TECHFEST 2010 - Where Technology, Scouting and Amateur Radio come together

On the second weekend in February, hundreds of Amateur Radio operators, Boy Scouts and people interested in technology from all over the tri-state area will converge at the Baden American Legion in Beaver County, Pennsylvania for TECHFEST 2010. The event will be held from 8:00AM until 2:00PM on Sunday, February 14.

TechFest 2010 is the perfect opportunity for anyone to learn and see how modern technology can be incorporated into the Amateur Radio hobby.

We will have multiple technology displays, including Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS), which uses GPS technology to report the location of ham radio operators in real time; solar-powered satellites; Echolink, which enables you to easily communicate with other “hams” around the world using your computer; and more.

There will also be a table explaining Amateur radio’s role in emergency communications in disasters like the recent earthquake in Haiti.

You will be able to talk to other ham radio operators all over the world, and learn how to get started in the hobby.
We will have a prize drawing and electronics auction at the end of the event, and a radio flea market will also be held throughout the day.

Boy Scout Merit Badge counselors will be on site to help any Scout earn Computers, Electricity, Radio, Electronics, Space Exploration and Emergency Preparedness Merit Badges.

We also have a special guest coming from the state of Indiana, over seven hours away. Mr. Rick Garrett will present a hands-on workshop on geocaching, and will show everyone how to incorporate Scouting and Amateur Radio into this fun, GPS-oriented hobby.

If you ever wondered what ham radio was about, members of the Beaver Valley Amateur Radio Association will be in attendance with friendly people to answer any questions you may have. The hobby is open to people of all ages and abilities and is a vital resource in times of emergency such as natural disasters.

We will have exam sessions scheduled throughout the day for those wishing to take their first Amateur Radio license exam or license upgrade. If you hesitated to get your Amateur Radio license because of Morse code, please be advised that Morse code is no longer a requirement to get your license.

Admission is only $5. Contact us to reserve a display/vendor table for only $10, which includes 1 free admission.
This event will benefit Boy Scout Explorer Post 73 and The Beaver Valley Amateur Radio Association, scientific non-profit organizations of licensed public service amateur radio operators and Boy Scouts.

Anyone interested in Amateur Radio, electronics, emergency communications, geocaching, Boy Scouting, or technology is invited to join the fun and learn how to make new friends all over the world. So, come and “amplify” your day at the event that will showcase the future of Scouting and Amateur Radio.

For more information, please contact:
The Beaver Valley Amateur Radio Association (BVARA)
TechFest Coordinators: Robert DeMarco, Grant Miller, Jack Spencer

Website: http://techfest.W3SGJ.org
Email: techfest@W3SGJ.org