The University's Amateur Radio Group, G0UOP (Golf Zero Uniform Oscar Papa) or rather Golf Zero University Of Plymouth, went back on the air in November (1995). The Station is now housed in the School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering (SEC&EE) in the Smeaton Building on the 3rd Floor. There are a range of radio related projects from terrestrial communications such as UHF/VHF/HF voice/morse code and VHF/UHF packet radio to EME (Earth-Moon-Earth) using morse code. Future projects involve the reception of weather information, the design, construction and use of equipment for satellite communications (AMSAT) as well as slow and fast scan TV. All this activity takes place on a set of tightly controlled and regulated frequencies that are allocated for Radio Amateur use by the Department of Trade and Industry whose Radiocommunication Agency manages the RF spectrum. Amateur Radio is unique in the freedom it allows individuals to develop and experiment with radio communications equipment for self learning. It can even enable amateurs to communicate with people in any country in the world on any day of the year. Radio Amateurs are often at the forefront of technology and the University of Plymouth see Amateur Radio as a vehicle to enable people to go from a hobby to a career in communication engineering.

The University of Plymouth ARS G0UOP is a member of or affiliated to the following organisations:

• The RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain ) .
• Stellar an organisation to the promotion of Amateur Radio in Education.
• The Plymouth Radio Club (G3PRC).

For more information on:

• the licensing conditions for Amateur Radio Licence (A) or (B) click here
• the Novice Licence click here
• how to become a Radio Amateur click here
• the most frequently asked questions on becoming a Radio Amateur, obtaining a licence, initial operating, international operating, morse code, repeaters, packet radio licensing regulations and other miscellaneous questions click here

Sources of information on major manufacturers current radio equipment for use on the amateur bands:

• Lowe Electronic'The Virtual Radio Store'
• Kenwood
• Icom
• Yaesu
• Alinco

For a preview of G0UOP's QSL card click here

For any other information on G0UOP contact Alan Santillo email - ASantillo@plymouth.ac.uk or telephone on 01752 232504