Amateur radio, often called “ham radio,” is a fascinating hobby that allows people to communicate worldwide using radio waves. It isn’t just about talking to people in faraway places, but also a fun and educational way for students and scouts to develop valuable life skills.
Why Amateur Radio for Scouts and Students?
Amateur radio provides an incredible opportunity for young people to learn about communication, technology, and community service. By getting involved, students and scouts can understand the science behind how radios work, which covers physics, electronics, and even geography as they learn to connect with people from different parts of the world. This hands-on experience makes STEM subjects come to life, sparking interest in potential careers in technology and engineering.
Benefits for Scouts and Students
- Skill Development: Scouts and students learn practical skills like setting up antennas, understanding radio frequency, and operating radio equipment. They also improve communication skills by talking clearly and effectively with other operators.
- Emergency Preparedness: Ham radio is often used during emergencies when traditional communication fails. By learning how to use amateur radio, scouts and students can be valuable assets to their communities in times of need, promoting a strong sense of responsibility.
- Teamwork and Problem-Solving: Setting up and operating a ham radio station encourages teamwork, as Scouts and students work together to troubleshoot technical issues and find creative solutions.
- Global Community: Amateur radio connects young people with a worldwide community. It offers an exciting way to learn about different cultures and make friends across the globe.
Amateur radio also fits in perfectly with scouting values, emphasizing learning, preparedness, and connecting with others. Whether it’s earning a new badge or learning how to assist in emergencies, the skills gained from amateur radio are both rewarding and empowering.
Getting involved is easier than you think, and it’s an adventure that brings science and communication to life!
S. Thomas’ Preparatory School registered as an Amateur Radio Station with the call sign 4S6STP
K. A. T. D. Jayasekera (Tithira), one of the warranted Asst. Scout Leaders in the 39th Colombo Scout Group obtained his General class license in mid 2024 with the call sign 4S6TKA. This license is given by the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission in Sri Lanka after an initial security clearance via the Ministry of Defense.
Later, the School’s station license was obtained by ASL Tithira becoming the custodian of the Amateur Radio Station 4S6STP.
License details:
- Class: General Class
- Call Sign: 4S6STP
- Licensed since: 19th September 2024
- Custodian: Asst Scout Leader K A T D Jayasekera – 4S6TKA
- Handled by: 39th Colombo Scout Troop
- Collaboration & Club Membership: The Radio Society of Sri Lanka
The Radio Society of Sri Lanka and its’ membership
The Radio Society of Sri Lanka (RSSL) is a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting amateur radio activities in Sri Lanka. Established to unite radio enthusiasts across the country, RSSL plays a pivotal role in fostering a strong community of licensed amateur radio operators. With a rich history and a mission to promote the art and science of radio communication, RSSL offers numerous benefits to its members, making it an invaluable resource for both beginners and experienced operators.
One of its most notable collaborations is with the World Organization of the Scout Movement, where it promotes amateur radio as a skill that aligns with scouting values. The society also coordinates with the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) to ensure that Sri Lankan amateurs are recognized globally.
S. Thomas’ Preparatory School Amateur Radio Station 4S6STP is officially an affiliated club under the Radio Society of Sri Lanka and very grateful towards its’ members for volunteering, supporting the 39th Colombo Scout Group and the students in numerous ways.
The Radio Society of Sri Lanka assisted the Scouts of Prep school to have their first Jamboree-in-the-Air Station with their own radio equipment in 2023 and 2024: both years. Scouts could communicate with other Scouts in the island stationed in other provinces clearly via radio equipment during these events.
We are forever thankful for these members of the Radio Society assisting the Scout Group and the school:
- Tharanga Premathileke 4S6TMP (President of RSSL)
- Victor Goonathilake 4S7VK (Secretary of RSSL)
- Jaliya Lokeshwara 4S7JL (Vice President of RSSL)
- Nadila Kulanatha 4S7NAD
- Ravindu Balasooriya 4S6RVD
- Nayomi Ariyadasa 4S7NL
- Nayana Rajapakshe 4S7NDR
- Bharat Aponso 4S6ABC
- Priyankara Perera 4S5PRI
A special token of appreciation was given to the Radio Society of Sri Lanka by Headmaster Reverend Nihal Fernando on 12th November 2024. Mr. Victor Goonathilake 4S7VK received the plaque and the headmaster received an Antenna Booklet as a radio gesture in welcoming the new Station.
Special thanks to these individuals for making this station registration a success:
- Headmaster Reverend Nihal Fernando of S. Thomas’ Prep School
- Group Scout Leader Miss Yvonne Charles
- Group Advisor Sujiv Fonseka
- Scout Leader Ravindu Huladduwa
- Asst Scout Leader Nithieskanna Sivaraj
- Asst Scout Leader Nandun Thotawatte
The Amateur Radio Station and its’ future
The Amateur Radio Station is managed by 39th Colombo Scout Troop and any student is welcome to join the radio activities. The station currently do not possess any equipment to transmit and has been borrowing from the members of Radio Society of Sri Lanka.
A permanent antenna tower is going to be erected in the office block to access the local repeaters hence the computer lab is situated in the upper office block towards the main entrance to school. The equipment will be enclosed in air tight containers, locked and will be taken only when transmitting is done; This ensures lack of salt damaging the equipment.
Support Our Radio Station!
Recent Jamboree-On-The-Air 2024 with Station Call Sign – Album
Our station is currently in the process of getting equipped and does not have any radio equipment yet. We are open to donations and would deeply appreciate any support from the old boys community. If you would like to assist us, please reach out via email at prepscouts@gmail.com for guidance on donation procedures.
Most radio equipment can be purchased from shops in the USA, UK, or even Australia. However, please note that certain documents need to be prepared on our side to facilitate customs clearance. We are happy to assist with any necessary paperwork and provide more details on how you can contribute.
The Radio Society of Sri Lanka assists to keep the equipment in the best condition and to adhere the guidelines of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka.
If you are residing in USA/Canada
You can use these sites to order the equipment
USA
- https://www.dxengineering.com – DX Engineering (Global Vendor – Recommended)
- https://www.hamradio.com – Ham Radio Outlet
- https://www.gigaparts.com – GigaParts
Canada
- https://hamshack.ca – Ham Shack
- https://www.radioworld.ca – Radio World
If you are residing in the UK
You can use these sites to order the equipment
If you are residing in Australia
You can use these sites to order the equipment
If you are located in any other country, please contact us via prepscouts@gmail.com. You do not need to become an Amateur Radio Operator to purchase equipment.
The listed equipment for the station with the average price are listed below for your reference
Financial contributions could be credited to the School’s Scout Group account with Amateur Radio Station as the remark.
0860-00040844-001
39th Colombo Scout Group
Seylan Bank - Millenium Branch
Narration: Amateur Radio Station
If you have used or spare radio equipment willing to donate, please reach us via prepscouts@gmail.com
Thank you!
Yours in Scout Service,
4S6STP
