I'm Starting a Ham Radio Club @ My New HighSchool

[kg6nlr]

Calling all hams...

Hello, I'm trying ot start a Ham Radio Club at Marin Catholic High School. #There is definatley interest and we have everything, with the exception of the equipment...

If anyone out there has used gear that they no longer need, please send it to me, it WILL go to good use.

Thanks for your generosity,
KG6NLR --> Trustee of KG6ORS

[n9kpn]

I pulled up your profile on QRZ. #What's up with your birthday? #Is the information correct?

Coordinates: 37° 58' 29'' N, # #122° 30' 35'' W # # #
Coordinates: 37.974751 # # -122.509757
County: Marin
Grid: CM87rx
Area Code: 415
GMT Offset: -8
Time Zone: Pacific
Has DST?: Y
Birthday: 30 Aug 1897

[KC9CCO]

Hello all, I don't know about anyone's birthday, but I have a comment. I am earnestly trying to start a ham club at my high school in greenwood, IN. I have the problem of convincing a teacher to sponser the club, if you had the same problem, I would like to know how you solved it. Thanks a bunch,

73~
KC9CCO

[n7ujj]

Dennis,
There is some help you can get.
On the ARRL website, there is info for teachers. Especially retrieve info on the "Big Project".

You really will need an entheustiac teacher to make a sucess of your club. I teach high school in Phoenix. Feel free to have your teacher contact me. We have had a club for over ten years and it has been a big boost to the kids who are interested in technology and those who want to become involved in emergency services. Its a fun club. . Our kids have received over $12,000 in scholarships. Callsigns and club membership looks great on an application. Depending on what subject your teacher teaches, it might be worked into a class or maybe an after school club. Lot's of possibilities.

Be sure to download some of the teacher stuff on the ARRL site.

Best of luck and contact me if I can help you

Allan, N7UJJ
Carl Hayden High School ARC, KC7KFF

[n7wsb]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (n9kpn @ Jan. 30 2003,12:48)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I pulled up your profile on QRZ. What's up with your birthday? Is the information correct?

Birthday: 30 Aug 1897[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Yeah I'm really sure he's a 106... probably some database glitch or some paperwork error.

[n4tia]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kg6nlr @ Jan. 27 2003,22:29)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">everything, with the exception of the equipment...

If anyone out there has used gear that they no longer need, please send it to me, it WILL go to good use.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Well I have two comments, one I love the way it is worded in the original post "please send it to me" I just think that is great! To answer the other question that was asked about a teacher sponser, that was the hardest thing for me also. What I suggest is putting announcements in the teachers lounge in the morning/afternoon announcements that you are looking for a teacher sponser. It may seem like you are hitting a dead end but you WILL find someone who is either already a ham or wants to be a ham {I thought my idea of having a ham radio club was over then two teachers came up to me and said you the kid who is starting the ham club... one is an extra, one is a tech} just keep looking and dont give up! Best of luck to you and hope to hear your club on the air.
Alexander KG4OGN 73!
President/Founder
Springstead High School Radio Club KG4VJS

[wd5kca]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (n9kpn @ Jan. 30 2003,12:48)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I pulled up your profile on QRZ. #What's up with your birthday? #Is the information correct?

Coordinates: 37° 58' 29'' N, # #122° 30' 35'' W # # #
Coordinates: 37.974751 # # -122.509757
County: Marin
Grid: CM87rx
Area Code: 415
GMT Offset: -8
Time Zone: Pacific
Has DST?: Y
Birthday: 30 Aug 1897[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Here is the answer to the other thread about the oldest living ham.

[kg6nlr]

I have no clue what's wrong with the database, NO I'm NOT 106 Years old. #Just 15.

I guess that I'll have to have QRZ.com or the FCC correct that....

THANKS for all your tips.

P.S. I have the Teacher Sponsor but STILL need the EQUIPMENT.

[kg6ath]

First, how do you get the school interested ?
2 words. Science department.

Radio demonstrates physics phenomena.

I should also point out that it was radio amatreurs who practically invented
radio astronomy, shook the bugs out of FM, SSB & TV. It was the
activities ot amateur radio operators that actually caused the US AF
Strategic Air Command to convert to SSB in the 50s.

Did you know that high schools have actually built and gotten their very
own satellites launched into space ?

Remember the Ricochet wireless internet system ?
It used the AX25 amatur radio protocol that we invented.

We hams do a lot of "garage" science that later works itself into mainstream
life.

It was once believed that the radio spectrum above 50 mhz was "useless".
Hams proved it otherwise and now corporate world would just LOVE
to take that vhf & uhf spectrum away from us.

The possibility of having someone from the space station talk to kids in
your class should be a carrot in front of them.

Its time to go hassle the science dept.
You know what to do, Ive thrown you some tidbits.

Go DO IT !!!


2nd, the guys over in Marin:

If you just ask for stuff, you are going to end up with a mess of junque.
Might I suggest that you sit down and figure out EXACTLY what you want?

Remember, you dont NEED hardware to have a radio club.
In fact, I would suggest that you consider building from scratch.
You will learn MUCH more from the experience because you will
UNDERSTAND the equipment rather than just being "appliance operators".

I have a vested interest here. Appliance operators are not as helpful as
tinkerers in an emergency. The appliance operator shrugs his shoulders
and whiles "Its BROKEN!" The guys I want working with me in an
emergency are the guys who haul out the tool kit and light up the butane
soldering pencil.

Since you are across the bay from me, drop me a line at kg6ath@arrl.net
and we can talk some more.

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">You will learn MUCH more from the experience because you will
UNDERSTAND the equipment rather than just being "appliance operators".
[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

Well, I think it's OK to be an appliance operator if you come prepared. You should learn how to be a GOOD appliance operator so you can program the "never-used" HTX242 the "normally use an MFJ on HF" guy brings on Field day for the VHF station.

If you can fix it but can't set the frequency, offset, and proper PL tone, what good can you do? It takes all types

I think it's great to see people getting involved. I hope you can come up with equipment. A suggestion might be holding a fund raiser such as a car wash and purchasing some good used equipment on E-Bay.

We will be having a class in our area to get more people into the hobby. I hope to see some people like you show up who will participate in our various events.

[KC9CCO]

Allan, thanks much for the tips.

And for anyone who has managed a high school club:
Did you encounter enthusiasm in the students before you started the club, or did you have to show them the excitement of Ham? Also, how well was the school board in cooperation for starting the club? Has anyone started a club where no teachers were previousely hams, if so, in what way was the material taught? Thanks all who give input.

73~
KC9CCO

[kc8juz]

I think it is great that you are starting a new club at your school. I would do the same at my high school but there is no intrest. Iam thinkning about doing something to get the community to see ham radio is hold a tour day where i would go to a school that has younger students and put up a station and let the kids see what it is all about and talk on the radio. And while the kids look at the radio and talk on it, the public can see the station and tour that station. I got this idea from the special events station from the kids in CA that was doing the Challenger station. We have a k-5 grade school named Challenger and i think i might have a speaical event station for it next year. Its a good thing what your doing, keep it up.


Laura W8JUZ

[n4tia]

To KC9CCO, I found that a few of my peers had an intrest before I got the club sarted, I am still getting the radios up and running and I feel that once everything is running {our repeater, HF maybe packet SSTV...} more students will get an intrest, at least that is what I hope.
Alexander KG4OGN
President/Founder
Springstead High School Radio Club KG4VJS

[kc6kim]

Hello,

# # We have a great radio club in Marin: the Marin Amateur Radio Society. #Please feel free to come and introduce yourself to the members and we will see what can be done for your efforts, we are located on shell road in Mill Valley. #All are welcome to come and enjoy snacks, friends, a great radio shak- all bands, all modes!

# There is also a website: w6sg.org

# Please join us on our open repeater:147.330 #tone accessis 203.5- big rock site or 147.330 access is 173.8 San Pedro Ridge ( San Rafael)

# # To all who read this,our meeetings are held on the first friday of each month. #We will meet next on 7 Febuary 2003 at 7http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif0 p.m. #Meetings start at 7:30! #Come early and visit with us.

# # Sincerely,
Anthony A. Andrianos #kc6kim

[kc6kim]

OOPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WEBSITE IS:

W6SG.NET

Anthony kc6kim
(I repent in dust and ashes!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[WB4ILS]

Contact Jerry Hill at ARRL, The Big Project, the school club that I trustee qualified for a lot of help from the project. kh6hu@arrl.org. He will help you out I'm sure.

If you need any advice just give me a call.

Steve WB4ILS

[kd5scg]

fundraisers are definately good. To findraise the animal care-taker trip at my school, we asked the local supermarket if we could use their parking lot and water. Not only did they give us use of the parking lot, but they gave us soap, sponges and use of their water. We raised over $500 (one guy tipped us $100). Once you have the money, make a list of every piece of equipment that you want, and about how much it will cost. Then, if you are over budget, cross off items that you won't need. If you want to make your money go the farthest, don't buy it on e-bay, use the classifieds. I say this because, if you think about, when you win an auction on e-bay it means that you paid the absolute most that anyone would pay for that item. On the classifieds you can wait, and when a good deal appears jump at it. Doing this I was able to get a working HF rig (ts-520) for $150 shipped. Granted, you won't find a good deal immediatly, but it will allow you to make considerable savings.
Just my $.02
KD5SCG

[n6ajr]

KG6NLR operates locally on a repeater I frequent here in the bay area, and I am going so put a box of good stuff ( no junk) together for the club that he is starting, I also reccommended for him to look up the local radio club as thay can be a great help and would you look, there is the offer from marin radio club to help. We have about a dozen of the younger folks on the 147.24 machine here in the bay area and they always do them selves proud. good luck on the club, Will, and enjoy this great hobby ( obsession!!!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif 73 tom N6AJR

[kd7lxl]

Yes, I too think that FUNDRAISING is the way to go.

Our club, KD7TZP, now has $2000 to spend on whatever radio equiptment we want. Every year our high school has an event called Tidefest where local artists can sell their artwork. During this event, all of the clubs sell food items. Our club, the Science and Technology club, made all of this money by selling Orange Joliuses (this is only the same recipe as Orange Jouliuses, not the same drink {the lawer made me put that one in}).

I recommend finding some event like that that your club could have a booth at. Hey, it's quick and easy money going to a good cause.

The only problem in my case is that the school district manages our money so it takes 6 months for us to order something.

Good Luck,

Tom Hayward
Web Master/Designer/Spokesperson Gig Harbor High School Tech Club

[VE7KED]

Simply changing the 8 and 9 in 1897 makes 1987. He is 15 years old so this makes sense. May want to update this sometime. I am 18 years old and a radio amateur for 9 of those years. Although we do not have any radio clubs at our schools, we are lucky enough to have a radio club in our area which has taken an active interest in recruiting young people into the hobby. We now have around 20 young radio amateurs in the area, young meaning under 20 years old. If things do not work out for you at school, it may be a good idea to approch your local amateur radio club. I am sure they would be happy to help you out. Our club has several special interest groups within it. They have their own meeting nights on other days outside your regular general meeting. You may be able to setup a young amateur group within your local club, which would allow you access to their equipement to use, if they have a club station, aswell as all their knowledge. I know my success both professionally and on amateur radio can be attributed to the elmers who helped me along this journey.

I wish you success in your project.

73 de Michael Roberts,
VE7KED/VA7EEE
DN09hv

[kg6fnx]

hello kg6nlr.
Come down to the marin amatuer radio club meeting some time, im guessing they can proably help with some equipment, and they teach classes to get your liscense so you can send your fellow students who want to get involved to them. There are meetings at two times, we meet every sunday morning from 8-11, these meetings are informal get togethers, and the main club meetings are the first friday of every month from 7 -9. All meetings are at our clubhouse in mill valley. For more info see http://w6sg.net

[KG4OOA]

I know everyone will think this is cold but here goes!

I guess we live in a give away age but did any of your members ever hear the word work? If you do have a club, then the members could find projects such as car washes, etc. to earn the money to get gear. Let me assure you that you won't ruin your silky hands and you won't die. You and your club will be proud of what you've done.

You might not get the newest with all the whistles and bells but you can get a good clean signal on the air.

[kg6equ]

Here's what I've learned starting an amateur radio club at my high school:

1. #Make some friends with experienced hams in your area. In 15 years of teaching I have never met a better group of people than the hams in the San Diego area. They have given us valuable advice (as well as equipment).

2. #Start with a small group of students that show a commitment to the hobby. When area hams see people getting licensed, and especially see students working on their code...then they'll know that you guys are serious about setting up viable club.

3. #Start doing some fund raising. Our high school club is allowed to sell churros at lunch only once a year...but we raise $200 in that short amount of time.

4. #Build something. I have had great success with the QRP kits put out by Small Wonder Labs (www.smallwonderlabs.com). Right now we are building the "Rock-Mite". For only $25, a wire antenna, and a General Class license...you can get on the air! We also plan on having some engineers come out and explain what each part of the circuitry is doing.

5. #Get on the North American Youth Net. It meets on 14.329 MHz at 0000z every Friday. Check out their web site at Hamquick.com. That would be a great place for you to ask questions of other hams that are just starting our in the hobby.

I hope this helps.

John Earnest
Physics Teacher
Mt. Carmel High School
San Diego, CA

[AB8MO]

You should be able to correct your birthdate on qrz. I think it is great that you are starting a ham club at your school. I just graduated from high school last summer. During band camp I brought my ht to talk on a few times because I was dropped off early. Everyone was asking me what I was doing with a CB radio. That really irritated me.
Later,
Andrew AB8MO

[N0PV]

I believe if we look back in the archive and I hate to be too cynical we will all find where this young man was told how to get a grant from the league for a complete station. #If by chance he did not get it the first time he posted this same message then here it is again.

The Big Project (http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/)

If there is indeed the interest you claim then there should be no issue on getting involved with this program. #If not then you should probably realize that there will be very few hams willing to ship off equipment to a private individual instead of the school address. #

Take a look at the link. #Why settle for "used" when there is a really good chance of getting a complete new station for your school.

[kb3hht]

hey that sounds like a good idea we had an amature radio club at our school maby we could arrange a sort of round table discussion e-male me at kb3hht@arrl.com if it sounds good to you
73
josh

[kq6fu]

Ham radio in high school? What ever happened to smoking pot after school or playing cheerleader rodeo?? In case you don't know, cheerleader rodeo is when you get the hottest cheerleader on the squad in your room, get her naked, jump on her and try to STAY on her for at least 8 seconds after all your friends come running in the room.
Jeez, high school used to be fun.....wanna hear some fun college stories?