[arrl-odv:29739] Missed STEM Opportunities 2020
Dear ODV Members: On the STEM theme, FYI two missed opportunities for 2020. First, at its January monthly meeting, members of the Public Relations Committee (PRC) laid out a calendar of events throughout the year around which PR campaigns could be designed and executed with the help of field PIOs. Voted down for consideration was National STEM Day on November 8, largely because PRC members felt there is a lack of STEM related programs and support at HQ. A brief background on National STEM Day can be found at: https://nationaltoday.com/stem-steam-day/ Many government agencies, non-profits and schools are participating in this event. In addition, the nation's largest STEM conference, a biennial event, is taking place April 23-26 in Washington, DC with an expected attendance between 250,00 and 300,000. https://usasciencefestival.org/ Director Hippisley and I got involved because there is an Amateur Radio booth which is being staffed by eight northern Virginia teachers who are Hams. Their participation came to our attention last week, and while we don't have full details, we did find out one of the reasons this team is going unaffiliated from ARRL is because of a lack of materials, support and programs, especially for follow-up inquiries after the conference. Part of the requirement to be an exhibitor at this STEM festival is to have hands-on demonstrations, which this group is doing. If we can't make a meaningful contribution to these two events in 2020, then we should look at STEM opportunities beginning in 2021. 73 de Bill Morine, N2COP Vice Director - Roanoke Division Representing ARRL members in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia <http://www.arrl-roanoke.org> www.arrl-roanoke.org Facebook Page: ARRL Roanoke Division ARRL - The National Association for Amateur RadioT From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Fred Hopengarten Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 1:17 PM To: 'Shelley, Barry, N1VXY (CEO)' <bshelley@arrl.org>; 'arrl-odv' <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:29738] Re: Inexpensive Kit I am absolutely delighted to learn about what you've described below, Barry. I am especially pleased to learn that thought has been put into STEM-based lesson plans and an integrated program. I was unaware of the Inderbitzen proposal to the management counsel. I wrote: How can we NOT be a leader in the "introduction to ham radio devices" kit world? You wrote: Can you imagine an intro-to-radio kit offering on Amazon produced by ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio? Sounds like we are, pardon the pun, on the same wavelength. BRAVO! As this train begins to move, I do suggest reaching out to PA2LS and pick up teams like the www.qrpguys.com <http://www.qrpguys.com> group (full disclosure: I've never met, nor do I know, any of them). It seems to me that where others have strengths in design/parts/build aspects, ARRL is second to no one in publishing and teaching. I think there is a powerful combination of talents that can be assembled. So congratulations to Bob Inderbitzen on being ahead of my thinking. My kids would gladly tell you that I'm slow. Bravo! Be sure to keep the Board informed. -Fred K1VR From: arrl-odv [ <mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org] On Behalf Of Shelley, Barry, N1VXY (CEO) Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 10:00 AM To: <mailto:hopengarten@post.harvard.edu> hopengarten@post.harvard.edu; arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:29736] Re: Inexpensive Kit Fred et al: The ARRL kit-building experience you mentioned at the Orlando HamCation, was organized by the ARRL to help support our interest in committing to a kit design and to test other organizing elements for a successful activity including materials, supplies, and even volunteer support. Over 150 kits were completed by all ages and skill level (some hams and some not). See photos: <https://www.facebook.com/ARRL.org/posts/10157285240707408> https://www.facebook.com/ARRL.org/posts/10157285240707408. We are organizing a similar effort for Dayton Hamvention. Our efforts to advance an intro-to-radio kit have been reported in In News and as recently as the February Second Century QST editorial, inviting members to share their suggestions with us by writing Product Development Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. The effort is also cited in the 2020/21 plan (Departmental Plans p.31): ".we are exploring new products and resources to help members develop meaningful interactions through their outreach activities to introduce radio communications to others. This effort includes the creation of an 'introduction-to-radio kit' that can be used by anyone to learn about basic radio principles." Bob Inderbitzen has attended conventions around the country, and has seen a lot of examples (both good and bad) of member-volunteers organizing kit building experiences. Many of these lack any introduction to radio electronics (CPOs, flashing LED kits, etc. introduce basic electronics, but not RADIO electronics). Our efforts will be intended to introduce radio: how does radio work, radio communications, and radio electronics. We expect this effort will lead to multiple kit offerings and companion instructional (learning) materials. The most basic of these kits will include STEM-based lesson plans, similar to the curated projects found on the IEEE TryEngineering website: <http://www.tryengineering.org/teachers/> www.tryengineering.org/teachers/, and those produced by AOPA's Foundation for a High School Stem Curriculum for aviation: <http://www.youcanfly.aopa.org/high-school/high-school-curriculum> www.youcanfly.aopa.org/high-school/high-school-curriculum (see example: Wind Tunnel Lesson Plan). Bob has also reviewed the marketplace for similar offerings, much like the kit Fred found on Amazon. We've obtained sample kits from Maxitronix (available from Amazon): crystal radio, FM radio, and shortwave radio. Our goal is to produce something similar - and even better. Can you imagine an intro-to-radio kit offering on Amazon produced by ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio? That would be the ultimate goal, but in the meantime, we would give thousands of potential radio amateurs their introduction to the science of radio. I've attached to this message a CONFIDENTIAL proposal drafted by Bob for the management counsel last November. This outlines our overall goals and objectives for a new product ARRL's Build a Radio Kit. This is the ultimate goal to which our efforts to date are leading. I would appreciate this being kept confidential. You can direct any questions to myself or Bob. We're all on the same page here, and I wanted this group to know that we're working on it. 73, Barry, N1VXY From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> > On Behalf Of Fred Hopengarten Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 5:35 PM To: arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> > Subject: [arrl-odv:29728] Inexpensive Kit To the Board: I refer you to https://www.amazon.com/WEmake-Soldering-Cutters-Glasses-Project/dp/B01JA8B4U 2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 <https://www.amazon.com/WEmake-Soldering-Cutters-Glasses-Project/dp/B01JA8B4 U2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=cnetdeals_nl-20&linkId=a1d3eb66b afe4538dff5e7390d1c9cc2&language=en_US&ascsubtag=ag%3A-%7Cvg%3A___VIEW_GUID_ __%7Cst%3Adtp> &linkCode=ll1&tag=cnetdeals_nl-20&linkId=a1d3eb66bafe4538dff5e7390d1c9cc2&la nguage=en_US&ascsubtag=ag%3A-%7Cvg%3A___VIEW_GUID___%7Cst%3Adtp This is an FM radio kit, with soldering iron, solder, safety glasses, and side cutters, all for just $22.99. It is my impression that kit building at regional conventions has been an enormous success. W1UE (our CAC Chairman) told me just this past week that he built a kit at the desk at the Orlando Hamfest, and he loved it! I wonder if the Board of Directors should be encouraging a series of ARRL kits, similarly simple, similarly low-priced - for example: * 2 m FM receiver, * Short-wave receiver, * UHF Transmitter with camera for balloon experiments, * 40 m or 30 m CW receiver, * 40 m or 30 m QRP transmitter, * T/R switch for the above to make them into a transceiver, * End-fed-half-wave antenna tuner, (with instructions on how to make a SOTA station out of the latter four kits), * A Blue Tooth adapter for transceivers and HT's to use with headsets, * A USB-stick SDR receiver controllable with ARRL software for an iPad, netbook, Raspberry Pi, cell-phone, etc., for listening to ham bands, * A USB-stick SDR receiver for listening to digital TV in the car (plugging into the AUX jack) Maybe we are doing some of this already (but http://www.arrl.org/shop/Kits/ displays a fairly meager offering - and the CW Cub Transceiver kit is $105.95), but we are not packaging a major line of really low-priced kits with an ARRL Diamond brand. My idea is a branded series of kits, that are compatible with one another, all low-priced. If it is outside of ARRL's ability to develop such a series in the lab, could we solicit designs in our annual design contest? Or coordinate with a kit manufacturer (MFJ? An existing kit company such Elenco, Digi-key, Giga-Parts, QRP Labs, Pacific Antenna, QRPGuys, Bliss Radio, uBITX, 4sqrp, etc.?) for an ARRL-branded product line (and benefitting ARRL with commissions)? I note that Ramsey Electronics has disappeared after 40 years, having sold a zillion kits, see https://qrznow.com/ramsey-electronics-shuts-down-its-hobby-kits-division/. But the death of Ramsey may be sui generis, and related to the fact that they were previously raided by the feds, see https://yro.slashdot.org/story/00/01/04/2316228/the-feds-ramsey-electronics- raid-blow-by-blow. The concept of a branded product was proven with the Eton/Grundig Hand Turbine AM/FM/Weather Radio, https://www.ebay.com/c/1633862185, which sells for <$20 and contributes $1 for each radio sold directly to the American Red Cross, if I recall correctly (I may not). We have scads of retired engineers who might love to get involved in creating low-priced kits. I suggest that we could rally a battalion, or put the idea out to bid with the hobby-kit companies mentioned above. I suggest consideration of such a program by our Programs & Services Committee. ARRL publishes books in competition with other publishers. How can we NOT be a leader in the "introduction to ham radio devices" kit world? Fred Hopengarten, Esq. K1VR Six Willarch Road Lincoln, MA 01773 781.259.0088, <mailto:k1vr@arrl.org> k1vr@arrl.org New England Director Serving ME, NH, VT, MA, RI and CT
Bill, That’s a real crying shame. I hear emcomm, contesting and DXing shouted from the rooftops constantly, yet I see almost nothing to promote the rest of our basis and purpose. This needs to be remedied in time for 2021. In the Hudson Division we are having an official presence at HOPE this year which is a hacker conference. It’s a first for us, which is unbelievable because so many (famous, even) hackers are hams! But I am happy to hear of the radio kits and other similar things that are being developed at HQ. On the air magazine is also a very refreshing change from QST. Members now almost always tell me that QST needs to be more like OTA in its style. It’s fresh and has a more maker’s perspective. How can we do this? How can we support this and bring these efforts to fruition? We have the enthusiasm but can we carry it forward? Ria N2RJ On Tue, Feb 25, 2020 at 3:16 PM <n2cop@ec.rr.com> wrote:
Dear ODV Members:
On the STEM theme, FYI two missed opportunities for 2020. First, at its January monthly meeting, members of the Public Relations Committee (PRC) laid out a calendar of events throughout the year around which PR campaigns could be designed and executed with the help of field PIOs. Voted down for consideration was National STEM Day on November 8, largely because PRC members felt there is a lack of STEM related programs and support at HQ. A brief background on National STEM Day can be found at: https://nationaltoday.com/stem-steam-day/ Many government agencies, non-profits and schools are participating in this event.
In addition, the nation's largest STEM conference, a biennial event, is taking place April 23-26 in Washington, DC with an expected attendance between 250,00 and 300,000. https://usasciencefestival.org/ Director Hippisley and I got involved because there is an Amateur Radio booth which is being staffed by eight northern Virginia teachers who are Hams. Their participation came to our attention last week, and while we don’t have full details, we did find out one of the reasons this team is going unaffiliated from ARRL is because of a lack of materials, support and programs, especially for follow-up inquiries after the conference. Part of the requirement to be an exhibitor at this STEM festival is to have hands-on demonstrations, which this group is doing.
If we can't make a meaningful contribution to these two events in 2020, then we should look at STEM opportunities beginning in 2021.
73 de Bill Morine, N2COP
Vice Director – Roanoke Division
*Representing ARRL members in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia*
www.arrl-roanoke.org
Facebook Page: ARRL Roanoke Division
*ARRL – The National Association for Amateur Radio™*
*From:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> *On Behalf Of *Fred Hopengarten *Sent:* Tuesday, February 25, 2020 1:17 PM *To:* 'Shelley, Barry, N1VXY (CEO)' <bshelley@arrl.org>; 'arrl-odv' < arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> *Subject:* [arrl-odv:29738] Re: Inexpensive Kit
I am absolutely delighted to learn about what you’ve described below, Barry.
I am especially pleased to learn that thought has been put into STEM-based lesson plans and an integrated program. I was unaware of the Inderbitzen proposal to the management counsel.
I wrote: *How can we NOT be a leader in the “introduction to ham radio devices” kit world?*
You wrote: *Can you* i*magine an intro-to-radio kit offering on Amazon produced by ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio?*
Sounds like we are, pardon the pun, on the same wavelength. BRAVO!
As this train begins to move, I do suggest reaching out to PA2LS and pick up teams like the www.qrpguys.com group (full disclosure: I’ve never met, nor do I know, any of them). It seems to me that where others have strengths in design/parts/build aspects, ARRL is second to no one in publishing and teaching. I think there is a powerful combination of talents that can be assembled.
So congratulations to Bob Inderbitzen on being ahead of my thinking. My kids would gladly tell you that I’m slow. Bravo!
Be sure to keep the Board informed.
-Fred K1VR
*From:* arrl-odv [mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org>] *On Behalf Of *Shelley, Barry, N1VXY (CEO) *Sent:* Tuesday, February 25, 2020 10:00 AM *To:* hopengarten@post.harvard.edu; arrl-odv *Subject:* [arrl-odv:29736] Re: Inexpensive Kit
Fred et al:
The ARRL kit-building experience you mentioned at the Orlando HamCation, was organized by the ARRL to help support our interest in committing to a kit design and to test other organizing elements for a successful activity including materials, supplies, and even volunteer support. Over 150 kits were completed by all ages and skill level (some hams and some not). See photos: https://www.facebook.com/ARRL.org/posts/10157285240707408. We are organizing a similar effort for Dayton Hamvention.
Our efforts to advance an intro-to-radio kit have been reported in In News and as recently as the February Second Century QST editorial, inviting members to share their suggestions with us by writing Product Development Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. The effort is also cited in the 2020/21 plan (Departmental Plans p.31): “…we are exploring new products and resources to help members develop meaningful interactions through their outreach activities to introduce radio communications to others. This effort includes the creation of an ‘introduction-to-radio kit’ that can be used by anyone to learn about basic radio principles.”
Bob Inderbitzen has attended conventions around the country, and has seen a lot of examples (both good and bad) of member-volunteers organizing kit building experiences. Many of these lack any introduction to radio electronics (CPOs, flashing LED kits, etc. introduce basic electronics, but not RADIO electronics). Our efforts will be intended to introduce radio: how does radio work, radio communications, and radio electronics. We expect this effort will lead to multiple kit offerings and companion instructional (learning) materials. The most basic of these kits will include STEM-based lesson plans, similar to the curated projects found on the IEEE TryEngineering website: www.tryengineering.org/teachers/, and those produced by AOPA’s Foundation for a High School Stem Curriculum for aviation: www.youcanfly.aopa.org/high-school/high-school-curriculum (see example: Wind Tunnel Lesson Plan).
Bob has also reviewed the marketplace for similar offerings, much like the kit Fred found on Amazon. We’ve obtained sample kits from Maxitronix (available from Amazon): crystal radio, FM radio, and shortwave radio. Our goal is to produce something similar – and even better. *Can you* i*magine an intro-to-radio kit offering on Amazon produced by ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio?* That would be the ultimate goal, but in the meantime, we would give thousands of potential radio amateurs their introduction to the science of radio.
I’ve attached to this message a CONFIDENTIAL proposal drafted by Bob for the management counsel last November. This outlines our overall goals and objectives for a new product ARRL’s Build a Radio Kit. This is the ultimate goal to which our efforts to date are leading. I would appreciate this being kept confidential. You can direct any questions to myself or Bob. We’re all on the same page here, and I wanted this group to know that we’re working on it.
73,
Barry, N1VXY
*From:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> *On Behalf Of *Fred Hopengarten *Sent:* Monday, February 24, 2020 5:35 PM *To:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> *Subject:* [arrl-odv:29728] Inexpensive Kit
To the Board:
I refer you to
https://www.amazon.com/WEmake-Soldering-Cutters-Glasses-Project/dp/B01JA8B4U...
This is an FM radio kit, with soldering iron, solder, safety glasses, and side cutters, all for just $22.99.
It is my impression that kit building at regional conventions has been an enormous success. W1UE (our CAC Chairman) told me just this past week that he built a kit at the desk at the Orlando Hamfest, and he loved it!
I wonder if the Board of Directors should be encouraging a series of ARRL kits, similarly simple, similarly low-priced – for example:
- 2 m FM receiver, - Short-wave receiver, - UHF Transmitter with camera for balloon experiments, - 40 m or 30 m CW receiver, - 40 m or 30 m QRP transmitter, - T/R switch for the above to make them into a transceiver, - End-fed-half-wave antenna tuner,
(with instructions on how to make a SOTA station out of the latter four kits),
- A Blue Tooth adapter for transceivers and HT’s to use with headsets, - A USB-stick SDR receiver controllable with ARRL software for an iPad, netbook, Raspberry Pi, cell-phone, etc., for listening to ham bands, - A USB-stick SDR receiver for *listening* to digital TV in the car (plugging into the AUX jack)
Maybe we are doing some of this already (but http://www.arrl.org/shop/Kits/ displays a fairly meager offering – and the CW Cub Transceiver kit is $105.95), but we are not packaging a major line of really low-priced kits with an ARRL Diamond brand. My idea is a branded series of kits, that are compatible with one another, all low-priced.
If it is outside of ARRL’s ability to develop such a series in the lab, could we solicit designs in our annual design contest? Or coordinate with a kit manufacturer (MFJ? An existing kit company such Elenco, Digi-key, Giga-Parts, QRP Labs, Pacific Antenna, QRPGuys, Bliss Radio, uBITX, 4sqrp, etc.?) for an ARRL-branded product line (and benefitting ARRL with commissions)?
I note that Ramsey Electronics has disappeared after 40 years, having sold a zillion kits, see https://qrznow.com/ramsey-electronics-shuts-down-its-hobby-kits-division/. But the death of Ramsey may be *sui generis*, and related to the fact that they were previously raided by the feds, see https://yro.slashdot.org/story/00/01/04/2316228/the-feds-ramsey-electronics-... .
The concept of a branded product was proven with the Eton/Grundig Hand Turbine AM/FM/Weather Radio, https://www.ebay.com/c/1633862185, which sells for <$20 and contributes $1 for each radio sold directly to the American Red Cross, if I recall correctly (I may not).
We have scads of retired engineers who might love to get involved in creating low-priced kits. I suggest that we could rally a battalion, or put the idea out to bid with the hobby-kit companies mentioned above.
I suggest consideration of such a program by our Programs & Services Committee. ARRL publishes books in competition with other publishers. *How can we NOT be a leader in the “introduction to ham radio devices” kit world?*
*Fred Hopengarten, Esq. K1VR *
*Six Willarch Road <https://www.google.com/maps/search/Willarch+Road+Lincoln,+MA+01773?entry=gmail&source=g>*
*Lincoln, MA 01773 <https://www.google.com/maps/search/Willarch+Road+Lincoln,+MA+01773?entry=gmail&source=g>*
*781.259.0088, **k1vr@arrl.org* <k1vr@arrl.org>
New England Director
[image: cid:a4a12f0b-0468-4a39-b953-31b2a3da8564]
Serving ME, NH, VT, MA, RI and CT
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
Bill Would you be so kind as to outline what would be necessary for the League to support the Virginia teachers at the April USA Science Festival and to convert their efforts to an "affiliated event"? Also, what does PRC believe would be needed for the 11.8.20 National STEM Day? We have certainly have the time to get prepared for 11.8.20 and it is worth considering whether we can take advantage of the efforts of the Virginia teachers. Staff, money and time may preclude participation in one or both events, but the opportunities are sufficiently great to warrant an evaluation of whether we can step up to the opportunity. Thanks for the heads up and for the work of the PRC. _______________________________________ John Robert Stratton N5AUS Director West Gulf Division Office:512-445-6262 Cell:512-426-2028 P.O. Box 2232 Austin, Texas 78768-2232 *_______________________________________*** ** On 2/25/20 2:16 PM, n2cop@ec.rr.com wrote:
Dear ODV Members:
On the STEM theme, FYI two missed opportunities for 2020. First, at its January monthly meeting, members of the Public Relations Committee (PRC) laid out a calendar of events throughout the year around which PR campaigns could be designed and executed with the help of field PIOs. Voted down for consideration was National STEM Day on November 8, largely because PRC members felt there is a lack of STEM related programs and support at HQ. A brief background on National STEM Day can be found at: https://nationaltoday.com/stem-steam-day/ Many government agencies, non-profits and schools are participating in this event.
In addition, the nation's largest STEM conference, a biennial event, is taking place April 23-26 in Washington, DC with an expected attendance between 250,00 and 300,000. https://usasciencefestival.org/ Director Hippisley and I got involved because there is an Amateur Radio booth which is being staffed by eight northern Virginia teachers who are Hams. Their participation came to our attention last week, and while we don’t have full details, we did find out one of the reasons this team is going unaffiliated from ARRL is because of a lack of materials, support and programs, especially for follow-up inquiries after the conference. Part of the requirement to be an exhibitor at this STEM festival is to have hands-on demonstrations, which this group is doing.
If we can't make a meaningful contribution to these two events in 2020, then we should look at STEM opportunities beginning in 2021.
73 de Bill Morine, N2COP
Vice Director – Roanoke Division
/Representing ARRL members in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia/
www.arrl-roanoke.org <http://www.arrl-roanoke.org>
Facebook Page: ARRL Roanoke Division
/ARRL – The National Association for Amateur Radio™/
*From:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> *On Behalf Of *Fred Hopengarten *Sent:* Tuesday, February 25, 2020 1:17 PM *To:* 'Shelley, Barry, N1VXY (CEO)' <bshelley@arrl.org>; 'arrl-odv' <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> *Subject:* [arrl-odv:29738] Re: Inexpensive Kit
I am absolutely delighted to learn about what you’ve described below, Barry.
I am especially pleased to learn that thought has been put into STEM-based lesson plans and an integrated program. I was unaware of the Inderbitzen proposal to the management counsel.
I wrote: *How can we NOT be a leader in the “introduction to ham radio devices” kit world?*
You wrote: /Can you/i/magine an intro-to-radio kit offering on Amazon produced by ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio?/
Sounds like we are, pardon the pun, on the same wavelength. BRAVO!
As this train begins to move, I do suggest reaching out to PA2LS and pick up teams like the www.qrpguys.com <http://www.qrpguys.com>group (full disclosure: I’ve never met, nor do I know, any of them). It seems to me that where others have strengths in design/parts/build aspects, ARRL is second to no one in publishing and teaching. I think there is a powerful combination of talents that can be assembled.
So congratulations to Bob Inderbitzen on being ahead of my thinking. My kids would gladly tell you that I’m slow. Bravo!
Be sure to keep the Board informed.
-Fred K1VR
*From:*arrl-odv [mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org] *On Behalf Of *Shelley, Barry, N1VXY (CEO) *Sent:* Tuesday, February 25, 2020 10:00 AM *To:* hopengarten@post.harvard.edu <mailto:hopengarten@post.harvard.edu>; arrl-odv *Subject:* [arrl-odv:29736] Re: Inexpensive Kit
Fred et al:
The ARRL kit-building experience you mentioned at the Orlando HamCation, was organized by the ARRL to help support our interest in committing to a kit design and to test other organizing elements for a successful activity including materials, supplies, and even volunteer support. Over 150 kits were completed by all ages and skill level (some hams and some not). See photos: https://www.facebook.com/ARRL.org/posts/10157285240707408. We are organizing a similar effort for Dayton Hamvention.
Our efforts to advance an intro-to-radio kit have been reported in In News and as recently as the February Second Century QST editorial, inviting members to share their suggestions with us by writing Product Development Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. The effort is also cited in the 2020/21 plan (Departmental Plans p.31): “…we are exploring new products and resources to help members develop meaningful interactions through their outreach activities to introduce radio communications to others. This effort includes the creation of an ‘introduction-to-radio kit’ that can be used by anyone to learn about basic radio principles.”
Bob Inderbitzen has attended conventions around the country, and has seen a lot of examples (both good and bad) of member-volunteers organizing kit building experiences. Many of these lack any introduction to radio electronics (CPOs, flashing LED kits, etc. introduce basic electronics, but not RADIO electronics). Our efforts will be intended to introduce radio: how does radio work, radio communications, and radio electronics. We expect this effort will lead to multiple kit offerings and companion instructional (learning) materials. The most basic of these kits will include STEM-based lesson plans, similar to the curated projects found on the IEEE TryEngineering website: www.tryengineering.org/teachers/ <http://www.tryengineering.org/teachers/>, and those produced by AOPA’s Foundation for a High School Stem Curriculum for aviation: www.youcanfly.aopa.org/high-school/high-school-curriculum <http://www.youcanfly.aopa.org/high-school/high-school-curriculum>(see example: Wind Tunnel Lesson Plan).
Bob has also reviewed the marketplace for similar offerings, much like the kit Fred found on Amazon. We’ve obtained sample kits from Maxitronix (available from Amazon): crystal radio, FM radio, and shortwave radio. Our goal is to produce something similar – and even better. /Can you/ i/magine an intro-to-radio kit offering on Amazon produced by ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio?/ That would be the ultimate goal, but in the meantime, we would give thousands of potential radio amateurs their introduction to the science of radio.
I’ve attached to this message a CONFIDENTIAL proposal drafted by Bob for the management counsel last November. This outlines our overall goals and objectives for a new product ARRL’s Build a Radio Kit. This is the ultimate goal to which our efforts to date are leading. I would appreciate this being kept confidential. You can direct any questions to myself or Bob. We’re all on the same page here, and I wanted this group to know that we’re working on it.
73,
Barry, N1VXY
*From:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org>> *On Behalf Of *Fred Hopengarten *Sent:* Monday, February 24, 2020 5:35 PM *To:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>> *Subject:* [arrl-odv:29728] Inexpensive Kit
To the Board:
I refer you to
https://www.amazon.com/WEmake-Soldering-Cutters-Glasses-Project/dp/B01JA8B4U...
This is an FM radio kit, with soldering iron, solder, safety glasses, and side cutters, all for just $22.99.
It is my impression that kit building at regional conventions has been an enormous success. W1UE (our CAC Chairman) told me just this past week that he built a kit at the desk at the Orlando Hamfest, and he loved it!
I wonder if the Board of Directors should be encouraging a series of ARRL kits, similarly simple, similarly low-priced – for example:
* 2 m FM receiver, * Short-wave receiver, * UHF Transmitter with camera for balloon experiments, * 40 m or 30 m CW receiver, * 40 m or 30 m QRP transmitter, * T/R switch for the above to make them into a transceiver, * End-fed-half-wave antenna tuner,
(with instructions on how to make a SOTA station out of the latter four kits),
* A Blue Tooth adapter for transceivers and HT’s to use with headsets, * A USB-stick SDR receiver controllable with ARRL software for an iPad, netbook, Raspberry Pi, cell-phone, etc., for listening to ham bands, * A USB-stick SDR receiver for /listening/ to digital TV in the car (plugging into the AUX jack)
Maybe we are doing some of this already (but http://www.arrl.org/shop/Kits/ displays a fairly meager offering – and the CW Cub Transceiver kit is $105.95), but we are not packaging a major line of really low-priced kits with an ARRL Diamond brand. My idea is a branded series of kits, that are compatible with one another, all low-priced.
If it is outside of ARRL’s ability to develop such a series in the lab, could we solicit designs in our annual design contest? Or coordinate with a kit manufacturer (MFJ? An existing kit company such Elenco, Digi-key, Giga-Parts, QRP Labs, Pacific Antenna, QRPGuys, Bliss Radio, uBITX, 4sqrp, etc.?) for an ARRL-branded product line (and benefitting ARRL with commissions)?
I note that Ramsey Electronics has disappeared after 40 years, having sold a zillion kits, see https://qrznow.com/ramsey-electronics-shuts-down-its-hobby-kits-division/. But the death of Ramsey may be /sui generis/, and related to the fact that they were previously raided by the feds, see https://yro.slashdot.org/story/00/01/04/2316228/the-feds-ramsey-electronics-....
The concept of a branded product was proven with the Eton/Grundig Hand Turbine AM/FM/Weather Radio, https://www.ebay.com/c/1633862185, which sells for <$20 and contributes $1 for each radio sold directly to the American Red Cross, if I recall correctly (I may not).
We have scads of retired engineers who might love to get involved in creating low-priced kits. I suggest that we could rally a battalion, or put the idea out to bid with the hobby-kit companies mentioned above.
I suggest consideration of such a program by our Programs & Services Committee. ARRL publishes books in competition with other publishers. *How can we NOT be a leader in the “introduction to ham radio devices” kit world?*
/Fred Hopengarten, Esq. K1VR /
/Six Willarch Road/
/Lincoln, MA 01773/
/781.259.0088, //k1vr@arrl.org/ <mailto:k1vr@arrl.org>//
New England Director
cid:a4a12f0b-0468-4a39-b953-31b2a3da8564
Serving ME, NH, VT, MA, RI and CT
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participants (3)
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John Robert Stratton -
n2cop＠ec.rr.com -
rjairam＠gmail.com