About us

About Us – Amateur Radio Club of Poona (Pune Hams)

Founded in 1975, the Amateur Radio Club of Poona (a.k.a. Pune Hams) is one of the oldest and most active amateur radio communities in Pune. The club was established by OM Vilas – VU2VPR, under the guidance of Late VU2EJ and VU2EN, with the heartfelt mission of supporting SWL Pradeep Dalvi, who was polio‑affected.

In 1988, the club received its official call sign VU2RCP for the club station, followed by the VU2PNE VHF repeater license, marking a new era of connectivity. The daily VHF net and monthly first‑Sunday meetings, initiated by VU2CK, became a hallmark of Pune’s ham culture. When the founding stalwarts faced health challenges, OM Vilas VU2VPR stepped forward as President, ensuring continuity and growth.

Our Activities & Outreach

HAM Radio Field Days: Pune Hams regularly organizes HAM Radio Field Days at locations like ARAI Hill, providing live on‑air sessions, interactive Q&A, and hands‑on experiences for hams and SWLs of all age groups.

University Outreach: Formation of a ham radio club at Ajinkya DY Patil University, Lohegaon, equipped with a 24×7 VHF repeater (VU2ETD) linked globally via Echolink.

School Engagement: Pawar Public School became Maharashtra’s first school with licensed ham teachers, supported by Pune Hams in licensing, station setup, and ongoing activities.

Daily Nets & UHF Repeater: Our legacy VHF net has transitioned to a fully operational UHF repeater (VU2DYQ‑R) system on 434.100 MHz (RX) / 435.700 MHz (TX). The daily UHF net runs from 9:15 PM to 9:30 PM, expertly controlled by OM Ranga (VU3IZK), OM Manish (VU3IFQ), and OM Indrajeet (VU32GO).

Monthly Eyeball QSOs: Every first Sunday, members gather for technical sessions, discussions, and camaraderie.

Workshops & Hands‑On Training: From the VHF Tape Antenna Workshop (April 2019) with international participation, to kit building and antenna design, we empower hams and SWLs with practical skills.

Fox Hunts: Exciting radio direction‑finding events, including the 2019 hunt at Ocean Cadet Academy and the World Amateur Radio Day Fox Hunt (18 April 2026) at AISSMS College of Engineering (ENTC Department).

Mentoring New Clubs:

MIT Kothrud Cosmos Club – Yagi antenna workshop and Fox Hunt.

AISSMS College of Engineering (ENTC Dept.) – Technical outreach and training.

Dhole Patil Engineering College, Kharadi (Antariksha Club) – Ongoing mentoring and guidance.

Army Institute of Technology, Dighi – Ham radio workshops and awareness sessions.

Scouting & JOTA/JOTI: Annual collaborations with Bharat Scouts & Guides, enabling hundreds of young scouts to experience the magic of amateur radio.

National Science Day: Every year, Pune Hams actively participates in National Science Day at the GMRT (Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope) Khodad Science Exhibition, engaging students and the general public to raise awareness about amateur radio.

ARSI Field Day & Hill Topping Contest: Pune Hams VU2RCP organizes annual ARSI Field Day & Hill Topping contests, such as the 2026 overnight program at Rule village, where members engaged in HF operations, antenna demonstrations, and international contacts including a 7,652 km QSO with Madrid, Spain.

Our Spirit

From disaster communication drills to mentoring college satellite projects, Pune Hams thrives on community, education, and experimentation. We are proud torchbearers of amateur radio in Pune, blending scientific rigor with fun, and ensuring that the next generation of hams inherits both knowledge and passion.

If your institute or organisation would like guidance in setting up ham radio activities, workshops, or clubs, Pune Hams is here to help. Do get in touch with us.