The South African Radio League, the national body for amateur radio in South Africa, will be focusing during 2007 on ‘communication technology’. This was announced recently by the organisation’s president, Graham Hartlett, addressing the country’s radio amateurs on the SARL national radio repeater network.
"Contrary to the perception of some that computers and the Internet would be the demise of amateur radio, the opposite is true. Digital technology and access to the Internet has greatly enhanced amateur radio and what it offers its enthusiast", he said. "Simple-to-construct radio devices connected to a PC sound card are starting to replace complex radio receivers. Also the so-called software defined radio is making great strides and radio amateurs are right upfront in its development and application."
During 2007 the SARL will focus on digital technologies in a roadshow that will touch KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, the Free State and Gauteng.
"We will be expanding on last year's theme of 'The year of young people in amateur radio' with the introduction of the 'Talk for free' campaign showing the benefits that young people can derive from amateur radio. To this end we are promoting an entry level licence that requires only a few weeks of study and will give successful candidates access to some of the amateur radio frequency spectrum, paving the way to a full licence. The entry level licensee is allocated a call sign with the prefix ZU.
"With the launch of South Africa's second satellite, SumbandilaSat, we are working with our affiliated organisation, SA AMSAT, to present a number of fun events using the amateur radio system onboard SumbandilaSat. The Talk for Free campaign also includes the use of Echolink, an Internet VoIP system that allows radio amateurs access to radio repeater stations in many parts of the world. For example, a young person with an entry level licence (ZU) will be able to talk to other radio amateurs using only the PC and it is for free. This opens many doors to a whole new world of technology.
"Amateur radio offers learners and students 'experimental learning' opportunities that will go a long way to scientific-based studies and careers. By just simply talking to other radio amateurs develops confidence in public speaking and broadens the view of the world outside the classroom", noted Hartlett.
"During this year we will also focus on senior citizens and make amateur radio more accessible to them by working towards developing more tolerance for antennas by body corporates and retirement villages. We will explore new antenna technologies that are less intrusive and yet deliver a reasonably acceptable performance. Amateur radio is an ideal pastime activity for retired people as it provides access to the outside world without having to leave the comfort of their homes.
"Amateur radio is communication technology in action", he said. "We would like to bring it to more people in South Africa".
The South African Radio League (SARL) is the national body for amateur radio in South Africa and membership is open to all persons interested in amateur radio and shortwave listening. The SARL promotes amateur radio as a technology stepping stone into a career in electronics and communication.
For more information contact the South African Radio League, +27 (0)11 675 2393, admin@sarl.org.za, www.sarl.org.za
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