Embedded Python Open Space
Notes from the open space discussion Python for embedded systems (e.g. Raspberry Pi, ESP-32, MicroBits).
Date: Friday, 11 October 2019
Topics discussed:
Groups represented at the open space
- House4Hack (maker space in Johannesburg)
- Schalk and Philip from House4Hack brought their radio controlled glider, numerous Python controlled robots and some MicroBits with games on them.
- ZimboPy (train women to code using Raspberry Pi)
- SKA (Square Kilometer Array, a giant radio telescope)
- PyGuy Training (introducing people to programming using Raspberry Pi)
House4Hack
- Located in Centurion.
- People meet there once a week and sometimes there are courses on weekends.
- They're planning to relaunch their training with CircuitPython which has broader applications.
- There is currently a lot of interest in machine learning and AI on smaller devices, and in particular on projects that make use of machine learning but don't require selling your data.
- How to contact the group:
- Telegram group
- http://house4hack.co.za/
- Pitch up on Tuesday, after 6pm
- Meetings are unstructured.
- So bring your project "e.g. I can't get my switch to work"
- Always keen on teaching.
- House4Hack is an actual house.
- It has a training room.
- And some rooms that can be rented.
- Machines which can be used:
- Foam cutters.
- Laser cutters.
- 3D printers.
- Currently the space under-utilized.
- People from ages 9-81 have all had fun there.
- The people there provide a pool of collaborative intelligence.
- E.g. people at House4Hack collaborated to send a small satellite into space on a weather balloon and got telemetry back.
Other groups & spaces
- Makerstation in Cape Town, but:
- A paid membership is required.
- And you pay as you go for use of tools, etc. which makes it less of an option for people exploring and learning.
- Codewars Academy
- Is a group in Johannesburg that provides Python training on Thursdays.
- There was interest in a collaboration between Codewars Academy and House4Hack.
Hardware and devices
- MicroBit
- Capable of supporting bluetooth multiplayer games, such as hide and seek.
- Costs R 299.
- Available from robotics.org.za & pishop.co.za.
- Provides Bluetooth, SPI, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, and a small display.
- Great single package for introducing people to embedded systems without have to solder or build circuits straight away.
- Circuit Playground Express
- Provides a speaker, microphone, button, and lights.
Miscellaneous
- It was discussed whether is would be a good idea to start an "Embedded Python" track as part of CTPUG or GPUG. In Cape Town there appears to be a gap in this space and in Gauteng GPUG could collaborate with House4Hack.