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Sufficeintly retro technology is indistinquishable from science fiction

I came across this lovely bit of lost knowledge while cleaning out the space last week: Wire recorders were a big deal in the 40's and 50's. They work by storing sound magnetically on a thin steel wire. The sound is great. The recording playing in the clip was taken off WSB radio almost 70 years ago and recorded to the wire. It sounds as if it was fresh off the air. So why did this interesting spinning box go away? Several reasons. First, when you can cheaply make tape or vinyl, who wants to sell the latest top 40 hits in several hundred feet of steel wire? No one. Next, hear that recording? Good, because that is the last time that particular wire will ever play. On the rewind it became tangled and unusable. Further research shows that this was a typical issue for users. Finally, newer, better, and cheaper tech came out that spelled death for the wire recorders. Sure it survived a little while as a dict-a-phone or in radio studios, but in the end wire lost to tape.

Free Classes this Weekend!

The Freeside Calender is full of great classes this weekend including: * MakerBot Operation @ 1pm-3pm Sat. 9/25/2010 * Python 101 @ 4pm-6pm Sat. 9/25/2010 * Welding (Full) @ 11:30am Sunday 9/26/2010. This weekend's welding class is already full, but if you are interested in attending a future welding class just show up to our weekly meeting on Tuesdays @ 7:30pm to register. The MakerBot and Python classes are both free and open to the public, so feel free to show up and bring a friend. Please keep in mind that your donations are what allow us to keep doing these classes for free.

Geeks Without Borders (GWOBorg)

A representative from Geeks Without Borders will be visiting Freeside at 7:00pm, September 19th. From http://gwob.org/ : GWOBorg is an international coalition of passionate problem solvers working together to assist people whose survival is threatened by lack of access to technology or communications due to violence, neglect, or catastrophe.
Electronics 101 - Mk II This Thursday, September 16, 2010 @ 6:30pm Repeats bi-weekly Learn how to design, build, and modify electronic circuits, starting from the ground up. Current topics include basics, transistors, and op-amps. 653 Metropolitan Pkwy, Suite 6066 Atlanta, GA 30310 Free w/ $10 suggested donation.

Freeside @ Dragon*Con

Dragon*Con is this coming up this weekend and it's been a regular topic of conversation around Freeside. A lot of Freeside members regularly attend Dragon*Con and this year some of us are even participating. At least three Freeside Memebers will be participating in a panel about 3D printing and rapid prototyping on the EFF Track . We plan to give an overview of the current state of DIY 3D printing, the future, and discuss some intellectuality property issues. We will have a MakerBot and RepRap Mendel for demonstrations. This panel is scheduled for 2:30pm on Friday 9/3. You can also look for a few Freesiders in the parade driving a Delorean . So if this is you first year attending Dragon*Con, or if you are a seasoned pro, you are sure to have a good time. If you see someone a Freeside shirt, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation!

Freesides New Lathe

On Thursday, we acquired Freesides very own Busy Bee Lathe. Our good neighbor Walt helped me move it over the weekend as this sucker weighs in at over 1800 lbs. We will hopefully have this up and running soon and available for use by members. Walt has offered to help train us on how to use this in exchange that he can come over and drool on it from time to time.

Electronics 101

Electronics 101 This Thursday, August 26, 2010 @ 6:30pm Repeats bi-weekly Learn how to design, build, and modify electronic circuits, starting from the ground up. Expect egregious amounts of science. 653 Metropolitan Pkwy, Suite 6066 Atlanta, GA 30310 Free w/ $5-$10 suggested donation.

Freeside Anniversary Party and Open house - August 7th - Final reminder!

Our Opening / Anniversary party and Open House are happening this Saturday! All are invited to come by our space, see some goings on, and learn more about freeside. The doors open at noon, and the space will be open until 9pm. After that, a members (and their guests) only party for those who make Freeside great! Please bring cash for the grill or donations to help keep Freeside running smoothly!

Freeside Anniversary Party and Open house - August 7th

Coming soon! Freeside welcomes the world into our space for our Anniversary party / the launch party we never had! (We've been way too busy building the space out to throw a party, but it's time to change that!) Details are forthcoming, but for now, you should: - Start building a Bar bot of some sort. If we have enough entries, there will be a bar bot contest! The rules are simple - no open flames, nothing dangerous, judges opinions are final. 21+ only are allowed to participate. You will need to supply your own mixers and spirits, so keep that in mind! - Contribute! If you have a project you'd like to show off, let us know! We would love to have a mini-fair during the day. LIkewise, if you know any artists, musicians, or DJs that you think might want to come out, put them in touch with us! More details are forthcoming. This will be an open house during the day, and a party during the evening. We can provide crash space for visiting hackerspace members if needed! For more d

Welding Workshop

Check back for our Welding Workshop dates and times.