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Buildathon attracts new recruits to amateur radio

Christchurch youngsters are able to build their own radio receiver at the AM Radio Buildathon, part of the winter school holiday festival TV2 KidsFest.

Aimed at 10- 13-year-olds, the event shows how a radio works and about the hobby of amateur radio, enabling them to build a free kitset of electronic parts.

Coordinator David Searle (whose radio callsign is ZL3DWS) says there has been a great turnout to the two AM Radio Buildathon events held so far, of both boys and girls.

As well as being fun, it is also a great entry point into technology careers, he says. "Learning about this hobby can also lead to careers within the thriving Canterbury electronics industry, and participants can learn how to take the hobby further through the Amateur Radio license exam."

The final AM Buildathon will be held on the morning of Thursday 15 July at Kendal Primary School Hall in Bishopdale. More information at http://sites.google.com/site/zl3buildathon/

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