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== What are the facilities? ==
==What is Protospace?==


We have a bay, usually called 'The Space', at [http://goo.gl/maps/Z4NCn #108 1530 27 Ave NE Calgary]
Protospace is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackerspace Makerspace], which is a physical place like a library or a gym where members can go to collaborate, learn, and use tools and equipment not normally available to individual artists or hobbyists, especially in urban centers.


== Equipment and materials ==
==Equipment and materials==


Well, we maintain a list of [[Tools We Have]] as well as a handy look up for places to [[Where_to_source_tools_and_materials | source materials]]
Protospace is always acquiring new tools, but we currently maintain:


== What are the open hours? ==
*3D printers
*Laser cutters
*Metal Lathe and Mill
*Welders
*Full wood shop with dust collection
*Electronics repair tools


Open to the public? Well we host a "Meet & Geek" open house every Tuesday night (after 7pm), which is also the weekly social event for Members. Guests are welcome to show up then and see the space, bring their own projects, stop and ask anyone what they're working on, solicit some feedback or share ideas, or get a tour or sign up for their own membership.
And more!


Open, for Members to use? 24/7. There are no noise restrictions so you can run tools as late or early as you please.  If you are a Probationary Member, then you can come whenever you can convince someone else to show up and sponsor you to be at the space.
==When can I visit/What are the open hours==


== What is the sign up process? ==
Open to the public.
We host a "Meet & Geek" open house every Tuesday night from 19:00 to 21:00
Visitors are welcome to come and tour the space, socialize, get some feedback or share ideas - as well as sign up for their own membership.


You pay at a least one month's dues and fill out a quick application form. Hang around with us a bit for your probationary month and if you can convince two Members to say they think you're a positive addition to the community (Not hard! Just be nice!), they sign on your behalf and if nobody else objects you are in. You'll get your own access card and storage shelf.
Open for Members
24/7. If you are a Probationary Member, you can come to the space any time there's a vetted "full" member present who is willing to host guests.


== Who is it suited to? ==
==What is the sign up process?==


Everyone.
#Visit Protospace (usually on a Tuesday evening)
#Get a tour and ask to sign up
#Fill out our Membership form
#Pay your first dues (Paypal or credit card at the space)
#Take the New Member Orientation course (about 1hr on safety and rules)
#Get two vetted members to vouch for you and sign your form
#Get vetted (A short introduction to the membership and chance for them to ask you a few questions)
#Get a keycard


== Who is it not suited to? ==
At this point, you are a full member. Some tools will need additional training before you can use them; We offer this training as often as we can.


People who are not excellent to others.
*Make stuff!


== What training (safety, etc) do you need? ==
==How much does it cost?==


There is an official safety course for Protospace. This course is a first step in several 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 and should be flagged in person with a card saying such.
Our membership rate is $55 per month.
A subsidized rate of $35 is available to students and those in need.


== What are the membership options? ==
On sign-up, new members can pay 2 months' dues and receive a third month free.
Up-front annual payments can also be made for the cost of 11 months, the 12th free.


Full Member and Friend Member. For Students/Fixed Income/Low Income/Senior/Etc we offer Full Membership at a reduced rate.  Friend Members do not get an access card or storage shelf, but can come and use tools under any Full Member's supervision/sponsorship that will be accountable for them (good if you have a friend who's a member that you only ever show up with).
==How can I pay?==


== Is there a minimum membership term? ==
[[Set up a payment]]


Membership is paid monthly, but there is no minimum number of months. We discourage toggling membership month to month, which is also inconvenient to the Member. When membership is terminated, Members must go through the one month Probationary period again, without an access card. (We allow a membership to be paused once a year at most, if announced).
==Is there a minimum membership term or signup fee?==


== Schedule of events/training/regular meet up times/etc ==
No, there is no minimum time or "contract". However, we do not offer "drop in" or "single month" memberships, as our expenses are fixed - you can suspend your membership temporarily once a year, but if you terminate your membership and wish to rejoin, you will have to re-take training and vetting as procedures change


Nothing formal. The best way to keep track of this is to watch the mailing list or speak up about your interest.
==How do I suspend my membership?==


== How do you get involved? (and not feel like an outsider) ==
Email directors@protospace.ca to go on "vacation" status


Lots of people often fish on the mailing list for help on projects.  Often at times you can come to a Tuesday Meet & Geek and people will be spitballing ideas and they turn into projects.  Be a spitballer.
==I didn't use the space at all last month, do I still have to pay my dues?==


== How to gain entry/security/keys ==
Yes


You need to be [[FAQ#What_is_the_sign_up_process.3F|a Full Member]]
==Where can I see the class and event schedule?==


== Can I use all of the equipment? ==
https://my.protospace.ca/classes shows our upcoming courses.
For other events, keep an eye on the Protospace  to hear what's going on.


Anything that doesn't require training is available right off the hop. Some of the larger (and more dangerous) machines require training. These are labelled in person and on the [[Tools We Have]] page.
==How do I get involved? (and not feel like an outsider)==


== When can I visit? ==
Lots of people often fish on the mailing list for help on projects. Often at times you can come to a Tuesday Meet & Geek and people will be spitballing ideas and they turn into projects. Be a spitballer.
 
Tuesday evenings are the best time to meet the most people. It is the only scheduled time for public to attend. If this does not work for you, inquire and someone may be willing to give you a tour some other day.
 
== If I join, when can I use the space? ==
 
24/7 when you are a Full Member. For the first month, you will be a Probationary Member and can use the space but your access to the space must be sponsored and supervised (loosely) by a Full Member.
 
== How much does it cost? ==
 
For a Full Member, $50/month.
For a Full Member who is a Student/Low Income/Fixed Income/Senior, pay what you can afford and make the rest up in volunteering, as low as $30/month.
For a Friend Member, $10/month.
 
If you pay for your first two months together, you get 3 months for the price of 2.
 
Because it's easier on our volunteer accountants, if you pay for a full year at a time (any year), you get a free month.
 
== How can I pay? ==


# Paypal is easiest for everyone.
==Can I use all of the equipment?==
# Cash (get a receipt).
# Cheque, payable to "Calgary Protospace Ltd."


== Can I store my stuff there or do I have to take it home each time? ==
Anything that doesn't require training is available to you after you complete the New Member Orientation and General Safety seminar. Larger, more dangerous or more specialized equipment require training. Generally, these machines are labelled, as well as noted on the [[tools we have]] page.


Full members get a shelf.
==Can I store my stuff there or do I have to take it home each time?==


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]
Full members each get a small shelf for project store.


== Will you teach me to ...? ==
Large projects that need to take up space for multiple days must be pitched to the membership


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.
==Does Protospace offer training?==
Protospace does not employ any staff, but many of our members choose to contribute by offering courses - these can be found at https://my.protospace.ca/classes.
Other members will often be willing to offer guidance or help with your project, but nobody is under any obligation to do so, and it is not acceptable to pressure them or persist if they decline.


If you have a skill you'd like to share with everyone, we can help you get set up to offer a course of your own.
We tend to be a helpful community that is willing to share, teach, and learn. It's reasonable to ask.
We tend to be a helpful community that is willing to share, teach, and learn. It's reasonable to ask.


== Are other people interested in the same things I am? ==
==Are there people interested in (niche interest or pursuit)?==
 
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.
Oh, almost definitely. We have two of every animal.


== Can I make things that I sell? ==
==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.
Yes. However, you cannot abuse the machines to make a deadline, or monopolize them for hours or days while other members need to use them.
Protospace is a non-profit, community organization powered entirely by volunteers - nobody is making any money to run the place. So, if you use it to make money, you will need to contribute back in some way, either through volunteer effort or donation.


== How can I get more information? ==
==How can I get more information?==


The [FAQ] is a good start :)
Most of our internal discussion happens on our Discourse Forum.


The discussion list on Google Groups is a great way to communicate with members.
[https://forum.protospace.ca Discourse] is a great way to communicate with members.


Coming out to a Meet & Geek will get you introduced to lots of folks.
Coming out to a [[Event calendar|Meet & Geek]] will get you introduced to lots of folks.

Latest revision as of 09:34, 21 October 2021

What is Protospace?

Protospace is a Makerspace, which is a physical place like a library or a gym where members can go to collaborate, learn, and use tools and equipment not normally available to individual artists or hobbyists, especially in urban centers.

Equipment and materials

Protospace is always acquiring new tools, but we currently maintain:

  • 3D printers
  • Laser cutters
  • Metal Lathe and Mill
  • Welders
  • Full wood shop with dust collection
  • Electronics repair tools

And more!

When can I visit/What are the open hours

Open to the public. We host a "Meet & Geek" open house every Tuesday night from 19:00 to 21:00 Visitors are welcome to come and tour the space, socialize, get some feedback or share ideas - as well as sign up for their own membership.

Open for Members 24/7. If you are a Probationary Member, you can come to the space any time there's a vetted "full" member present who is willing to host guests.

What is the sign up process?

  1. Visit Protospace (usually on a Tuesday evening)
  2. Get a tour and ask to sign up
  3. Fill out our Membership form
  4. Pay your first dues (Paypal or credit card at the space)
  5. Take the New Member Orientation course (about 1hr on safety and rules)
  6. Get two vetted members to vouch for you and sign your form
  7. Get vetted (A short introduction to the membership and chance for them to ask you a few questions)
  8. Get a keycard

At this point, you are a full member. Some tools will need additional training before you can use them; We offer this training as often as we can.

  • Make stuff!

How much does it cost?

Our membership rate is $55 per month. A subsidized rate of $35 is available to students and those in need.

On sign-up, new members can pay 2 months' dues and receive a third month free. Up-front annual payments can also be made for the cost of 11 months, the 12th free.

How can I pay?

Set up a payment

Is there a minimum membership term or signup fee?

No, there is no minimum time or "contract". However, we do not offer "drop in" or "single month" memberships, as our expenses are fixed - you can suspend your membership temporarily once a year, but if you terminate your membership and wish to rejoin, you will have to re-take training and vetting as procedures change

How do I suspend my membership?

Email directors@protospace.ca to go on "vacation" status

I didn't use the space at all last month, do I still have to pay my dues?

Yes

Where can I see the class and event schedule?

https://my.protospace.ca/classes shows our upcoming courses. For other events, keep an eye on the Protospace to hear what's going on.

How do I 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 Tuesday Meet & Geek and people will be spitballing ideas and they turn into projects. Be a spitballer.

Can I use all of the equipment?

Anything that doesn't require training is available to you after you complete the New Member Orientation and General Safety seminar. Larger, more dangerous or more specialized equipment require training. Generally, these machines are labelled, as well as noted on the tools we have page.

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

Full members each get a small shelf for project store.

Large projects that need to take up space for multiple days must be pitched to the membership

Does Protospace offer training?

Protospace does not employ any staff, but many of our members choose to contribute by offering courses - these can be found at https://my.protospace.ca/classes. Other members will often be willing to offer guidance or help with your project, but nobody is under any obligation to do so, and it is not acceptable to pressure them or persist if they decline.

If you have a skill you'd like to share with everyone, we can help you get set up to offer a course of your own. We tend to be a helpful community that is willing to share, teach, and learn. It's reasonable to ask.

Are there people interested in (niche interest or pursuit)?

Oh, almost definitely. We have two of every animal.

Can I make things that I sell?

Yes. However, you cannot abuse the machines to make a deadline, or monopolize them for hours or days while other members need to use them. Protospace is a non-profit, community organization powered entirely by volunteers - nobody is making any money to run the place. So, if you use it to make money, you will need to contribute back in some way, either through volunteer effort or donation.

How can I get more information?

Most of our internal discussion happens on our Discourse Forum.

Discourse is a great way to communicate with members.

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

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