Mysore :
In an effort to popularise amateur radio, the Indian Institute of Hams, in association with the Institution of Engineers, organised a seminar on Ham (Amateur) Radio at the Institution of Engineers premises this morning.
Speaking on the occasion, Indian Institute of Hams Director S. Sathyapal said that Ham Radio can be used to connect to multiple operators through the internet. Though Ham radio technology is there ever since the days of Marconi, albeit in a nascent stage, it is still not popular in our country, he said.
He said that youth from the age of 12 years are eligible to get the licence from the Ministry of Communication and IT after passing an examination.
“After getting the licence, any person can set up his or her own radio station at their residence and can communicate with people worldwide. The system is also useful at the time of natural disasters, to keep an eye on the relief operations,” he added.
Sathyapal also invited youths to come forward to learn about the technology and also take up Ham as a hobby to build a strong volunteers’ team to assist the authorities at the time of disasters and also on other occasions.
He mentioned that the lifetime fee for the licence is Rs. 2,000, which enables people to setup their own radio stations. Sathyapal also mentioned that the Indian Institute of Hams would be conducting a crash course for interested people.
People would be taught basic electronics, operating procedures, radio rules and regulations at the classes which will be held for two days and the subjects will be taught for six hours every day. The dates for the crash course will be announced in the coming days, depending upon the response, said Sathyapal.
The institute had also organised a contest today to popularise the use of amateur radio, wherein people getting maximum con-tacts would be awarded prizes.
During the seminar, Marcus, Head of Training, Indian Institute of Hams, spoke about the history of Ham.
Institution of Engineers Mysore Chairman Dr. T. Ananthapadmanabha, Jnanavani Assistant Manager V.M. Jagadish and others were present.
What is Ham radio?
Amateur radio (also called Ham radio) is the use of de-signated radio frequency spe-ctrum for private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experi-mentation, self-training, and emergency communication.
The amateurs are interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / June 02nd, 2013