STEM - Community engagement - getting the club some attention

[vk3vsm]

During last night's Rotary meeting, our gues speaker was Fiona Le Gassick, the new CEO of Greater Shepparton. I had an engaging discussion with her about the significance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in shaping the future of Greater Shepparton, she was also aware of the Smart Farm initiative in Tatura that uses STEM and contributes to the agriculture landscape. I also talked to her about Radio Australia and what part it took int comms field including moon bounces , broadcasting into the indo pacific etc , she was rather interested in the field and she did mention she would pushing for Greater shepparton to make a more actice approach toward stem

In our club newsletter, it was highlighted that within the realm of Amateur Radio, there exists a diverse range of interests and activities. Whether it's exploring the intricacies of 23cm and up frequencies, pursuing long-distance communication (DX), honing soldering skills, participating in contests, or providing vital emergency communication services to the community, each facet contributes to the rich tapestry of the hobby.

We should compile a list of projects that the club could use to showcase how our club integrates STEM principles, specifically leveraging Arduino/electronics in conjunction with radio communications. These projects will could serve as examples our club makes to the community. By presenting these projects to the media and local government, we could leverage it for the clubs benefits

 

[vk3vsm]

I'll start


Launching a balloon equipped with ham radio equipment can benefit a ham radio club in several ways:

1. STEM Education: A balloon launch project provides an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Club members, particularly students, can gain practical experience in designing, building, and launching the balloon payload, as well as tracking its flight path and analyzing data collected during the mission.
2. Promotion of Amateur Radio: Balloon launches garner public attention and generate interest in amateur radio. They offer a unique and exciting demonstration of the capabilities of ham radio equipment for communication over long distances and at high altitudes. Publicizing the launch can attract media coverage, outreach opportunities, and engagement with the local community, helping to promote the hobby and recruit new members to the club.
3. Experimentation and Innovation: Balloon launches allow ham radio enthusiasts to experiment with different types of radio equipment, antennas, tracking systems, and payloads. Club members can develop and test new technologies, conduct scientific experiments, or demonstrate specific radio communication techniques, contributing to innovation and knowledge sharing within the amateur radio community.
4. Community Engagement: Balloon launches provide an opportunity for collaborative projects and partnerships with schools, universities, community organizations, and other amateur radio clubs. Clubs can involve local schools or youth groups in the project, offering educational workshops, demonstrations, or opportunities to participate in tracking and recovery efforts. These collaborations foster community engagement and strengthen ties with other organizations sharing an interest in STEM and amateur radio.
5. Skill Development: Participating in a balloon launch project allows club members to develop a wide range of skills, including project management, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. From planning and logistics to tracking and recovery operations, members gain valuable hands-on experience that enhances their proficiency as amateur radio operators and prepares them for future projects and challenges.
6. Data Collection and Analysis: Balloon launches offer opportunities for collecting valuable data on atmospheric conditions, radio propagation, and other scientific phenomena. Club members can analyze the data gathered during the flight to gain insights into radio communication at high altitudes, contribute to scientific research projects, or enhance their understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and space environment.

We could also approach the shepparton camera club and see if the would contribute some funds , we could put a camera on board and get some high altitude photo's of shepparton

 

[VK3ZYZ]

A balloon could be fun. I wonder how hard it is to get a permit for that? And what means are needed to be taken to provide safety yo aircraft.

 

[Josh]

A balloon would be a good club project, and maybe a good case to get some funding.
Not hard to get permit, just need to have the right insurance, lodge all the paper work with CASA and pay them for the review of your plan.

Strato flight have all the details.

Register your weather balloon with CASA in Australia | Stratoflights

Take advantage of our own experience and register your weather balloon with CASA in Australia in just a few steps, quickly and easily!

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[vk3vsm]

I do remember reading that you could no long launch balloons due to rubbish , so i sent an email to the EPA to get some clarification Weather balloons(or balloons for our intended purpose) are not regulated under Section 115 of the EPA Act.