🎵 Guitar Cable Soldering Class
2025-06-05 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Iffy Books, 404 S. 20th St., Philadelphia, 19146, United States
Join us for a relatively quick and easy soldering workshop, suitable for total beginners! You’ll strip some wires and solder 1/4-inch plugs to the ends, creating your own guitar cable.
You can get a kit with 6 inches of cable for $4.25, or 4 feet for $13.50. We’re suggesting a $5–$15 donation for the class, notaflof.
Register:
Registration for this event is now closed. We'll offer it again soon!

🎲 Pico Game Timer & Dice Workshop
2025-06-05 11:15 - 12:30
Learn to make a programmable game timer and dice with a Pi Pico microcontroller! First you’ll solder six LEDs, two switches, and a vibration motor to the board’s GPIO pins. Then you’ll install and customize the CircuitPython code that makes it work. No experience needed!
You’ll need to buy a kit for $9 to complete this project. Here’s what’s included:
• RP2040/Pi Pico Board
• 6 LED lights
• vibration motor
• 2 push button switches
• 4 screws
• 4 spacers
• wood base
Register:
Registration for this event is now closed. We'll offer it again soon!

❤️ LED Heart Soldering Class
2025-06-05 13:00 - 16:00
Come out and get some soldering practice! This time we’re making a heart-shaped board with 22 LEDs, using an oscillator circuit to dim and brighten them at the speed you choose.
This project is ideal for folks who have soldered at least once before. Beginners are welcome to join us, but it may take you more than one session to finish. Working with a friend is encouraged!
The kit you’ll need to complete this project costs $5.50. We’re suggesting a $10–$25 donation for the class, no one turned away for lack of funds.
➡️ Link to instructions
Register:
Registration for this event is now closed. We'll offer it again soon!

🐍 Open Python + Linux Tutoring
2025-06-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-13 10:00 - 11:00
Stay tuned for details!

🏠 Host a Website at Home
2025-06-06 13:00 - 16:00
Join us for the workshop Host a Website at Home! You’ll learn to run a web server using nginx on a single-board computer, letting you host a website from your home internet connection.
We’ll have home server kits available for $52. Here’s what’s included:
• Orange Pi Zero 3 single-board computer
• Micro HDMI adapter cable
• 20W power supply w/ USB-C port
• 60W USB-C to USB-C power cable (6″)
• 2 rubber bands
• zip tie (4″)
Here’s what you’ll need at home:
• Monitor or TV w/ HDMI input
• micro SD card (16GB or larger)
• Ethernet cable • HDMI cable
• USB keyboard with USB-A plug
Register:
Registration for this event is now closed. We'll offer it again soon!

👻 Wi-Fi Tricks with Ghost ESP
2025-06-06 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-06-07 10:30 - 12:00
If you’re interested in learning about wi-fi and Bluetooth networking but you can’t afford a Flipper Zero, this workshop is for you! Ghost ESP is a network analysis/testing tool that can run on a low-cost ESP32 microcontroller, as well as variants including the ESP32-C3. Ghost ESP offers wi-fi scanning, custom SSID beacons, captive portal mode, BLE scanning, and even deauth attacks (for demo/testing purposes).
It’s super easy to get started! In this workshop we’ll install Ghost ESP on our ESP32 & ESP32-C3 devices using the ESPressoFlash web flasher. Then we’ll interact with Ghost ESP using the Ghost ESP web serial console or the Arduino IDE.
Register:
Registration for this event is now closed. We'll offer it again soon!

💻 Philly 2600 Meetup
2025-06-06 18:00 - 20:00
> The Philly 2600 meeting is a monthly gathering of local hackers, phreaks, nerds, geeks, activists, tinkerers, developers, infosec professionals, and other interesting people.

✏️ The Writing Room
2025-06-10 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-06-17 17:00 - 19:30
Come co-work with other writers in three 40-minute units of silent writing. Writers and projects of any type welcome. 10-minute breaks and accountability check-ins between units. BYO coffee, water, computer chargers, notepads, etc.

☀️ S̶o̶l̶a̶r̶ ̶M̶u̶s̶i̶c̶ ̶S̶y̶n̶t̶h̶ ̶W̶o̶r̶k̶s̶h̶o̶p̶ (moved to Thursday night!)
2025-06-11 10:00 - 11:00
Something came up and we had to move this workshop to Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. Sorry for the inconvenience!
##
Join us and build a tiny solar-powered square wave generator on a breadboard. No soldering required! The workshop is free to attend, but you’ll need to purchase a kit for $12.50 to complete the project.
Here’s a link to the how-to zine we’ll use.
And here’s a diagram of the oscillator circuit we’ll build:

🎤 A̶u̶d̶i̶o̶ ̶E̶d̶i̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶w̶i̶t̶h̶ ̶R̶e̶a̶p̶e̶r̶
2025-06-11 11:15 - 12:30
We had to cancel this class due to a Kindergarten graduation. Sorry for the inconvenience! We’ll offer it again in two weeks.

🎶 Pico MP3 Sampler Workshop
2025-06-11 13:00 - 16:00
Create your own digital audio sampler using a Pi Pico clone board! This project requires some soldering. It’s recommended for folks who have soldered once or twice before, but beginners are welcome too. For the programming portion, you can bring a laptop or use one of our lab computers.
You’ll need to buy a kit for $16.95 to complete this project. We’re suggesting a $10–25 donation for the workshop.
➡️ Instructions & example code
Here’s what’s included in the kit:
• RP2040/Pi Pico board
• wood block w/ pilot holes
• 3.5mm stereo jack w/ screw terminals
• 2×4 push button keypad
• 2 push button switches
• 10 screws
• tiny screwdriver
• 20 header pins
• 4.7 uF capacitor
• 9 port to port jumper wires
• 2 port to stripped jumper wires
• 1″ stripped wire
• 3″ tie wire
• 8 plastic spacer rings
• micro USB cable w/ data
Register:
Registration for this event is now closed. We'll offer it again soon!

⚙️ Neo-Luddite Reading Group: 'The Mechanic and the Luddite' by Jathan Sadowski
2025-06-11 18:30 - 20:30
➡️ Virtual Meetup Link
Discord: Email neoluddite@victorgom.es for an invite!
Full schedule: victorgom.es/neoluddite
If you’re joining for the first time, I’d suggest you read this before anything else for brief context: What the Luddites Really Fought Against by Richard Conniff.The only expectation is that you read the chapter(s) of the book that’s listed for that meeting. You’re still welcome to participate if you haven’t done the readings as long as you are mindful. For each chapter, I’ve also noted some optional readings for context, so I’d suggest checking those out rather than reading ahead in the book. And remember, if you ever find yourself struggling with any of the readings or concepts, reach out! Either directly to me over email or to the entire group over discord.

🚫 USB Data Blocker Soldering Class
2025-06-12 10:00 - 11:00
Charging your phone in a public place can be stressful. What if someone is collecting your metadata for marketing purposes? What if they’re copying your files or installing malware? A USB data blocker can help! It’s a little adapter with the data terminals left disconnected, so you can charge your phone anywhere without fear.
This is a relatively quick soldering project, perfect for total beginners. We’ll have soldering irons and supplies to share.
Register:
Registration for this event is now closed. We'll offer it again soon!

📡 Meshtastic 101
2025-06-12 12:00 - 13:30
Join us for an introduction to Meshtastic, an application that lets you send private text messages over the air using pocket-sized LoRa radio transceivers. We’ll show you how to flash the latest Meshtastic firmware to the device, customize the settings, and start chatting with your friends.
Here’s a link to our zine on LoRa + Meshtastic.
No registration needed for this one!

📻 FM Transmitter Soldering Class
2025-06-12 13:00 - 16:00
Come out and get some soldering practice! This time we’re assembling a short-range FM transmitter kit with a built-in mic and a 1/8″ audio input jack.
This project is recommended for folks who have soldered at least once or twice before. If you’re brand new to soldering, we recommend taking a beginner class first.
Register:

• Transmission Distance: 5-50m
• Transmission Frequency: 88-108MHz
• Audio Input: -15dB (max)
• Operating Voltage: DC 2.7V-3.3V
• Operating Current: 5-15mA

🔥 Solder & Gab
2025-06-12 16:30 - 19:00
Join us every other Thursday from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. for a social soldering session at Iffy Books! Everyone’s welcome, from dabblers to experts. Bring a project you’ve been meaning to work on, or pick a beginner kit off the shelf and get started. We’ll have a dozen or so soldering irons available to share.
No registration needed for now! We’re suggesting a $5–$10 donation for materials.

☀️ Solar Music Synth Workshop
2025-06-12 18:30 - 20:00
Join us and build a tiny solar-powered square wave generator on a breadboard. No soldering required! The workshop is free to attend, but you’ll need to purchase a kit for $12.50 to complete the project.
Here’s a link to the how-to zine we’ll use.
And here’s a diagram of the oscillator circuit we’ll build:

Register:

👻 Wi-Fi Tricks with Ghost ESP
2025-06-13 11:15 - 12:30
If you’re interested in learning about wi-fi and Bluetooth networking but can’t justify buying a Flipper Zero, this workshop is for you! Ghost ESP is a network analysis/testing tool that can run on a low-cost ESP32 microcontroller, as well as variants including the ESP32-C3. Ghost ESP offers wi-fi scanning, custom SSID beacons, captive portal mode, BLE scanning, and even deauth attacks (for demo/testing purposes).
It’s super easy to get started! In this workshop we’ll install Ghost ESP on our ESP32 & ESP32-C3 devices using the ESPressoFlash web flasher. Then we’ll interact with Ghost ESP using the Ghost ESP web serial console or the Arduino IDE.
➡️ Link to the how-to zine (still a work in progress)
Register:
Registration for this event is now closed. We'll offer it again soon!

🏠 Host a Website at Home
2025-06-13 13:00 - 16:00
Join us for the workshop Host a Website at Home! You’ll learn to run a web server using nginx on a single-board computer, letting you host a website from your home internet connection.
We’ll have home server kits available for $51.99. Here’s what’s included:
• Orange Pi Zero 3 single-board computer
• Micro HDMI adapter cable
• 20W power supply w/ USB-C port
• 60W USB-C to USB-C power cable (6″)
• 2 rubber bands
• zip tie (4″)
Here’s what you’ll need at home:
• Monitor or TV w/ HDMI input
• micro SD card (16GB or larger)
• Ethernet cable • HDMI cable
• USB keyboard with USB-A plug
Register:
coming soon!

📶 LoRa Mods: Header Pins & Vibration Motors
2025-06-13 16:00 - 17:30

🚂 Model Internet Club
2025-06-14 10:30 - 12:30
The Model Internet Club is back! Join us every third Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for an informal meetup focused on building small-scale computer networks.
No registration needed for this event! If we run out of space we can expand into our back yard area.

⚙️ DIY Macro Keyboard Workshop
2025-06-14 18:00 - 19:30
For this workshop you’ll use a Pi Pico board and CircuitPython to create a programmable mechanical keyboard with two keys. No soldering experience necessary!
To complete this project you’ll need to buy a kit for $11. Here’s what’s included:
• RP2040/Pi Pico board
• 2 mechanical keyboard switches
• 2 key caps
• 4 two-inch stripped wires
• 3″ 1mm heat shrink tubing
• oak base with pilot holes
• 8 M2 Screws
• 8 M2 spacer rings
• sandpaper square
➡️ Instructions & links
Register

🔁 Cassette Tape Loop Workshop
2025-06-18 10:00 - 11:00
Learn to make physical audio loops with used cassette tapes! No experience needed.
For the workshop we’ll be using cassettes with screws in the corners, which are easier to take apart but less common than the ones fastened with glue. We’ll have regular cassette tapes for $1 each if you want to keep experimenting at home.
Register:

Step 1: Choose a used cassette tape.
Step 2: Rewind the tape and record a minute or two of music, your voice, and/or percussion sounds. Then eject it.
Step 3: At the bottom of the cassette there’s a small area where the magnetic tape is exposed. Use a paperclip or pencil to pull the tape out an inch or so, then cut the tape with scissors. The recording you just made is now on the smaller spool, while the bigger spool contains whatever was originally on the tape.
Step 4: If you’re using a glued-together cassette (no screws), carefully separate the plastic shells using a pry tool. Ask the instructor for help. If you have a cassette with screws, use a tiny screwdriver to unscrew all four corners.
Step 5: Print and assemble tape loop template. (Link)
Step 6: Cut several 9″–10″ lengths of cassette tape.
Step 7: Wrap a length of tape around your template tube and attach the ends with a tiny drop of superglue. To avoid using too much glue, you may want to apply it using the tip of a needle.
Step 8: Put your loop into a cassette shell and screw the corners together.
Step 9: Load the tape into a tape player and press play!

🎸 Thrash Bot Workshop
2025-06-18 11:15 - 12:30
We’re making guitar-playing robots with Pi Pico microcontrollers and 360° servo motors! We’ll provide soldering irons and supplies.
To complete this workshop you’ll need to buy a kit for $10. Here’s what’s included:
• RP2040/Pi Pico board
• 360° servo motor w/ attachments & screws
• tiny screwdriver
• micro USB cable w/data
• 6 header pins
• guitar string (11″)
• twist tie wire (5″)
• pattern for cardboard stand
Register:
Registration for this event is now closed. We'll offer it again soon!

🔊 DIY Audio Meter Soldering Class
2025-06-18 13:00 - 16:00
Join us for another beginner-friendly soldering project at Iffy Books! You’ll assemble a DIY audio meter kit, which you can use to visualize an audio signal’s amplitude.
To complete this project you’ll need to buy a kit for $7.95. We’re suggesting a $5–$20 donation for the class, no one turned away for lack of funds. We’ll provide soldering irons and solder.
Register:
Registration for this event is now closed. We'll offer it again soon!

⚙️ Virtual Q&A with Jathan Sadowski (online only!)
2025-06-18 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for a virtual Q&A with Jathan Sadowski, author The Mechanic and the Luddite, on Wednesday, June 18th from 7–8 p.m. EDT. We’ll also be discussing the book at our Neo-Luddite Reading Group meeting on June 11th.
We regret that this event overlaps with an in-person meeting of the Intelligence History Reading Group at Iffy Books. We’re planning to post an audio recording of the Q&A, so you can catch up later if you miss it.
➡️ Virtual Meetup Link
Neo-Luddite Reading Group schedule: victorgom.es/neoluddite

👁️ Intelligence History Reading Group: 'Agents of Subversion' by John P. Delury
2025-06-18 19:00 - 20:30
For the first installment of the Intelligence History Reading Group, we’re reading Agents of Subversion: The Fate of the CIA’s Covert War in China by John P. Delury (2022). We’ll discuss parts 1 & 2 on Weds, June 18th and parts 3 & 4 on Weds, July 16th. We’ll meet in person at Iffy Books (404 S. 20th St., PHL) from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Thanks to Jack Poulson for starting the group!

—————–
Agents of Subversion reconstructs the remarkable story of a botched mission into Manchuria, showing how it fit into a wider CIA campaign against Communist China and highlighting the intensity―and futility―of clandestine operations to overthrow Mao.
In the winter of 1952, at the height of the Korean War, the CIA flew a covert mission into China to pick up an agent. Trained on a remote Pacific island, the agent belonged to an obscure anti-communist group known as the Third Force based out of Hong Kong. The exfiltration would fail disastrously, and one of the Americans on the mission, a recent Yale graduate named John T. Downey, ended up a prisoner of Mao Zedong’s government for the next twenty years.
Unraveling the truth behind decades of Cold War intrigue, John Delury documents the damage that this hidden foreign policy did to American political life. The US government kept the public in the dark about decades of covert activity directed against China, while Downey languished in a Beijing prison and his mother lobbied desperately for his release.
Mining little-known Chinese sources, Delury sheds new light on Mao’s campaigns to eliminate counterrevolutionaries and how the chairman of the Chinese Communist Party used captive spies in diplomacy with the West. Agents of Subversion is an innovative work of transnational history, and it demonstrates both how the Chinese Communist regime used the fear of special agents to tighten its grip on society and why intellectuals in Cold War America presciently worried that subversion abroad could lead to repression at home.

🎧 Get the audiobook on Libro.fm
