Fantastic Response to AREG at Maker Faire

The AREG team participated in the Adelaide Maker Faire with a great result last Sunday. Lots of technologies relating to Amateur Radio, showing the creative mind how much opportunity there is to get in and make things that can then be used to communicate with were on display. Interests ranged from making antennas to electronic systems construction and mechanical design and assembly through to software programming. Lots of interest was shown and many cards with contact details handed out. We hope to see some new interest come in through the door of the club as a result!

Some of the highlights included a Software Defined Radio demonstration (which was a huge hit with children in particular). Also on display was  a Satellite Tracking / Balloon Tracking Open source project which demonstrated mechanical, electrical and open source software design aspects of Amateur Radio.

The Project Horus high altitude balloon project was well represented. The Horus team displayed many aspects of the tracking and telemetry systems developed and used by the project team. The display included a demonstration balloon setup hovering above the stand carrying the Wenet imaging payload which broadcast pictures of Maker Faire back to the receiving setup on the table.

Radio direction finding was another popular hands on activity, including 2m, and 70cm sniffer equipment and beacons hidden around the venue. The sniffers were constantly out and about being used, often by the younger generation, as they experienced the fun of the chase looking for the hidden transmitters. Once they understood the tone to signal relationship they were off racing to be first to find the beacon!

Other examples of making things on display included two antenna construction projects, one showing a 6m magnetic loop antennas and the other a portable HF antenna able to be transported on an airline to remote island paradises all to play amateur radio with.

Throughout the day we had a steady stream of visitors, including many amateurs who had come to Maker Faire to take a look at what else was on!

Finally we must thank Kim VK5FJ who led the team and to all of our volunteers who came and helped man the AREG stand including (in no particular order) VK5DGR, VK5CP, VK5ZM, VK5IX, VK5BB, VK5GR, VK5QI, VK5XFG, VK5SFA and VK5TST, plus our visitors from the club VK5FOLG, VK5NAL, VK5FSAW. The team did a great job of promoting Amateur Radio to the Maker community! Thanks for your help.