analog signals), and delivers them to a digital system; correspondingly, analog output electronics receives discrete-level signals from the digital system and delivers continuously-varying signals as outputs. Both analog systems must condition the signals to keep error at an acceptable level. This course treats the fundamentals for designing such systems. In particular, a discussion of the characteristics of signals and noise will lead to the study of bandwidth, sampling (in and out), operational amplifiers, active filter design. error analysis, etc. Prerequisites: circuit theory, including Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits.
Prerequisites: Intermediate Analog Circuits or equivalent knowledge.
As a partial answer to the question “What do I do with my signals after I get them into my computer,” this course deals with filtering, spectral analysis, and correlation of discrete-time signals. Specific topics include FIR and IIR filters, filter realization forms, design of filters, the fast Fourier transform (FFT), convolution by using the FFT. Prerequisites: a good understanding of the algebra and geometry of complex numbers and trigonometric functions. The course will use some concepts from differential and integral calculus.
Prerequisites: Students should have a good understanding of the algebra and geometry of complex numbers (this will be reviewed very briefly) and trigonometric functions. The course will use some concepts from differential and integral calculus.
Oscilloscopes are well known as highly versatile instruments, but some limited observations around TX/RX Labs indicate that many who try to use them do not have sufficient knowledge to use them effectively. This course aims at correcting that.
Specific objectives are for students to learn:
- Safety: potential hazards and how to avoid them.
- What’s inside: general notions of how an oscilloscope produces a display (most details omitted).
- Damage prevention: using an oscilloscope without damaging it or its accessories such as probes.
- Probe adjustment: reducing the distortion of signals by probes.
- Connection: minimizing the effect of probe attachment to circuits under test.
- Single waveform display: setting controls for viewing and measuring various waveforms.
- Multiple waveform display: observing and measuring the differences between two waveforms, including phase shift.
- Interference reduction: arranging connections and controls to reduce noise, power-line interference and other interfering signals.
- Oscilloscope limitations: understand signal range limits, bandwidth effects, accuracy, etc.
- Calibration checking.
- Something about different types of oscilloscopes.
This is mostly a hands-on course, with some short lectures between laboratory sessions. Laboratory exercises are designed to illustrate a range of techniques and applications that is as broad as time permits. Examples are measurements of continuous signals such as sine waves, AM and FM signals, signals with pulses, and signals imbedded in random noise; observation of characteristic curves of two-terminal devices such as diodes; and application of delayed triggering to observe brief signal events. A handout will be available. Students may not be able to perform all of the laboratory exercises in the handout during class time, but should be able to do them at TX/RX Labs outside of class.
Prerequisites: Intermediate Analog Circuits or equivalent knowledge.
Introduction to current, voltage, resistance, Ohm’s Law, and Kirchhoff’s circuit laws. This class will be half lecture with the remaining time being spent doing exercise based lab work.
Continuation of Intro to Analog Circuits. Includes a discussion of inductance, capacitance and other intermediate topics. This class will be half lecture with the remaining time being spent doing exercise based lab work.
Prerequisite: Intro to Analog Circuits or similar knowledge
This session is designed to take the mystique and fear out of the “business side” of inventing and explore the vision and possibilities of hackerspaces and how they can help you discover, prepare and attain your goals.
We will explore the listed topics, but will respond and address topics presented from attendees. We will have a high-level approach covering a number of topics, go into detail as desired by the group and plan future classes in greater detail.
Basics of Business
Basics of the Hackerspace
How to Form A Company
How to Raise Capital
Different Business Structures
Most Important Ingredient in Business Success & Why Hackerspaces Are a Key to That
Identifying, understanding and overcoming the greatest reason for lack of fulfillment/success.
Please come prepared to take notes: it will be like drinking out of a fire hydrant.
Food will be served.
This class will teach basic basic knitting skills: casting on, knit stich, purl stitch, casting off. Enabling the participants to begin exploring the larger world of knitting with other like-minded knitters at the lab. Each session is limited to 6 participants and all materials will be provided.
Participants will learn the basics of repairing and maintaining their bikes. We will cover proper techniques for adjusting gears, brakes, bottom bracket and headset, as well as proper procedures for cleaning and doing emergency repairs.
Participants will learn how to true their own wheels along with identifying when wheels are out of alignment, a common occurrence that often goes unnoticed and leads to poor performance. Also we will cover hub adjustment, how to read spoke tension, and proper flat repair. Skills every cyclist should have!
Sat. May. 12th (5/12)-Section A : 9am-12pm
Sun. May 13th (5/13)-Section B : 9am-12pm
Sat. May 19th (5/19)-Section C : 9am-12pm
Sun. May 20th (5/20)-Section D : 9am-12pm
Basics of MIG welding. How to weld safely and successfully. Emphasis on providing enough instruction and practice for the beginner to successfully complete a small project. Each Section Limited to 6 participants.
Prerequisite: Shop Safety Lesson (Provided 45 min before the start of the class free of charge)
Instructors: Doug Baugher (bio), Justin White (bio), Roland von Kurnatowski III (bio)
Course Fee: $75 (which includes a $35 fee for materials)
ALL Sections are Full. Please join us next Session Fall 2012 Welding II
Sat. May 26th (5/26)-Section A : 12:30-3:30pm
Sun. May 27th (5/27)-Section B : 12:30-3:30pm
Continuation of Welding I. Emphasis on more advanced techniques with MIG / material selection / basic design for weldments. Intro to TIG time allowing. Each Section Limited to 6 participants.
Prerequisite: Welding I and Shop Safety Lesson (Provided 45 min before the start of the class free of charge)
Instructors: Doug Baugher(bio), Justin White(bio), Roland von Kurnatowski III(bio)
Course Fee: $75 (which includes a $35 fee for materials)
CNC Plasma Cutting with PlasmaCam
Sat. May 19th (5/19) 12:30-4pm
This course will serve as an intro to anyone interested in using the CNC plasma cutter. The intro will include basic PlasmaCam software operation, material selection, parameter tuning, and safety considerations.
Prerequisite: Some CAD or Drafting Experience or the course “CAD/Drafting Basics” & Shop Safety Lesson (Provided 45 min before the start of the class free of charge)
This course will cover the basics of cnc operation using G-Code. Focusing mainly on 3 Axis Machining as our sandbox. Course participants will learn how to write and debug basic to intermediate G-Code. With the final products being run on the Lab’s Powerhawk mill.
Prerequisite: Shop Safety Lesson (Provided 45 min before the start of the class free of charge)
Instructor: Roland von Kurnatowski III(bio)
Course Fee: $30
Build a simple bench using both hand tools and power tools. A perfect intro to woodworking, we will cover basic tool usage both hand and power along with learning the basics of crafting with wood. All participants will complete a handsome rustic bench as part of the class, theirs to take home upon completion.
Prerequisite: Shop Safety Lesson (Provided 45 min before the start of the class free of charge)
This class will teach students basic drafting principals such as hand sketching parts, engineering drawing rules, measurements and tolerances. This course will also serve as an introduction to the world of 2D Drafting and a stepping stone to 3D CAD.
Prerequisite: None
Instructors: Kelly O’Brien(bio), Greg Southerland(bio)
Course Fee: $20
3D CAD w/ Focus on 3D Printing
Sun. May. 27th(5/27) 1pm-5pm
Students will learn basic and intermediate techniques of 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design&Drafting) and how it is used in rapid prototyping applications. The class will focus on the important concepts of designing parts that can be 3D printed or CNC machined. By the end of the course students will have designed and printed their own 3D parts.
Prerequisite: CAD/Drafting Basics or some minor knowledge about drafting or CAD
This is a course for the absolute beginner at programming. Using the clean and simple Python language, this course will teach you how to teach yourself to use any programming language. If you have been trying to learn computer programming, but find it hard, take this course to learn the “inner game” of programming that professionals and
rockstar coders use to write programs. Edit, Test, Debug just like the pros do.
The format of this class will be an instructor assisted self-paced study. Further class dates may be scheduled if participants need them.
Prerequisite: None
Instructor: Peter Kwangjun Suk(bio)
Course Fee: $40
Intro to C programming
Sat. Apr. 28th & May 5th (4/28, 5/5) 10am-1pm
This class is for beginning C programmers. It will cover most aspects of the C language including data types, structures, arrays, pointers, arithmetic, bitwise and logical operators, control flow, functions, and some parts of the standard C library for handling strings, i/o, and memory allocation. Students should bring a laptop with a working C compiler, as there will be some hands on exercises. C++ will *not* be covered. (Help will be provided prior to the class for those who need help getting a working c compiler on their computer)
Sun. May 6th & Sat. May 12th & Sun. May 13th (5/6, 5/12, 5/13) 2pm-5pm
Introduction to the Java language. Material Covered will include Java Syntax(Arithmetic, Types, Control Structures, Inheritance, interfaces, etc) , Object Oriented programming principles, Object Oriented Design Patterns, and Useful Java Libraries. Course will be project based with student learning mainly through completing guided tasks.
Prerequisite: Participants must have some basic programming knowledge or must complete “Intro to Programming: First Principles” or “Intro to C Programming”
Instructor: Roland von Kurnatowski III (bio)
Course Fee: $45
Game Programming: A Primer
Sat. Apr. 14th (4/14) 2-6pm
This will be a introduction to game programming and will cover Run loops, animations, update&draw, hit detection, trigonometry, difficulty controllers, strategy patterns, managing randomness, and touches of game design theory.
Prerequisite:
Instructor: Anthony Broussard (bio)
Course Fee: $30
Intro to iPhone/iPad Development
Sat. Apr. 21st (4/21) 2-6pm
In this introduction to iPhone programming I will show you how to get started writing an app with Xcode and Objective-C. We will write a sample app that covers creating UI, User Interface navigation, displaying data in a tableview (iOS’s “list”), modal views, reading and writing to disk, displaying images and much more.
A Mac + Xcode installed will be required to code along. All source will be made available on Github.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of Objective C or C++ is required, participants must have a mac and xcode to follow along.
Instructor: Anthony Broussard (bio)
Course Fee: $35
HTML Basics
Wed. May 9th (5/9) 6-9pm
This short class will start with the structure of an HTML document and go over the more common tags including the newer tags introduced in HTML 5. Then we will briefly discuss how javascript and css interact with HTML to form a webpage.
Wed. May 16th & 23rd & 30th (5/16,5/23, 5/30) 6-8:30pm
Django is a powerful web framework written in python. After covering installation and basic configuration, this class will cover how to make a guestbook style web page. Then it will cover the the built in features of Django. Any additional time will be used to explore a few of the many 3rd party libraries available.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of Python or any similar language (PHP, Ruby, Java, etc.), HTML, and some concept of relational databases is required.
Sass makes CSS fun again. Sass is an extension of CSS3, adding nested rules, variables, mixins, selector inheritance, and more. It’s translated to well-formatted, standard CSS using the command line tool or a web-framework plugin. We’ll cover what SASS is, how it works, and how to get started on your own first SASS attacked’ website.
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of CSS and HTML is required.
Sat. Apr. 28th & May 5th & May 12th & May 19th (4/28 & 5/5 & 5/12 & 5/19) 6:30-8:30pm
This four-session class ($10 a session, a bargain at twice the price!) will lead students through the design, construction, and completion of a 2D Galaga-style shooter in the C language. Emphasis will be placed on proper architecture and software development techniques, as well performance considerations. Topics will include:
* OpenGL usage for 2D games
* Object-oriented programming in C (with notes on how these concepts translate to other languages)
* Input handling
* Simple AI for game enemies
* Cross-platform development considerations
* Data-driven design (for rapid iteration of content development)
* Other topics as time allows
THERE WILL BE LOTS OF CODING IN THIS COURSE, SO COME WITH YOUR PROGRAMMER HATS AND PANTS!
Prerequisites:
* Some prior familiarity with programming (preferably C, Python, or Java) will be very helpful
* Laptop or desktop with functioning graphics card capable of OpenGL
2.0 or greater (Intel integrated graphics are not so great)
* Desire to write code, make mistakes, and have fun!
This course will provide indivduals with a deep understanding of the internal operation of GIT. Using this foundation the course will explain the different operations and how to use these to implement GIT within your projects or organization. GIT is the source control system TX/RX Uses for its projects and this class serves as an intro for those who wish to contribute to our current open source projects.
I think I would like to get an Arduino MicroP and experiment, but when i search the web i find about 100 providers. Does the lab have any for sale? If not where is a good place (or website) to buy one.
Go to arduino.cc, it lists reputable sights. Sparkfun.com is the one I use. EPO electronics on Fondren is a great place for all sorts of accessories, the arduino is about $5 more there than online.
You can buy genuine Arduino Uno and Mega, and a few shields at many Radio Shacks.
Micro Center carries some SparkFun and MakerShed packages, as well as Netduinos, which are NOT the same as Arduino.
Handy when in need of instant gratification.
Totally geeked about the classes. I hope the oscilloscope class will be offered in the summer. Circuit analysis is prerequisite but is offered after the oscilloscope class.
Welding I
Will supplies and equipment be provided? I would like to learn welding for personal projects and crafts at home, but do not know what, where, or how to even begin looking for equipment. Will this class give insight into that as well?
Thanks
supplies and equipment are provided all you need to bring is some sturdy clothes (details are emailed to participants). We wont talk too much on machine selection but the instructors I am sure would be happy to discuss that topic after the class to help you out. As always you can use the machines at the lab after the class since that is what the space is for. A non profit open community workshop!
Hi,
I was looking for a place to learn welding. So … maybe this is the Place.
The purpose of my engagement is to have a better job. So can I know if you help people to have a job after training ?
Our classes are sadly not geared toward job seekers they are for amateurs and enthusiasts who wish to learn to expand their knowledge and do personal projects etc. Sadly this course might not be a good fit for you, you can email me at classes@txrxlabs.org if you have further questions.
There may be a few but our next large session will be in the fall. But we are always excited to have people come in and work with us one on one during the time between classes. That is what the lab is for. What did you want to learn?
19 comments
Come Build the Simple Bench! | woodshopcowboy says:
Feb 13, 2012
[...] [...]
Greg Walker says:
Feb 16, 2012
The listing for a class has an inconsistency in the date.
CAD/Drafting Basics
Sat. May 12th (4/12) 10am-1pm
The 4/12 should be changed to 5/12.
rtavk3 says:
Feb 17, 2012
Thanks so much for catching that type, the schedule has been fixed and members of the class notified! Hope to see you out at the lab soon.
Jill Moffitt says:
May 5, 2012
It is right in the middle of the Art Car Parade!
Robert Travers says:
Feb 21, 2012
I think I would like to get an Arduino MicroP and experiment, but when i search the web i find about 100 providers. Does the lab have any for sale? If not where is a good place (or website) to buy one.
jdubay says:
Feb 23, 2012
Go to arduino.cc, it lists reputable sights. Sparkfun.com is the one I use. EPO electronics on Fondren is a great place for all sorts of accessories, the arduino is about $5 more there than online.
Charlie Foxtrott says:
Apr 3, 2012
You can buy genuine Arduino Uno and Mega, and a few shields at many Radio Shacks.
Micro Center carries some SparkFun and MakerShed packages, as well as Netduinos, which are NOT the same as Arduino.
Handy when in need of instant gratification.
Fred Hendrix says:
Feb 21, 2012
Totally geeked about the classes. I hope the oscilloscope class will be offered in the summer. Circuit analysis is prerequisite but is offered after the oscilloscope class.
This Week in the Classroom: The Boys Are Back In Town! | woodshopcowboy says:
Feb 29, 2012
[...] – if these look good to you, come build your own version with me at TX/RX Labs in May. Like this:LikeBe the first to like this [...]
Joseph Davis says:
Mar 5, 2012
Welding 1 has four sections, welding 2 has two sections.
Just want to verify, are all sections the same, I just want to take 1 of ABC or D for welding 1, and one of A or B for welding 2?
rtavk3 says:
Mar 5, 2012
yep all the sections are the same just different dates and times. See you there!
Hector B says:
Apr 30, 2012
Welding I
Will supplies and equipment be provided? I would like to learn welding for personal projects and crafts at home, but do not know what, where, or how to even begin looking for equipment. Will this class give insight into that as well?
Thanks
rtavk3 says:
May 1, 2012
supplies and equipment are provided all you need to bring is some sturdy clothes (details are emailed to participants). We wont talk too much on machine selection but the instructors I am sure would be happy to discuss that topic after the class to help you out. As always you can use the machines at the lab after the class since that is what the space is for. A non profit open community workshop!
Hector says:
May 1, 2012
Thank you for your reply, I look forward to joining the class.
Cheers,
-Hector
Cyprien says:
May 2, 2012
Hi,
I was looking for a place to learn welding. So … maybe this is the Place.
The purpose of my engagement is to have a better job. So can I know if you help people to have a job after training ?
rtavk3 says:
May 4, 2012
Our classes are sadly not geared toward job seekers they are for amateurs and enthusiasts who wish to learn to expand their knowledge and do personal projects etc. Sadly this course might not be a good fit for you, you can email me at classes@txrxlabs.org if you have further questions.
Hector B says:
May 5, 2012
Lone Star college offers a welding certification program. You can find info at lonestar.edu .
Samantha says:
May 15, 2012
Will there be summer classes?
rtavk3 says:
May 15, 2012
There may be a few but our next large session will be in the fall. But we are always excited to have people come in and work with us one on one during the time between classes. That is what the lab is for. What did you want to learn?