Running a Kit Build

Step-by-Step

1. Pick a kit that people are interested in.
   • Check out Kit Building for some ideas.
   • If you're uncertain, poll some of your friends or post to the blabber list.
   • If you haven't built this kit before, now would be a good time to order one and try it out.
2. Price out the kit, including shipping and payment processing (usually around $1-1.50) costs. It's best if everyone can walk out with a working gadget for less than $30 total. Note what tools are needed. HacDC may already have what's needed.
   • Spare parts?
   • Batteries?
3. Pick a date and time.
   • Weekend afternoons are nice because people aren't under pressure to rush from work or get home.
   • Try to pick a date 4-6 weeks in the future.
4. Create a page for your event, including registration.
   • Eventbrite is a classic option.
   • The main HacDC site is equipped with CiviCRM. You can use the template to speed things up, but make sure you check the various settings.
   • If you want to avoid fronting money that you may or may not get back, have registration close with enough lead time for you to order the materials.
   • Ask people to bring needed tools if they have them. Even if HacDC has some, it may not have enough to go around.
5. Add the event to the event calendar
6. E-mail the blabber list
7. Post to the HacDC site/blog
8. Print directions for everyone. Some ways to save paper:
   • Ask people to share
   • Use the projector in the space as a supplement. Don't rely on people "staying together", though.
   • Print on both sides of the paper
   • Shorten existing directions in some way, or write your own

Additional Pitfalls

• Don't trust things to work. Test it all in advance. That includes:
  • Parts lists
  • Firmware
  • Directions