Grant Date: May 2021
Amount: $8,287

The University of Arizona Amateur Radio Club is expanding it’s reach to new students and improving its infrastructure. This grant will provide five robust 2m FM stations to students on rotating loans so they can participate in the club’s weekly net, learn and practice digital modes, and become extremely fluent in voice communications.

They are also increasing the reliability and safety of their station by implementing lightning protection and an equipment refresh:

• Satellite transceiver
  • Replace 30+ year old transceiver (FT-736R)
  • Refresh control computer
• Install an effective lightning protection system
  • Lightning rod, grounding wire run over side of building, multiple ground rods
  • Polyphasers to protect equipment
• Refresh >25 year old rotor systems

Update

The University of Arizona Amateur Radio Club has successfully completed their grant to improve student access to amateur radio. The project focused on two goals: building portable radio kits for student use and refreshing outdated equipment in the on-campus radio shack.

Five portable kits were assembled, each with a 2m transceiver, yagi antenna, soundcard interface, and external speaker. Students have used them to check into the weekly net, experiment with various digital modes, and explore 2m simplex for long-distance contacts.

The club also upgraded both the HF and satellite stations. The HF station received a new rotor system, while the satellite station was fitted with updated control systems and other reliability enhancements. These improvements have expanded hands-on opportunities and strengthened the club’s ability to support amateur radio on campus.

Learn more about the University of Arizona Amateur Radio Club here: https://sites.google.com/site/k7uazclub/