In a recent news bulletin, AMSAT encouraged amateur radio clubs to focus on Makers as a recruiting source for new members. AMSAT pointed to Makers interested in space technology as prime candidates due to the overlap in interests with small board computers (SBCs), 3D printing for antenna purposes, and custom HT firmware.

You may recall that the 3-D printed components and Raspberry Pi (RPi) SBCs have been key components of many recent AMSAT projects. RPi. Is often the SBC of choice, especially in severely volume-restricted cubesats.

AMSAT suggested amateur radio clubs invest in equipment such as 3D printers and SBC projects to help recruit new members. Future articles related to attracting Makers to the amateur radio space will be forthcoming from AMSAT in later issues of their weekly news bulletin.

Source: AMSAT

Editor's Note: I highly recommend taking the time to stop by the museum on the way into Hamvention. Wonderful collections and exhibits, and great insight into VOA history.

The following press release is from the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting:

The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in conjunction with the West Chester Amateur Radio Association announce expanded hours for the museum during the 2025 Hamvention.

We will be open for the following;

• Thursday May 15th from 12:00 to 9:00 PM
• Friday May 16th from 12:00 to 9:00 PM
• Saturday May 17th from 12:00 to 9:00 PM
• Sunday May 18th from 12:00 to 5:00 PM

Admission is $10.00 at the door. Our Amateur Radio station WC8VOA will be on the air to operate. The museum is a short drive from Hamvention down either Interstate 75 or Route 42 from Xenia. GPS use Crosley Blvd. New exhibits include a dedicated room for vintage Amateur Radio and shortwave equipment. See the first transmitter for the VOA from 1942. Amateur Radio shack with state of the art equipment from Yaesu, Icom and Elecraft. Docents and ARS operators will be available to enhance your visit to the museum. The museum has recently undergone a major renovation with many upgrades to our galleries including a newly paved parking lot.

For further information you can visit us at voamuseum.org or wc8voa.org on the web. You can also find us on Facebook at National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting. Our regular hours are Saturdays and Sundays 1:00 until 4:00 PM.

We are located at 8070 Tylersville Road, West Chester, Ohio 45069. Phone at 513-777-0027.

Source: National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting