On Monday, September 29th, 2025, the Amateur Radio Club of Pune (VU2RCP) visited the Army Institute of Technology (AIT) at Alandi Road, Dighi, to conduct an “Introduction to Amateur Radio” session. The workshop aimed to introduce engineering students to the technical brilliance and community spirit of the Ham Radio hobby.
The event was a vibrant mix of technical theory, home-brew innovation, and live airtime, showcasing the diverse facets of our hobby to a highly motivated student audience.
Technical Sessions & Knowledge Sharing
Our team of experienced operators led several sessions designed to bridge the gap between academic engineering and practical radio communication:
- Foundation & Philosophy: Vilas Rabde (VU2VPR) delivered the keynote, introducing the students to the world of Ham Radio, its history, and its indispensable role in emergency communications.
- DIY Spirit (Home-brewing): Representing the spirit of innovation, Sooraj (VU3ZAG) demonstrated his Home-Brewed SDR HF Radio. This session highlighted how software-defined radio is revolutionizing the hobby and encouraged students to build their own gear.
- Licensing & Regulation: To help the next generation get started, Manish (VU3IFQ) provided a detailed walkthrough of the ASOC Licensing Exam. He covered the syllabus, study manuals, and the formal application procedure, simplifying the path for students to earn their callsigns.
Live Demos: The Thrill of the Airwaves
The highlight for the students was the hands-on experience, where the “magic of radio” became a reality:
- UHF Repeater Operations: Using handheld transceivers, we demonstrated local communication through the VU2DYQ repeater. The students were absolutely fascinated to use the walkie-talkies themselves, successfully establishing QSOs with VU2MSB and VU3IZK. For many, this was their first time experiencing the clarity and reach of a repeater-assisted contact.
- Morse Code & Digital Modes: We conducted a live Morse Code (CW) demonstration and practice session, alongside an EchoLink demo, showing how we bridge traditional RF with the internet to connect worldwide.
Building a Stronger Ham Community
The Amateur Radio Club of Pune (VU2RCP) is committed to mentoring young minds and expanding the Amateur Radio footprint in educational institutes. We are proud to support the students of AIT and look forward to welcoming many of them to the airwaves soon.
73 from the VU2RCP Team!
Contact Information: For more information on club activities or licensing workshops, contact: Vilas Rabde (VU2VPR) Phone: 9822502078