Over the past half century I responded several times to AMSAT’s call for volunteers and never heard back from them. I was happy to hear from my son when he volunteered his software talents to AMSAT and told me that they had asked when would be a good time to contact him. His job title is Software Engineer with over 30 years experience, a number of published articles and winner of a number of design contests. He is also comfortable with hardware and firmware. If I mention a piece of hardware or software that I wish was a available in my ham shack it is usually available the next time he visits.
Oh by the way I see AMSAT is still looking for a software guy, they never followed up on their request of when they could contact him. They sure blew an opportunity there.
Tom K8TL
If AMSAT asks for volunteers its usually for newsletters, booth duty or web site maintenance. The AMSAT BoD raises money, provides it to groups doing development of amateur satellites and provides general services like this mailing list. In my experience, satellites are developed by dedicated teams that will ask for volunteers for specific tasks. For example, I was a volunteer for Eagle U-band receiver development. AMSAT might have passed on a name and the position had already been filled.
73,
John KD6OZH
----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Lubbers K8TL" [email protected] To: "AMSAT BB" [email protected] Sent: Friday, June 07, 2013 15:55 UTC Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT needs volunteers ???
Over the past half century I responded several times to AMSAT’s call for volunteers and never heard back from them. I was happy to hear from my son when he volunteered his software talents to AMSAT and told me that they had asked when would be a good time to contact him. His job title is Software Engineer with over 30 years experience, a number of published articles and winner of a number of design contests. He is also comfortable with hardware and firmware. If I mention a piece of hardware or software that I wish was a available in my ham shack it is usually available the next time he visits.
Oh by the way I see AMSAT is still looking for a software guy, they never followed up on their request of when they could contact him. They sure blew an opportunity there.
Tom K8TL
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
I answered last year to a call and I got an answer from AMSAT ... but it was negative due to the ITAR regulations and my Spanish nationality :-)
Maybe if the US relax ITAR for hamradio satellites we (non-US hams) can help in future projects. :-)
Just my 2 cents :-)
Jaime, EA4TV El 07/06/2013 19:43, "John Stephensen" [email protected] escribió:
If AMSAT asks for volunteers its usually for newsletters, booth duty or web site maintenance. The AMSAT BoD raises money, provides it to groups doing development of amateur satellites and provides general services like this mailing list. In my experience, satellites are developed by dedicated teams that will ask for volunteers for specific tasks. For example, I was a volunteer for Eagle U-band receiver development. AMSAT might have passed on a name and the position had already been filled.
73,
John KD6OZH
----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Lubbers K8TL" [email protected] To: "AMSAT BB" [email protected] Sent: Friday, June 07, 2013 15:55 UTC Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT needs volunteers ???
Over the past half century I responded several times to AMSAT’s call for
volunteers and never heard back from them. I was happy to hear from my son when he volunteered his software talents to AMSAT and told me that they had asked when would be a good time to contact him. His job title is Software Engineer with over 30 years experience, a number of published articles and winner of a number of design contests. He is also comfortable with hardware and firmware. If I mention a piece of hardware or software that I wish was a available in my ham shack it is usually available the next time he visits.
Oh by the way I see AMSAT is still looking for a software guy, they never followed up on their request of when they could contact him. They sure blew an opportunity there.
Tom K8TL
______________________________**_________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/**listinfo/amsat-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
______________________________**_________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/**listinfo/amsat-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Currently, the only way that AMSAT-NA seems to be able to work with non-US citizens is via NASA which can more easily obtain the required approvals.
73,
John KD6OZH
----- Original Message ----- From: "Jaime Robles" [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Friday, June 07, 2013 18:37 UTC Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT needs volunteers ???
I answered last year to a call and I got an answer from AMSAT ... but it was negative due to the ITAR regulations and my Spanish nationality :-)
Maybe if the US relax ITAR for hamradio satellites we (non-US hams) can help in future projects. :-)
Just my 2 cents :-)
Jaime, EA4TV El 07/06/2013 19:43, "John Stephensen" [email protected] escribió:
On 6/7/13, Jaime Robles [email protected] wrote:
I answered last year to a call and I got an answer from AMSAT ... but it was negative due to the ITAR regulations and my Spanish nationality :-)
Maybe if the US relax ITAR for hamradio satellites we (non-US hams) can help in future projects. :-)
Just my 2 cents :-)
Jaime, EA4TV
That situation might change, according to this:
http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2013/06/researchers-upbeat-about-u...
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL
<snip>
Tom,
It IS true that AMSAT is always looking for volunteers. And we have an amazing number working on projects ranging from Fox to the day to day operations. However messily, the recruiting process works. However, in most cases it comes from someone with a specific skill, contacting a specific individual, about a specific project. In other cases, the person needing help contacts someone who they know who is a good fit, or based on a trusted recommendation. This in many ways mirrors corporate and educational hiring.
What you are talking about are the generic "I want to work for AMSAT, what can I do?" volunteers. As has been said, those reading the applications are also volunteers who pass them on to other volunteers who may or may not respond. There have been times when the press of other projects, or personal health matters, have caused the applications to fall through the cracks. Also, as Gould has remarked, the idea of working for AMSAT is often more appealing than actually working for AMSAT. This is no reflection on your son or anyone else, but it does tend to encourage the use of people with proven skills and record over "walk ins."
As another respondent has said, ITAR is a complete roadblock for non-US citizens for most areas. As a result of the NDAA changes, the first draft regulations are appearing. We have volunteers plowing through the extensive documents, most of which seem to be written in a foreign language. However, we have expectations that the current ban will be lifted in the foreseeable future, or at least made more reasonable. The primary benefit will be working with our colleagues in other national AMSATs, but it will also open up our own ability to accept foreign volunteers.
All that having been said, I am working on getting the AMSAT generic recruitment running a bit more effectively. This will include a more targeted approach for those expressing interest, and at least some sort of reply. Of course, I am also just a volunteer. :)
73s,
Alan WA4SCA
This in many ways mirrors corporate and educational hiring."
A non inquisitor sentence
Volunteering for AMSAT (or the Boy Scouts or insert volunteer group here) is not "hiring" and it certainly is not corporate or educational hiring.
Robert WB5MZO
From: [email protected] To: [email protected]; [email protected] Date: Sat, 8 Jun 2013 07:47:45 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT needs volunteers ???
Tom,
It IS true that AMSAT is always looking for volunteers. And we have an amazing number working on projects ranging from Fox to the day to day operations. However messily, the recruiting process works. However, in most cases it comes from someone with a specific skill, contacting a specific individual, about a specific project. In other cases, the person needing help contacts someone who they know who is a good fit, or based on a trusted recommendation. This in many ways mirrors corporate and educational hiring.
What you are talking about are the generic "I want to work for AMSAT, what can I do?" volunteers. As has been said, those reading the applications are also volunteers who pass them on to other volunteers who may or may not respond. There have been times when the press of other projects, or personal health matters, have caused the applications to fall through the cracks. Also, as Gould has remarked, the idea of working for AMSAT is often more appealing than actually working for AMSAT. This is no reflection on your son or anyone else, but it does tend to encourage the use of people with proven skills and record over "walk ins."
As another respondent has said, ITAR is a complete roadblock for non-US citizens for most areas. As a result of the NDAA changes, the first draft regulations are appearing. We have volunteers plowing through the extensive documents, most of which seem to be written in a foreign language. However, we have expectations that the current ban will be lifted in the foreseeable future, or at least made more reasonable. The primary benefit will be working with our colleagues in other national AMSATs, but it will also open up our own ability to accept foreign volunteers.
All that having been said, I am working on getting the AMSAT generic recruitment running a bit more effectively. This will include a more targeted approach for those expressing interest, and at least some sort of reply. Of course, I am also just a volunteer. :)
73s,
Alan WA4SCA
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Robert,
Volunteering for AMSAT ...
No, but placing volunteers successfully is very similar when we are talking about technical rather than non-specialized social service, which is the point I was addressing. An important distinction, not a "non inquisitor" sentence. :)
73s,
Alan WA4SCA
-----Original Message----- From: R Oler [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Saturday, June 08, 2013 11:51 AM To: [email protected]; 'Tom Lubbers K8TL'; Amsat BB Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT needs volunteers ???
This in many ways mirrors corporate and educational hiring."
A non inquisitor sentence
Volunteering for AMSAT (or the Boy Scouts or insert volunteer group here) is not "hiring" and it certainly is not corporate or educational hiring.
Robert WB5MZO
From: [email protected] To: [email protected]; [email protected] Date: Sat, 8 Jun 2013 07:47:45 -0500 Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT needs volunteers ???
Tom,
It IS true that AMSAT is always looking for volunteers. And we have an amazing number working on projects ranging from Fox to the day to day operations. However messily, the recruiting process works. However, in most cases it comes from someone with a specific skill, contacting a specific individual, about a specific project. In other cases, the person needing help contacts someone who they know who is a good fit, or based on a trusted recommendation. This in many ways mirrors corporate and educational hiring.
What you are talking about are the generic "I want to work for AMSAT, what can I do?" volunteers. As has been said, those reading the applications are also volunteers who pass them on to other
volunteers
who may or may not respond. There have been times when the press of other projects, or personal health matters, have caused the applications to fall through the cracks. Also, as Gould has
remarked,
the idea of working for AMSAT is often more appealing than actually working for AMSAT. This is no reflection on your son or anyone else, but it does tend to encourage the use of people with proven skills and record over "walk ins."
As another respondent has said, ITAR is a complete roadblock for non-US citizens for most areas. As
a
result of the NDAA changes, the first draft regulations are appearing. We have volunteers plowing through the extensive documents, most of which seem to be written in a foreign language. However, we have expectations that the current ban will be lifted in the foreseeable future, or at least made
more
reasonable. The primary benefit will be working with our colleagues in other national AMSATs, but it will also open up our own ability to accept foreign volunteers.
All that having been said, I am working on getting the AMSAT generic recruitment running a bit more effectively. This will include a more targeted approach for those expressing interest, and at least some sort of reply. Of course, I am also just a volunteer. :)
73s,
Alan WA4SCA
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
participants (6)
-
Alan -
B J -
Jaime Robles -
John Stephensen -
R Oler -
Tom Lubbers K8TL