Workshop

Workshop: Learning to Solder

Published on: by Clay Youmans
Youngman learning to solder.

New Date for Workshop is November 24th @ 9AM

Learning how to solder electronics properly offers numerous advantages, starting with the ability to create and repair electronic devices. Proper soldering skills enable you to join electronic components securely, ensuring reliable connections that can withstand the rigors of everyday use. This skill is essential for anyone interested in DIY electronics projects, as it allows you to build custom circuits, repair broken gadgets, and even modify existing devices to better suit your needs. By mastering soldering, you gain the confidence to tackle a wide range of electronic tasks, from simple repairs to complex builds.

Another significant advantage of learning to solder properly is the enhancement of your technical and problem-solving skills. Soldering requires precision, attention to detail, and a steady hand, all of which contribute to improved fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Additionally, the process of diagnosing and fixing electronic issues sharpens your analytical thinking and troubleshooting abilities. These skills are not only valuable in the realm of electronics but are also transferable to other areas of life and work, making you a more versatile and capable individual.

Lastly, proper soldering techniques can lead to cost savings and sustainability. By being able to repair your own electronic devices, you can extend their lifespan and reduce the need for replacements, which is both economically and environmentally beneficial. This skill also opens up opportunities for creative reuse and recycling of electronic components, contributing to a more sustainable approach to technology. Moreover, the satisfaction of fixing something yourself and the knowledge that you are reducing electronic waste can be incredibly rewarding, fostering a sense of accomplishment and responsibility towards the environment.

Register Here

PARC Amateur Radio Basic License Course

Published on: by Clay Youmans
Yellow and Grey Ham Radio Icon

The Peterborough Amateur Radio Club is hosting a virtual Basic License Course that Starts October 21st 2024 @ 7PM

Cost is $60

The Course will be conducted Virtually via Google Meet. Any outside participants that wish to take the course with PARC are welcomed to do so, and in person or remote exams are available after the completion of the course, and included in the cost. The $60 fee also includes a free membership to PARC for the remainder of the Calendar Year.

Recommended Study Material Can Be Purchased Here, it is recommended that you purchase the book for later reference, but a loaned copy of this material (for peterborough area participants) can be arranged if you do not want to use the book after the completion of the course.

This course is focused on what you need to learn to pass the exam only, and a workshop will be hosted in Peterborough at a later date for New Hams. 

Register Here

Contact education@ve3pbo.ca for more information. 

Morse Code Workshop

Published on: by Clay Youmans
Images of CW Paddles in Use

Contact Rick VE3RKY to join the sessions. First session is June 14th 2024 at 8PM via Google Meet.

Learning Morse Code Basics


The Morse code learning program will start with group sessions one day a week. The sessions will be Friday nights at 8pm for one hour.
Bob, VE3IEL will lead the group
We will be using the Koch method in these sessions.


Introduction to the Koch Method:


Morse code characters are sent at full speed from the beginning.
We will start with a reduced set of characters initially.
Gradual expansion of characters over time.

Character Selection:


Start with just seven characters (xyzjqhs).
These characters will be sent at full speed e.g., 15 words per minute, wpm, “words” (groups of 5 characters) will be sent at 5wpm

Learning Process:


Students will listen to the characters in 5-letter groups for 3 minutes.
The goal is to copy (write down or type) the characters accurately.
Once 90% accuracy is achieved, students can move to the next lesson.

Progression:


Each week, more characters will be added to each lesson.
Maintain the same overall speed (e.g., 5 wpm) while expanding the character set.

Daily Practice:


Students should practice daily for 45 minutes per session.
Scramble the characters to ensure varied practice.
Starting with the least often used characters provides more focused practice.