Thanks. This is the kind of feedback I was hoping to see. I suspect that we have a chicken/egg problem. There was talk of making the cards activate the laser cutter’s interlock rather than logging in online, for example, but with only 10 cards active there isn’t must pressure or point in actually MAKING the devices to use the cards. Any suggestions on how you would LIKE to see the cards used might prod someone with a project that piques their interest.
Supporting the space can be done by donating money, how does supporting a
card help that goal?
because VHS still gets the money
This. My wallet
I have way too many cards already!
I have the RFID reader working with a ESP (wireless) and the VHS Membership cards.
Currently the prototype on my desk, checks the cards against Nomos (members management system) to see if the members card is valid and what permissions they have, then flips a GPIO pin accordingly. First project is to do the inside door, then asset control (laser cutter, lathe, etc…)
There will always be a non-card way to enter the space, access the tools, etc… Having the card access control will not prevent people who do not have a membership card from using the tools.
I was waiting until the Nomos Hackathon before installing it.
I also have a game set up that uses ANY RFID card (including the VHS membership cards, or compass cards) that you can play while at VHS.
Didn’t know they were for sale yet. Can I buy one on Tuesday in person?
The way it is set up right now, the payment HAS to come through paypal for the card to get activated. The card gets linked tot he paypal account you use in the membership dues database.
My lame excuses was that I would do it later and then completely forgot.
I just ordered one.
Was too busy when I first read the announcement and then filed it away for “later”. I still haven’t figured out what day “later” is.
Will probably get one “soon”.
edit: Guess today is “soon”. Card ordered!
All the code I used to do my locker door is at RFID membership card activated locker door - #7 by laftho
Am planning to add wifi and query the database to allow all members to access it and get parts.
I don’t think I actually made the official announcement yet that they were generally available! It’s kinda early access still because we don’t yet have door access implemented and lots of people may struggle to see the value beyond the cool factor. But if you’re keen, certainly go and get one! Nomos
The cards are not mandatory and will never be, the purchase price of the card goes straight to VHS. Although, technically they cost ~$0.60 each, however, that is for 500 units (minimum we could order) and we estimated we’d sell around 60-70 cards, that works out to about break even for the project. That said, this isn’t a money making scheme for VHS or otherwise, it is about getting member cards to aid in formalizing our discounts with vendors, to provide convenient space and tool access (think laser cutter, front door, CNC machines, etc), and to have a VHS token for members to hack and play with!
The technology is NFC, which is nicely standardized and nearly ubiquitous. This is the same as your compass cards, etc. Currently we aren’t doing anything with the payload on the cards so they are re-writable when you get them (careful to not lock it!). We may at some point in the future put some sort of auth token payloads or whatever on the cards. But the point is, you could use any NFC card you wish to register for your access, even your cell phone itself as the card would work.
My plan was to make the official announcement and push of the cards once we had some supporting services. Some members have been doing awesome work putting together reads and cool hacks that use the cards! I think once we have door access (even just for the inner door) is when I’ll make the announcement. All that said, they are available and get one now! Nomos
I forgot to add that since I got my VHS card I am setting off the shoplifter alarm at my local Shoppers when I enter and exit. I haven’t proved it is the vhs card though. I have to make sure I have my wallet on the side away from the antenna to avoid setting it off (right side on entry, left side on exit). Bonus feature!
Good argument for RFID blocking wallet.
I never leave home without one.
Well, there is your answer to the poll.
Can we buy more than one then? Considering that it is about a 5:1 ratio? How much for the additional cards? They could be useful for projects. Now I regret not grabbing a handful of RFID cards when the ID card printer was recycled.
Maybe. There was a post three months ago saying they were here, about 10 people bought them immediately then nothing since. I’m curious why, that’s all.
For those playing along at home, there are now 19 cards in the wild, 6 of
them since yesterday
I already support the space by paying for a keyholder membership even though I rarely use the VHS facilities. I assume the cost of the membership card just covers the cost of the card.
In short, yes, it’s only to cover the cost. In the event we sell more than 60-70 then it would be past break even and additional revenue. Ultimately yes the price is simply to cover the cost of these cards as well as a general membership card program (ie. if we need to order more cards). The cards are optional. Any implementation we may have that necessitates NFC would work with any NFC card and/or cell phone (it is possible to register any NFC ID with your VHS account and use it for auth).
Yes, you may buy as many cards as you like. Note that all cards you purchase will be linked to your personal VHS account and may be used to authenticate as you. So you wouldn’t want to give them away
Also, the 500 cards are meant to last us for a few years but I don’t think we have enough attrition to eat that away to restrict selling multiples to individual members. That said, we must associate the cards to an account because we don’t want extras in the wild that people might use unfairly with our vendors. These cards are the genuine VHS member cards, and registered as such, which some vendors may accept for discounts on sight. We have the capabilities for vendors to validate genuine cards to ensure valid membership and authenticity of the cards themselves if they so desire.