It took us a while, but we have finally decided to move all Fritzing code to the amazing github. Find it now at:

https://github.com/fritzing

When we started hacking on Fritzing back in 2007, Google Code was all the hype, and SVN had just replaced CVS as a versioning system. All this has changed for good, and today git (and github) have become the reference for collaborative, open-source development.

We were hesitant until now mostly because of our issue tracker: The one at Google Code has served us wonderfully, and the one at github lacks many of the features that we have come to love (like file attachments and powerful tagging/prioritizing). Also, with the move, original issue reporters will not be notified of changes. Ouch. Luckily, all issues have a backlink to their original Google Code issue, so at least the full history is preserved.

We have also taken the opportunity to move our developer docs over to the github wiki. This way it’s all in one place and you can directly edit it if you have enhancements.

So, we welcome all developers to take a look, watch us, star us, fork us, and most importantly, send us pull requests!

Another great use of shields for creative electronics especially for  offices and shared flats is the toilet hack that we created during an internal hackathon event at the office.

Well, it most certainly is very useful: who doesn’t know the situation when you really need the toilet only to find that it is - occupied. Again. But those times are over now. Your mobile phone becomes even more useful and indispensable as the toilet hack app enables you at any given time to see right from your seat if the toilet is occupied or not. If your workmate is taking too long, just use the app and the toilet hack knocks the door for you.

What is needed to bring it to life? Use the Spark Core Microcontroller and the according shield made by us. Further ingredients are: some cables, a tilt sensor, a little solenoid motor and something to hold the motor.

Attach the tilt sensor to the shield where it says lock and the motor where it says knock. Then just get creative and build something to hold the motor in place to knock at the door; we used a styrofoam block for it, made a hole for the motor and just taped it to the door.

Find all source files in the project gallery!

We just noticed that the Linux release did not contain the latest patches, most notably it is missing the Linino boards, an issue with number boxes in languages using comma as decimal separator, and a schematic issue.

The downloads have now been refreshed, so we recommend all Linux users who have already downloaded 0.9 to update. Sorry for this extra step!

In August, the first Maker Camp Berlin is opening its -container- doors. The busy team around Stefania Druga of hackidemia has prepared a wonderful setup, in which 15 makers will get together for a month in a temporary makerspace.

Sign up for the opening party on August 8th, and also don’t hesitate to visit during the process.

We’ve also been told they still have a coordinator position to fill. If you consider yourself a “Master Builder & Designer”, check it out!

Hey Fritzing folks!

As you might have noticed we are currently busy busy bees producing new tutorial videos for you! You can find the first five already on the blog but many more are yet to come.

They will all concern the Fritzing Creator Kit and its different chapters, aiming to support you not just with our Beginners Book, but also through additional video information.

Of course we will publish not only German but also English videos.

The Fritzings hope you will like them and we are, as always, looking forward to your feedback.