A Petition to Maintain an Amateur Radio Presence at the Hall of Science

11:53 am PDT, Jun 14, James Garmirian, Pennsylvania
I took a ham radio class in about 1971 at the Hall of Science. I went to school in engineering at M.I.T where I received my engineering degree. I am still a ham today. I have my Amateur Xtra class license. Ham radio is such an important educational tool for developing interest in science and mathematics in young people. I also educates our young people in the science. It is as or more important than any exhibit that the Hall of science could contain.

6:49 am PDT, Jun 12, Mike Saville, Utah
I first became aware of Ham Radio in the Boy Scouts. It peaked my interest. It led to me building a crystal set out of wood and wire. Later, at 14, I took a class and became licensed. Because I had no money, I built my transmitter from old radios and TV's. The world opened up to me. I took an interest in electronics, joined the US Air Force, was in the top 10% in electronic apptitude and worked on early computers and radar. After the US Air Force, I hired on with IBM, worked on early computers(there were only 20 thousand in the whole world in the mid 60's). Later, I became a manager at IBM and retired after 32 years. I have my degree in business and finance. I worked as a community service volunteer and built a mountain top VHF repeater that was instrumental in saving lives when a damn broke in Idaho in 1974. I was not paid for the hundreds of hours in this effort nor did the thousands of other volunteer hours and the equipment was bought and paid for by radio Amateurs. Today, there are thousands of these repeaters through out the country, many on emergency power, bought and maintained by the volunteer ham radio community. I was recognized as an outstanding young man of America(one of hundreds). The value of Ham radio cannot be measured with numbers.I do know that if I had not had a venue or exposure of another Ham, my professional career would have been different and my service to community would have been different. My son has his ham radio license and when applied as a Railroad Engineer, the one skill he had that allowed him to be the youngest hired out of 125 applicants was his displayed ability to understand the technology that is imbedded in the transportation industry thanks to his exposure to the technology of ham radio. The skills I have, as a result of ham radio, I owe to ham radio, it allows world wide and local communication without electrical power being available, telephone landline service, internet outage, and without cell phone service. Ham Radio will allow emergency services to still be able to communicate, because of the service nature of ham radio with the stations and equipment most ham radio licensees have in their homes. The 3 million world wide ham radio operators are a small fraction of the world's population but can make a tremendous difference in times of disaster and at no cost to the tax payer. The other effect is community service in other ways in service organizations that benefit. I encourage you to continue the facility. Your youth will benefit, your community will benefit, your state and our country will benefit.

12:15 pm PDT, Jun 11, Edward Cafarella, New York
Amateur radio serves an important purpose in times of emergency. At times, it is the only form of communication available. Children need to be exposed to this hobby and encouraged to participate and carry on the ham radio tradition to a new generation. This museum is an excellent showcase for ham radio to children in the NY metro area.

11:45 am PDT, Jun 10, Keith Brown, Rhode Island
A science museum is supposed to give a representation of progress over the course of history, as is pretty much the definition of any museum. Amateur radio and its history (and progress!) should be chronicled for all to learn about, young or old, and if the interest is realized, possibly become a part of!

8:25 pm PDT, Jun 8, Trevor Harris, New York
I want my kids to have an outlet to verbally communicate with like minded kids across the globe.

1:32 pm PDT, Jun 7, Scott Doublisky, New Jersey
Taking Amatuer Radio out of the Hall of Science is a huge mistake. So many people in this world got their start in highly respected scientific carreers due to an early introduction to Ham Radio. There are so amny facets of ham radio that are in use today it would be a shame and a crime to not allow young children to be introduced to this wonderfull, lifelong hobby. You should be ashamed of yourself for even considering removing the exhibit.

3:26 am PDT, Jun 7, Lawrence Fohr, New York
After 35 years, the radio club is an important addition to the other learning experience that visitors can benefit from. Unfortunately the power to make this decision is in the hands of narrow minded people.

9:28 pm PDT, Jun 5, George Kowal, New Jersey
It is a proper basis for the understanding of electronics and physics.

1:04 pm PDT, Jun 5, Gregory Kail, New York
The “wireless Arts” needs to be encouraged. Many in America think that in this “day of the internet” & cell phones. Radio is passé. We are making a Big mistake in that thinking. One only has to note that in China they actively encourage Ham radio – every school has a state sponsored club & there are clubs at their civic centers. They see the future & want to cultivate a population that can spearhead it. If we do not encourage our own students/young. We will stop leading & our students WILL go abroad for their educations. Greg Kail KC2DWF

7:34 am PDT, Jun 5, David Minchella, New York
I got my introduction into ham radio when I was 6 years old, and it lead me to a career as an electrical engineer. I urge you to allow this station to hold a prominant place at the museum to introduce children into this wonderful hobby, which will likely lead them into a technical field.

9:56 pm PDT, Jun 3, William Pietschman, Ohio
Why is it important to involve our children in Amateur Radio? Because it is the gateway to children learning about many more subjects! Here are just a few subjects that children will encounter via Ham radio: Meteorology, Astronomy, Geography, Alternative Energy, Geology, Chemistry, Engineering (all types), and sociology, satellites (we put those up too, you know, so let's not forget rocketry! EVERY Space Shuttle launch carries Astronauts who are licensed amateur radio operators into space! The International Space Station has a ham radio set on board, and one of the uses is to contact school children so they they can ask the astronauts questions! Frankly, I can't think of any logical reason for there not to be an amateur radio station at a SCIENCE Museum! Sincerely, William Pietschman, W8LV

8:05 am PDT, Jun 3, Robert Flory, New Jersey
My teenage involvement in amateur radio led me to a BS in Applied Physics and a lifetime of hands-on participation in science education. Please take advantage of what this group has to offer.

7:05 am PDT, Jun 3, Eric Kilijanski, WA2RKJ, California
Thats exactly how I got my start. I was exposed to Amateur Radio in the late 1960's across NJ and NY through displays and interaction at stations like yours! I am now a Flight Test Engineer at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB). America needs engineers, technicians, and technically minded people. Edwards AFB is currently in need of Electrical, Aeronautical, and Mechanical Engineers-check their web site! This station affords todays youth the opportunity to truly make something of themselves and our country. We as a nation have a great technical deficit. You can directly help this situation by keeping this station open. WB2JSM is a "National Treasure". NJIT-Class of 1976, Extra Class License- WA2RKJ.

5:13 am PDT, Jun 3, Richard Fleischer, Rhode Island
I find it rather amazing that a self supporting science exhibit such as amateur radio at the museum that provides a true hands on experience that kids can see, touch, hear and if you get out the tubes, smell, might be eliminated.

9:36 pm PDT, Jun 2, Robert Diehl,Sr., Illinois
I was first introduced to amateur radio my senior year of high school, 1969. Just after graduation, I joined the local fire department and got a second "injection" into the world of electronics working for the county radio department. It is precisely these exposures to the ability to not only talk, but be permitted to work on the equipment that caused me to inlist in the U.S. Navy in mid-1970 and volunteer to be a Crytologic Technician-Maintenance or CTM. That got me into nuclear submarines and a top secret clearance. I currently hold an Extra class and a Commercial licence with Radar Endorsement. Without that first meeting with Hugh Lynn, K9LIL SK, back in high school, I honestly can't say that I would be as proud of my back ground as I am. I feel amateur radio is like a child in that if you feed and nurcher it, it will grow to be something to be proud of. Not every one that sees your display will get their ticket, but I would be willing to bet that the introduction you provide to them, will for the most part have a positive effect, even if minute, on their future. Please, keep amateur radio and the station alive. Thank you.

12:25 pm PDT, Jun 2, Robert Henrichs, New York

9:29 am PDT, Jun 2, Clyde Nimal, Ohio
First, I have to say that I am truly amazed that you, a person who is "using digital technologies to support children’s learning across the disciplines of science, mathematics, engineering and technology", would even consider dismantling one of “The Hall’s hands-on exhibits". You really can't get much more "hands-on" than Amateur (Ham) Radio. Amateur radio has been there since the earliest days of radio. Much of the way we communicate today is a result of the pioneering efforts of these early ham operators. Morse code via radio (also called cw), AM, FM, hams have been in the thick of it. It was an amateur radio operator who got the first commercial broadcast station, KDKA in Pittsburgh, up and running. My own grandfather helped with some of these efforts. Amateurs were also there at the advent of commercial FM broadcasting. Hams have been leaders of countries, famous actors, astronauts and engineers. I, myself, got into electronics as a career choice because of amateur radio. Amateur radio has fostered good will and promoted greater personal relations with people from many different lands. Nothing beats actually being able to talk to someone one-on-one from the other side of the world. Through ham radio, one can learn about electronics, computers, satellite communications, meteorology, astronomy, geology, world politics, etc. Astronauts going into space have held classes and talked to students while in orbit. You can't get much more "hands-on" than that. Amateur radio had provided communications in parts of the world during disasters when no other communications were available. In times of war, amateur radio operators have been a valuable resource for their communications skills, especially in the area of Morse code. I still find it amusing that in movies such as Independence Day and shows such as Seaquest, that Morse code was the only means of communication left when all else fails. Experimentation and discovery are at the heart of ham radio. When personal computers first came along, hams were eager to embrace the new technology and turn it to improving communications in a variety of mediums, including television and tty. Hams have even used it to experiment with full digital communications (packet). Even cellphone communications has its early roots in amateur radio. I was making phone calls from my 2 meter rig before "cellphone" was even a household word. If you decide to get rid of WB2JSM, a resource you don't even have to pay for, but provides a link to the world (and the world of science) and "all that is in it" (to paraphrase National Geographic), I feel that it will be a very big mistake indeed. Today's children and ham operators may well be tomorrow's engineers, technicians, astronauts and, with a little luck, world leaders. I beg of you to seriously reconsider your decision about wanting to close down this incredible resource that is at your fingertips. Sincerely, Clyde D. Nimal AA8LX

5:42 pm PDT, Jun 1, Eric Frick, Pennsylvania

2:40 pm PDT, Jun 1, Ted Pawluk, New York
We as parents must expose our children to the whole spectrum of science which includes radio comunications. Note:That some sceince museum's have amateur radio stations an example The Nautilus in Virgina.

1:02 pm PDT, Jun 1, George Karshner, New York
The HOSARC station has brought me (with my children) to The Hall of Science Museum more than any other display or reason. I studied and tested for my technician's license there, and have attended the hamfests in the parking lot. Amateur radio has spurred my interest in science, e.g. solar cycles, propagation, electronics, electromagnetic spectrum, AND higher mathematics. To close HOSARC at The Hall of Science Museum would be a great loss to children and adults who otherwise might not have the opportunity to see and use the science of electromagnetic communication in action. Please keep HOSARC open. Thank you.

12:44 pm PDT, Jun 1, Howard Passel, New York
My ham license, which I earned when I was 12 years old, focused my interest in science, and forcefully demonstrated to me why I needed to know more math. Without ham radio, I don't think that I would have had an academic career. The interest in math that studying to upgrade my ham license is a direct cause of my maloring in, and teaching math. My interest in math led to degrees in philosophy, as well. I had never heard of ham radio until a friend told me about it, and he brought me to watch someone actually on the air. When he let me talk into the microphone and someone responded to me OVER THE RADIO, I was hooked. In these dangerous times, we need to educate people in emergency communications, and the ham radio community has always been a stellar source of trained emergency communicators that have VOLUNTARILY supplied critical communications capabilities during natural disasters, when other forms of communicatioons were overburdened or out of commission (think about cell phone service on 9/11). The amateur radio station should be kept in the Hall of Science. It is an invaluable educational and emergency resource that we citizens of Queens need and should treasure.

4:19 pm PDT, May 31, KA2MCE (amateur radio call sign), New York
Amateur radio is very important during emergencies, also it aids in international relations.

1:17 am PDT, May 31, Mel Hultz, Washington
Showing children the magic of radio that isn't connected to the internet or phone lines but by using magnetic energy to communicate across great distances is very much a communicaton science that fits with any science museum and should have a display booth showing the various modes.

2:48 pm PDT, May 29, Alan Otto, New York
Amateur Radio teaches children that they can be global without the dangers of predators found on the Internet. Amateur Radio also provides a pool of trained radio operators to provide communications in time of emergency, as Amateur Radio operators have proven countless times, including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.

10:00 am PDT, May 29, Scott Hernandez, Louisiana

8:59 pm PDT, May 27, Dennis Dworak, Wisconsin

4:45 pm PDT, May 26, Carlin Morris, WN3DUG, Pennsylvania
I ask that you please reconsider the decision to close the Amateur Radio station, WB2JSM, at the Hall of Science. Amateur Radio has and still is in the forefront of developing new technologies in many areas of Science. Once such example that I have knowledge in, where Amateur Radio has contributed, is in the area of Software Defined Radio (SDR). Many new and exciting steps have been achieved in SDR technology by the contributions of many Scientists and Engineers, who are also "Hams" (Radio Amateurs), who work in many areas of this field, advancing the state of the art for the military and commercial enterprises.

4:19 pm PDT, May 26, Cosimo DelRosso, New Jersey
What does Margaret Honey know about Our History? What does she bring to the table? Take away this Ham Radio Station and the kids have nothing.

12:15 pm PDT, May 26, Kenneth Yates, Alabama
Amateur radio has and continues to prove its worth across the globe. Many amateur radio operators become 'tinkerers', delighting in experimentation to build new things, explore established ideas, and even to push the boundaries of technology outward. Look at d-star digital radio for a prime example. Amateur radio has also proven its mettle time and time again when disaster strikes, and many other 'mainline' communications methods fail. Finally, I submit to you that an interest on amateur radio fosters a greater interest in science as a whole: from hams 'working' satellites which generates a better awareness of orbital dynamics and physics, from working long-distance 'dx' communication where a working knowledge of space weather and ionospheric conditions can be essential, or to working VHF modes where atmospheric weather can make a significant impact.

9:19 am PDT, May 26, William Pettit, Georgia
Former NY resident. In times of crisis when other means fail, amateur radio is the ONLY method of communications that is proven reliable.

7:48 am PDT, May 26, Frederick Muehlen, Texas
Amateur radio, besides being a great asset in times of catastrophe, is yet another window into science and discovery. The amateur radio community is actively trying to reach out to kids, but we can't reach them all. Our future scientists and engineers need exposure to exhibits like these to spark desires to learn more about our world and what makes things tick.

6:44 am PDT, May 26, Bill Beyrer, Pennsylvania
Please reconsider your thoughts about closing the amateur radio station WB2JSM at the Hall of Science. Ham radio continues to play an important role in communities around the country and around the world. It is a vital resource in times of disaster - often the only communications resource; it fosters a better understanding of people around the world; and is an exciting hobby for young and old alike. The exhibit provides an excellent way of introducing ham radio to the general population.

8:45 pm PDT, May 25, Name not displayed, California
When I read about the work that the Hall of Science is doing to introduce children to Amateur Radio, I decided to add it to my agenda for my trip to New York later this summer. I was shocked to later read that this good work is in danger of being shut down. With great respect, I ask that this decision be changed so that kids everywhere can be taught to think and grow rather than becoming simply appliance users. Thank you.

9:15 am PDT, May 23, Name not displayed, New York

7:13 pm PDT, May 20, John Gilster, Missouri
ham radio is crucial for education and for communications.

6:47 pm PDT, May 19, Paul Campbell, Minnesota
the adventure of radio and learning electronics is to the young mind not unlike the magic of a 300 million dollar blockbuster sci fi films magic to the whole world. are you crazy you should be expanding the exhibit not considering shutting it down

6:30 pm PDT, May 19, Robert Korn, New York

10:53 am PDT, May 18, Name not displayed, Kentucky
So they have something else to turn to other than gang membership.

3:47 pm PDT, May 17, Michael Kozma, New York
Amateur radio combines science, technology, history, and geography in one well structured youth learning experience. As such, it would be inconceivable to eliminate amateur radio from the Hall of Science museum.

3:17 pm PDT, May 17, Berge Jermakian, New York
Amateur radio serves the community and country in many ways. It encourages community involvement in providing on site communications for emergences, disasters and sporting events such as the NY Marathon. Having a demonstration place in the Hall of Science exposes our youth and adult community to the service and encourages them to learn and join in this important service.