Traveling to the US - anyone who wants help with their project ?

[Lizerd]

Hi all!
I am planning on going to USA for three months (July - Sep). As I am a real electronic geek, I know that being without electronics for that long will drive me nuts!
I am looking for something to do while am there. I am not looking for a job or anything commercial (I have a job at home and I am entering on a tourist visa).

During my visit in the US I have three objects:

• Vacation, to experience the US. I have been studying for the last +5 years and am currently working on my thesis in electro engineering.
• To better my english, I am neither good or bad, but the best way to get better is through practicing. This trip to USA will hopefully elevate my language skills.
• Meet people that share my interest in electronics and other people too

So I thought that it would be awesome if I could combine meeting cool people, better my english and fiddle with electronics. My best idea, so far, is if I could find someone that is working on a project that I could help out with; that would be really fun!
So my question is if there is anyone here that would be interested or knows anyone that could be interested in getting some help?
A project at for example a makerspace would be ideal, the maker movement is awesome. I am a member of the Stockholm makerspace and there are always people who are creating interesting stuff. I am, more or less, open to anything.

I have not done any firm planned yet, except to be in New York around the 20-21 September (NY Maker fair). Other than that, the plan is to travel around US. I plan to visit the larger cities and attractions, being a good tourist My planning will more or less depend on what seems interesting and what this post yields.

So who am I? I work as a senior electronic engineer, and have been interested in electronics for as long as I can remember. I have experience in analog/digital electronics, ECAD, MCAD, CNC, CAM, C, C#. I have been designing projects for companies and private use for the last 14 years and recently formalized my knowledge with studies at KTH The Royal Institute of Technology. You can check out my homepage, which features projects I have done lately, at www.lizerd.se.

All ideas and proposals are of interest

Just to be clear: I am not looking for a job, or a commercial project. I want to meet interesting people who share my interest, have fun, and get to soak up the US culture.

Any good ideas for things to see and sites to visit in the US for a geek like me?

[zapta]

You can check out my homepage, which features projects I have done lately, at www.lizerd.se.

You have some very interesting project on that page.

A long shot in the dark, try to contact the various hacker spaces and check with them.

[Lizerd]

zapta: Thanks 

good idea.
Do anyone know if there is a list of all the makerspaces in US ?

[iampoor]

zapta: Thanks 

good idea.
Do anyone know if there is a list of all the makerspaces in US ?

Your DIY Pick and place looks amazing. Any plans to offer plans or a kit in the future? One of the best Ive ever seen!

 O0

I would be open to meeting and hanging, but Im a huge beginner, so you would probably be pretty bored.   

zapta
Do anyone know if there is a list of all the makerspaces in US ?

http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/List_of_Hacker_Spaces

[Lizerd]

Your DIY Pick and place looks amazing

Thanks  , as for now it's still a lot to do before the machine will be able to run as planned. I may be able to supply the PC SW and control HW, but I do not think I will create a kit for the whole machine.
So far it's just my hobby project.

It has never been important if the people I hang out with are just as talented as I am. It's more about electronics interest.
It has always been like if the people I meet have been really interested in electronics, then I have been as interested in helping and educating about electronics if the person wanted to learn.
I have been teaching electronics for many many years, both in class and in private.

Thanks for the list 

[BennyBoy]

If you come to SF, Cal. I'll show you the sites, and take you to a few electronics surplus stores.

[Lizerd]

BennyBoy Absolutely, that would be awesome. I will send you a pm later today.

[iampoor]

Your DIY Pick and place looks amazing

Thanks  , as for now it's still a lot to do before the machine will be able to run as planned. I may be able to supply the PC SW and control HW, but I do not think I will create a kit for the whole machine.
So far it's just my hobby project.

It has never been important if the people I hang out with are just as talented as I am. It's more about electronics interest.
It has always been like if the people I meet have been really interested in electronics, then I have been as interested in helping and educating about electronics if the person wanted to learn.
I have been teaching electronics for many many years, both in class and in private.

Thanks for the list 

Hey, anytime! Okay that makes sense. The software side is where I get really lost, I have experience in mechanics and plenty of resources, its just getting it all to work together that seems the hardest.  Looking forward to seeing your progress!

Okay cool, well in that case, I would  be interested in meeting up and picking your brain.  I definitely have the interest and genuine desire to learn. 

If you come to SF, Cal. I'll show you the sites, and take you to a few electronics surplus stores.

Im in Modesto, and would be completlty iopen to coming to SF! Lizerd, you wont be disappointed if you want a taste of America. 

[Lizerd]

iampoor Absolutely, I will anyhow rent a car in SF to go and see Yosemite , and Modesto is on the way there so.

Edit..
Changed Yellowstone -> Yosemite

[retrolefty]

iampoor Absolutely, I will anyhow rent a car in SF to go and see Yellowstone, and Modesto is on the way there so.

I think you mean Yosemite National Park (http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm and well worth the trip) ?
Yellowstone is about 1,000 miles east of the west coast.

[Lizerd]

Hehe Yeep thats the one. I replied to fast without checking
Thanks retrolefty