On a regular basis, once per month, we organize complimentary educational workshops that welcome participants of all ages! Our workshops attract a diverse range of attendees, including youths, engineers, retired individuals, and hobbyists. The duration of each workshop typically ranges from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, with some sessions running longer depending on the speaker. Feel free to browse through some of our recent workshops listed below. To stay updated and receive information on future events, visit our store or contact us via phone to join our mailing list!

During this Halloween-themed workshop, participants were taught the fundamentals of Arduino code inputs and operation. Not only did they review the usual topics of sensors and motor controls, but they also delved into the exciting realm of remote control transmitters and receivers. The ultimate objective was to utilize these technologies to animate the jaws and prosthetic eyes of our model skeletons!

2018 Halloween Animation Handouts

2019 Halloween Animation Handouts

Mr. Gillette commenced his career at Hallicrafters, where he served as an engineer responsible for designing ECM receivers. As Hallicrafters transformed into Northrop Grumman, he held a variety of positions encompassing engineering, research, marketing, and program management. One notable role he assumed was the Vice President of Engineering. After faithfully serving Northrop Grumman for a remarkable 30 years, Richard decided to retire. However, retirement did not halt his contributions to the field, as he established R. F. Gillette Inc. and devoted himself to providing consultancy services until 2017. Immerse yourself in this exceptional workshop, boasting adjustable signal generators, a multiplier/s, and a phase modulator. It ingeniously utilizes Excel as a platform, selecting a graph as a multifaceted oscilloscope and employing Excel's Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) as a spectrum analyzer. This workshop offers an ingenious method of introducing RF functions to students. Moreover, the signal generators allow for the exploration of various undesirable effects, such as audio clipping, over modulation, and RF clipping, particularly when producing square waves. With a plethora of user-adjustable variables, the workshop even includes a complete IQ phasing method SSB generator.

This introduction is being delivered by Christian Sutton, a geophysicist who has a passion for circuits, mathematics, programming, and music. He presented a Python tutorial that incorporated the computer game Minecraft, using a Raspberry Pi to showcase various functions. In addition to this, he also discussed his creation of a homemade VPN/ad blocker and conducted experiments with circuits. It is important to note that these examples are not exclusive to the Raspberry Pi and can be applied to a multitude of applications.

Dave is employed at Houston Community College NW as a Professor of Audio Electronics in the Audio Recording Technology Program. He has a close relationship with the store and recently conducted an outstanding workshop on ham antennas. During the workshop, participants learned how to construct various types of dipoles, off-center fed dipoles, and full-wave loop antennas specifically designed for amateur radio enthusiasts. Dave's expertise and passion for the subject made the workshop both informative and engaging.

At EPO, Mike Condon, a valued customer, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the fundamental concepts of transistors. His talk covered topics ranging from the on and off functionality of these devices to their utility in constructing basic amplifiers. Notably, Condon utilized the widely accessible NPN 2N3904 transistor to illustrate his points.

Bill Swann, a retired mechanical engineer and EPO customer, revolutionized our solar workshop! With his expertise, we delved into the world of solar panels and explored the various systems designed for household usage. Bill Swann, the ultimate DIY legend, made this workshop extraordinary!

Bill Nachefski, a former employee of EPO and an electrical engineer, captivated the audience with his mesmerizing workshop, as he unleashed lightning bolts that danced throughout the entire store! He delved into the fundamentals behind the functionality of the Tesla coil, its historical origin, and even treated us to a live demonstration of his very own creation right there in the store.

We were fortunate to attend an incredible workshop led by Tom Taylor, a retired aerospace electrical engineer, who shared his expertise on breadboarding. Lance Bordon, the president of Bordon Radio Company, also joined us for this event. Together, they provided a wealth of knowledge on a wide range of topics, including electron tubes, tube radios, and the mechanics of breadboards. Tom Taylor had a plethora of engaging hands-on projects and innovative ideas to share with us. It was truly a remarkable experience!

Lance Borden Tube Radio

Stefan, a Geophysicist, had a keen interest in captivating students and the younger generation to expand their knowledge of electronics. To achieve this goal, he decided to conduct a captivating workshop on one of the fundamental electronic components that holds significant importance. During the workshop, Stefan delved into the essentials of a capacitor, explaining its working principles and various applications. The participants, comprising both students and adults, were fortunate enough to witness Stefan's live demonstration of fabricating a capacitor from scratch. His practical illustration served as a perfect answer to the intriguing question of "what exactly is a capacitor?".

Will Maze has conducted various hands-on workshops on magnetism, leaving our audience more knowledgeable than when they entered the store! He has covered essential principles like Lenz's Law and induction, employing homemade exhibits, and guiding participants on creating their own magnets at home. The effectiveness of these magnet laws and properties was put to the test as every individual in the store constructed their own motor, utilizing a universal AA battery and solid copper wire.

Caz Bowyer, a DIY enthusiast and a dear friend of the store, delivered a fantastic presentation on motor controls, showcasing her vast knowledge of Arduino. The potential applications for these controls are truly limitless! Caz adeptly demonstrated their functionality using a micro-controller (computer).

Robert Berry, a skilled magician, has shared his expertise in a series of workshops dedicated to the art of sleight of hand and fooling friends with intricate tricks! These workshops not only provide fantastic entertainment but also offer a comprehensive walkthrough of the tricks available for purchase, aiming to educate and inspire individuals. In a world where magic is often considered a forgotten form of amusement, it has experienced a resurgence of popularity among the younger demographic. There's something truly awe-inspiring about witnessing objects materialize seemingly out of nowhere and witnessing seemingly impossible situations unfold right before your very eyes!

Steven Craig previously discussed various topics with us and conducted a captivating session on the concept of sound! What exactly is sound? How is it generated? How do our ears perceive sound? These queries were all addressed during his interactive presentation on utilizing an Arduino to manipulate sound. Steven Craig previously discussed various topics with us and conducted a captivating session on the concept of sound! What exactly is sound? How is it generated? How do our ears perceive sound? These queries were all addressed during his interactive presentation on utilizing an Arduino to manipulate sound.

The ex-representative of Triplett Test Equipment factory delivered a talk about the correct method of cleansing electronic devices using DeOxit substances! This talk was relevant for household appliances like amplifiers, receivers, etc., and also for outdoor industrial electronics that endure severe conditions.