UoS Amateur Radio Club

Amateur Radio (also called ham radio) is a hobby where you use radios to talk to people nearby or on the other side of the world, without needing the internet or infrastructure like cell towers or satellites. It’s fun because you can experiment (building your own radios and antennas), see how far your signals can reach, and meet other amateurs around the world. Amateur radio can also be used in space, with communication possible with satellites, meteors, the Moon or even astronauts on the ISS!

Amateur radio has also been vital in times of disaster. Famously, after the 9/11 attacks and after Hurricane Katrina, it was radio amateurs who relayed messages between emergency services aiding the international efforts when conventional communications systems went down.

The club functions as a way for students at the University of Sheffield to learn about amateur radio, get involved with the hobby and work together to make the best station we can! We're not a CCA, we don't have strong time commitments, this is for the interst and enjoyment of the memebrs and no more. 

The club is registered under the callsign GX5SHF - that's a uniquely allocated identifier so that other amateurs know who they are talking to. There's actually a lot of information hidden in them, for example just by reading this callsign it's possible to work out this is a club based in England.

Isn't this the hobby my grandpa does?

Yes, amateur radio is predominantly old men. But we are changing that! There is an active youth community, and often YOTA (Youngsters on the Air) events are run to encourage more young people to get involved. The youth community is passionate and amazing fun to be around, and nothing like the predominant older community.

This is also the reason we have a club for young people, to ensure we can have our own environment to enjoy the hobby in.

Don't I have my phone? Didn't the internet kill this?

Well yes, you do. But there's a lot of satisfaction making a radio station, putting out a call and hearing another amateur in a far flung country responding to you, without any infrastructure between the stations helping you out. It seems odd, but give it a try and you'll find it really fun!