An important terrestrial contact made recently by the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society has brought the promise of so many more contacts that can now happen in space. For this club and the youngsters at the Conn Magnet Elementary School, Friday the 30th of January will be remembered as a big day for their scheduled QSO with the International Space Station - a direct contact made via amateur radio.

The North Carolina hams have a long history of answering school and youth-group requests to assist with ham radio satellite contacts and even ISS communications. But, as club member Carl Davis, W8WZ, told Newsline, it was always challenging to assemble the necessary equipment because to answer each request, members had to dismantle and transport the appropriate radio gear from individual members’ own homes.

The club reached out successfully to Amateur Radio Digital Communications which gave them a $14,000 grant and the means to buy portable equipment dedicated for amateur satellite and ARISS contacts, such as the late-January QSO under the direction of John Brier K4EB.

Carl said that while the new equipment will help inspire the next generation to explore the power of amateur radio, it will also enable more club members to train to assist with the ARISS contacts. Within the club itself, more members will also learn to become skilled satellite operators.