February 2025

MakerSpace Spotlight

Brother CS 6000i -

Computerized Sewing Machine

The MakerSpace has a couple of sewing machines available to use during programs, but this is the machine available to use in the MakerSpace. This machine is great for beginners because it has a sliding speed control.

Features of this machine:

• 52 stitch patterns with a digital display to select the stitch type
• 7 Buttonhole styles and a special buttonhole guide plate
• Twin needle sewing ability
• Free motion quilting
• Reverse/ Reinforcement Stitch button
• Start/Stop button that runs the machine at a slow speed without the foot pedal.
• Variety of foot types to accomplish a variety of sewing tasks
• Needle position button to raise and lower needle. Double press for a single stitch.

Contact the MakerSpace for 1-1 help and questions about our sewing machines, or sewing in general. Available to use on a first come first serve basis during open make times or by appointment. Additional accessories may be added as needs arise.

Drones for Ice Removal

There are a lot of different applications for drones, and now they have been utilized for ice removal. Power companies were already using drones to help inspect hard-to-reach power lines and towers. Now they are using drones to remove ice from the lines.

When heavy snows and ice accumulation sits on powerlines it can cause damage and power outages. This is not only dangerous for those relying on the power, but also for the workers who have to repair and maintain the lines. This is where drones come in to prevent line damage in a way that is safer for linemen. Previously helicopters were used to remove ice from lines, but now drones that can be controlled from the ground can do the same task more safely.

The drones are outfitted with 55lb sticks to hit the lines and knock the ice free from the lines. Other designs are being created including ones where a device is put onto the line by a drone and runs across the line as seen pictured above. Different designs have the ice removal device attached to the drone. This new way of using drones can not only help reduce power outages but may provide workers with safer tools to do their jobs. See the video below to view the drones in action.

References

Autelpilot. (2024, June 19). Drones help power grid industry. Autelpilot. https://www.autelpilot.com/blogs/news/drones-help-power-grid-industry

Design, iF. (n.d.). Deicing drone. iF Design. https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/deicing-drone/240984#:~:text=A%20deicing%20drone%20is%20able,along%20with%20the%20moving%20drone.

Parker, C. (2024, December 5). Drones de-icing power lines: Revolutionizing infrastructure maintenance. Medium. https://medium.com/@UnitedPress/drones-de-icing-power-lines-revolutionizing-infrastructure-maintenance-57f82120e97e#:~:text=Efficiency%3A%20Drones%20can%20cover%20large,methods%20in%20the%20long%20run.

The Weather Network. (2024, December 23). New removes ice in satisfying way in Quebec. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSzUwjF0jV8 

References

International Year of Quantum Science and Technology Partners. (2024). International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. https://quantum2025.org/en/

NOVA, & GHB. (2024, November 6). Decoding the Universe: Quantum | Full Documentary | NOVA | PBS. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t06aTX9jM34

Schneider, J., & Smalley, I. (2024, August 5). What is quantum computing?. What is Quantum Computing. https://www.ibm.com/topics/quantum-computing

Squires, G. (2024, December 24). Quantum Mechanics. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/quantum-mechanics-physics