Maker Faire Experience
What's a Maker Faire
The Maker Faire is a fair (as the name already says) for people who "make" stuff: 3d printers, steampunk designs, cosplays, collectors, etc. What makes it special is that the people who present their stuff don't have to pay to do so! That enables single people to present their hobby project!
Past Maker Faire Experience
I've attended the Maker Faire Ruhr multiple times before.
Maker Faire Hannover 2024
It was awesome! I've attended on Saturday and Sunday and I'd say I've seen nearly every booth, but I haven't attended any talks. There are some things I've learned:
- Never ask why the people do what they do
- You have to talk to the people to learn something (Just going up to them and saying "What do I see here/Would you like to tell me a bit about your project" is more than sufficient)
- Never ask what it cost what they've done (They all answer, but it's so high, you don't wanna know)
My highlight booths
Guy presenting his self made Yoda
This guy built a yoda as tall as your lower arm which could move its head, arms, eyes and more. He mentioned how he cast the ears with silicone and then, he mentioned he had a docking station in his bag! I was literally blown away! That was so awesome!
LH-Stinger
There was another guy showing his LH-Stinger off. It's the bedslinger. I was so fascinated I got the kit myself đ
Couple building a working Zeppelin
There was a couple who built their own working zeppelin from scratch! It was roughly 3 meters long and made up of some foil and carbon fiber rods for the frame. Casually building this at home! Why not, right? His answer to why was "I couldn't do it, but now I can build a Zeppelin"!
Group presenting their old oscilloscopes, etc
They had many different instruments for working with electronics ranging from the early 50s to now, but all of them work! They had a huge box, the first transistor measurement device. From 1952 with tubes only! The guy happily explained me everything about it and more!
Conclusion
It was so awesome! Learning more about all of the projects while having awesome conversations with awesome people is the highlight! Go to your local maker faire if you can, it's awesome! Also if you aren't deep in any of those topics, people will explain it if you ask! See ya at Maker Faire Ruhr 2025! (I'm even thinking about presenting my work(s)!)