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YOTA Contest | 3rd Session 2022 + New Dates 2023

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Press Release by International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 – Youth Working Group

Erding, Germany – Tuesday, 20.12.2022

2022 is coming to an end already but we are still going strong within the currently ongoing December YOTA Month. Within this event, we will also hold the 3rd session of our well-known YOTA Contest on 30th December from 1200 – 2359 UTC. Thus, we are looking forward to seeing you all participating and working the worldwide youngsters on the bands.

Further, we are happy to announce that we will have three (3) more YOTA Contest sessions coming up in 2023 again. Lots of participants enjoyed the 2022 sessions already and thus we hope to get even more people involved into the events this year.

The upcoming three sessions will be taking place on the following days:

1st round         22nd April 2023            0800 – 1959 UTC

2nd round        22nd July 2023             1000 – 2159 UTC

3rd round         30th December 2023 1200 – 2359 UTC

So, are you ready to compete within the next YOTA Contest? Everyone in the ham radio community can take part, it takes place three times per year and only lasts 12 hours. Its aim is to increase the youngsters’ activity on the air, strengthening the reputation of the YOTA program and demonstrate the support for youngsters across the world.

We have implemented 8 different categories which also include special ones for youngsters (≤ 25 years old) only. Covering the 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m and 10m bands the competition will take place in CW and SSB modes.

The contest exchange used will be the age of the participating operators. Different ages also serve as multipliers during the contest.

Contacts between the own continent are worth 1 point, working DX is worth 3 points but the most points will be achieved by working youngsters. The younger the operator the more points one will get for the QSO.

During the past year we have received several rule translations into various languages. A big thank you to the contributors! So, if you are not that fluent in English, check them out here.

If you have any further questions after reading through the rules, please go to our FAQ page to see if your question has been answered already. If you still have a question, feel free to drop the YOTA Contest Committee an email at contest@ham-yota.com and we are happy to reply.

On behalf of the YOTA Contest Committee,

— Kind regards | 73

Philipp Springer, DK6SP Chair Youth Working Group International Amateur Radio Union Region 1

 

 

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IARU R1 Youth Working Group | Call for Member Applications

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We are very happy that our community is growing and getting bigger every day, but unfortunately, we can’t do it alone anymore and we need help with the organization.

We firmly believe that we will find other youngsters who are not afraid to take the future of HAM radio into their own hands.

If you would like to assist and help us, e.g. with social media or IT, please fill out the this form and we will get back to you with more info soon.

Many thanks in advance.


73 IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group

Roadmap Meeting and New Vice Chair Appointment | Way to the Future

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Press Release
by International Amateur Radio Union, Region 1
Youth Working Group

Source: IARU Region 1

The IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group just held its yearly meeting among its members. Within this virtual gathering various things, as a roadmap, new structure, etc., were introduced and discussed.

Due to its fast growth over the past few years the Youth Working Group gained lots of responsibilities and tasks. Thus, it was decided to appoint a second Vice Chair position to split those among the board members. This doing was clarified with the IARU R1 President and Secretary in advance.

Thus, from Thursday 27th October 2022, Otava Tuomi (OH3OT) serves as a second Vice Chair next to Markus Großer (DL8GM) within the Working Group. Otava is a member since 2019 and currently actively contributing to the well-known ”Train The Trainer” (TTT) program as its coordinator. He will remain within his TTT coordinator position and is further assisting with strategic planning tasks and decision making among the board. All present Youth Working Group members voted in favor, none against, no abstain. We would like to thank OH3OT for his contribution and are looking forward to our common upcoming work in the future.

Furthermore, a new working structure was introduced to the team. It includes a clear allocation of tasks and responsibilities among its members. We would like to thank all involved new team leads and members of the IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group for their trust and therefore continuous outstanding contribution. Without all their efforts nothing would be possible!

Though, to fill in remaining positions within our newly established departments we are always searching for new dedicated additions in various fields to our team. If you want to contribute please let us know at youth@iaru-r1.org.

In case of any questions do not hesitate to reach out to our team at youth@iaru-r1.org.


Mit freundlichen Grüßen | Kind regards | 73

Philipp Springer, DK6SP

Chair
Youth Working Group
International Amateur Radio Union
Region 1

IARU Region 2 announces YOTA Summer Camp 2023

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Press Release by Youth On The Air (IARU Region 2)
19.09.2022

2023 Camp Dates & Location Are Set

Youth on the Air Camp 2023 Dates and Location Finalized

The third camp for young amateur radio operators in North, Central, and South America is scheduled to take place July 16-21, 2023.

UNION, Kentucky, September 18, 2023—After another successful camp program in 2022, the next Youth on the Air Camp for the Americas has been scheduled for July 16-21, 2023.  The selected site for this year’s camp is Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  A team from the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) will serve as the local host for this event.

The camper application period will open online December 1, 2022 at youthontheair.org.  Eligible youth are licensed amateur radio operators between ages 15 and 25.

A total of 30 campers will be accepted. Priority will be given to first-time attendees and youth residing outside of the USA.  Returning attendees will serve as leaders during the camp.

Potential campers that reside outside of Canada are encouraged to begin the process of obtaining the necessary passport (and appointment to obtain a tourist VISA, where applicable) NOW.

We know that changes in the COVID-19 pandemic status between now and July will have an impact on hosting the camp.  Should we not be able to host the camp or if we need to reschedule, we will let everyone know with as much notice as possible.

For details about the camp and/or to sign up for updates by email, visit the camp web page at YouthOnTheAir.org.

For additional information, please contact Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG at director@youthontheair.org.

December YOTA Month | 10th DYM Activity 2022

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Press Release by International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 – Youth Working Group

Erding, Germany – Tuesday, 04.10. 2022

The entire month of December, several youngsters under the age of 26 will become active with YOTA suffixes in their callsigns. The idea behind this is to show the amateur radio hobby to youth and to encourage youngsters to be active on the ham radio waves.

The last time YOTA callsigns hitting the air waves was from the 10th annual YOTA Summer Camp in early August 2022. Nearly 100 youngsters were activating various bands and modes. This shall be continued in this year’s 10th edition of the December YOTA Month activity.

Every ham radio operator can support the youth worldwide! By making a QSO with them, they can improve their skills on air and learn more about geography and ham radio abbreviations, among others. The youngsters will be happy to get some attention and exchange information. Licensed and unlicensed youth will be making QSOs, be aware this could be their first radio contact ever and give them a chance to experience a possible new hobby.

Help your local youngsters to get on the air throughout the December YOTA Month. Either you are a supporting elmer or under 26 years yourself, contact your society’s youth coordinator to be active with your national YOTA callsign(s). If your society did not apply for one yet, feel free to encourage them to do so of course. It will be a pleasure to work a lot of new youngsters on the bands for sure!

As every year, there is again an award program available. Work as many YOTA stations on as many bands and modes as possible and be eligible for your Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum award for free. Furthermore, there will be wooden plaques for the best achieving radio hams worldwide available once again. The various categories will be announced once we are getting closer to the event itself.

The DYM program promotes the radio activity on the air waves and shows that there is and will be activity in the future. Visit our website events.ham-yota.com for more information about the award rules.

Last year the worldwide participation of IARU member societies in all three regions was at a never seen high while counting 62 active stations. The youngsters achieved nearly 120.000 QSOs and over 2.000 free awards were downloaded from the DYM website. Therefore, let’s participate in December YOTA Month, and achieve big numbers together once again in December 2022!

Feel free to follow the activities on our homepage as well as on our social media channels @hamyota and @hamyota_official and update yourself at events.ham-yota.com.

On behalf of the DYM Organizing Committee,


Mit freundlichen Grüßen | Kind regards | 73

Philipp Springer, DK6SP

Chair
Youth Working Group
International Amateur Radio Union
Region 1

 

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Press_Release_DYM_2022_en_20221004

JOTA / JOTI 2022 | Jamborees On The Air / Jamborees On The Internet

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DATES

14th – 16th October 2022

WHAT IS THE JAMBOREE-ON-THE-AIR (JOTA)?

As shared by JOTA/JOTI Jamboree:
The JOTA is an annual event in which Scouts and Guides all over the world connect with each other by means of amateur radio. Short-wave radio signals carry their voices to virtually any corner of the world. It’s the shear excitement of having a live conversation with a fellow Scout or Guide at some other place in the world that attracts so many young people to this event. JOTA is a real Jamboree during which Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared.

The use of amateur-radio techniques offers an extra educational dimension for Scouts. Many grasp the opportunity to discover the world of wireless radio techniques and electronics. Thousands of volunteer radio amateurs assist the Scouts over the JOTA weekend with their knowledge, equipment and enthusiasm.

WORLD SCOUT FREQUENCIES

Scout Frequencies are chosen in a segment where low-power, simple stations are transmitting. This allows Scouts to operate such stations from camp sites and still be able to communicate with others.

Band Phone (MHz) CW (MHz)
80 m 3.690 & 3.940 3.570
40 m 7.090 & 7.190 7.030
20 m 14.290 14.060
17 m 18.140 18.080
15 m 21.360 21.140
12 m 24.960 24.910
10 m 28.390 28.180
6 m 50.160 50.160

Source: JOTA/JOTI Radio Handbook 2022

 

Let’s connect with the worldwide Scouts and share the fun of our common hobby with them.

 

If you have any questions regarding topics concerning the IARU R1 Youth Working Group always feel free to reach out to us via email at youth@iaru-r1.org.

Day 7 | Friday, 2022-08-12

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Our Friday morning, the last day of camp started a little later than a normal excursion day. At 7 am breakfast arrived. As usual, we got a sandwich with either cheese, ham, marmalade, or all of them. After breakfast, the team leaders gathered to go through the day, usually, during team leader meetings, the schedule is presented briefly as well as important holding points for the day. The information given for this day contained a briefing about the upcoming COTA activation. We were supposed to gather outside the hostel to make our way through Karlovac on foot.
The gathering went smooth and off we went, in the city center, a guide joined up to take us on a tour. He told about the history of Karlovac, and how it started as a fortification in the 16th century and developed into the city that it is today. The tour was highly appreciated since we had only seen the camp area before. We walked past many historical marks in terms of both statues and the former trenches that protected Karlovac before we arrived at the sanctuary by the foot of the hill. Here, we were briefly told the history of the sanctuary before we started the hillclimb. We followed the trail up the hill to the Dubovac Castle.

Already on arrival, the stations were set up, so we could start operating immediately. We activated the shortwave, VHF, and the QO-100 satellite. There were plenty of radio activities and the ones that did not operate at the moment relaxed and socialized. The day was overall supposed to be a day with plenty of room to hang around and talk to the new friends that they met at the camp during the week. As always, when radio amateurs are around, there were a lot of interesting discussions. Some of them even made their way into the restaurant in the castle over a cup of coffee. This could not have fitted better, since the next part of the program was a guided tour of the castle. Our eminent guide showed us the castle, including an art exhibition in it, as well as the amazing view from the tower. We got taught about how the castle ended up being where it is today, and how the surroundings were controlled before Croatia even existed. After the tour, we started heading back towards the hostel, the tour guide stayed with us the whole way and told us about the city parts we went past on our way.

Upon arrival, we got served an afternoon lunch, some had eaten a little already at the castle restaurant, but it was still a welcome meal. Afterward, the camp’s last TTT session started. It contained a presentation about social media marketing for when we get home, and many great tips on both how to practically do social media marketing, but also on how to schedule and lay up the work.
One of the traditions in YOTA is the group photo, which of course needed to take place before teams started going home, we took pictures of everybody, single teams, the groups, and the organizing team. There were also flags laid out to be signed by all the participants, together with a T-shirt.

Afterward, we gathered to start the closing ceremony. There was told that there was a special guest coming for the opening, and we could not agree more since Nikola Tesla himself somewhat miraculously came to the stage. Having studied in Karlovac, it must have felt nostalgic to return after so many years, and he told us about his studies and his work in an age when radio was concerned to be almost magic. He had a small speech for us, and then the camp leaders started the certificate ceremony. All participants received a certificate of participation and the ones who had accomplished something extraordinary during the camp, such as having their first contact, received a special congratulation and applause from all of us.

There was a pause in the closing ceremony for dinner, and then we got onto the award ceremony. This was held short to make room for social activities. But there were awards given out to the teams that had, for example, written the best blog posts or taken the best photos during the week. After the award ceremony, the party started. There was some last night karaoke at the tents, and a cozy campfire to sit down by and enjoy the last night with all the new friends. I hope that everybody enjoyed it as much as I, myself did. And I think that I’m not guessing too far from the truth!

Day 6 | Thursday, 2022-08-11

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With day six, the second to last day has already started! Breakfast started at 7 o’clock, but most of the participants came rather late. Mainly due to the reason that the youngsters are staying awake longer in order to enjoy the time together in the evening! As usual, a short team leader meeting was held until the schedule for the day started with energizers. For the rest of the day, the youngsters have been split into three groups, since there were three workshops planned for the day. It simultaneously was a great way to get in contact with some new teams. Even though there is also time to get in contact in the sparse time, it is rather hard to meet everyone due to the high amount of youngsters (nearly 100!).

The first workshop for one of the groups was about deploying a vertical antenna. All things needed in order to set up a portable station using a vertical antenna were provided. Together as a group, they had to find out how to set up the antenna, which parts had to be assembled, and what to take care of. After setting up the antenna, they took measurements and adjusted the antenna if it was needed. To make sure that it is properly working, they did some QSOs. After working for a while, it was time to dismantle the antenna. With enough youngsters at hand, this was done quite quickly.

Another timeslot has been again reserved for operating on air. The station is up and operated by youngsters nearly any time, but the workshop slots make sure that everyone will get a chance to operate and improve their skills with the help of others. Thus, during this operating workshop time, you have seen a really experienced youngster helping a younger one to make his third QSO in his lifetime. Another example has been two girls, operating together independently without any assistance. But still, someone passed by and still help them by showing them a small trick of the logging software that they didn’t know before.

ARDF was one of activities on Thursday

After two workshops, it was already time for the obligatory lunch break. The weather was perfect, warm, and sunny, and the lunch area was enjoyable due to the shadow of the trees.
The afternoon continued with the last workshop. It was finally time to get the wabbits of the former workshops in action! Since there was one wabbit soldered by each participant, it would have been impossible to get all of them involved in the fox hunting. Nevertheless, there were 12 wabbits chosen, including one at the accommodation ground. The rest has been placed in different locations in the park which was just next to the accommodation. Everyone got an introduction to the receivers and got to know the basics of ARDF. Since this was new to a few of the youngsters, there was no competition behind, only a deadline was set such that everybody came back in time to keep up the schedule. Even though the participants could have returned after the first fox, everyone continued trying to find all of them! It was hard though since due to the self-build wabbits the transmissions were not always set up properly. Nevertheless, some youngsters still managed to find all of them in time, also including a few who never tried ARDF before.

The workshop slots ended earlier this day, but due to the schedule shift of the previous day, there was now time to hold a double TTT session. It included again presentations from participating countries, showing everybody what kind of youth activity they organized and most importantly which steps they have taken in order to organize it. In order to spread the word within the member societies, the TTT session included group work, where each team had to start working on a report about their impressions of the camp. This can then be used as a base for a report for publishing in their national ham radio magazine. After the TTT session, dinner was served as usual. The rest of the evening was left to each participant to decide for themselves. Some went straight back to the station, but most of them sat down together at the evening activity. And so the evening ended for most of them around the bonfire.

Day 5 | Wednesday, 2022-08-10

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Wednesday started again at 6.15 o’clock in the morning. Everyone gathered in front of the building to get some breakfast before getting on the bus for the second excursion.

After about an hour of bus drive, we reached the capital of Croatia. Hopping off the bus was close to the main square in Zagreb. Once arrived, participants were split into three groups and met with their tour guide. Thanks to them, the youngsters not only got the typical sightseeing spots but also got some more insights into the historical background of Zagreb. Starting at the main square, each group took a slightly different route, but all ended at the technical museum named after Nikola Tesla. The museum has been the second part of the day’s schedule. The visit there started with a high-voltage show. It has been very impressive and included also not only experiments but information about Nikola Tesla himself. He for example went to high school in Karlovac, which is the location of our camp! Some participants also volunteered for helping the museum guide show the experiments.

Nikola Tesla Technical Museum in Zagreb

After the show, it was time for a tour through the rest of the museum. There were many old vehicles and a mine shaft to see. It was very interesting to see how people worked underground back then. Even though there was not much time left, the youngsters agreed that the radio exhibition can’t be skipped! Since it was already time for lunch, the busses picked everyone up and brought us to our lunch location on Medvednica. We went to a restaurant on the mountain and got served lunch. After lunch, half of the group went on to the summit of the mountain. When our group was eating, the other group had kindly been setting up a radio station. We could start working SOTA immediately and therethrough the Sljeme summit was activated. The group operated on both HF and VHF, and there was plenty of non-SOTA QSOs done as well, since we were so high, and the coverage from both repeaters and simplex was so good, doing a QSO on an FM handheld was easy, and even some Slovenian repeaters were easily opened on a handheld with 5W and a rubber duck antenna.

After operating the SOTA station for about three hours, we went to the cable car down. On our ride, the traffic was dense on the camp frequency since everybody wanted to make a QSO with their callsigns ”/Cable Car Mobile”. Down in the valley, the buses waited and we started going home. After arrival, dinner was served, and thereafter, the day faded into evening and soon it was night.

4 meter band at YOTA 9A by team France

By | Publication, YOTA Croatia 2022 | One Comment

This blog post is written by YOTA Team France!

On Tuesday morning, the French team (Jules F4IEY, Maxime F4IQN, and Paul F4ILV) decided to operate, using their own QRP rig, on unusual amateur radio bands during the morning break.
To do this, we deployed our own setup with a portable dipole antenna and laptop in the middle of the camp.

At first, we wanted to try to operate the 4m band using the available rigs. After finding out it was not possible, we decided to tune our own Buddipole antenna on it, using a bunch of adapters and a nanoVNA to adjust both arms the right way. Then, we tried operating 70500 kHz SSB and FT8.

In a nutshell, the 4m band in Croatia is located in the VHF low band section (VLB) limited between 70.5 and 70.6 MHz. It is pretty interesting to use in terms of propagation as it combines both ionospheric and tropospheric properties.

Why operate 4m instead of 6m or another conventional VHF band? Well…The answer is quite simple: in France, it is forbidden to use this band because it is allocated to other public services that probably do not exist anymore such as analog ambulances or firefighters. So we decided to take the 9A summer camp as an opportunity for us to operate on it (and show it to our French old fellow hams what it looks like ^^).

Another interesting band we just figured out recently, that could also be used in Croatia, is the 8m band. Located between 40 and 40.5 MHz, a special local (non-CEPT) license is required to transmit on it as the third harmonic could interfere with the air band, especially near the emergency section (around 121.500 MHz). To get this grant, it could take weeks or even months; the HAKOM (local FCC entity) needs to verify that the transmitter used makes a clean modulation with no additional harmonic waste.

To comply with the restrictions, the team members told us operation might be possible using one of our available 9A special calls. It still needs confirmation though, it could be interesting to show fellow hams, the whole potential of these unknown and unused bands.

Still, we managed to tune the dipole quite easily on this band. However, unfortunately, we could not go further than listening, after finding out that the All band ICOM IC-705 rig does not support 4m…
But even without transmitting anything, we were able to listen to some CW beacons and other weak signals.

Next level: hoping to do the same kind of operation, with at least one QSO on 4m in the next few days of 9A Summer camp.
We definitely think that these forgotten bands need more attention.
Long live QRP, a power consumption-friendly amateur radio operation, promoting portable setup, anytime, anywhere!