Need more reasons to come out to Tampa Bay Mini Maker Faire tomorrow? How about the opportunity to check out some way cool Amateur Radio gear and meet the folks who know how to use it and can teach you to use it, too?
We asked West Central Florida Section Manager Dee Turner to tell us a bit about the group, which is joining us at TBMMF tomorrow.
DT: The American Radio Relay League is a non-profit organization that promotes Amateur Radio. Its purpose is to promote and advance the art, science and enjoyment of Amateur Radio. The ARRL was founded in 1914 by Hiram Percy Maxim of Hartford, Connecticut.
The ARRL is the largest membership organization in the USA for radio amateurs with over 156,000 members. The ARRL represents its members with Congress and the FCC. They also are a member of the International Amateur Radio Union.
TBMMF: What else does the ARRL do?
DT: Other membership services include several magazines, broadcast of bulletins pertaining to amateur radio. Volunteer Examiner testing for amateur radio license, contesting, and assistance in emergency communications during disasters.
TBMMF: What makes ARRL fun and important?
DT: With amateur radio you can talk to other operator worldwide, bounce 
signals off the moon, talk to the astronauts. During disasters you communicate when other services a down. Help with public service events such as walks and bike rides.
TBMMF: What will you be doing at TBMMF?
DT: At TBMMF we plan on showing some of the projects built by our Technical Coordinator and Assistance Section Manager, Geoff Haines, N1GY. Demonstrate Morse code to Twitter and show videos of other DIY projects.
Now that’s something worth relaying!
