How to Reserve Time on Tools at MakerFX
Contents
[hide]Reservation System Overview
We use PickTime as our online tool reservation system. The reservation system can help ensure that you can get a tool or resource when you need it. Like most things in a makerspace, it only works if everyone does their part :)
Links
You can also find the specific link for each tool on the wiki page for that tool (coming soon), and in the Slack channel for that tool.
Admins / Help
If you need help, please message "@Reservation Help" on Slack.
FAQs
- When do I need to make a reservation?
- EVERY TIME YOU USE ONE OF THE TOOLS IN THE RESERVATION SYSTEM. For example, if you roll into the space, no one is there and you decide to start a laser project, IMMEDIATELY create a reservation for the time you plan to use it so that someone else doesn't create a reservation, drive in, and you are mid-job. This will take some discipline from all of us to make it work.
- What tools are in the reservation system?
- Use the link above to browse the tools. Most of the major tools such as lasers, CNC router, etc. require a reservation.
- Do I need a PickTime account?
- YOU MUST BE A MAKERFX MEMBER, BUT you do not need an account to make a reservation.
- What if I need more time than is available in the reservation system?
- You can make multiple reservations if needed, however we ask that you be considerate of others, and give the tools a rest cycle. For example, please don't run the laser for more than 4 hours continuous - but if you are designing then cutting a bit, then designing more, its all good!
- What if my work runs longer than I expected?
- It is on you to estimate well, and to reserve the tool for an appropriate time. If you are running long, add a second reservation if needed. If someone else has a reservation after you and you will be impacting them, you need to reach out.
- What happens if I have a reservation and someone is using the tool?
- First, let the person know that you had a reservation and they are now impacting you. If you can be flexible, thank you. If you have a major challenge, then ask them politely to vacate the tool. Please don't escalate. If you can't solve it, reach out to the POC for that area (details in the Slack channel for that tool), or if they are not available, PM the reservation system admins listed above.
- What will happen to chronic reservation abusers?
- Tool access will be revoked for those that cannot play nice with others, but we sure hope that never happens.
- What if the Reservation system is having issues and I cannot make a proper reservation through it?
- If this happens, first, please report the issue to the reservation system admins listed above. Second use the appropriate Slack channel for that tool, and ask if anyone will be using the tool(s) you need at the time(s) you need them. If not, post a message in the channel calling "dibs" on the tool(s) for that/those time slot(s). Obviously, give some time for all who may need to respond (don't ask and immediately call dibs.)
Creating a Reservation
- Go to the MakerFX Picktime page, click "BOOK APPOINTMENT" on the left, then pick the resource (tool or room) and duration you wish to reserve.
- Pick the date
- Pick the starting time of the reservation. Times that are not available will not be shown.
- Enter your information. First Name, Last Name, Email, Mobile Number, and Slack username are required. If you do not put in good information, we may not be able to contact you if there is an issue.
- Click Book Appointment
- You will see a booking confirmation screen, and you will receive a confirmation email.
Canceling a Reservation
- There is a cancellation link in your confirmation email.
- Click that link to load a webpage with your reservation and a button to cancel.
Other Stuff
- We hope to be able to have reservations drop into the Slack channel for that tool - but won't have that in the early days of our PickTime use.
- Got questions? Ask "@Reservation Help" on Slack.
