K1USN Amateur Radio Club Operations

The JOTA is an annual event in which Scouts and Guides all over the world speak to each other by means of amateur radio contacts. Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared, via the radio waves.

When Scouts want to meet young people from another country they usually think of attending a World Jamboree or another international gathering. But few people realize that each year about half-a-million Scouts and Guides "get together" over the airwaves for the annual Jamboree-on-the--Air (JOTA). Modern communication technology offers Scouts the exciting opportunity to make friends in other countries without even leaving home.....

Since 1958 when the first jamboree-on-the-Air was held, thousands of Scouts and Guides have "met" each other through this event. Not only is it fun to talk to Scouts from other parts of the world but it provides also a chance to find out about other countries and about Scouting elsewhere. Many contacts made during the JOTA have resulted in pen pals and links between scout troops that have lasted for many years.

With no restrictions on age, on the number that can participate and at little or no expense, the JOTA provides an opportunity for Scouts and Guides to contact each other by amateur radio. The radio stations are operated by licensed amateur radio operators. Many Scouts and leaders hold licenses and have their own stations, but the majority participates in the JOTA through stations operated by local radio clubs and individual radio amateurs. Today some operators even use television or computer linked communications. The Braintree Historical Society in co-operation with the K1USN Radio Club provided this opportunity to the Braintree Scouts this year.


K1RV discussing work to be done on November 22, 2008	N1GXV and K1RV at the HF1 position. HF1 Op position consists of a FT-920, 160 - 6 Meter rig, MD-100 desk mike, Rigblaster and Pentium 233 computer with Logic 5 software. Current antenna is a G5RV.


W1BT ready for an air raid.	Tom Laliberte delivering Pentium computers.


K1RV operating CW on the FT-920 at HF operating position 1.	KB1TOM at HF operating position 2. This operating position consists of a ICOM IC746PROII and Pentium 233 computer with Logic 5 software. Current antenna is a Cushcraft R-5 vertical. .


W1BT overseeing operations.	Bill, N1EY, on the tower putting up a temporary 2 meter antenna for the JOTA event while Ralph, W1BT, drills holes in the antenna feed through plate.