February 2023
In this issue...
A Note from ChelseaIt’s hard to believe that, even though 2023 has just barely started, we’ve already begun our first review cycle for the year. There were 72 proposals submitted for review this cycle, and our Grants Advisory Committee is hard at work reviewing them all. There are some really great proposals in this batch! Even though the first deadline has passed, we still have three more review cycles this year. Proposals are due on the following dates:
Remember, it takes approximately two to three months after this date for us to review all of the proposals. To make your grant proposal the best it can be, be sure to review our grantmaking categories and goals and instructions for submitting a grant application. ARDC Grantees Talk to International Space StationTwo of ARDC’s grantees–the Norwich Free Academy (Norwich, CT) and Bridgerland Amateur Radio Club (Cache Valley, UT)–participated in contacts with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), under the auspices of a third ARDC grantee, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). The Norwich Free Academy Amateur Radio and Engineering Club, call sign W1HLO, connected with astronaut Josh Cassada on the ISS on January 30. Students asked about how Cassada became an astronaut, what advice he would give for someone aspiring to become an astronaut, and if it’s possible for other objects in space to collide with the ISS. The Norwich Bulletin story about the contact includes a video.  Out in Utah, the Bridgerland ARC worked with the local high school, Ridgeline High, to arrange an ISS contact on Tuesday, February 11, 2023. Among the questions that the Ridgeline High students asked was, “What’s the most beautiful view you’ve ever seen from space?” To which, Cassada replied, “You gotta believe me on this one. There’s not a view from up here that isn’t beautiful.” For more information, listen to the Utah Public Radio report or read the Cache Valley Daily story. Annual Report Highlights 2022 AchievementsThe 2022 ARDC Annual Report is now available. It includes the following highlights:
You can also find a financial summary in the report, which you can download here. Contact us if you have any comments or questions. 44Net Assessment Results are In!In early 2022, ARDC contracted with Two P, a consultancy with expertise in networking and systems management, to determine who is using 44Net and how they are using it. Two P’s first step was to conduct a survey of current users and potential users to get some basic data. They then conducted multiple focus groups to dive deeper into the data. Their report – ARDC 44Net Assessment Results – characterizes 44Net users, details the applications and services that run on 44Net, and captures feedback on ARDC's stewardship of 44Net. For a recap of the report, visit our website. Come See Us at HamSCI, QSO Today Virtual ExpoOur Executive Director, Rosy Schechter, KJ7RYV (see photo at right); Outreach Manager, John Hays, K7VE; and Technical Director, Jon Kemper, KA6NVY attended Hamcation earlier this month. They gave a presentation about ARDC and met with many potential grantees. ARDC will be on the road again next month. On our schedule are the following hamfests and conferences:
Contact us!We want to hear from you:
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