SKDB: apt-get for hardware
============
<img src="/skdb/images/gnusha.png" style="float:right;" alt="gnusha the multiply talented cash cow">

__the social knowledge database of specifications for open source hardware packages.__

git clone <a href="git://diyhpl.us/skdb.git">git://diyhpl.us/skdb.git</a><br />
web repo: [http://diyhpl.us/cgit/skdb](http://diyhpl.us/cgit/skdb "skdb.git")<br />
irc: irc.freenode.net ##hplusroadmap \([logs](http://gnusha.org/logs/ "##hplusroadmap logs"); [webchat](http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=##hplusroadmap))<br />
mailing list: [openmanufacturing@googlegroups.com](mailto:openmanufacturing@googlegroups.com "open manufacturing mailing list address")<br />
mailing list archives: [http://groups.google.com/group/openmanufacturing](http://groups.google.com/group/openmanufacturing "open manufacturing mailing list")<br />

# Overview #

SKDB is a method for sharing hardware over the internet. By “hardware” we
mean not just designs for circuit boards, but also biological constructs,
scientific instruments, machine tools, nuts and bolts, raw materials, and how
to make them.

You don't need to reinvent the wheel every time you begin a new project.
Someone out there has probably already done most or all of the work for
whatever you are trying to do, and then released the plans on the internet.
There are many common tools and parts involved in making things. If only we
could just “get” everything automatically from the web, DIY manufacturing
would be much easier. Essentially we want to do something like “apt-get” for
Debian or “emerge” for Gentoo, the Linux software package managers. SKDB
simplifies the process of searching for free designs, comparing part
compatibility, and building lists of materials and components and where to
get them. You could even say SKDB is “apt-get but for real stuff”.

In SKDB, hardware is organized into packages. Packages are a standard and
consistent way for programs to find data. Packages may contain CAD files, CAM
parameters, computer-readable descriptions of product specifications,
product-specific code, and bill of materials. For each part in a package
there are a number of interface definitions, which describe how the part can
connect with other parts, even parts from other packages. Each package also
lists dependencies which have to be bought or built in order to successfully
carry out a project. For example a drill press is required to make holes with
a certain level of accuracy. SKDB downloads all of the dependencies
automatically and compares them to your existing inventory, and generates
instructions for your CNC machinery if you have any. 

# Quick document links #

* [Experimenal/draft skdb open source hardware package specification](http://diyhpl.us/cgit/skdb/plain/doc/package_spec.yaml "draft package spec")

* [typical fablab equipment inventory](http://diyhpl.us/cgit/skdb/plain/doc/BOMs/comparison/fablab.yaml "fablab equipment BOM")

* [typical techshop equipment inventory](http://diyhpl.us/cgit/skdb/plain/doc/BOMs/comparison/techshop.yaml "techshop equipment BOM")

* [ultimate tool buying guide](http://diyhpl.us/cgit/skdb/plain/doc/BOMs/ultimate-tool-buying-guide.yaml "ultimate tool buying guide") (YAML)

* [diybio lab equipment BOM](http://diyhpl.us/cgit/skdb/plain/doc/BOMs/diybio-equipment.yaml "diybio equipment")

# Videos #
## H+ Summit 2009 ##
part 1: <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=-n39RK4inzg">http://youtube.com/watch?v=-n39RK4inzg</a><br />
part 2: <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=3S9z6H_EFqQ">http://youtube.com/watch?v=3S9z6H\_EFqQ</a><br />
part 3: <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=Edl6uFn3_g4">http://youtube.com/watch?v=Edl6uFn3\_g4</a><br />

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