The road to starting Cardiff University Amateur Radio Society
As an aspiring electrical engineer at Cardiff University, Jacob, MW9JKY always had an interest in wireless communication and its applications. However, it was only when he found an online content creator who introduced him to the topic of telegraphy that he realised he wanted to find out more.
Jacob soon contacted the RSGB to find out how to get started and RSGB Board Director Ben Lloyd, GW4BML provided him with a number of resources, contacts and advice. He also put him in touch with the Radio Communications Foundation (RCF) about funding for his exam.
He passed his Foundation licence exam and quickly followed with his Intermediate licence exam in June 2025. Along the way he decided his next step was to re-open the Cardiff University Amateur Radio Society (CUARS). At a gathering of like-minded students, the group decided their next step was to plan a trip to the open event of their closest amateur radio club, Highfields Amateur Radio Club, and find out more. Jacob says the club were “nothing but welcoming and brimming with helpful advice” and recommends that anyone looking to get started in amateur radio contact their local club.
The next step was to work together to grow the university club, which has included getting more students licensed. They have done this to great success with the club now boasting 21 members, seven of whom are now licensed. Jacob is currently working on organising a Foundation course in Cardiff so they help even more members gain their licence.
One of things the club emphasises is that amateur radio is not just about getting on the air and making contacts. Whilst this is the focus for some, others in the club enjoy DX competitions, building their own radios, antenna design and construction, and direction finding. They are also looking forward to discovering even more aspects of amateur radio.
One of the activities club members enjoyed was direction finding (DF) in their local park, which they did using DF kits loaned by the RSGB. The group has also been getting involved with SOTA and POTA around Cardiff and would like to visit North Wales to make more activations. They would also like to build up the club’s equipment and attend rallies as a club.
In October, the club made a visit to the RSGB 2025 Convention, which Jacob says was “informative, inspiring, and inclusive”. He also reported that club members “were happy to find everyone so welcoming, and eager to share their knowledge and experience with us. It was really nice to meet and interact with the RSGB Board and create a more personal connection with them, rather than faces on a website”.
Jacob’s next goal is to get his Full licence, so that he can revive the old CUARS call sign.
Jacob would like to thank everyone who has provided him with support along the way, including RSGB Board Director Ben Lloyd, GW4BML, the RCF and Martin Atherton, G3ZAY from the remote invigilation exams team. He says: “I feel that each organisation, and individual, made the difference that finally pushed me to get my amateur radio licence. I believe both the RSGB and the RCF are making a big difference to the accessibility and feasibility of amateur radio.”
Anyone interested in joining or supporting CUARS, can contact them via amateurradio@cardiff.ac.uk
“I believe both the RSGB and the RCF are making a big difference to the accessibility and feasibility of amateur radio”
Category: University Corner stories
