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MakerOps
In this manual: Machine Controller

Running a session

The everyday flow at the machine: scan the QR, press GREEN, run your session, and what the warnings and prompts mean.

This is the page to hand to members. Everything here assumes the controller is installed, online, and bound to a machine.

Starting a session

  1. Scan the QR. The idle screen shows the machine’s name and a rotating QR code. Scan it with the MakerOps mobile app. The platform checks your credentials, training, and waivers on the spot — if something is missing, the app tells you exactly what.
  2. Press GREEN. For most machines the controller then arms and waits for you to press the GREEN button on the panel. Your session clock starts at the press, not the scan — so scanning from across the room doesn’t burn your time. If you don’t press within the arm window, the request quietly expires; pressing RED cancels it immediately.

Depending on how staff configured the machine, the start can differ:

  • Immediate: power comes on as soon as the platform approves the scan — no press needed.
  • Checklist: before the machine powers up, a short safety checklist appears on the display. Move through it with UP / DOWN, confirm with GREEN, or back out with RED. Power comes on after the last item.

Machines that need a second person

Some machines require a buddy. After your scan the display shows SECOND PERSON NEEDED with a QR code — a second eligible person scans it and confirms on their phone. Once the platform accepts them, the start proceeds as normal.

During the session

The display shows who is running the machine and the time remaining. As the end approaches, the controller warns you — an amber screen with a chirp (by default at five minutes, one minute, and thirty seconds out). Need more time? Extend the session from the app; if the machine is reservation-bound, extensions follow the calendar.

Check-ins: on some machines the controller occasionally asks you to confirm you’re still there — press a button when prompted. If nobody answers, the controller either alarms or ends the session, per your space’s policy. If the machine is actively running under load, the controller notices and doesn’t pester you.

Ending a session

Any of these ends the session and drops power:

  • Tap RED on the panel.
  • Check out from the mobile app.
  • The timer runs out. At expiry the screen goes red and the status LED flashes; there’s a short grace period, then a hard backstop cuts the output.
  • Staff end it from the platform.

Screens you might see

ScreenMeaning
DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE / OUT OF SERVICEStaff have taken the machine down in the platform. The QR is hidden and starts are refused until it’s marked back in service.
OFFLINE — WIFI LOST, OUTPUT OFFThe controller lost its connection and has failed safe. See Troubleshooting.
FIRMWARE UPDATEThe controller is installing an update pushed from the platform. Leave it powered; it reboots on its own.
Dark displayThe display sleeps when idle. Any button wakes it (the wake press does nothing else).