Sharing Radio Communications with the Next Generation

Students chatting with peers using an HF portable transceiver
and a rapid deployment dipole antenna.

Sharing Radio Communications

with the Next Generation

Barrett Communications is an Australian company based in Perth, Western Australia. It is a leading world designer and manufacturer of remote radio communication solutions.  For over 35 years Barrett Communications has been specialising in humanitarian, corporate, government and military communications. Their products and systems include long distance commercial HF, military HF and VHF communications technology.

In May 2016 Barrett Communications supplied the Rainbow Radio League, a not for profit organisation in the small southern Caribbean island nation of St Vincent and the Grenadines, with high frequency (HF) and very high frequency (VHF) radio communications equipment. Since this time they have been working to install the donated equipment at key locations among the country’s islands. 

A unique project has recently developed with the aim to engage with the local high school students teaching them about the use of HF radio in an emergency and also as a hobby. Two schools, the JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School, (formerly Emmanuel High School – Kingstown) and Emmanuel High School - Mespo took part in this historic event. Mr Donald De Riggs, Director of Rainbow Radio League commented; “This was the first time that secondary schools here were involved in a wireless radio link up facilitated by the Rainbow Radio League Inc.”

Remedial reading Teacher Karyn Constance chatting wireless
with staff and students across the island.

At both schools Rainbow Radio League volunteers outlined the role of amateur radio as a service during times of national emergency. Mr Philip Greaves, Principal at Emmanuel High School - Mespo was involved with an actual demonstration using the Barrett 2090 manpack chatting with staff at JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School- Kingstown on the Barrett 2050 base station. Students were also involved with erecting the rapid deployment antenna as well as participating in the wireless ‘link-up’ between the two schools. 

The Rainbow Radio League Inc., is a non-profit, community service organisation with a special emphasis on emergency communications. The RRL Inc. operates VHF and HF wireless communications network in St Vincent and the Grenadines. For an island country that is within the identified “Hurricane belt” and lies on an active subduction zone, it is vital that this organisation and its volunteering members maintain the skills and interest in amateur radio. Mr De Riggs went on to say “It is anticipated that this will be an annual event, to eventually include all secondary schools. 

Ham radio promotes goodwill and friendship among people, irrespective of nationality or race worldwide. In times of national emergency amateur radio is the main and, in most cases, the only means to communicate from the affected areas.” 

(From the Barrett Communications website. You can read more about this organisation and its innovative projects at http://www.barrettcommunications.com.au )

73 and good DX to you all,

Rob Wagner VK3BVW

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