SBHX Classes

Santa Barbara Hackersapce offers several classes on a semi-regular basis. The classes so far include; making printed circuit boards with eagle cad, making printed circuit boards with kicad, introduction to python programming, and introduction to robotics. details on the classes can be found below.

making printed circuit boards with eagle cad

This course explores the design and analysis of printed circuit boards (PCBs), which serve as the backbone of electronic systems. We will delve into schematics, layout design, component selection, signal integrity, manufacturing processes, testing, and troubleshooting. By the end of the course, students should be proficient in the design process and ready to develop their own PCBs using Eagle CAD software.

Syllabus:

Course Objectives:

Understand the principles of printed circuit board design. Learn how to use software tools for designing circuits. Comprehend the process of choosing the right components for the circuit. Gain an understanding of signal integrity issues and design for manufacturability. Develop problem-solving skills related to circuit design, troubleshooting, and debugging.

Required Software: Eagle CAD, available on Mac OS and Windows OS

Course Schedule: Classes will be held once a week and will run for 1.5 to 2 hours. Loaner laptops are available for use during the class.

Week 1: Introduction to Circuit Board Design with Eagle CAD and Schematics / Circuit Symbols Week 2: PCB Layout Techniques and Component Selection Week 3: PCB Manufacturing Process / Signal Integrity and Power Distribution Week 4: Design for Manufacturability / Testing, Debugging, and Troubleshooting

making printed circuit boards with eagle cad

This course explores the design and analysis of printed circuit boards (PCBs), which serve as the backbone of electronic systems. We will delve into schematics, layout design, component selection, signal integrity, manufacturing processes, testing, and troubleshooting. By the end of the course, students should be proficient in the design process and ready to develop their own PCBs using Eagle CAD software.

Syllabus:

Course Objectives:

Understand the principles of printed circuit board design. Learn how to use software tools for designing circuits. Comprehend the process of choosing the right components for the circuit. Gain an understanding of signal integrity issues and design for manufacturability. Develop problem-solving skills related to circuit design, troubleshooting, and debugging.

Required Software: KiCAD, available on Mac OS, Windows OS, and Linux

Course Schedule: Classes will be held once a week and will run for 1.5 to 2 hours. Loaner laptops are available for use during the class.

Week 1: Introduction to Circuit Board Design with KiCAD and Schematics / Circuit Symbols Week 2: PCB Layout Techniques and Component Selection Week 3: PCB Manufacturing Process / Signal Integrity and Power Distribution Week 4: Design for Manufacturability / Testing, Debugging, and Troubleshooting

Introduction to Python Programming; Making a Game

This informal and beginner-friendly course is intended to provide an introduction to Python programming, with a specific focus on game development. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in Python and will have developed their own simple game.

Syllabus:

Course Objectives:

1. Understand the basics of Python, including syntax, data types, control structures, and functions.
2. Familiarize with Python's built-in data structures like lists, dictionaries, and tuples.
3. Develop skills in object-oriented programming in Python.
4. Learn to use Python libraries for game development, such as Pygame.
5. Apply the learned programming skills to create a simple game.

Software Required:

1. Python 3.x
2. Pygame library
3. Any preferred text editor (PyCharm, VS Code, etc.)

Course Schedule: Classes will be held once a week and will run for 1.5 to 2 hours. Loaner laptops are available for use during the class.

Week 1: Introduction to Python and Set Up and Basic Python Syntax and Control Structures
Week 2: Python Data Structures / Introduction to Functions and Modules
Week 3: Introduction to Pygame and 2D Graphics
Week 4: Game Logic and User Interaction
Week 5: Sprites and Sound / Creating Levels and Scoring
Week 6: Debugging and Finalizing the Game

Course Title: Introduction to Robotics: Building a Line-Following Robot

Course Description: This beginner-level course provides a hands-on introduction to robotics, focusing on the construction and programming of a simple line-following robot using Arduino, servos, and solderless breadboards. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of robotics principles and the experience of bringing a functional robot to life.

Course Objectives: Understand fundamental concepts and components of robotics. Learn how to assemble circuits on a breadboard. Gain hands-on experience with Arduino and servo control. Learn basic programming techniques for robotic control. Apply learned knowledge to build a line-following robot.

Hardware/Software Required: Arduino UNO or similar (provided) Servos (provided) Solderless breadboards (provided) Arduino IDE Available for Mac OS, Windows, and Linux

Course Schedule:

Week 1: Introduction to Arduino and the Arduino IDE Week 2: Understanding Servo Motors / Sensor Integration Week 3: Building the Line-Following Robot - Part 1 Week 4: Building the Line-Following Robot - Part 2 Week 5: Finalizing and Troubleshooting the Robot

Technician Level Amateur Radio Licensing Class

Course Description: This course provides an introduction to amateur radio communication and prepares students for the FCC Technician Class License exam. By the end of the course, students should have a good understanding of amateur radio regulations, operating procedures, basic electronics, and radio wave propagation, along with hands-on practice with amateur radio equipment.

Course Objectives:

Understand the basics of radio communication and amateur radio regulations. Learn the operation of amateur radio equipment, including transmitters, receivers, and antennas. Understand basic electronics and radio wave propagation as it pertains to amateur radio. Prepare for the FCC Technician Class License exam. Textbook(s):

"The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual" by American Radio Relay League Course Schedule:

Week 1: Introduction to Amateur Radio / Overview of FCC Regulations Week 2: Operating Procedures / Radio Wave Propagation Week 3: Amateur Radio Equipment / Basic Electronics Week 4: Antennas and Feed Lines / Communicating with Other Hams Week 5: FCC License Exam Preparation Week 6: FCC License Exam Review and Exam

###Class liability form: Course Title: [Course Title]

Activity Liability Waiver and Release Form

I, the undersigned participant (if 18 or older) or parent/guardian of the minor participant, acknowledge and understand that participation in [Course Title] involves certain inherent risks. These may include, but are not limited to, physical injury, mental injury, emotional distress, trauma, death, contact with other participants, instructors, or equipment, and the effects of weather including high heat and/or humidity.

I hereby agree to assume all risks related to the activity, whether listed above or not, inherent or not, whether or not they are known or unknown to me at the time of signing this waiver form. I hereby release and discharge Santa Barbara Hackerspace, Inc, their agents, representatives, employees, and any third parties acting on their behalf from any and all claims arising out of my participation in the [Course Title].

I understand that this release and discharge of liability includes any claims based on the negligence, action, or inaction of the above parties and covers bodily injury, property damage, and loss by theft or otherwise, whether the participant's participation is supervised or unsupervised.

I represent that the participant is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to participate in the [Course Title] and I agree to stop and seek medical attention if I observe any signs of distress or injury.

In the event of a medical emergency, I authorize [Name of the Organization or Individual] to seek medical treatment on my behalf or that of the minor participant, from any licensed physician, hospital, or medical clinic.

By signing this waiver, I represent that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor participant, and I consent to his/her participation in the [Course Title].

Printed Name of Participant: _________________________________________ Signature of Participant (If 18 or Older): ______________________________ Date: ____________________________________

Printed Name of Parent/Guardian: ______________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian: _________________________________________ Date: ____________________________________