[SFDXA] Why ham operators should consider 3D printing

[Bill]

    I saw an note on QRZ and found the original article - Bill W2CQ


  Why ham operators should consider 3D printing

ByMike Grauer Jr. <http://www.inside3dp.com/author/mikegrauer>
on Oct 15 2014 , 10:43:20Email 
<mailto:mikegrauerinside3dp at gmail.com>@3Dprint_Seattle 
<https://twitter.com/3Dprint_Seattle>
<http://reddit.com/submit?url=http://www.inside3dp.com/ham-operators-consider-3d-printing/&title=Why%20ham%20operators%20should%20consider%203D%20printing>

As a member of the ham radio community, I have always been fascinated by 
the maker mindset which has existed since the early days of radio. From 
making radio equipment from scratch, to kits and even modifying 
commercially available equipment, the maker movement and radio go hand 
in hand.

The 3D printing community shares many traits with the ham radio 
movement. At the heart of it all is making, creating and inventing. And 
just like ham radio operators, those involved with 3D printing  are 
constantly learning new technical skills that can be used in other areas 
of our lives.

*[RELATED: UConn Researchers Recreate Original Saxophone and Change the 
Face of Music 
<http://www.inside3dp.com/uconn-researchers-recreate-original-saxophone-change-face-music/>]*

Here are just a few ways ham radio operators can use 3D printing:

*1. Creating custom project boxes:*  In the past, if you needed a box 
for a ham radio project, it had to be a prefabricated, one size fits all 
box. Now you can create a box that fits your project's needs with custom 
holes for all the connectors.

*2. Print custom extruders:* With the advent of paste extruders, you can 
print your own custom insulators. There are also 3D printing services 
that print in metal, making it easier to 3D print bespoke metal parts. A 
lot of research is being done on printing electronics. This could make 
it easy to not only design your own radios and radio accessories, but 
also print them.

*3. Print replacement parts:* You could use 3D printing to print 
replacement parts.  If you want a new dial for your radio, you can 
simply print it to suit your own specifications.  Or perhaps, you need a 
new bracket for your microphone? Again, why not print it and save both 
money and the hassle of finding the right part. You could also recreate 
plastic parts for radios that are no longer being made.  With 3D 
printing, the possibilities really are endless.

*4. Cultivate a love for making things:* With both the open source 3D 
printing movement and ham radio, we learn how to make things. 
Cultivating an appreciation for 3D printing will provide you with a good 
basis for ham radio. You'll learn everything you need to know about 
making, and that's all you need to get started with ham radio.

*5. Reach out to the 3D printing community:* Like ham radio, the Reprap 
community is extremely active and is always encouraging new hobbyists to 
join. From the guys who have basic skills to the most advanced people 
who could design new electronics in their sleep, the 3D printing 
community is thriving. Many of them might also be interested in 3D 
printing. Why not reach out to the 3D printing community? Who knows, if 
you combine 3D printing and ham radio you might be able to attract young 
blood.

3D printing can be a major resource for ham radio. Both to help build a 
new skillset and as a resource for teaching technical skills. In 
addition to getting more people interested in ham radio, this could 
inspire makers to invent new ham radio gadgets. It's up to ham operators 
to embrace this ever-evolving technology and use it to their advantage.

Link To Article:
http://www.inside3dp.com/ham-operators-consider-3d-printing/