Northampton Scout Amateur Radio Group

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GB4NDS

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About

The Northampton Scout Amateur Radio Group had its first meeting in 1981 and spent the first few years visiting local Scout Troops and running Scout Communicator badge courses from a local School where the caretaker was a very active short wave listener. During the early years, the group used to travel to the Radio Station at Gilwell Park on Saturdays, helping them to run courses and entertain Scouts and visitors from all over the world. When we first started going to Gilwell it was decided to move the radio station from its location on the Branchet Field to a new location in the P.B. Neville Scouters' Club at the back of The Lid. Erecting antennas, carrying out major building work and rewiring taught us a lot. These lessons became invaluable a few years later when our dream came true and NSARG had the offer of a building that we could call our shack. The only trouble was we had to dismantle it, move it from the other side of town and rebuild it at the Overstone Scout Activity Centre.

GB4NDS, G6NDS Radio Station

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A JOTA Station gives Scouts from local groups the oppurtunities to learn about Scouting all over the world.

  • Making contact with other Scout JOTA stations
  • We have taken part in every JOTA since 1982 as GB4NDS
  • CQ CQ CQ JOTA GB4NDS Golf Bravo four November Delta Sierra Calling CQ AND LISTENING
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2024

67th Jamboree on the Air

67th Jamboree on the Air 19th - 20th October 2024
The station this year we will be in the Knight's Lodge at Overstone Scout Activity Centre. We have an exciting programme of Radio Scouting and Jamboree on the Internet activities this year. This including a live video feed with other Scouts around the world, receiving images from weather satellites and contacting other Jamboree stations using HF voice communications. Visitors can also experience many other aspects of the amazing world of radio communications.

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Each session started with an

Introduction

JOTA Introduction All the visitors in 2024 were given a brief introduction, before splitting into small groups. In the smaller groups, they visited each of the different activities: 40/80 Meters HF station, FT8 data mode station & finally our two-metre station where they could have a go at passing greetings messages to other Scouts

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JOTA 2024

Having fun at JOTA 2024

2024 67th Jamboree on the Air 19th - 20th October 2024. Our station this year was located in the Knight's Lodge at Overstone Scout Activity Centre. We ran an exciting programme of Radio Scouting and Jamboree on the Internet activities this year. This included a live video feed with other Scouts around the world, receiving images from weather satellites and contacting other Jamboree stations using HF voice communications. Visitors experienced many other aspects of the amazing world of radio communications. Having fun at JOTA 2024 This year we had a great weekend at Overstone Scout Campsite for the 67th Jamboree On The Air. We had more than 130 Cub Scouts from across Northampton District camping on-site and taking part in a weekend of activities linked to NSARG Amateur radio station GB4NDS - operating on HF using Cobweb, G5RV and Long wire Antennas plus VHF/UHF Co-Linear and QFH Antenna for satellite comms. The Cubs also used Skype to talk to other Scouts around the world and locally - using SSB, Morse, FT8, DMR and Digital modes. It was really great for the young people to make Scouting links across the globe during this truly International Jamboree. – and also other Northamptonshire stations GB2GDS Glendon, GB5HSG Hardingstone & GB4CUB Market Harborough. We made contact with 181 other Radio stations in 40 Countries, (Australia, Japan, Brazil, Indonesia, China and stations throughout Europe.)


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RADIO SCOUTING WILL HELP YOU GROW

Radio Scouting is a unique combination of amateur radio with the Scouting programme. Scouts study radio communication and electronics among other things and can earn a number of badges like the Communicator Activity Badge.

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Communicator badge courses

Join us at our monthly meetings to work on completing the requirements for your Communicator badge. Whether you're new to Amateur Radio or already experienced, these meetings provide hands-on learning, guidance from experienced radio operators, and the chance to connect with fellow Scouts who share your interest. It's a great opportunity to develop your skills, ask questions, and get closer to earning your badge. Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there!

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Jamboree On the Air

We have proudly participated in every Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) since 1982. Over the years, this annual event has allowed us to connect with Scouts from around the globe, exchanging ideas, learning new skills, and embracing the spirit of international friendship. Each JOTA has been an opportunity to expand our horizons, strengthen our understanding of radio communication, and deepen our commitment to the values of Scouting. Through Radio Scouting, we continue to foster global connections, one radio wave at a time.

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Radio Scouting

Radio Scouting refers to members of the Scout movement who enjoy and actively participate in Amateur Radio activities. These Scouts use radio communication to connect with others around the world, fostering international friendships, learning technical skills, and promoting global citizenship. Through events like Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), they can engage with fellow Scouts from different countries, exchanging ideas and experiences. Radio Scouting not only enhances their understanding of communication technology but also aligns with Scouting’s core values of education, teamwork, and exploration.

Foundation Amateur radio licence

NSARG encourage young people to gain their Foundation Amateur Radio licence which is well within the capability of senior Scouts & Explorers. Apart from it being fun it is a really good addition to a young person’s CV! NSARG support & promote Essex Ham as the basis for licence exam preparation.

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