Author: tdr

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From the Dead to the Dancefloor – Quickshot Studio 4 Revived!

Sometimes, the best sessions are the ones you don’t plan.

During a recent open evening at Tog Hackerspace, a visitor walked in carrying a curious bit of vintage tech – a Quickshot Studio 4 Sound Mixing System from the 1980s. Sadly, it had seen better days and showed no signs of life. But its retro charm and potential to make funky noises quickly captured the imagination of everyone in the room.

Within minutes, a team of members and visitors formed around the mystery machine. Tools came out, screws were undone, and curiosity led the charge. Once opened up, the source of the silence became clearer – the wire to the battery compartment had failed, and the switch for toggling between the 6V adapter and battery power had also given up.

So, what to do?

The owner casually mentioned, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could convert it to USB-C?” Well, challenge accepted.

First, we needed to see if the system would even work with a slightly lower voltage. We hooked it up to an adjustable power supply, dialed in 5V, and… it worked beautifully! That was all the encouragement we needed.

Luckily, visitor Gary had a spare USB-C power module and breakout board from a previous project. Ambrose unearthed a Dremel for a bit of tasteful case modification, making space for the sleek new power port. Rod (yes, that Rod from YouTube!) took on the soldering duties with the steady hand of a seasoned pro. The rest of us stood by in awe, offering encouragement, jokes, and possibly questionable advice.

And just like that, the Quickshot Studio 4 was alive again – now powered by modern USB-C and belting out bleepy ’80s goodness. The room was filled with sound and smiles. Everyone was delighted, especially the original owner, who left with a working piece of musical history… and a great story to tell.

If you’re into repairs, love solving problems, or just want to be part of spontaneous hacker magic like this, why not come along to one of our Repair Cafés or get in touch about becoming a fixer? You never know what will walk through the door next.

👉 See more photos from this repair session and others in our Tog Gallery

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Arduino Physical Computing Course

We’re excited to open bookings for our upcoming 5-part Physical Computing Course, proudly funded by Dublin City Council’s Informal Adult Education Grant Scheme 2024. This hands-on course is specially designed to introduce adults to the world of electronics and programming in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment.

Led by makers Ambrose and Jeffrey, the course will explore how to control the real world using code and electronics. Whether you’re curious about how everyday devices work or you’re ready to dive into your first project, this course is for you.

🛠️ What’s Included:

  • A complete Arduino Starter Kit to keep and continue your journey at home
  • 5 structured sessions, each building your knowledge and skills
  • Hands-on activities and small group support
  • A final session focused on creating a project based on a real-life challenge or interest of your own

📅 Course Dates:
You must be available for all 5 sessions, which run from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, 6 May
  • Thursday, 8 May
  • Tuesday, 13 May
  • Thursday, 15 May
  • Tuesday, 20 May

💶 Booking Fee: €10 per participant (includes all materials)

Places are limited, so early booking is essential!

👉 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/arduino-physical-computing-course-tickets-1322677727689?aff=oddtdtcreator

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Dublin City Council for supporting this initiative through the Informal Adult Education Grant Scheme 2024.

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Build Your Own Satellite Ground Station

Are you fascinated by space and want to learn how to receive data from satellites and weather probes? Join us in this TinyGS Station Workshop where you’ll build and program your ground station and antenna to receive data from space. This hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop is perfect for anyone interested in radio, electronics, IOT, antenna design, and space exploration.

About TinyGS: TinyGS is an open community-run network of Ground Stations distributed around the world to receive and operate LoRa satellites, weather probes and other flying objects, using cheap and versatile modules. With a TinyGS ground station, you can receive data from a variety of sources, such as CubeSats.

What You’ll Learn: During the workshop, you’ll learn how to build and program a TinyGS ground station and a quarter-wave ground plane antenna. No prior experience is required, and we’ll provide all the necessary materials, tools, and equipment to guide you through the process.

Materials Provided: All necessary materials, tools, and equipment will be provided for the workshop, including a quarter-wave ground plane antenna kit, a TinyGS base station kit, and a USB cable. You don’t need to bring anything except a WiFi device(computer or phone) configure and create a Telegram account. At the end of the workshop, you’ll take home your very own TinyGS ground station and antenna. You’ll be able to use your ground station to receive data from satellites and other flying objects and explore the fascinating world of space and radio. If you have any questions or want to continue learning after the workshop, we’re here to help.

Date: Sunday 25th of May 11 am to 1 pm

Location: Tog Hackerspace, Unit 1B Motor City, Kylemore Road, Dublin 12, D12 CF6V

Cost: €85 plus fees. Profit from ticket sales goes to fund Tog.

Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/build-your-own-satellite-ground-station-tickets-1263806411999?aff=oddtdtcreator

This event is part of Dublin Tech Week, a week-long celebration of innovation and technology that unites tech lovers, professionals, and communities across the city.

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Tog at SEARG 2025 Radio Rally & IRTS AGM

We’re excited to announce that Tog Hackerspace will be hitting the road and setting up a table at the SEARG 2025 Radio Rally & Electronics Fair, taking place on Sunday, April 13th, in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow. The rally is part of the Irish Radio Transmitters Society’s (IRTS) AGM weekend and is hosted by the South Eastern Amateur Radio Group (SEARG).

📻 Event Details
📍 Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow
🗓️ Sunday, 13th April 2025
🕥 Doors open: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
🔗 More info on the event here

We’ll be showcasing some of our radio-related projects, electronics builds, and all things maker-y. Whether you’re into amateur radio, DIY electronics, or just curious about what goes on in a hackerspace, drop by our table and say hello!

Expect to see everything from TinyGS satellite ground stations to homebrew antenna builds and maybe even a few surprises. If you’re a fellow maker, hacker, or ham radio enthusiast, we’d love to chat and connect.

This is a great chance to meet the wider radio and electronics community in Ireland, and we’re delighted to be part of it.

Hope to see you there!

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April 2025 Repair Cafe

Bring your broken gadgets and gizmos to get them fixed by skilled volunteers at TOG Hackerspace!
Save your things from the landfill and your wallet from having to replace them.

Join us in Tog on Saturday, the 19th of April, from 2 pm – 6 pm.

What objects can you bring in?

  • Clothes and accessories
  • Toys
  • Small electrical appliances and electronics
  • Small furniture
    … and many other things!

Safety testing (PAT) for electrical devices will be available.

Whether it’s a wonky toaster or a glitchy switch, our experienced volunteers are here to help. No need to throw things away when they can be fixed! Swing by with your items and let’s get them back in working order together. TOG members will be on hand to show you around the space – come and enjoy a tea or coffee and a tour while you wait!

See you there!

Where? – Unit 1B Motor City, Kylemore Road, Dublin 12, D12 CF6V
When? – Saturday, April 19th, 2 pm – 6 pm
Admission is free – but book a ticket so we can plan numbers – all are welcome!

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/repair-cafe-tickets-1277906194829?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you would like to be a fixer, drop us an email.

This event is supported and run in partnership with Dublin Maker. A free-to-attend, community-run event, which will be held in August each year

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Retro Computing & Gaming Day at TOG

Join us for an afternoon of retro computing and classic gaming as we celebrate the golden age of vintage systems and consoles! Whether you’re a long-time collector, a retro gaming enthusiast, or just curious about the technology of the past, this event is the perfect opportunity to explore and relive the magic of classic computing and gaming.

What to Expect:

Neo Geo Pocket Color: Experience the vibrant world of SNK’s handheld console, known for its rich library of 2D fighting games and unique clicky thumbstick.

Sega Saturn & Dreamcast: Immerse yourself in the legendary Sega Saturn and Dreamcast, two consoles that pushed the boundaries of gaming with innovative 3D graphics and online capabilities.

Vintage Computing Systems: A variety of classic machines will be available to explore, offering a hands-on look at the evolution of computing and gaming from the 80s and 90s.

Activities:

  • Hands-on Demonstrations: Get up close with vintage computers and consoles, testing out classic games and software.
  • Show and Tell: Bring along your own retro systems, share their history, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, 5th April 2025
  • Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: TOG Hackerspace
  • Cost: Free (Donations welcome via Eventbrite)

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/retro-computing-gaming-day-at-tog-tickets-1299309201799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Want to showcase your own system? Email us to reserve a table!

Also happening at TOG: Earlier in the day, we’re hosting a Soldering Workshop! If you’re interested in learning or improving your soldering skills, check out the details and register here: https://www.tog.ie/2025/03/soldering-workshop-3/