I am currently volunteering at a local Naval museum to create some interactive displays. Specifically, I using microcontrollers connected to the original controls to provide indication on instruments and sound effects to simulate a missile launch. I plan on adding video soon, as well.
A little history about myself: I was trained as an electronics technician, but because electronics are now mostly disposable, I have been obsoleted. I then went into programming until the language I was proficient in was no longer supported. I've ended up in a dead-end government job that I absolutely despise. I would really like to do this type of work for other museums, at least part time and local to start.
Before I try to solicit this type of work from other museums, I would like to know what they are typically charged. I don't want to price myself out of the market before I even get started. Also, what is the best way to contact museums? Email? Brochure in the mail? I'd prefer to avoid phone calls. I'm a very technical person, and my social skills aren't always the best. The cold call usually ends in abysmal failure.
And just to let you know, I have other construction and mechanical skills that would aid me in doing this type of work. But if I listed them all here, this would turn into some sort of advertisement, and that's not my intention at all.
Any information you could provide would be appreciated.
Thank you.
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Bill Browne
Westlake LA
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