Techies join forces at local hackerspace

Members of 10Bitworks, a haven for tech hobbyists located at 1020 Roosevelt Ave., work on a new project. Members of 10Bitworks, a haven for tech hobbyists located at 1020 Roosevelt Ave., work on a new project. Photo: Mar D. Wilson/Southside Reporter Photo: Mar D. Wilson/Southside Reporter Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Techies join forces at local hackerspace 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A new breed of tech-savvy people from 10Bitworks, San Antonio's first hackerspace community, is giving South San Antonio a hands-on approach to high-tech ideas.

10Bitworks, the new haven for tech hobbyists, opened its doors in 2010 after Chris Hardee approached numerous groups in the San Antonio area with the idea to pull their resources together under one roof.

The workspace, located at 1020 Roosevelt Ave., has become a hub for projects from beer brews and 3-D design to radio technology.

Mike Perez, a member of 10Bitworks, said the hackerspace — an open workshop for all types of technology enthusiasts — is dedicated to providing the tools, space and intellectual community necessary to facilitate exploration in the world of gadgets, gizmos and just about anything else one can dream up.

Now approaching its second anniversary, the hackerspace is gearing up for events to spur community interest and involvement.

The group will hold an open house Saturday to display projects and sample homemade brews created at a July 14 course.

“Learning is pretty much endless,” said Regina Villalobos, 10Bitworks media liaison. “They want to facilitate that.”

Perez said the term “hacker” that has been shaped by Hollywood is a far cry from reality. While hackers are often depicted as computer wizards skulking in dark offices stealing technology and information, the real hacker is someone who simply enjoys tinkering.

Jeremy Zunker, another 10Bitworks member, said the hackerspace's membership is primarily composed of people who are familiar with hackerspace communities.

“We've run into a few people who hear the word `hack' and say ‘Don't hack into my bank account,'” Zunker said.

Memberships in the hackerspace range from free to $50. Those unable to make monetary contributions contribute in other ways, whether bartering with equipment or specialized skills to broaden project possibilities.

Zunker said hackerspaces are a useful tool for tech enthusiast because they offer equipment and guidance typically found on college campuses.

“Universities require a lot of money,” he said. “Also, they are only open to students. This is open to everyone.”

Perez added similar spaces on university campus limit the type of research students can do.

“The often only have equipment that will get them accreditation,” he said. “We have anything anyone would want to play with.”

10Bitworks has nearly 20 paying members, and around 100 on its mailing list.