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Ham radio to buzz across Guj, courtesy CSC stations [DNA : Daily News & Analysis (India)](DNA : Daily News & Analysis (India) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) "Gujarat Council of Science and Technology (GujCOST) will set up Ham radio stations at community science centres (CSC) across the state. Currently, there are 18 CSCs and 13 will come into existence by the end of 2014. Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a very important tool to send a message when cell phones, internet and other systems are down. Above all, it is a vital service that saves life when regular communication fails. A wireless technology device is a very old concept and practice being used by enthusiastic Ham users. However, there is much more excitement which needs to be explored via the Ham interface which can be used as an interesting educational tool and hobby. At a session last year, the Gujarat Council of Science City spoke to star astronaut Sunita Williams through Ham radio when she was at the International Space Station. It was the first in the country. "This exercise opened an opportunity in designing similar activities for the children and the community on a large scale. Through Ham radio stations, students will be able to talk to scientists across the globe, interact with astronauts at the international space station and create interest among students as a hobby," said GujCOST adviser Narottam Sahoo. It is a tool to attract students to the CSC and orient them to operate it. Through this, they will learn what is radio frequency and how wireless technology works. It helps in hands-on-technical education. For this, they are planning to approach the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) to support this programme financially. "We will send this proposal to the department of science and technology, Government of India. Once our proposal is accepted by DST, there will be a formal test for each CSC co-ordinator to get the licence. They must pass the exams. Only then will permission be granted for Ham radio stations. Licence will be given by the ministry of external affairs," added Sahoo. For this, they will be training each science centre co-ordinator so that they can clear the exams and this dream becomes a reality. " Credit:Megha Bhatt (c) 2014 @ 2014 DILIGENT MEDIA CORPORATION LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |