Amateur Radio License Classes at Main Library

Ham Radio, also known as Amateur Radio, is a popular hobby and a service which licensed participants operate communications equipment, with a deep appreciation of the radio art. Now you can join this hobby of 700,000 U.S. Ham Radio operators in a 12-week course (1 night per week) conducted by the Baton Rouge Amateur Radio Club (BRARC).

Morse code is no longer a requirement for the FCC license, but still very popular. Several other modern communications modes including voice, data, and television are used today. Satellites, the internet, and radios are all part of the hobby now. Join the fabulous, fun hobby of Amateur Radio by registering for a class today.

Technician Class License
Level I Course: This is the entry-level course designed for anyone with an interest in communicating, learning operating procedures, and new technology. No pre-requisites are required. The course covers operating and communicating with hams, licensing regulations, radio safety, and the very basic fundamentals of radio and electronics. The course concludes with the 35-question multiple-choice FCC exam. Experienced Amateur Radio Class instructors conduct the classes and the testing.

The class starts this Thursday, February 12, and runs every Thursday through April 30, from 6-8 p.m. at the Main Library at Goodwood (7711 Goodwood Blvd, 70806)
There is no cost for the class, but it is recommended you obtain the class text, Technician Class 2014-2018 by Gordon West, WB6NOA. It can be obtained from BRARC (contacts below) or at Amazon.com. No preregistration required. For more information, contact Buddy Brown, N5BUD at 225.573.2111 or buddybrown@cox.net or Jon Reise, WA9JBR 225.388.5776.

3D Printer Demonstrations

We’re excited to announce we are restarting our 3D printing demonstrations at the Main Library
at Goodwood! What’s 3D printing? It’s the process of creating solid objects based on a digital design. You can choose a preselected model from the available options, from Thingiverse.com, or submit your own design on our website. There’s a minimal cost. Here are the remaining dates for 2014:

• 6 p.m. November 12
• 7 p.m. November 20
• 6 p.m. December 10
• 7 p.m. December 18
• 2 p.m. December 27

Arduino Workshops

Arduino is an electronics kit that anyone can use, and we’ll show you how at a series of workshops planned this month at different branches around the parish. Designed by engineers for artists, this easy-to-learn platform is powerful and will get you into making your own projects. Join other Makers at the Library to get started creating attractive displays, fun gadgets, robots, wearable lights, and more! Kits will be provided to adults for use during the program. Here’s the schedule:

River Center Branch: 3 p.m., this Wednesday, October 8

Fairwood Branch: 3 p.m., Saturday, October 11

Zachary Branch: 4 p.m., Tuesday, October 21

Eden Park Branch: 5 p.m., Wednesday, October 22

There will also be a Teen Robotics Club meeting at the Main Library at Goodwood at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, where you can come join other teens to tinker with Arduino. Kits will be provided for use during the program.

Mini Maker Faire Is Tomorrow!

Tomorrow’s the big day! Join us at the Main Library at Goodwood from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a free day of fun for all ages. Offering a mix of high tech and low tech creativity, come see our featured “makers” demonstrate everything from 3D printing and robot technology to crocheting, painting, demonstrating music and crafting. Come visit and learn how to “make” all kinds of things. For more information, call (225) 231‑3712 or visit the official Maker Faire Baton Rouge website. You can also register for tickets in advance here (tickets are free but a bonus to registering online is you’ll be entered to win some great door prizes). Demonstrators with “making” booths include: an Occulus Rift developer, a graphic artist / designer on wearable technology, woodworkers, an upcycled book artist, a costume designer and prop maker, a creator of Arduino-controlled firing cannons, artists, crocheters and much more!

Register for Tickets to the Maker Faire

The first ever Baton Rouge Mini Maker Faire is two weeks from tomorrow! Join us Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Main Library at Goodwood for a family-friendly day celebrating creativity and resourcefulness. Click here to register. Tickets are free! Visit the official Maker Faire site or call 231-3750 for more information. We hope to see you on the 20th!