Advice on a volunteer idea

[badandy]

I am an engineer and routinely do troubleshooting on equipment including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, typically outside. I also have a lot of experience in finish carpentry and furniture building.

My idea is to be a mobile mechanic to assist those having trouble with their build during build week and also during the event. I would bring my tools and go around and help. I kind of did this at my first burn event (a regional) and am interested in making it a more organized effort. I have a mechanical engineer friend who is an experienced burner that is interested as well (I'm a chemical engineer).

I think I can bring the ability to work wood, metal, troubleshoot and make repairs on mechanical equipment, electric motors, LP systems, valves, etc. I could also bring some typical spare parts (solenoid valves, fittings, hinges, wire, etc.) and perhaps even a welder.

I would like to find out:

1. Is this a good idea?
2. Is there someone already doing it that I could connect with?
3. How would one approach the organization to obtain permission for this? Perhaps to bring a motorized cart and get in during build week?

[Sham]

I am an engineer and routinely do troubleshooting on equipment including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, typically outside. I also have a lot of experience in finish carpentry and furniture building.

My idea is to be a mobile mechanic to assist those having trouble with their build during build week and also during the event. I would bring my tools and go around and help. I kind of did this at my first burn event (a regional) and am interested in making it a more organized effort. I have a mechanical engineer friend who is an experienced burner that is interested as well (I'm a chemical engineer).

I think I can bring the ability to work wood, metal, troubleshoot and make repairs on mechanical equipment, electric motors, LP systems, valves, etc. I could also bring some typical spare parts (solenoid valves, fittings, hinges, wire, etc.) and perhaps even a welder.

I would like to find out:

1. Is this a good idea?
2. Is there someone already doing it that I could connect with?
3. How would one approach the organization to obtain permission for this? Perhaps to bring a motorized cart and get in during build week?

Welcome badandy. For the most part, everyone who builds before and during the event is pretty resourceful. They all come with truckloads of tools and MacGyver spare parts. Most burners take pride in being able to swat any problem down with ease.
Still, extra help is always appreciated. I carry very basic tools with me during the week, and end up using them only a few times. My guess is, that if a vehicle has a breakdown, you most likely won't really be there to see it, and they won't be able to find you.
There is no permission required to do this---just bring some tools. A motorized cart would need to be approved by the DMV, and those are not given out easily to anyone.
My best suggestion would be to bring some basic repair tool--including a meter and an assortment repair parts. Make a tool bag for your bike and start your adventure in Black Rock City.

See you in the dust.

Sham....

[Molotov]

Getting permission to use any non-pedal equipped transportation with more than 3 wheels may be problematic in trying to haul your gear around. So a golf cart or utility vehicle with no disability placard may be out.

[lucky420]

I brought a plumbers wrench once

[Popeye]

You might want to check in with BRC Welding and Repair. They do something like you are envisioning and might help.

[Elliot]

Methinks it is a great idea. Though, I would start with a fixed location -- for the reason Sham stated; so people can find you. Word of your address will spread fast. But roaming around... you are nowhere.

Then add mobile service as a bonus feature -- making house-calls, one might say, when needed.

What I have done a bit of... is to use a pedal-powered vehicle. In 2009, I used a four-seat three-wheeled pedal-vehicle and carried bicycle tools and a compressed-air tank, and repaired bicycles when I occasionally stumbled across someone pushing their broken bike. But this proved inefficient -- I came across few customers.
Of course, the giant pedal-vehicle was not actually needed -- it was simply what I had. A regular one-person adult trike would probably serve you best. ...Unless you want to do portable welding.

Instead of roaming around... last year, my fixed-location bicycle service camp repaired 725 bikes. (I had help. )

And as the others mentioned, a motorized vehicle would have to be licensed by the BRC DMV. (Department of Mutant Vehicles).

Over the years, I have been "called out" for all sorts of problem-solving house-calls, such as opening a car trunk where the only car-keys were locked inside the trunk. (And the truck was full of luggage!)
And in camp, I am sometimes asked if we know someone who can repair... you name it.
If you want to bring a specialty... there may be some demand for aluminum welding.

The theme camp McGyver's Union is a "trade union" for repair camps of all stripes. So you might check in with them. (I can connect you, if you don't find them on the BM website.)

[Canoe]

Fixed camp, bike with trailer to respond, let people know you're available:

• Playa Info notice board at Centre Camp
• BMIR radio on the playa
• bring cards with your camp name, scribble address, hand out to camps, art cars and others who may need later or get asked "where do I find" from others.

If you have someone at camp, perhaps radios for when you're out somewhere?
Or if one has a tool the other doesn't?

People tend to stage in parking lots in Reno prior to heading out to the opening night of BRC. I've had great fun hanging out there helping people fix last minute things before they can head out. Vehicles, trailers, lights, ... Get lots of thanks and "if you ever want a": tool, welder, meal, shower, etc., come see as at ___ & ___.
Gate opening is a little more fluid now, the huge staging crowds may be less.

[Lonesomebri]

Of course helping others is a great idea. If you are looking for an in, a way to attend and work before gate, the best way is networking. As you're doing here.

Build week is for particular projects, not general help. Entry is allotted to, say, camp builders or artists or perimeter, to accomplish that exact task prior to gate. So, offering to help in general isn't going to do it. Signing up with a particular camp or art group or Temple build can lead to being included in early build. Find an established group that will need your help. There are some great established camps. As an individual you aren't going to be asked to help by the Borg.

One year my chariot broke down 3 times and I hunted down all kinds of help on the playa. They didn't find me, I asked around and found them. Word of mouth, asking around, friends, small signs in front of a camps, and connections made right here on eplaya led me to BRC Welding and Repair, and a miracle solution to my problem.

It sounds like you have a skill set that could be useful to many projects. Finding that project/camp needing you should be your focus.

Check here, fb groups, jackrabbit speaks, regionals, blah blah blah

As an aside, have you ever been to the Burn?

[ygmir]

I brought a plumbers wrench once

so. many. choices.

[motskyroonmatick]

If you are a real HLF you will be in demand on Playa. First of all I believe you should follow your own vision of bringing your gift to light. I believe a mobile operation could work and I have considered one for my camp. Trouble is I don't think I could get an org issued driving pass for a mobile unit and I don't want to put in the effort of making a mutant vehicle that will pass DMV and Mayor camp at the same time. Camp comes first. We repair probably 75% bikes, 10% welding/fabrication, 5% consult, 5% Generators and 5% Mutant vehicle structure modification/repair.

If I were to do a mobile unit I would have a CB radio base station at camp and CB radio on the mobile unit. It's more fun than and likely more reliable than text. In theory you could set up a kiosk so people needing help could call you with the radio while you are out and you could keep a list of places you are needed. To get the message out I would use BMIR and Playa INFO. Also there is generally a list of repair centric camps put out by someone each year and this year it was one of my camp mates. It was very helpful for people searching for a neighborhood repair shop or specific need. You should be on that list... There will be an announcement on ePlaya asking for camps to be on the list.

Motz, Mayor of Black Rock City Welding & Repair

[Captain Goddammit]

This idea has come up several times. People have submitted applications to the DMV for service vehicles, moop-collecting vehicles etc. and been denied driving licenses, because vehicles are licensed according to what they are, and not the owner’s intended use.
You can certainly do it and get a DMV permit, but the vehicle you do it with has to meet the same criteria as any other Mutant Vehicle.

I agree with Elliot, going mobile pretty much assures that you’ll be impossible to find.

[mgb327]

I brought a plumbers wrench once

so. many. choices.

I read that as "wench" and my mind began to wander.....

[ygmir]

I brought a plumbers wrench once

so. many. choices.

I read that as "wench" and my mind began to wander.....

[trilobyte]

It's potentially a great idea, but be careful. Going it alone the first time out may make your journey that much more difficult. I'd suggest perusing the listings of camps at past burns and find some of the groups that already do this kind of stuff (it's awesome, and massive thanks to the helpful people who gift their time and talents). Have a chat, and if there's a connection maybe consider joining them... think of it as a Dusty Apprenticeship

As others have suggested, going mobile further complicates things (since you're either pedaling or you need to build a mutant vehicle). Starting stationary, and working with an established group, will not only help you learn some best practices but also leave you more time to help people and enjoy your burn.

[evathedefiler]

so. many. choices.

I read that as "wench" and my mind began to wander.....

Someone said plumbing wench?

[gaminwench]

*raises hand*

I'm a wench, and I have plumbing that enjoys being tended.

OP, I would think a mobile bike tech would get the most 'action' out on the playa amidst the Art. Maybe find an installation you enjoy and hang there for a bit, listening for squeaky chains and bearing grinds, as the folks approach. Then, you whip out your masterbike skillz, whilst they delight in the Art.

It's no fun finding oneself out deep playa and having bike issues that hinder one's return to the city.

Bless you, virgin.