Fun at Sparkfun

On the second day of class we took a field trip to Sparkfun, an electronics company based in Niwot, Colorado.

While there, we were graciously given a tour of the company. We started in their exhibition room, where they had lots of projects on display. We learned about how the company was started by a CU engineering graduate.

Thundercloud sculpture illuminated with leds and parts from sparkfun

On the tour, we got to see their offices. I was impressed by all the sculptures and employee made art. The space was quite creative and must be a fun place to work.

Freshly baked board of micro controllers

We then proceeded to the assembly floor where we saw the machines for making micro controllers. The process involved stenciling flux onto the main board. The boards were then put into a machine that placed parts onto the board. Then the boards were sent through an oven which melted the flux and created circuit pathways between the components. Above is a picture of the final board, isn't it pretty?

colorful bins and work place passive aggression

Continuing through the company, we passed these beautifully organized shelves and a lovely pop-culture reminder that the shelves are not meant for food.

a wild duck

We ended the tour at Sparkfun's front desk where I received my ordered parts, stay tuned for what I build with them!

Big thanks to Sparkfun for the tour! Seeing all the cool projects they had on display inspired many ideas for future projects.