NWLEM III - November 20th-22nd, 2015 - Portland, Oregon

Hey everyone,

We're back, in the largest NWLEM venue to date! This year we'll be convening at the Old Freeman Factory under the Montgomery Park Building in NW Portland. This venue has been used for film, storage, and many other purposes and will suit us perfectly.


Here's a GMaps screenshot, so you can get an idea of what it looks like:
http://i.imgur.com/An1JRFR.jpg

Location:
Old Freeman Factory
2650 NW Wilson St. <-more specific address
2034 NW 27th Ave
Portland, OR 97210

Date:
November 20th at 12:00 PM (moved this to noon, from 11AM)
until
November 22nd at 6:00 PM
(We'll probably disperse around midnight or so Friday and Saturday nights.)

Cost: $75/person.
This covers the venue rental and a temporary insurance policy. If we have 20 people, those two costs should be about covered. PM me for payment details.

Nearby amenities:
- Venue is right outside downtown Portland so there are plenty of food options both in walking distance and via a short drive
- There are a couple of bars and restaurants within blocks of the venue- one shares the block with the venue, even
- For hotels, I would recommend staying near the Oregon Convention Center on the other side of the river. Hotels over there are considerably cheaper than the west side, probably due to the rental crisis we're having here in Portland. Quality Inn Downtown Convention Center or Shilo in are closer to $100/night or less. One can take the MAX and Streetcars to withing 12 blocks of the venue pretty easily. I would definitely check hotels.com or other search engines for the dates in question. There are deals here and there on both sides of the river.

Here are some photos of the space:
Attachment 48544Attachment 48545Attachment 48740Attachment 48741Attachment 48743Attachment 48742Attachment 48744Attachment 48745Attachment 48746Attachment 48747Attachment 48748Attachment 48749

Items of interest:
- Ion laser work area w/ three-phase (If you're interested in this part, get in touch with me so I can coordinate power, etc)
- Buy/Sell/Trade area
- Basic & Interactive Features of LSX Demo by drlava
- Image Capture & Logo Digitization Demo by drlava
- General Laser Safety and Variance Workshop by platinum
- Ableton Live Laser Control Via Sound Card DAC Demo by discothefunkyhippo
- Lumia Demo and Workshop by sugeek

Current list of attendees:
10fenny +2
Boom
Bradfo69
discothefunkyhippo
drlava
Infinity6
laserbiker
Laseronics +1
Picasso
platinum
robin +1
sugeek
Vidal Wolf
weartronics

Safety note:
All attendees/guests will be required to sign a general safety waiver, which is standard practice at SELEM. There will be multiple laser safety officers in attendance, but I think it's good practice to clarify that everyone is responsible for their own safety. Copies will be available onsite, if requested. Also, if anyone is under 18, they will need to have a parent or guardian sign the waiver.

*Leftover proceeds will be donated to Photonlexicon*

Nice. I was just checking flights and this should be perfect. Looks like arrive about 6:10 Thursday night and fly out about 11 pm Sunday. I'm trying to touch base w/buffo and coordinate flights (and hopefully twist his arm into going again!).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bradfo69

Nice. I was just checking flights and this should be perfect. Looks like arrive about 6:10 Thursday night and fly out about 11 pm Sunday. I'm trying to touch base w/buffo and coordinate flights (and hopefully twist his arm into going again!).

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Tell him this venue has heat. Should help. ;)

- J

You say there is plenty of parking, would there be room for a suburban and a camp trailer next to the building ?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Boom

You say there is plenty of parking, would there be room for a suburban and a camp trailer next to the building ?

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It's street parking everywhere, like the other venue I was looking at nearby. There are some angle-parking spaces in front of the building and the rest is parallel parking. Shouldn't be a problem.

I'll look on G maps and do a street view and see what I can see, maybe I can go by there before November, Thanks !

Will there be three phase?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vidal Wolf

Will there be three phase?

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I plan on renting a generator. I would like to test out some SP gear I have laying around.

Very cool 3 phase that will attract more people for sure, I'll bet Vidal Wolf will show this year :cool:

And I'll bring my phased array lighting bolt cannon :devil:

I might be able to make this happen. No promises yet, but I'll definitely keep this in mind.

I'm amazed that the building has a max occupancy limit of only 49. That space shown in the pictures is huge! Why such a small limit?

Adam

Quote:

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Originally Posted by buffo

I might be able to make this happen. No promises yet, but I'll definitely keep this in mind.

I'm amazed that the building has a max occupancy limit of only 49. That space shown in the pictures is huge! Why such a small limit?

Adam

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That's the private event capacity without getting the Fire Marshall involved and making it a public event. If we get anywhere near 50 people registered, it would be no big deal to pay for the permit etc, so we can have more than 49 people. (Something like 800-1000)

They really try to crack down on events like raves here, so this way, if you have over 49 people, they just lump you in with music events, basically. I budgeted this LEM for 20-30 people, based on previous attendance. Fortunately, due to size of the building and the option to "switch modes", we have virtually unlimited capacity, as long as the bulk of the attendees register somewhere between now and a month or so before the event. I'd just need a couple weeks notice to get the permit.

- Jonathan

I plan on attending. I will be sure to buy cases of viso prior to the event.

I just booked my flight. Wish I had done it a week or two ago. :( Lost over $100 by waiting.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bradfo69

I just booked my flight. Wish I had done it a week or two ago. :( Lost over $100 by waiting.

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Story of my life! :D

Ok... I'z registered. :) I'll be in Thursday about 6:10pm.

Updated the top post with some hotel info and a screenshot so you can see where the door is on the building. Working on an itinerary now.

I guess I need to give you Money...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sugeek

I guess I need to give you Money...

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PM inbound.https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...ransparent.gif

I am looking into finding two from Texas to go -- either some with the right car OR splitting the cost of a weeks rental car and try to visit Colorado before and Wash. (vancouver) after --
friendly riders ONLY


hk

Question to all:

Is there anything you would like to see or demonstrate at NWLEM? Let me know here or via PM and we can look into it.

How does one go about registering?

Hey guys!
My name is Joe. I am turning 30 on friday(yay!) This will be my first LEM. I live in SE portland, so its nice that it will be close to me.
I have been building "labbies" for the past year and love it. I love building modules.
Anyways I am super excited to be a part of this meeting. I will do my best with introductions while I am there, but I am terrible with names.
I have yet to get a projector, so it will be cool to see your guys' up close in action.
Looking forward to meeting you all.
Thanks
Joe

Very nice to see you over here Joe. STILL hoping to make NWLEM
hak

So, I've got some bad news and some great news. The bad news is that everyone has been evicted from the venue I had locked in for NWLEM and I can't even get in touch with the owner to work out a deal. Rumor has it he's decided to fill the place with weed, for some reason. :rolleyes:

The great news is that we now have a far superior venue. Here are a couple of pics:
Attachment 48541Attachment 48543

This is the Old Freeman Factory, built shortly after WWII. There's a lot more space in the back too (western wing, as it were), but I don't think we need it.

Here's the new address:
2034 NW 27th Ave
Portland, OR 97210

This venue is locked in and confirmed. Sorry for the delay. I was actually a little worried I wouldn't find a venue in time and was about to call it off and try to pay for Bradfo69's flight!

Anyway, we're back on track and this venue also has 3-phase within reach of some rentable feeder cables.


- Jonathan

I call first dibs on a comfy chair! :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bradfo69

I call first dibs on a comfy chair! :)

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Looks like there are plenty to go around. :D

i had to look at google maps to make sure that wasn't the site of NWELEM I.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by swamidog

i had to look at google maps to make sure that wasn't the site of NWELEM I.

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I see what you mean. The walkway upstairs reminds me of the balcony area at The Spot, now that you mention it.

Hoping to be able to swing this! Thanks for the update!

Jonathan, I will be bringing my ion hogs, 1 purelight Star Ar/Kr, 1 Innova 70 Ar/Kr and a Sp 165 Kr.
Does anyone have a Pangolin intro or basic card I could borrow for the weekend? I think I am regretting selling my card :/ . I would like to bring a simple PCAOM projector to run the ions thru.

I don't personally have a QM but I bet *someone* might have that with them.

I'll be bringing my 168s and extra tubes too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vidal Wolf

Jonathan, I will be bringing my ion hogs, 1 purelight Star Ar/Kr, 1 Innova 70 Ar/Kr and a Sp 165 Kr.
Does anyone have a Pangolin intro or basic card I could borrow for the weekend? I think I am regretting selling my card :/ . I would like to bring a simple PCAOM projector to run the ions thru.

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Wish I could go to an NWlem sometime.
I am thinking of SELEM next year now which is going to be likely.
November is kinda a buzy time for me as I'm moving out of house! :)
Got a full time job and house and car in israel and planning on staying there for 2 years at least so I can be closer with my girlfriend.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by masterpj

Wish I could go to an NWlem sometime. . .

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I'm going to try to keep this as a yearly event in October/November. I may even stick with the weekend before Thanksgiving at this point.

If you can't make it, maybe I'll see ya at SELEM next year!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by platinum

I'm going to try to keep this as a yearly event in October/November. I may even stick with the weekend before Thanksgiving at this point.

If you can't make it, maybe I'll see ya at SELEM next year!

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I'm sure we will! SELEM was awsome and now that I have a better understanding of gassers and more its even more fun to snoop into the other rooms and apreciate those gassers in action.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by masterpj

I'm sure we will! SELEM was awsome and now that I have a better understanding of gassers and more its even more fun to snoop into the other rooms and apreciate those gassers in action.

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It's kind of funny to hear you say that Pieter. Sure, SELEM is always awesome but when I think about how much it has evolved from when you were there a few years ago until now, it's like night and day. You're going to need to come up with a whole new adjective to describe it. It has definitely grown in size, in length of time for the event and has gotten more organized. It really IS the largest single gathering of laser geeks in the world I believe.

Jonathan, let me know if there is something you're going to need for me to bring. As you know, flying limits you in terms of what you can bring and I do want to go "somewhat" light. Splitters and routers are what comes to mind as being integral parts needed for a LEM.

Jonathan, you can officially count me as in. My time off request was approved! Send me your PP email address and ye shall have $$!

As for stuff I am brining, I will be bringing a Z-5 analog console, a Wave-USB, and a Pluto. It would be nice to bring some ion rigs, but that is yet to be determined.

-Sal

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bradfo69

Jonathan, let me know if there is something you're going to need for me to bring. As you know, flying limits you in terms of what you can bring and I do want to go "somewhat" light. Splitters and routers are what comes to mind as being integral parts needed for a LEM.

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Definitely want to check out the EK-DZ Router- and having a splitter could be handy as well, if we get a few more projectors. I was going to see if you wanted to bring the Z-5- but it looks like Sal has that covered. You bring so much gear to LEMs! I say travel light and lay back and have some other people do the heavy lifting on this one. :cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by discothefunkyhippo

Jonathan, you can officially count me as in. My time off request was approved! Send me your PP email address and ye shall have $$!
As for stuff I am bringing, I will be bringing a Z-5 analog console, a Wave-USB, and a Pluto. It would be nice to bring some ion rigs, but that is yet to be determined. . .

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Perfect! I intend to get at least an hour in on the Z-5 this time. Such a cool bit of kit, as they say, across the pond. MUST BUY at soonest convenience!

PM incoming.

That shouldn't be a problem. The other item if I bring a projector, would be my new Clubmax 1800. It's tiny and has a Pelican case small enough to be a carry on. There's a Discoscan for it we can mess around with as well.

Sweet the new venue is 6.5 miles from my house and I don't even have to cross the river. Should be fun I will bring a 110 argon projector and a pile of lumia fun (some assembly required). I can finally bring Sal his bounce mirrors :D.

I would also like to get LSX to drive said projector... with either my riya micro or maybe a new etherdream if j4 shows up.

-Adam

Updated the top post with some hotel info.

Also thought I'd do a variance workshop for anyone interested in getting their variance. Will cover some general laser safety go over the variance parts of the application and renewal processes.


Anybody else have any demos or workshops they'd like to put on at NWLEM? I'll post a rough schedule when we get a little closer to the big weekend.

I am working on defining a workflow with my coworker for using Ableton Live as laser control software in conjunction with a sound card DAC (specifically the Wave-USB, but any ol' sound card DAC should do). It may or may not include using Pure Data as well as SuperCollider. I can share whatever I have by NWLEM if people are interested.

I will most definitely be there.

Pics Here

I just drove by and checked took a few pictures. Looks like parking will not be an issue. There are bus stops across the street and bars a block away. Also near trail heads to forest park if people want to take a hike.

Edit:
I realized I forgot to take a picture of the 3-phase power transformers and lines going into the building. The main building appeared to have one single phase transformer. About 100 feet away in the other warehouse I can see the 3-phase input. I looked just for you Mr. Vidalwolf....

Street View Picture of the Transformers

Quote:

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Originally Posted by discothefunkyhippo

I am working on defining a workflow with my coworker for using Ableton Live as laser control software in conjunction with a sound card DAC (specifically the Wave-USB, but any ol' sound card DAC should do). It may or may not include using Pure Data as well as SuperCollider. I can share whatever I have by NWLEM if people are interested.

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"Ableton Live Laser Control Via Sound Card DAC Demo by discothefunkyhippo" added to the list.

I've heard of this being done with similar gear. I'm definitely interested in this as I have a copy of Ableton now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Robin

I will most definitely be there.

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Awesome!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sugeek

http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...hp?albumid=448

I just drove by and checked took a few pictures. Looks like parking will not be an issue. There are bus stops across the street and bars a block away. Also right near a trail head to forest park if people want to take a hike.

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Thanks for doing that. Been meaning to drop by the venue and take some measurements for feeder cables and snap a few more pics of the inside.

I used to blow glass at the hot shop that is pretty close to there.. elements glass! Glad you got a new venue to replace!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by platinum

Been meaning to drop by the venue and take some measurements for feeder cables and snap a few more pics of the inside.

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I have a 200' tape reel in the garage let me know if would be of use.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sugeek

I have a 200' tape reel in the garage let me know if would be of use.

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That could come in handy. Will be in touch.

Thank you for taking the time to take a pic there. What is the distance from the power panel to the work space / showspace? Is there a rental company nearby to rent power cables from?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vidal Wolf

Thank you for taking the time to take a pic there. What is the distance from the power panel to the work space / showspace? Is there a rental company nearby to rent power cables from?

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I would say, at most, 250 feet, which would cause a 4% drop in voltage, at worst, by my calculations. This is assuming for 50 amps, just to be sure. The service, I'm told, is "240V three phase". Not sure if it's wye or delta, etc.

I haven't been over there to do the precise distance measurement. Will try to get that done this week and figure out exactly what service it is and how many feet it would need to go from the panel to the ion work space, which will be the "back stage" area so we can use the ions for some shows.

There are numerous rental companies in the city of Portland. I will probably go with Sunbelt since they've always been very helpful and competitively-priced.

- Jonathan

*edit*
Will be going to the venue on Friday to probe some circuits and take some more pictures.