YOTA Paris 2025 – Day 2

Getting on the air – written by Leon, 2E0VUF

Today was another busy day for the group, with a focus on operating and building. We constructed two kits today, both CW related. Firstly, the Winkeyer CW keyer, which was a PCB construction kit. Secondly, a CW paddle which was a 3D printed kit that we assembled and tested. Building kits together was a great experience and one I’d love to do more.

We also had two presentations today, one about DXpeditions, with a focus on when things don’t go to plan, and the other about POTA and how to activate parks successfully.

In the late afternoon and evening we got the UK team on the air, with everyone working on the HF bands. A special mention to Sophie, M7IJG and Emily, M7HPU who had some of their first HF QSOs, using the 40m band with Sam, M0UEL on hand to help them. Both did really well and got the hang of operating quickly, speaking to people from all over Europe. We had QSOs with radio amateurs from Italy, France and Spain to name a few. I also had some success on the 80m band, contacting a lot of German stations.

Helping each other out and making QSOs is such a rewarding opportunity, and a massive thank you to all of the UK radio amateurs who called in and said hello!

Category: YOTA Paris 2025 update