FOSDEM

The talk will be primarily about the Balloon Open Hardware Licence on which we are currently solicting feedback. It will explain why the licence is different from software Licences, distinguishing between designers, manufacturers, and users, who needs different rights and protections. We are actively seeking feedback on this Licence, in order to make it widely suitable. A short history of the Balloon Project and current status will be included.

About the Balloon Project:

Balloonboard is primarily about the design and use of the Balloon series of open hardware boards. First Balloon hardware was in 2002, and Balloon2 was used in products of a couple of companies, for Disabled speech sythesisers and seismometers. Balloon3 is now out, with built-in FPGA, being used in University teaching (robotics) via the Cambridge/MIT MDP.

We have created a new Open Hardware licence suitable for all such Open Hardware, and are keen to see Balloon spread to other educational institutions and products, and the licence be refined and used elsewher.