Earlier today, we activated the WA2HOM callsign for the first time at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. WA2HOM is the vanity callsign that I was issued specifically for operations at the Museum.
The first contact occurred at 1510Z with KA3FNH. Overall, we made 14 contacts, including nine SSB contacts and five CW contacts. Four of our contacts were with stations operating from lighthouses that were participating in the International Lighthouse-Lightship Weekend.
More importantly, we were able to give some several adults and kids an introduction to amateur radio. One, Brian, who’s ten years old, says he’s all ready to take the test and can’t wait until the September 8 test session.
For the next four months, we’ll be operating from the museum on two Saturdays each month. The dates are:
- September 15th, 29th
- October 20th, 27th
- November 10th, 24th
- December 1st, 15th
If you’re in or near Ann Arbor, come on down and operate for a while. If not, listen for us, probably around 7280 (SSB) or 7050 (CW).
Ronny says
Congratulations on getting the vanity call for museum operations. Ham radio is the ultimate “hands on” hobby (if done correctly, hi hi). I spent the last 2 days helping two women get their antenna strung over their house, ground rod installed, coax jumpers made, etc., and finished tonight with their first contacts from their new home station. The first lady contacted a DX out of Mexico, and the second worked a guy in the N.J. QSO party. Both were very excited. This is a mother from my daughter’s elementary school (roughly 40 years old) and her mother (roughly 65). The just got their licenses after being inspired by seeing the ham radio station my wife got put into the school (via the ARRL “Big Project”). I am proud of these dedicated YLs.
I’m sure your museum with yield dividends. I will listen for your group on the air.
73,
Ronny, KC5EES
Austin, TX
Dan KB6NU says
Great work, Ronnie.
You’re going to have to tell me about our Big Project experience sometime. Before going to the museum, I was having breakfast with some hams, including Deb, KD8ESJ. She’s a teacher at a local public middle school, and she’s been investigating the possiblity of establishing an amateur radio club there. There are several things in our favor:
1. There are now two teachers there who have ham licenses.
2. This is the school from which we made a Space Station contact a year ago.
3. The principal seems to be in favor of doing this.
There may even be some school funds available for things such as antenna materials and projects that the kids could build. All things considered, they might be a good candidate for the Big Project.