Derby, England, is considered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, making it an ideal location for the second annual Derby Mini Maker Faire, taking place this weekend, on Saturday, November 23, from 11am to 5pm. The Faire will be housed at the Silk Mill, no less, the site of the world’s first factory, Lombe’s Mill. The first Derby Mini Maker Faire drew nearly 1,000 people, and this year’s will undoubtedly be even bigger. Below is just a sampling of the makers who will be exhibiting at the Faire.
Segway Skateboard
This machine pushes the concept further with compact design, pneumatic tires, lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, proper skateboard deck and steering via a Wii Nunchuck. The machine is a bit like a Segway and uses accelerometer and gyroscope sensors to know which way is “up” 100 times per second and so stay balanced on two wheels.
Spiral Arts
A collection of alternative fabric constructions and weaving installations using recycled fabric strips, hula hoops, and giant French knitting bobbins. Taken from our Sharing Space Installation at the Old Burton’s Empty Shop Project earlier this year. Come and have a go!
The FishPi
FishPi is an autonomous sea-going drone, powered by solar energy and controlled with the Raspberry Pi. At the moment we’re still at the proof-of-concept stage, but we have a small boat outfitted with a Raspberry Pi, satellite communications, camera, and a drive system. It’s managed via a base station, which too is fitted with a Raspberry Pi and a wi-fi router. The LittleBox is a laser-cut all-in-one desktop PC powered by the Raspberry Pi. It comes as a build-it-yourself kit. The LittleBox was conceived as an at-home monitoring station for the FishPi to be used by everyone. There will be the option to use both the FishPi equipment and the LittleBox PC(s). The FishPi proof-of-concept vehicle has the Raspberry Pi camera attached. The LittleBox has two 3W speakers.
3-2-1 Ignition
The portable version of the science and technology pop-up shop comes to Maker Faire in Derby following a summer tour of the Barbican Centre in London, and the Latitude and Shuffle Festivals. Explore the science behind the Curiosity Jars or the sci-fi horror movie boxes, learn science-busking tricks that will amaze your friends, and discover the links between smells and memories. Art meets science, creativity meets curiosity, and the result is a renewed sense of wonder!
Drip Drop
Help build the greatest marble run in the midlands. Get involved: add, adjust, alter, or take away using the recycled materials provided. Throw down some marbles and see what happens.
Also check out their video from 2012:
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