Island On The Air (IOTA) Programme

About Island On The Air (IOTA) Programme

• It is a pioneering programme that connects radio amateurs worldwide with stations on islands.
• It was established in 1964.
• It is managed by IOTA Ltd in collaboration with the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), categorizing islands into groups for communication.

Key facts about Amateur Radio (HAM Radio)

• Amateur radio is a popular hobby involving the use of radio frequency spectrum for non-commercial purposes.
• HAM radio operators communicate using designated radio frequencies, engaging in diverse activities like contests, emergency communication support, experimentation, technical learning, and community engagement.
• The hobby offers a unique blend of technical learning, community engagement, and global connectivity through radio waves, emphasizing innovation and service.
• In India, as per the Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service) Amendment Rules, 1984
  • ‘Amateur service’ means a service of self training intercommunications and technical investigation carried on by Amateurs that is, by persons duly authorized under these rules interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.”
  • Any citizen of India who is above 12 years of age can become a ham by qualifying in the Amateurs station operators’ examination (ASO) and obtaining a valid Amateur wireless telegraph station license.

Q1) What is Morse code?

It is a method of transmitting texts or string of characters using different sound. It is firstly developed by Samuel F.B Morse and his colleagues. The most commonly used one is International Morse Code, it includes ISO basic alphabet and some Latin characters etc.

Source: HAM Operators from Cyclone Shelters of Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh, excel in Island On The Air (IOTA) Expedition

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