This school project isn't one for the books. It's one for the radios! As students prepare for the start of the academic year, plans are moving forward to expand the amateur radio program at Harbor Creek High School near the city of Erie. The student ham radio club, KC3SGV, has received a grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications to outfit a new radio center that will be the gathering spot for the after-school club. During the day, the center will serve as a laboratory for wireless technology classes where students can experiment with digital modes, test antennas and engage in ham radio contests. The station is designed to operate on-site as well as remotely.
This is only the latest project for this active ham radio group. In December of 2023, the students had a direct QSO with astronaut Andreas Mogensen KG5GCZ aboard the International Space Station using antennas and radio systems that they developed, built, and installed themselves.
Club members and leaders are hoping to spread the excitement about the radio lab by documenting everything they do, while establishing this new resource so other schools in the area can see how to set up or expand their own amateur radio programs.
