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The Spark

Igniting the imagination through cooperative learning

Tools

Spark's art mark with the words The Spark in the center, surrounded by colorful tool icons

Tools

Need a tool to use for your next project? We have a number of operating and reference/research tools. In our environment operating tools are physical tools used to complete a given task, where as the reference and research tools are books, databases, and articles to help learn or investigate a project plan or idea.

Many of the tools are available for In space use only, however some on available as circulating items. Most operating tools do require safety and operational training prior to being able to use them. Be sure to schedule a time for training so you will be able to use the resources the rest of the semester without delay.

Operating Tools

Auxiliary Tools

3D Connexion Mouse

Specifications and Info.

Circulation Information

  • House Location: WILLIS & DP
  • Catalog Record: In-Space Use only
  • Notes: 4-hour use, in space only when workshops/events are not scheduled. User must have their own Steam account. We teach Unity programming for VR development. Located at DP B135 & Willis 150.

 

 

Drawing Tools

Dell Canvas Drawing Tablet

Specifications and Info.

Circulation Information

  • In Space use Only

 

 

 

 

 

NeoLucida

Specifications and Info.

  • Overview: The NeoLucida is a drawing aid that allows you to trace what you see. It’s a modern reinterpretation of the camera lucida, an indispensable drawing tool popular in the days before photography.
  • "We use a silvered prism, optimized for optical clarity, carefully encased in a custom anodized aluminum mount. The prism is supported by a highly adjustable gooseneck arm and a sturdy metal clamp. We even use a 1/4"-20 threaded bolt as the connection between the gooseneck arm and the prism holder--so your NeoLucida arm can easily double as a standard camera mount." - Website

 

Circulation Information

Wacom-Intuos 3 Drawing Tablet

Specifications and Info.

  • Overview: USB Wacom Graphics Tablet includes pen, pen holder with tablet

Circulation Information

 

 

 

Pottery Tools

Pottery Tool Kit

Specs / Manuals / Info

  • Overview: This kit contains 5 bags with different tool types. You can check out any of the 5 bags separately for your needs.
    • Rubber Pen Tools
    • Clay Hole Cutters/ Ribbon Tools
    • Clay Shapers
    • Sculpting Tools
    • Wooden Sculpture Knives 
  • House Location: FRISCO LANDING

Circulation Information

 

 

Scientific/Probewares

We offer an assortment of easy-to-use data loggers and sensors that allow you to work at the cross section of science and technology. Pair these tools with our other electronics equipment and experiment with something new or borrow them for use in your own or coursework-related field studies.

 

 

Extech EX 330: 12 Function Mini Multimeter + Non-Contact Voltage Detector

Vernier LabQuest 2 data logger

Specifications and Info.

  • Description: A compact auto-ranging multimeter which features extra large 4000 count display and a built-in non-contact AC voltage detector.
  • Info: 

Circulation Information

 

 

Interfaces

Connect our sensors with other tools we offer.

 

 

Arduino interface shield for Scientific Probeware

Vernier LabQuest 2 data logger

Specifications and Info.

  • Description: Make connections from Arduino microcontrollers to Vernier sensors.

    2 analog sensor ports (BTA sockets), 2 digital sensor ports (BTD sockets), reset button, general-purpose button, indicator LED, multiplexer to allow auto-ID to work on both channels.
    Supported microcontrollers: SparkFun Arduino RedBoard, Arduino UNO, Arduino Leonardo, Intel Galileo.

    Range: 0 to 200 NTU; Typical resolution: 0.25 NTU; Standard: StablCAL Formazin Standard 100 NTU; Accuracy: ±2 NTU for readings under 25 NTU; ±5% of readings above 25 NTU; LED wavelength: 890 nm.
  • Info: Manual 

Circulation Information

 

NXT Sensor Adapter

Vernier LabQuest 2 data logger

Specifications and Info.

Circulation Information

 

Hand Tools

The Spark has a variety of hand tools that is tools that are manual operation and do not require electricity to perform their intended job. For our purposes the selection of The Spark collection referred to as hand tool's is primarily the traditional work tools for either a garage or a tech space such as screwdrivers, hammers, etc.

 

Power Tools

The Spark offers a few power (electric) tools at each locations. Denton has Ryobi while Frisco has Rigid power tools. Power tools do require training and basic safety protection for use.

Reference Tools

Do you want to know more about the equipment you'll be working with in our makerspace? We have a small collection of books that can be used within The Spark as reference materials when working with our equipment. Some titles are physical books for reference, others are e-books. 

 

Reference and Research Tools

Electronics Reference/Research Tools

 

Fabrication and Replication Research Tools

 

Reference Tools

Do you want to know more about the equipment you'll be working with in our makerspace? We have a small collection of books that can be used within The Spark as reference materials when working with our equipment. Some titles are physical books for reference, others are e-books. 

 

Databases

We recommend that you search the library catalog for narrow topics, but have provided links to several searches of frequently used categories that may be of interest to you:

Programming Research Tools

 

Robotics Reference and Research Tools