The expedition led by a dedicated team of amateur radio operators (HAMs) aimed at advocating last mile connectivity, integrating HAM education in schools, and enhancing disaster response across India. Despite challenges, the team showcased resilience and innovation, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ ethos.
Setting Up Infrastructure
- Location: Cyclone shelters of Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh.
- Equipment: Utilized self-designed and locally developed communication equipment.
- Stations: Five Amateur High Frequency stations and one Amateur Satellite station were established.
- Purpose: Demonstrated India’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative.
Achievements
- Global Contacts: Made approximately 4,000 contacts with HAMs worldwide.
- Community Engagement: Conducted sessions in local schools and villages to raise awareness about emergency communication preparedness.
Recognition and Impact
- Commendation: In-charge of Wireless Monitoring Station in Vijayawada and Head of International Monitoring Earth Station in Jalna praised the dedication of HAM operators.
- Impact: Highlighted technical expertise and contributed significantly to enhancing emergency communication resilience.
About Amateur Radio and IOTA
- Amateur Radio: Popular hobby for non-commercial communication, promoting technical learning and global connectivity.
- IOTA: Program connecting radio amateurs worldwide with island stations, managed by IOTA Ltd in collaboration with RSGB.
- DXing: Hobby of receiving and identifying distant radio signals or making two-way radio contact with distant stations.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was the purpose of the expedition led by the team of amateur radio operators (HAMs)?
- A) Advocating last mile connectivity
- B) Enhancing commercial communication networks
- C) Exploring new radio frequency spectrums
- D) Testing satellite communication systems
- Answer: A) Advocating last mile connectivity
- Where was the expedition conducted?
- A) Mumbai, Maharashtra
- B) Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh
- C) Kolkata, West Bengal
- D) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Answer: B) Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh
- How many global contacts did the team of HAMs make during the expedition?
- A) Approximately 1,000
- B) Approximately 2,000
- C) Approximately 3,000
- D) Approximately 4,000
- Answer: D) Approximately 4,000
- What is the main purpose of IOTA (Islands On The Air) program?
- A) Managing commercial radio stations on islands
- B) Connecting amateur radio operators with stations on islands
- C) Monitoring weather conditions on islands
- D) Researching marine life around islands
- Answer: B) Connecting amateur radio operators with stations on islands
- What does DXing refer to in the context of amateur radio?
- A) Designing radio equipment
- B) Conducting emergency communication drills
- C) Receiving and identifying distant radio signals
- D) Operating radio stations in densely populated areas
- Answer: C) Receiving and identifying distant radio signals