Emporia State University Presentation and Kit Building Session

Group Build at Emporia State University Radio Club

By Joe Porter, W0MQY

At the invitation of Max McCoy, KC0MAX, I gave a presentation to the Emporia State University Amateur Radio Club. Items covered were selected for first time or relatively new hams embarking on their first kit building project.  The topic was "Kit Building Tips and Techniques" and was directed toward first time kit builders.

The one hour presentaton was followed by a "hands on" kit build of the AA0ZZ EZkeyer produced by the Four State QRP Group.  

This kit provided a nice range of first time skills to be learned.  The photo shows five of the nine participants hard at work assembling the EZkeyer kit.

My EZKeyer was used for show and tell.  It helps first time builders to be able to see the finished project and use it a a guide.

My version of the EZKeyer

That's Max, KC0MAX, moving too fast for the camera.

Providing assistance to a participant is Johnny Matlock

who made a special trip down to Emporia to deliver the

kits and sit in on my presentation.

Johnny is one of the many 4sqrp kitters and was

on hand for the kitting session for these first time

builders.

The photos below are depicting various stages of the build with different participants.  As you can see the concentration and interest in this project was pretty intense.

Many smiles appeared across the room as each keyer came to life and spoke its first words.  There is nothing like the feelings of euphoria when that first project springs to life.  It is even sweeter when you know you built it with your own two hands.

As can be seen in the above photo, they were busy little bees.  There is nothing like the learning experience that takes place with that "hands on" building session.  The session was two and one half hours long and most all of the participants finished the keyer and had it operating.  Altoid tins were furnished along with pill bottles to store those tiny parts.  It was a highly successful evening thanks to Max's leadership and coordination.

Johnny brought along the latest and greatest version of the EZKeyer.  It is housed in a very nice enclosure included with the kit and has several improved features.  It was a great evening and I want to thank the ESU faculty, students, Max, and Johnny for their support in this project.  Max deemed the evening a success and was evident by listening to all the beeping keyers around the room.  I had a great time, met a lot of nice people, and would like to say "thank you" for inviting me.  

72 es see ya all in April

Joe W0MQY