In the middle of learning a new hobby (Ham Radio), I started another… 3D Printing. I apologize for not posting for awhile; I’m just now coming out of the obsession phase in regard to 3D Printing. I’ve found that there’s more than a few Hams that are also 3D Printers (design or customize what they print), or Makers (makes prints of others designs). I can see why… For me there were commonalities in 3D Printing that drew me into Ham Radio. Aside from both hobbies requiring an above average level of Tech Geekiness:
- Requires enjoying learning new PC software applications. And,
- Learning a new vocabulary and the terminology of 3D Printing
- Takes hours of Searching Reviews and Info on the Internet and YouTube
- Integration of the Raspberry PI is fully supported, in many ways!
- You may even get to splice a wire or two!
- But the best part is… There are an abundance of free, OPEN SOURCE resources available, such as Printing Software, Design Software (CAD), and endless “Models” of stuff folks have designed for you to download, print, and use, under a Creative Commons License.
There are many websites to search for and download 3D Models. My favorite is Printables.com (link to my profile). The site is sponsored by Joseph Prusa, who founded Prusa Research (2012), a Czech 3D printer company. They are known for innovative and quality built 3D printers, and supplies; Admirably, they have an Education Program supporting elementary to university learning, and libraries, clubs, etc…
There’s plenty of stuff that will interest Ham Radio folks available to download and print on Printables.com (link to “hamradio” keyword). As an example, here’s a slideshow of some of my “hamradio” Models:
An account on Printables.com is totally free. Even better… If you choose to contribute to the community, you can earn points that can be redeemed for filament, training courses, hats, t-shits, cups etc.. Earn and save up enough, you can even get a Pursa Printer!
So… That’s why there’s a 3D Printing category in a Ham Radio Blog.
New Ham Blog 