Where do ideas come from? I know I can't be the first person to think about making lights turn on when something happens. Actually there are tons of projects like that. But I was disappointed that none of them (that I could find) focused on space. So much happens in space that we don't notice here on the ground. Eventually this vague frustration became my ISS-Notify lamp — now being funded on kickstarter.
Just the idea isn't enough; follow-through is important. One of the best ways to make an idea a reality is to get a bunch of like minded people together to encourage each other and to help make something. For sci/tech types a science hack day is perfect! The first science hack day was in London last year and was a big success. It spawned another one in San Francisco a few months later. That's where I got the inspiration and the encouragement that eventually turned became this ISS lamp project.
I was at the first science hack day in SF looking for a project that I could help with. That's when Ariel Waldman suggested that someone make a lamp light up when an Asteroid passed by Earth. What a fantastic idea! I had some electronics with me, a few wires, a microcontroller, LED's. I had lots of help from the other people at the hack day. Because there was a community and a time limit lots of wonderful things got made in a very short amount of time.
Hacking at science hack day - By arielwaldman on flickr
I was able to make a sort of working version of the asteroid lamp. But after my experience at NASA this winter I wanted to highlight human space flight. And that's when I made the ISS lamp. I actually used many of the same parts and the same ideas from Science Hack Day SF. I encourage other science geeks to get out and make something — physical or not. And think about starting a science hack day in your area!
Science Hack Days – Ideas to Things
ISS Notify
Watching a Shuttle Launch
Aquila Glass School
2 Comments
This is so awesome! I definitely have to make sure this happens near where I am, which is Houston. Answering your wondering question
“Where do ideas come from? I know I can’t be the first person to think about making lights turn on when something happens. Actually there are tons of projects like that. But I was disappointed that none of them (that I could find) focused on space.”
I believe the answer lies in that most people lack either the interest or technical skill for cool space projects. Most people don’t look up and think about what’s out there. Those that do may likely be dreamers who don’t have electronic and/or programming skills. =) What do you think?
I have an idea that would make hacking harder by the power of 20 * 30. It is a simple idea but I don’t know how to get my idea up and running with out some one trying to get in on the action. I would be prepared to give a percentage to who ever can help me get my idea to market can you help! if you can please get in-touch.
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