News
IARU Satellite Frequency Coordination Reaches 1,000th Milestone:
by AB7RG 2024-11-01The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) recently celebrated a significant milestone, having received and processed 1,000 satellite frequency coordination requests. This achievement highlights the organization’s crucial role in ensuring the orderly use of radio frequencies by amateur satellites in orbit. Many of these requests have resulted in successful missions providing amateur communications and educational opportunities to several generations of technology students, professionals and enthusiasts.
Hello Earth? Space Calling:
by AB7RG 2024-10-31How it started versus how it's going for astronaut Nick Hague with ISS Ham Radio on the space station. Since November 2000, crew members like Hague have used ham radio to communicate with people on Earth through this educational program, also known as Amateur Radio on the International Space Station or ARISS. So far, there have been more than 1,700 events, directly engaging students and listeners from 49 U.S. states, 63 countries, and all seven continents. Students study the space station, radio waves, amateur radio technology, and related topics before their call from space, which encourages interest in STEM.
University of Scranton Amateur Radio Station Links Others:
by AB7RG 2024-10-29Nathaniel Frissell put out a call and waited for a response. "Hello, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, this is whiskey 3 uniform sierra romeo." An amateur radio operator from Virginia answered the call from the University of Scranton's new amateur radio station -- call sign W3USR. Frissell, a University of Scranton associate professor of physics and engineering, and his students make connections around the world while conducting groundbreaking research about the earth's upper atmosphere. "Ham radio is a really exciting way to understand communications and many of the technologies that we interact with every day," Frissell said. With ham radio enthusiasts and researchers from across the country, the university dedicated the new radio station on Friday. The group, along with students and community members, gathered at the station on Thursday night. Steve Cerwin, a physicist who traveled to the dedication from Texas, works with Frissell on the research. Cerwin called the facility a "world class amateur radio station."
Williamson County Amateur Radio to Participate in Countywide Exercise:
by AB7RG 2024-10-29Amateur radio operators from Williamson County Tennessee Amateur Radio Emergency Service (WCARES) will hold a Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 8 AM till 12:15 PM. This countywide emergency communications exercise will test our ability to provide communications for our primary served agency, the Williamson County Emergency Management Agency, as well as for the National Weather Service. The exercise scenario will involve an emergency event necessitating evacuation to simulated shelters. Shelter communication teams will deploy to the simulated shelters and establish communication operations. Other simulated emergency communication needs will develop during the event.
Reading Scouts Unite with Amateur Radio Club for Event:
by AB7RG 2024-10-31Held on Saturday, October 19, the Jamboree on the Air event (JOTA) connects scout groups globally via radio and the internet, fostering communication skills. RADARC (Reading and District Amateur Radio Club) teamed up with the scouts at their Kensington Park base for the annual event. Scouts from the 103rd group participated in four communication activities, including internet communication, radio communication, and radio kit building. RADARC provided a radio, aerial set up, and club member David Honey, who offered basic radio training. Scout members then took the microphone, speaking to 24 other scout groups in countries such as Eire, The Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and the UK.
Radio Network Group's Preparation Day Draws Interest from Recent Disasters:
by AB7RG 2024-10-30Morgan County's independent backup emergency communications network has been busy making the most of their radio experience and the gift of two radio towers from the county to build out a secondary layer of connectivity in case of major disaster locally. The incorporated group -- Morgan County Emergency Communications Network, Inc. -- will host a Morgan County Preparation Day this Sunday, November 3 to talk about their efforts and what local households can do to be prepared for unforeseen challenges. Made up largely of skilled amateur radio operators, the Morgan County Emergency Communications Network is "actively building out a county-wide infrastructure" to add additional communication options for county residents, responders and those outside the area.
Friendships Spark Across Frequencies for Local Ham Radio Operators:
by AB7RG 2024-10-29In the world of ham radio, friendships spark across frequencies, stretching from small towns to the farthest reaches of the globe. What began as a hobby for enthusiasts has grown into a vital public service and platform for personal achievement. These amateur radio operators, or "hams," connect with others through two-way radios, whether from their homes, cars, or outdoors. For many, it's not just about making friends -- it's about being a lifeline during crises. When floods, storms, or earthquakes strike and commercial communication systems fail, hams step in, providing emergency communications to officials and citizens alike. Yet, the joy of personal discovery, from mastering new technologies to communicating with people thousands of miles away, keeps the passion alive.
DIU Holds Radio Scouting Event:
by AB7RG 2024-10-28The world's largest digital and radio scouting event, the 67th Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and the 28th Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI), was held at Daffodil International University (DIU). Organized by the Bangladesh Scouts Air Region and supported by the Daffodil International University Air Rover Scout Group, the three-day (October 18-20) event saw the participation of over 200 scouts and 20 scout leaders from Dhaka District Air and Kurmitola District Air. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Squadron Leader Mohammad Masud Rana, Secretary of Bangladesh Scouts Air Region, as the Chief Scout Personality. Professor Dr. Syed Akhter Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Information Technology of DIU, was present as a special guest. The event was presided over by Dr. Mohammad Nadir Bin Ali, Registrar of DIU. Professor Dr. Bimal Chandra Das, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Information Technology of DIU and Farhana Rahman, Deputy Regional Commissioner and Assistant Leader Trainer, Bangladesh Scouts Air Region. Teachers, amateur radio operators, organizing committee members, volunteers, and scout members were in attendance. In his speech, the Chief Guest stated, "We have entered the era of technology, and its proper use is crucial for our youth. Through initiatives like this, scouts will explore new horizons using modern technology and build bridges of friendship worldwide." The Special Guest remarked, "I see this event as a significant step forward. Scouts will be able to create new opportunities for education and communication by utilizing modern technology." The President of the event commented, "Daffodil International University has always played a leading role in social activities and youth development. This program will help develop leadership qualities in young people."
