Special Event Station Host for YOTA Required

/

Following on from the success of last year’s event, applications to host a Special Event Station for Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) Month in December are now open. The RSGB Youth Committee has managed to secure the callsign G15YOTA (and its regional variations) for use in December, thanks to Ofcom’s continued support.

The aim of the month long event is to promote amateur radio to younger audiences and to encourage them to get on the air. Special event stations will be active from countries all over the world, with each Special Event Station identifiable by its “YOTA” suffix. An award scheme also exists to encourage amateurs to work as many YOTA stations as possible throughout the event in December.

If your club or organisation would like to host the G15YOTA callsign in December, the only requirement is that the station is operated by young people (<26 years old) and a full licence holder is able to hold the NoV and supervise the station at all times. The RSGB Youth Committee will be administering all applications and each successful applicant will be given a time slot in which to use the callsign during December.

Applications close on the 30th September 2015 and allocations will be made by the 16th October 2015. However, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible to secure your preferred date of operation.

To apply, send an e-mail to YOTA@rsgb.org.uk or for more information on YOTA month, visit http://www.ham-yota.com/december-yota-month/ or http://rsgb.org/main/about-us/committees/youth-committee/youngsters-on-the-air/

Amateur / Ham Radio Celebration and Promotion of Marine Beacons

/

The International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend has attracted 370 registrations from 33 nations, with at least 100 more expected before the fun event is held on 15-16 August 2015.

On the top of the registration table is Germany on 65, Australia with 60, USA has 50 and England about 40.

At least 10 registrations each are from Argentina, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Scotland and South Africa and Sweden. Many more countries have much fewer, but are most welcome.

For more information about the event, visit http://www.illw.net

Amateur / Ham Radio Field Day Demonstrates Science, Skill and Service

/

Cedar Valley Amateur Club, Eastern Iowa DX Association and Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio Club will be joining together to run an amateur radio field day taking place 27/28 June 2015 at Faye Clark Park in Hiawatha.

Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary amateur radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of Amateur Radio. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

“Hams can literally throw a wire in a tree for an antenna, connect it to a battery-powered transmitter and communicate halfway around the world. Hams do this by using a layer of Earth’s atmosphere as a sort of mirror for radio waves. In today’s electronic do-it-yourself (DIY) environment, ham radio remains one of the best ways for people to learn about electronics, physics, meteorology, and numerous other scientific disciplines, and is a huge asset to any community during disasters if the standard communication infrastructure goes down.”
— Sean Kutzko KX9X of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL)