From Learn to Solder to Weekend Projects, Everyone’s a Maker

Technology
From Learn to Solder to Weekend Projects, Everyone’s a Maker

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It begins with some simple instruction, and then there’s that “Aha!” moment when everything comes together – and you made it!

All who think they can’t solder are amazed at how quickly they learn the fundamentals. More people than we have ever seen before are lining up outside the Learn to Solder tent at Maker Faire Bay Area. With the aid of an instructor and some patience, everyone walks away with an ear-to-ear grin and their very own blinky rocket pin.

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From there the challenge awaits: what to make next? If you’ve just learned to solder or learned a while ago and are looking to pick up the iron again and get creative, we have a few choice projects on display here at the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth.

A single solder point project: the incredibly popular Raspberry Pirate Radio turns a Raspberry Pi into a FM-transmitting radio.
A single solder point project: The incredibly popular Raspberry Pirate Radio turns a Raspberry Pi into an FM-transmitting radio.
Part-project, part-prank, the Talking Booby Trap turns a recording module into a sneak sensor that turns on when your stuff is pinched.
Part-project, part-prank, the Talking Booby Trap turns a recording module into a sneaky sensor that turns on when your stuff is pinched.
A version of the "Drawdio" Musical Pencil was getting a lot of attention this weekend.
A version of the “Drawdio” Musical Pencil was getting a lot of attention this weekend.

Our Weekend Projects series has more than 60 projects, from 30-minute projects to weekend-long builds. If you’re here at Maker Faire get in line now, get your blinky badge, and check out our sample projects on the way out! If you’re not here today, look for a Maker Faire near you — there’s almost always someone in your area teaching people how to solder.

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I'm an artist & maker. A lifelong biblioholic, and advocate for all-things geekathon. Home is Long Island City, Queens, which I consider the greatest place on Earth. 5-year former Resident of Flux Factory, co-organizer for World Maker Faire (NYC), and blogger all over the net. Howdy!

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