JRC Radio Club

If someone had told us a couple of years ago that we would make a live link to the ISS with just our forces (five founding amateur radio operators) so that a school could talk to its commander… we might not have believed it! Instead, that’s exactly what happened. We pulled it off, after more than a year of preparation, rehearsals, requests, negotiations … and vacation days dedicated to this project!

The emotion was great, and reviewing the video
it becomes evident. The troubles were also many, but with some nonchalance and “poker face” we went ahead anyway!

We have received many compliments, the most welcome being from our friends at ARISS who know well how much complication there is behind such a gig.

We had some media coverage, such as this link e this link.

Now we are not resting on our laurels, we are rolling up our sleeves, and moving forward with the Club’s next crazy initiatives. There are now more than 30 of us – and we have no shortage of ideas and willpower. Prepare to be amazed! B-)

Thanks to Mauro IU2JPQ, we now have personalized badges for all of our volunteers participating to radio assistances! Not bad, right?

Finally, after almost a year of waiting and preparations, the big day is coming. We have received confirmation that astronaut Sunita Williams KD5PLB, commander of the ISS, will be speaking to the students of the European School of Varese… and this will all take place through the microphones, radios and antennas prepared by the entire Club team who are putting in their efforts and time (and many days off…) to make sure we are ready for this appointment.

We have tested and retested all the equipment several times, and we have found that there are so many things that can go wrong.

We ask everyone to cheer us on so that this can all come to fruition! You will be able to follow the activities here. 73!

June 16, 2024, we got busy one more time together with our friends from the Joint Running Club for the Mini Atomiadi 2024. There is nothing more exciting than participating in a race and challenging yourself…but this participation can be done in many ways. We have chosen a less strenuous but equally exciting way.

What happens when you organize a running race and want to ensure the safety and well-being of the athletes along the course? That’s where radio assistance comes in, offering support and communication during sporting events. Our network allows organizers and health workers to stay in constant contact to handle any emergencies or unforeseen situations. By now, we are a well-oiled team, also thanks to Max IU2URS and Claudio IK2YWN, who coordinate activities from our radio headquarters.

. We were also able to show off our new operational equipment on this occasion, with high-visibility bibs and new badges (thanks to Mauro IU2JPQ!). See you next time!

Many of you have already attended some of our outreach evenings. We have talked about so many topics: satellite tracking, digital modes, FT8, VARA, emergency communications, APRS, Digital Mobile Radio, hands-on and non-practical sessions, outdoor activities, POTA.SOTA, IOTA… and you name it 🙂

Now we are also starting to have outside guests (don’t miss the next meeting with Marco IW2OHX!) and the summer break is coming soon, when the evenings will give way to radio activity and then resume in September.

What topics would you like to see covered? Are the evenings too long or too short? Is the beer cool enough?

Let us know! And to stay updated on the latest news, join our mailing list.

Once again ourJoint Running Club friends masterfully organized a running race, which was held in Cadrezzate, “Corri sul lago” Of course we could not miss it, hoping to contribute to the success of this event!

Being behind the microphone for a charity competition is always rewarding. Even more so when it happens together with many good friends during a beautiful sunny day! See you next time!

In the end it really happened. After almost three years of vicissitudes, we managed to make reality that idea that had materialized in the minds of the first members. We have headquarters, radios and antennas!

In the Azalea Room of the Club House, many friends, members and non-members came to party. After a brief excursus on why to be an amateur radio operator today, and after a concise presentation of the exam preparation course to obtain an amateur radio license, we spent a few moments together at the Club House bar.

We are convinced that the best is yet to come. As usual… stay tuned 🙂

With the help of JRC Radio Club, JRC is now among the entities participating in Civil Defense exercises organized by the Varese Prefecture.

These exercises are held once a year and involve all municipalities in the province, plus all other organizations (e.g., Italian Red Cross, Trenord, etc.) that can help manage an emergency in our area.

Thanks to our brave Jean-Michel IU2RNP, the (provisional) JRC radio station took part in this important exercise.

Like all disaster simulations, we hope that this kind of training will never become useful, but just in case… we are there to help!

Finally the big day is here, the Club officially opens the doors of the radio station installed at the Club House!

On March 19, 2024 at 6 p.m. we will welcome members, friends and sympathizers with a short presentation on the activities of amateur radio today and the Club’s plans for the near future.

Then there will be a brief presentation of the course (now in its third edition this year, taught by our member Claudio IK2YWN) aimed at passing the official exam to obtain an amateur radio license.

Finally we will stop by the Club House bar for drinks together.

We are waiting for you! RSVP 🙂

The club’s QSL cards have arrived!

Now we’re only lacking an antenna…. Let’s hope it arrives soon!