New radio lab helps students broadcast to the world and space

The radio club will make use of the new applied mathematics and engineering lab in Stutzman-Slonaker, room 303.

The radio club uses shortwave and high frequency radio to broadcast on wavelengths not used for commercial or other specific broadcast purposes.

Unlike commercial radio, amateur radio does not operate on specific channels. Instead, there are 3 different ways of transmitting information over radio waves. Also, because there are no specific reserved frequencies in the amateur wavelengths, the radio can be fine tuned to a nearly infinite range of frequencies.

The radio is already operational and will be set up for demonstration on Thursday, July 19th at 6:00 p.m.  Ledden says that this should be a good time because it is after most classes and it is the time most people are on the radio.

Amateur radio can be both a hobby and a public service. When other forms of communication go down, amateur radio operators can help provide emergency services. Josh Sullivan says, "If you've got a power supply and you've got a radio, you've got communications, and you can go long distances."  Amateur radio helped coordinate emergency services in the blackout of 2003, 9/11, and hurricane Katrina.

The club's first ambition is to experiment with building a better antenna. Even simple homemade antennas can reach as far as Finland and Germany. A simple hand-held antenna can communicate with the International Space Station.

While surrounding counties, such as Berkeley and Loudoun, have a significant amateur radio network, Jefferson County is lacking. The new Shepherd Radio Club hopes to create an amateur radio presence here.

Funding and support for the group has been provided both from the school and form other amateur radio organizations. The Frederick amateur radio group has donated one radio to the club already.

The FCC requires anyone operating a radio to be licensed. The first level (Technician's) license is mostly concerned with radio courtesy and simple procedural guidelines. The higher level license tests focus more on the math and science behind it.

FCC license testing is offered by local amateur radio clubs. Most clubs will offer the test once a month for little or no charge. With enough licensed members the Shepherd Radio Club could also offer license testing.

Independent study credit can be earned by acquiring an FCC radio license. This is one of the 10 new independent study credits offered through the new applied mathematics and engineering lab.

Other independent study credits include near space exploration, radio astronomy, and design and fabrication.

The lab will be open this fall to all majors wishing to conduct research and learn math through its applications.

There are three open laboratory assistant positions available for those who qualify for federal work-study money. Those who are interested should contact Dr. Chris Elmer.

Meetings for the Shepherd Radio Club will be held on Thursday nights. The lab will be open around 6:00; the meetings will start at 7:15.  The club is led by CS major Josh Sullivan and Business major Justin Ledden, both of whom are FCC licensed.