Iffy Books

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: […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

Make a home page like it's 1999! Join us at Iffy Books for a new workshop called Make Your First Website, led by Ragman a.k.a. Richard Green. You'll learn the basics of HTML and create a static site on the free hosting service Neocities. No experience necessary! You can bring a laptop or use one […]

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 […]

The Permacomputing + Solarpunk meetup is every other third Wednesday at Iffy Books! You can join us in person (404 S. 20th St., PHL) or remotely via Jitsi Meet. Virtual meetup link From Permacomputing.net: Permacomputing is a more sustainable approach to computer and network technology inspired by permaculture. Permacomputing is both a concept and a community […]

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 […]

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: […]