Victoria Makerspace Association upcoming events

Build a custom surface mount PCB (classroom booked) (3 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Course Summary: This is a multi-evening hands-on class to make your own customized and operational printed circuit board (PCB) based on surface mount technologies. This is an introductory course designed for someone who is new to surface mount PCB technology. Electronics skills are not expected.

The Details: You will learn how to use the free and open source KiCad application to make a schematic and layout a printed circuit board (PCB). All participants will be working with the same simple electronics circuit (provided) based on famous 555 timer and some LEDs. We'll also dabble in PCB art (so fun !!) - you'll be able to add some custom graphics to your PCB. The shape of your PCB can be customized as well. Your PCB will be manufactured by JLCPCB. While the PCBs are being manufactured and shipped to Victoria (about 2 weeks) we'll make laser cut PCB stencils (used to apply solder paste to the PCBs) and have a dry run practice session with some donated PCBs and some components from our Makerspace SMT component inventory. When your PCBs arrive you'll apply the solder paste with your stencil, inspect the paste application with our microscope, use our manual pick-and-place tool to attach the electronic components, and then finally bake your PCB in the Controleo3 reflow oven. If all goes well you'll apply power to your PCB using a USB-C cable and the LEDs will come to life !

If this all sounds like Greek, don't worry, it's a lot easier to master than it reads.

Here are the skills you'll learn:

schematic capture and PCB layout using KiCad
adding "PCB art" to your PCB (custom shape and graphics)
setup of KiCad for JLCPCB fabrication capabilities
ordering PCBs from JLCPCB
selecting and ordering electronic components from DigiKey
making a mylar stencil using a laser cutter
applying solder paste to a PCB using a mylar stencil
populating a PCB with components using a manual pick and place tool
using a microscope to inspect the solder paste application and component placement
baking the PCB in a reflow oven

The course commitment is 5 evenings. Participants will attend one of the final two dates (either Dec 7 or Dec 8) which are the classes to make the final assembly of parts to the PCB.

What you will need:

Laptop PC capable of running KiCad 10

What's included in the course fees:

manufacturing PCBs at JLCPCB factory
all electronic components
mylar for stencil

Instructor: Mike Teachman

Cost:

$150 for Members

$250 for Non-Members

Instructor fees will be donated to a local charity

Class size: Max 4 participants. Minimum 2

Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable, fully transferable. Directors to make exceptions based on cases of hardship (injury, death in the family, etc.)

FIX IT in the classroom (3 Nov 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

FIX IT will be working on robots in the classroom

FIX IT in the classroom (5 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Woodshop Tool Checkout (10 Nov 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Build a custom surface mount PCB (classroom booked) (10 Nov 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 02:30:00 GMT

If this all sounds like Greek, don't worry, it's a lot easier to master than it reads.

Here are the skills you'll learn:

schematic capture and PCB layout using KiCad
adding "PCB art" to your PCB (custom shape and graphics)
setup of KiCad for JLCPCB fabrication capabilities
ordering PCBs from JLCPCB
selecting and ordering electronic components from DigiKey
making a mylar stencil using a laser cutter
applying solder paste to a PCB using a mylar stencil
populating a PCB with components using a manual pick and place tool
using a microscope to inspect the solder paste application and component placement
baking the PCB in a reflow oven

The course commitment is 5 evenings. Participants will attend one of the final two dates (either Dec 7 or Dec 8) which are the classes to make the final assembly of parts to the PCB.

What you will need:

Laptop PC capable of running KiCad 10

What's included in the course fees:

manufacturing PCBs at JLCPCB factory
all electronic components
mylar for stencil

Instructor: Mike Teachman

Cost:

$150 for Members

$250 for Non-Members

Instructor fees will be donated to a local charity

Class size: Max 4 participants. Minimum 2

Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable, fully transferable. Directors to make exceptions based on cases of hardship (injury, death in the family, etc.)

FIX IT in the classroom (12 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Welding area and Classroom Booked 9am - 4:30pm (14 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Welding Area and Classroom Booked from 9:00am to 4:30pm.

Instruction begins in Classroom at 9:30 am.

Build a custom surface mount PCB (classroom booked) (17 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 02:30:00 GMT

If this all sounds like Greek, don't worry, it's a lot easier to master than it reads.

Here are the skills you'll learn:

schematic capture and PCB layout using KiCad
adding "PCB art" to your PCB (custom shape and graphics)
setup of KiCad for JLCPCB fabrication capabilities
ordering PCBs from JLCPCB
selecting and ordering electronic components from DigiKey
making a mylar stencil using a laser cutter
applying solder paste to a PCB using a mylar stencil
populating a PCB with components using a manual pick and place tool
using a microscope to inspect the solder paste application and component placement
baking the PCB in a reflow oven

The course commitment is 5 evenings. Participants will attend one of the final two dates (either Dec 7 or Dec 8) which are the classes to make the final assembly of parts to the PCB.

What you will need:

Laptop PC capable of running KiCad 10

What's included in the course fees:

manufacturing PCBs at JLCPCB factory
all electronic components
mylar for stencil

Instructor: Mike Teachman

Cost:

$150 for Members

$250 for Non-Members

Instructor fees will be donated to a local charity

Class size: Max 4 participants. Minimum 2

Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable, fully transferable. Directors to make exceptions based on cases of hardship (injury, death in the family, etc.)

FIX IT in the classroom (19 Nov 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Woodshop Tool Checkout (24 Nov 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

New Applicants Evening (24 Nov 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 03:00:00 GMT

An night hosted by the spaces New Members Committee.

This event is the third mandatory step in the application process. For more details on the application process visit makerspace.ca/apply

General topics covered will include:

Safety information
New member package and handouts
Expectations of membership and some basics of how to share a work space
Commitment to volunteer efforts
How to get started on your goals/project at the space
a tour of the facility and high level overview of our tools
Registration and paperwork

FIX IT in the classroom (26 Nov 2026)

Fri, 27 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Build a custom surface mount PCB (classroom booked) (1 Dec 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 02:30:00 GMT

If this all sounds like Greek, don't worry, it's a lot easier to master than it reads.

Here are the skills you'll learn:

schematic capture and PCB layout using KiCad
adding "PCB art" to your PCB (custom shape and graphics)
setup of KiCad for JLCPCB fabrication capabilities
ordering PCBs from JLCPCB
selecting and ordering electronic components from DigiKey
making a mylar stencil using a laser cutter
applying solder paste to a PCB using a mylar stencil
populating a PCB with components using a manual pick and place tool
using a microscope to inspect the solder paste application and component placement
baking the PCB in a reflow oven

The course commitment is 5 evenings. Participants will attend one of the final two dates (either Dec 7 or Dec 8) which are the classes to make the final assembly of parts to the PCB.

What you will need:

Laptop PC capable of running KiCad 10

What's included in the course fees:

manufacturing PCBs at JLCPCB factory
all electronic components
mylar for stencil

Instructor: Mike Teachman

Cost:

$150 for Members

$250 for Non-Members

Instructor fees will be donated to a local charity

Class size: Max 4 participants. Minimum 2

Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable, fully transferable. Directors to make exceptions based on cases of hardship (injury, death in the family, etc.)

FIX IT in the classroom (3 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Build a custom surface mount PCB (classroom booked) (7 Dec 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 02:30:00 GMT

If this all sounds like Greek, don't worry, it's a lot easier to master than it reads.

Here are the skills you'll learn:

schematic capture and PCB layout using KiCad
adding "PCB art" to your PCB (custom shape and graphics)
setup of KiCad for JLCPCB fabrication capabilities
ordering PCBs from JLCPCB
selecting and ordering electronic components from DigiKey
making a mylar stencil using a laser cutter
applying solder paste to a PCB using a mylar stencil
populating a PCB with components using a manual pick and place tool
using a microscope to inspect the solder paste application and component placement
baking the PCB in a reflow oven

The course commitment is 5 evenings. Participants will attend one of the final two dates (either Dec 7 or Dec 8) which are the classes to make the final assembly of parts to the PCB.

What you will need:

Laptop PC capable of running KiCad 10

What's included in the course fees:

manufacturing PCBs at JLCPCB factory
all electronic components
mylar for stencil

Instructor: Mike Teachman

Cost:

$150 for Members

$250 for Non-Members

Instructor fees will be donated to a local charity

Class size: Max 4 participants. Minimum 2

Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable, fully transferable. Directors to make exceptions based on cases of hardship (injury, death in the family, etc.)

Woodshop Tool Checkout (8 Dec 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 01:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Build a custom surface mount PCB (classroom booked) (8 Dec 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 02:30:00 GMT

If this all sounds like Greek, don't worry, it's a lot easier to master than it reads.

Here are the skills you'll learn:

schematic capture and PCB layout using KiCad
adding "PCB art" to your PCB (custom shape and graphics)
setup of KiCad for JLCPCB fabrication capabilities
ordering PCBs from JLCPCB
selecting and ordering electronic components from DigiKey
making a mylar stencil using a laser cutter
applying solder paste to a PCB using a mylar stencil
populating a PCB with components using a manual pick and place tool
using a microscope to inspect the solder paste application and component placement
baking the PCB in a reflow oven

The course commitment is 5 evenings. Participants will attend one of the final two dates (either Dec 7 or Dec 8) which are the classes to make the final assembly of parts to the PCB.

What you will need:

Laptop PC capable of running KiCad 10

What's included in the course fees:

manufacturing PCBs at JLCPCB factory
all electronic components
mylar for stencil

Instructor: Mike Teachman

Cost:

$150 for Members

$250 for Non-Members

Instructor fees will be donated to a local charity

Class size: Max 4 participants. Minimum 2

Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable, fully transferable. Directors to make exceptions based on cases of hardship (injury, death in the family, etc.)

FIX IT in the classroom (10 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

FIX IT in the classroom (17 Dec 2026)

Fri, 18 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Woodshop Tool Checkout (22 Dec 2026)

Wed, 23 Dec 2026 01:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

FIX IT in the classroom (24 Dec 2026)

Fri, 25 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

FIX IT in the classroom (31 Dec 2026)

Fri, 01 Jan 2027 00:00:00 GMT

Woodshop Tool Checkout (5 Jan 2027)

Wed, 06 Jan 2027 01:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (19 Jan 2027)

Wed, 20 Jan 2027 01:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (2 Feb 2027)

Wed, 03 Feb 2027 01:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (16 Feb 2027)

Wed, 17 Feb 2027 01:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (2 Mar 2027)

Wed, 03 Mar 2027 01:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (16 Mar 2027)

Wed, 17 Mar 2027 00:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (30 Mar 2027)

Wed, 31 Mar 2027 00:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (13 Apr 2027)

Wed, 14 Apr 2027 00:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (27 Apr 2027)

Wed, 28 Apr 2027 00:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (11 May 2027)

Wed, 12 May 2027 00:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (25 May 2027)

Wed, 26 May 2027 00:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (8 Jun 2027)

Wed, 09 Jun 2027 00:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (22 Jun 2027)

Wed, 23 Jun 2027 00:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (6 Jul 2027)

Wed, 07 Jul 2027 00:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (20 Jul 2027)

Wed, 21 Jul 2027 00:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.

Woodshop Tool Checkout (3 Aug 2027)

Wed, 04 Aug 2027 00:00:00 GMT

A bi-weekly group checkout for the wood shop tools.

If you want updates or are looking for a checkout outside of these times make a post on the checkout thread

Usually Hosted by Chance McClendon

Payment is not expected but candy, baked goods, etc are very welcome. Restocking my DnD Snack drawer.