Root Access Hackerspace

Root Access is a hub for technology in the San Joaquin Valley. Currently at the local level there are few to no locations offering a chance to work with hardware such as microcontrollers, robots, or 3D printing. Students, tech professionals, and hobbyists are our prime demographics.

At the college level students must pay for tuition, class fees, and books in order to even get their feet wet in the hardware scene, then a student has to buy equipment and tools in order to apply the skills they’re learning. In Fresno we have a small number of Hackathons, coding competitions where people can build applications or devices to match criteria, such as 59 Days of Code and the new Hack Fresno competition at Fresno State. These are a chances for the tech community to network as well as learn from each other while working in teams. They are incubators of creativity and tech start ups due to their appeal. What Root Access does is provide a location not only for Hackathons, but for the people who plan on competing.

Geekwise offers classes almost exclusively in software with a growing focus in hardware. It is our plan to provide facilities to address the physical tech that is entering our daily lives. Products such as Alexa, Google Home, and Nest are examples of devices that potential customers can create themselves using the microcontroller Raspberry Pi. Combining code, board, and a 3D printed case can create a sleek product worth showing off at a Hackathon or in a business venture. CAD classes will also be offered due to the growing need for customizable 3D prints.

For people just getting started with programming and hardware there are kits that we will stock, providing a casual entrance to a booming industry. We’ve been able to locate a number of packages that are great entry level projects for adults as well as children. One of the reasons for founding root access was to provide a location for Raspberry Pi Jams as well as Code Dojo given their open nature and exhaustive educational resources. By addressing the phobia surrounding new technology we’ll be teaching people from all walks of life how to use hardware and software to solve problems today.

Root Access will comprised of three main spaces:

An open space to facilitate classes and community gatherings. There are currently plans to host several different workshops on topics covering soldering, 3D printing, and coding microcontrollers. We also have confirmed with several tech meetups such as Fresno Python, Women Techmakers, and Google Development Group Fresno about hosting some of their meetings.

A retail store where people can purchase electronics and be able to work with them immediately. To supplement these electronics we will have a library of books as well as online resources for people to take advantage of. Buying a board online is easy, turning it into a working project requires either hours of self study or having a community to foster understanding.

A workshop of tools and equipment for members to build their projects. The end goal is to be a one stop shop for the techmaker. Purchase your microcontroller, solder it, and build a home for it all in-house. Soldering irons, multimeters, 3D printers, and a laser cutter provide enough to build a serious project.