# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Community members discussed pooling resources for a SparkFun free electronics offer ($100 worth to first 1000 people), specifically to acquire RFID readers and chips for hackerspace entry systems.

• Several CNC machine options were compared, including MechMate, Joe's CNC, and ShopBot, with discussion about the capabilities and limitations of open-source versus commercial fabrication equipment.

• Participants explored the technical challenges of 5-axis CNC control, noting that while EMC/LinuxCNC supports up to 9 axes, there's a gap in hobbyist-level 5-axis equipment and supporting software.

• The group discussed SKDB (skill database) integration with manufacturing equipment, emphasizing the importance of open designs that can be "skdberized" rather than relying on proprietary systems.

• CubeSpawn (http://cubespawn.com/) was mentioned in relation to 80-20 T-slot aluminum extrusions, highlighting interest in modular manufacturing systems.

• A participant expressed interest in developing direct printing capabilities for CNC machines with 5-axis control of print heads for application to various surfaces.

• The community showed interest in quantum physics research, sharing papers on sonoluminescence as quantum vacuum radiation and magneto-electric quantum phenomena, with speculation about combining these concepts.

• Practical considerations for establishing physical workspaces were discussed, including warehouse costs ($1k/month) and concerns about noise and safety when setting up workshops or labs.