Frequently asked questions

What are the facilities?

We have a bay, usually called 'The Space', at #108 1530 27 Ave NE Calgary

Equipment and materials

Well, we maintain a list of Tools_We_Have as well as a handy look up for places to source materials

What are the open hours?

Open to the public? Well we host a meet'n geek almost every Tuesday night. Open, as for in use? Well as a member you can come whenever you'd please. If you are probationary, then you can come whenever you can convince someone else to be at the space.

What is the sign up process?

You pay at a least one month's dues and fill out an application form. Hang around with us a bit, and at the end of a month if you can convince two members to sign on your behalf and nobody is against you becoming a member you are in.

Who is it suited to?

Everyone

Who is it not suited to?

People who are not awesome to others.

What training (safety, etc) do you need?

There is an official safety course for Protospace. This course is a first step in many other courses. Some of the equipment in the space requires training before you can use it, others you just need to be able to handle without hurting yourself or others. Equipment that requires training is usually detailed in the Tools_We_Have page.

What are the membership options?

Regular, Friend of Protospace and Student. Student and Regular differ only on price. Friends of Protospace can come and use tools under a full member's supervision

Is there a minimum membership term?

I don't know, I don't think so

Schedule of events/training/regular meet up times/etc

Nothing formal. The best way to keep track of this is to watch the mailing list.

How do you get involved? (and not feel like an outsider)

Lots of people often fish on the mailing list for help on projects. Often at times you can come to a meet'n geek and people will be spitballing ideas and they turn into projects. Be a spitballer.

How to gain entry/security/keys

You need to be full member

Can I use all of the equipment?

Anything that doesn't require training is available right off the hop. Some of the larger (and more dangerous) machines require training.

When can I visit?

Tuesday evenings are the best time to meet the most people

If I join, when can I use the space?

Whenever you'd like

How much does it cost?

$50 a month, or $550 a year.

Students pay less (I'm not sure how much less)

How can I pay?

Paypal is easiest for everyone.

Can I store my stuff there or do I have to take it home each time?

Full members get a shelf.

If the space you need is larger than can be fit on the shelf you need to pitch it to the membership as [Large_Project_Storage]

Will you teach me to ...?

Depends on who I am. Depends on what ... is. Most protopians will help out if they can. If they can't they will usually point you at someone who will. Keep in mind that everyone is there on their own time, do not expect them to drop everything to train or show you something.

Are other people interested in the same things I am?

Odds are good. Probably frighteningly good.

I have a great idea, but I don't know how to do it, will you help me?

Maybe not me, but someone will. Throw up a question on the discussion list and watch the ensuing madness of ideas rushing through the internet towards your email client.

Can I make things that I sell?

Sure. If you make use of a machine and it requires consumables or you push it through more than enough wear to cause damage, you will be expected to monetarily compensate the space. Also, we are not a production shop. You can't reasonably turn protospace into an assembly facility. If your production stands in the way of others wanting to reasonably use the space, you may have to answer some hard questions.

How can I get more information?

The [FAQ] is a good start :)

The discussion list on Google Groups is a great way to communicate with members.

Coming out to a Meet'n Geek will get you introduced to lots of folks.