[amsat-bb] AMSAT Symposium at Sea

[Bill Dillon]

Definitely want to echo Frank's comments on the cruise, and the thanks to
Clayton, W5PFG, the organizing committee, and AMSAT BoD.  I especially
appreciate his efforts to get my radio through port security and his
ability to adapt and improvise to all the challenges that came up, and keep
smiling through it all.

This was my first AMSAT Symposium:  I learned a great deal, and enjoyed
meeting some of the people behind the call signs exchanged via satellite.
I also enjoyed the challenge of making contacts at sea.

By land or by sea, I look forward to attending future Symposia.

73 de Bill, KG5FQX

On Sat, Nov 26, 2016 at 4:15 PM, Edward R Cole <kl7uw at acsalaska.net> wrote:

> Frank,
>
> Glad you enjoyed the symposium at sea.  We would not have come as my wife
> is adverse to taking cruise ships, but the cost would be higher for us from
> Alaska (flying for two to Houston would be about $1600 on top of the
> cruise/symposium costs).
>
> I last attended Symposium in 2001 in Atlanta but was single then so costs
> nearly half what it costs for both of us.  We attended SVHF Conference in
> Atlanta in 2014 and it cost about $2200 to attend.  We combined the trip
> with visiting family in MI so the flight from Detroit only added $600 plus
> luggage charges.  Anch-Detroit cost $1600.  Plus hotels, meals, and taking
> the L from airport to hotel.  Total vacation costs $4000 for 14-days.
>
> Had we signed up it would have been a disappointment having Cozumel
> dropped.  But cruises are "out" as I said, before.
>
> Most of my post-AO-40 activity has been in eme and not satellite, but with
> possibility of new high altitude missions we may come back top satellite
> (helping out with P4/P5 design group in minor way).  I am a mw enabled ham
> so looking forward to the new sats.  In meantime have acquired a FT-736R
> and may get my AO-40 antennas back in use with current crop in the interim.
>
> Symposium is always scheduled in Oct. so possible conflict with ARRL EME
> Contest plus flying in winter conditions up here complicate attending.  We
> will be starting to do extended travel with RV next summer in lower-48 so
> may hear from our sat-capable mobile (track us via APRS).  But RV needs to
> arrive home by end of Sept. to avoid potential winter roads on northern end
> of the road.  Travel season is Mid-may - end-Sept for Alaskans (and
> visitors).
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>
> Date: Fri, 25 Nov 2016 23:14:53 -0800
> From: Frank Westphal <k6fw1 at verizon.net>
> To: amsat-bb at amsat.org
> Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT Symposium at Sea
> Message-ID: <bdc4d4cd-84de-2d37-8f6c-ae8db21f3c29 at verizon.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
>
> I had a fantastic time at the AMSAT Symposium at Sea.  I would go again
> next year if a cruise is offered.  How about a cruise out of a Florida
> port.  I learned a lot, had a great time meeting operators face to face
> that I had only talked to on the birds.  Had fun in Progresso.  Made a
> dozen QSO's from rare grids to make the operators who stayed home happy.
>
> I went to the Baltimore Symposium two years ago and spent at least as
> much money as the cruise trip all expenses included.  I enjoyed the
> Baltimore trip, but there was more opportunity to get to know the other
> AMSAT members on the cruise and exchange ideas.
>
> A big thank you to Clayton, W5PFG, and his symposium committee and the
> AMSAT Board of Directors for believing in the idea and backing it.
>
> As far as furthering the fund raising for AMSAT the venue of the
> symposium has minimal impact on attracting additional dollars.  I have
> to believe a symposium on a cruise ship costs AMSAT less that at a
> tradition hotel.
>
> Attracting additional members will of course increase the income.
> Getting hams exciting about working the satellites will increase
> membership.
>
> The funding model for most large dxpeditions is half from the operators
> going on the expedition and the other half from fundraising from the ham
> community and corporate sponsors.  AMSAT is working on the corporate
> donors.  If every AMSAT member was a member of the President's Club at
> what ever level they can afford that would sure help the deficit.  No
> hobby is inexpensive.  Have you checked on the cost of a golf membership
> lately.
>
> I for one think AMSAT is a terrific organization and hope the future is
> bright.
>
> Frank
> K6FW
>
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
>     "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag Business e-mail:
>     dubususa at gmail.com
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