When the ARRL EXPO comes to the Dayton Hamvention® May 18-20, it will bring activities for almost every Amateur Radio activity under the Sun. From radiosport to card checking to scouting to the Youth Lounge, every radio amateur will definitely find something to suit his or her interests. This year -- in addition to our popular kit building station -- watch how “makers” and “hackers” are using Amateur Radio in “Do It Yourself” projects on the DIY Stage in the ARRL EXPO, and hear from hams who are doing-it-themselves. Today’s Amateur Radio innovators will demonstrate a variety of creative projects and cool technology right before your eyes!

The DIY Stage

During the three days of the Dayton Hamvention, hams will share their expertise on the DIY Stage. Topics include:

• Setup and configuration of a router for HSMM-MESH
• Launching balloons into space
• Assembling coax connectors
• Using microcontrollers in ham radio projects
• Doing moonbounce (EME) with a minimal station
• Microcontrollers for station automation
• Wireless antennas
• Designing and building projects with software
• Keyboard-to-keyboard chatting
• Designing a software defined transceiver
• How to get involved as a Technical Mentor or Ground Station Operator with the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) project

Kit Building at the ARRL EXPO

The popular kit building booth returns for a fourth consecutive year to the ARRL EXPO. Join ARRL Laboratory Test Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM, ARRL Laboratory Engineer Mike Gruber, W1MG, and dedicated volunteers, as they guide kit builders as they learn how to solder, use hand tools and follow instructions.

This year, there will be a choice of four kits for sale. Back by popular demand, the ARRL is bringing back three kits that have been offered in the past: the 24 hour digital clock kit, the Morse code practice oscillator and key kit, and the Ten-Tec model 1054 four band shortwave regen receiver kit. A new kit -- the SC!-6 Sound Card Interface kit, made by Unified Microsystems -- is new this year at Dayton.

“We’re pleased to offer the interface kit to the kit builders at our booth,” Allison said. “This kit is perfect for those wishing to try digital communications such a PSK-31.” There is a cost for each kit. The clock is $25, the oscillator and key kit is $25, the Ten-Tec kit is $45 and the sound card interface kit is $30.

“If you’ve never built a kit before -- or if you haven’t touched a soldering iron in a long time -- stop by the ARRL Kit Building Booth,” Allison said. “Children 14 and under must be accompanied by and adult or older sibling.”

The ARRL EXPO -- located in the Ballarena Hall (near the 400-numbered booths) of the large Hara Arena -- will include more than 20 exhibits staffed by ARRL program representatives. For a complete list of ARRL EXPO programs, activities and presentations, including a floor plan of all the exhibits, click here.