WA2HOM is the amateur radio station at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. We moved into our permanent space in October 2008, and are active on 40m and 20m, operating CW, SSB, and digital modes.

The station was made possible by a $10,000 grant from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a $3,000 grant from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), and donations from other generous individuals. Part of this money has paid for the station and its equipment, part for a couple of "hands on" exhibits for the museum. When completed, the exhibits will include a hands-on crystal radio, a Morse Code demonstration, and an exhibit that lets a museum visitors see his or her voice on an oscilloscope.

Currently, the station consists of a TenTec Omni VII transceiver driving a pair of inverted vee antennas, one for 40m, and one for 20m. We also operate digital modes using a Signalink interface. Plans include setting up a tower and beam for 20m, 15m, and 10m on the roof of the museum in the spring of 2010. We're also working on getting some ATV equipment.

In addition to operating activities, we conduct ham radio classes and other educational activities. In November 2009, we held a One-Day Tech Class, at which nine people got their licenses. The next class will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2010. To register for the clas, or for more information, e-mail Dan, KB6NU.

For those interested in what we're doing down at the museum, you can read all about our activities there by visiting WA2HOM.Org. You can also subscribe to the HamRadioattheHandsOnMuseum Yahoo Groups mailing list. Subscription is open to all.

If you're in the area, and would like to help us operate the station, please drop by. We're normally there every Saturday from 10 am until at least 2 pm. If you're planning to visit on another day, e-mail Dan KB6NU, and he'll arrange to have someone meet you down there.