YOTA Austria 2026 – Day 2
Day two at the YOTA Summer Camp 2026 in Wagrain, Austria, has been another action-packed day, packed with practical workshops, new technology and plenty of opportunities to learn from experienced radio amateurs.
We started the morning by building our own MeshCom devices using Heltec V3 boards. After flashing them with the MeshCom firmware, we configured the units to communicate over the 433MHz amateur band using LoRa and a smartphone app via Bluetooth. The decentralised network allows amateur radio operators to exchange text messages without relying on existing communications infrastructure. It was a fascinating introduction to the technology, and we’re all looking forward to bringing our nodes back to the UK to help expand the growing MeshCom network.
The afternoon saw us continue work on another exciting project, this time led by Hans Summers, G0UPL, founder of QRP Labs. Hans guided participants through the construction of the QMX+ transceiver, a compact 5W multi-band transceiver covering 160m to 6m. We made a great start on building our kits and are hoping to complete them tomorrow. A huge thank you goes to Hans and his family for providing more than 100 kits for everyone attending the YOTA Summer Camp 2026.
One of the biggest highlights of the day has been learning alongside young radio amateurs from across the world. Every workshop has given us the opportunity to work with different people, share ideas and compare how amateur radio is enjoyed in our respective countries. It’s been fantastic to see everyone helping each other with soldering, troubleshooting and offering advice, regardless of language or experience. The collaborative atmosphere is one of the things that makes YOTA such a unique event.
In the evening, Filip, M7SZW and Tom, M1TJM were fortunate enough to attend the WebSDR workshop. Using a Raspberry Pi 4, a Nooelec SDR receiver and a Mini Whip antenna, we built a complete WebSDR node that can be taken home and connected to the international network. Once online, we’ll be able to listen to radio spectrum from stations across Europe, North and South America, and even Asia. Filip will be installing the UK node at his home QTH in London.
Milo receiving an introduction to ARDF fox hunting
While the WebSDR workshop was taking place, Milo, M9ILO enjoyed an introduction to ARDF fox hunting, providing a great taster ahead of the full ARDF activities later this week. Meanwhile, Henry was preparing to sit his US amateur radio licence examination, and the whole team wishes him the very best of luck.
The success of last night’s Intercultural Evening continued into breakfast, where participants were still talking about the Yorkshire Tea and complementing our very British accents! It’s been wonderful to see how something as simple as a cup of tea can spark conversations and help people from different countries get to know one another.
With such a packed programme, there was little opportunity to operate OE2YOTA today, but we’re hoping to spend more time on the air as the week progresses, so please keep an eye on the clusters.
Many of today’s activities could easily be replicated by UK radio clubs and youth groups. Whether it’s building MeshCom devices, constructing QRP transceivers or setting up a WebSDR receiver, hands-on projects like these are a brilliant way of encouraging young people into amateur radio while developing practical skills and confidence.
Tomorrow promises to be another unforgettable day as we take part in Castles on the Air and Caves on the Air, where we’ll be exploring radio propagation from inside an Austrian ice cave. With every workshop, QSO and conversation, it’s becoming increasingly clear why YOTA has such a fantastic reputation. We’re having an incredible time, learning new skills every day and making friendships that will last long after YOTA 2026 comes to an end.
73 from Tom, M1TJM, and the rest of the RSGB team in Austria!
Category: YOTA Austria 2026 updates
