BATH BUILDATHON 2

Looking at the feedback from those taking part, the success of the second Bath Buildathon at least equalled that of the first. The solder smoke was rising all day long as ten Brendon transceiver kits were worked on all at the same time. Two of the builders were Full licence holders looking to improve their radio construction skills but the rest were all at the Foundation stage and were building their Intermediate projects; they all passed their exams the following week.

First to complete his kit was Wayne, M0WAY, who travelled all the way from Wolverhampton,Steve says that organising a Buildathon is hard work but with a small team of helpers any club or training organisation can do it, especially using a readily available kit. Steve was ably assisted by Mike Coombs, G3VTO, and Lewis Thomas, G4YTN.

The Bath event was filmed by a couple of local amateurs who happen to work in the broadcast industry and it is hoped to have a DVD available to help others run their own Buildathon events very soon. Brian Reay, G8OSN, chair of the RSGB Amateur Radio Development Committee, has even suggested that there may be a national Buildathon competition. Watch this space!
From PW:-

Every wanted to have a go at homebrewing your own transceiver? Studying for the Intermediate licence exam and don’t know what project to build? Then here is the event for you!

Following on from the success of last year’s event, the second Bath Buildathon is to be held on Saturday 17 January 2009 to encourage newcomers to have a go at homebrewing. The Buildathon will allow those with limited soldering experience to develop their skills under the watchful eye of some very experienced homebrewers. The first of these events was a huge success and the team are expecting a repeat performance this year.

The kit chosen for the Bath Buildathon is the Brendon DSB Transceiver from Tim Walford’s Somerset range of kits. The QRP transceiver has been specifically designed for the newcomer so you can be confident that you will go home with a working 80m voice transceiver.

The Buildathon is planned to run from 09.00 to 18.00. All soldering and test equipment will be made available on the day and refreshments will be provided. All you need to bring is a bucket full of enthusiasm and a packed lunch. The cost of the day will be £60 to include the cost of the kit, refreshments, room hire, etc.

The event is open to anyone who would like to try out homebrewing for the first time. So whether you are studying for your Intermediate exam, or you have held a full licence for years but never raised any soldersmoke in anger, this is the event for you. Why not bring the family to see the beautiful Roman City of Bath while you build? Make a weekend of it!

If you are interested in joining in the fun, please contact Steve Hartley, G0FUW on 01225 464394 (7-9pm weekdays), or by e-mail at G0FUW@tiscali.co.uk Places will be limited to ensure that everyone gets good mentoring from one of the local tutors so interested parties are advised to book early.

The kit chosen for the Buildathon was the Walford Electronics Brendon 80m DSB transceiver and very popular it proved too. Everyone commented on how well the kit went together and all were extremely pleased when they received their first signals. Not everyone finished the transmit side before the event closed but those that did enjoyed QSOs across the room with Tim Walford, G3PCJ, the kit designer. Tim very kindly donated a prize to Brian Jones, G1ZEZ, who was the first to complete the kit on the day.

Feedback from the builders was extremely positive and most are ready to do it again soon. Steve Hartley, G0FUW, who arranged the event said that it had been a huge success and that he would encourage other tutors and clubs to have a go with their own Buildathon. Steve was assisted by Mike Coombs,G3VTO, and Lewis Thomas, G4YTN, and all agreed that team work was the key to success.

If anyone would like more information on how to organise a Buildathon of their own Steve can be contacted at g0fuw@tiscali.co.uk or at the address in the RSGB Yearbook.

Photographs taken at the Bath Buildathon by Jacob Howarth, M3MOB