ARRLWeb: ARRL NEWS: Ham Radio DIY at Maker Faire Ham radio demonstrations and displays are in the works for Maker Faire the world's largest do-it-yourself (DIY) festival. This year, the festival will take place at the San Mateo County Expo Center in California on May 30-31. According to ARRL Sales and Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R --who is attending the fair along with dozens of San Francisco Bay Area hams -- this annual event showcases the country's best innovations in science and technology, engineering, arts and crafts, food and music. "It's no surprise that such an event has captured the attention of the ham radio community. Do-it-yourself, or DIY, has always been a signature of the Amateur Radio Service," he said.

Inderbitzen said that this year's Maker Faire theme -- ReMake America: Building a Sustainable Future -- is based on President Obama's call to action to participate in a new era of DIY. "The Amateur Radio community fits this mold perfectly," Inderbitzen said. "Hams represent the very best of service-to-country and community. We're both doers and makers of things."

A large exhibit area at Maker Faire is planned to help spotlight ham radio. The Foothills Amateur Radio Society is the primary sponsor of the Amateur Radio exhibit, but volunteers from many participating ham radio clubs and other related groups -- including the Silicon Valley Amateur Television Group, the Palo Alto Amateur Radio Association, the Mad Scientist Amateur Radio Club, the Kings Mountain Amateur Radio Club, the Burlingame Red Cross, BAERS Ham Cram and Ham Radio Outlet are going to be there, as well. The coordinating effort is being lead by ARRL Santa Clara Valley Assistant Section Manager Michael Pechner, KI6QNZ, of Palo Alto.

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