That's a great suggestion, Paul. Very constructive. Assuming such a
transfer from the federal government could be implemented, funding
would be needed. So if the worst happens and these stations do
indeed end up on the chopping block it might be a lot less an uphill
battle to get hams and other incumbent users involved in a long term,
sustainable funding scheme. I would personally support such an
arrangement, within my limited means. It might take a lot of
supporters to pull it off, but somehow I doubt that number would come
*anywhere* near 100,000 individuals.
Despite aspersions to the contrary, I *do* 'get it', and would sorely
miss all those NIST services here. I guess some in our group fancy
themselves mind readers? (grin)
73, David K3KY
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: Re: Topband: OT - US Hams, WWV closure
> From: "Paul Christensen" <w9ac@arrl.net>
> Date: Thu, August 23, 2018 12:02 pm
> To: <topband@contesting.com>
>
>
> >"The cost savings they are talking about amounts to very little. It would
> >cost a helluva lot more to dismantle them completely. Besides TIME and
> >freq standards, WWV provides for a myriad of other features."
>
> Seems like a great opportunity to spin-off WWV/WWVB to one of Colorado's
> state universities; WWVH to a Hawaii university. Let a university run it as
> a STEM project under the auspices of their dept. of physics or engineering.
> Assign an advisor to help lead the students into worthwhile projects and
> responsibilities. Here's an opportunity for academic professors to lead by
> example, not just teach. It's not like it takes expensive, and largely
> unmotivated federal workers with their long-term FERS/CSRS expenses to keep
> the stations running. Moreover, it should be easier for a school to secure
> private, external corporate funding and grants as needed, rather than through
> a U.S. federal agency. In time, upgrade/expand the existing buildings for
> other university STEM projects. Let the universities work with high schools
> - and get high school students motivated to pursue STEM degrees. Give them
> operating shifts, special construction projects, write code for remote
> station monitoring, etc.
>
> My university had two student-run radio stations, run under the direction of
> an academic advisor. Never in my life have I met a more motivated group of
> people who worked for free. We couldn’t get enough if it. The experience we
> received was priceless.
>
> Paul, W9AC
>
>
>
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