YOTA Austria 2026 – Day 6

Time really does fly by! Today marked our last full day of the YOTA Summer Camp in Austria. The excitement continued right until the end with a wide variety of activities taking us around Wagrain, into space, and even into the world of Morse code with a brand-new piece of kit!

The day started with Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), taking us on a scenic walk – or run, for some! – through the beautiful fields and hills surrounding the hostel. The challenge was to locate five hidden “foxes” using a provided directional antenna. Armed with a map of the village and plenty of determination, we set off around the course in search of each transmitter. It was a fantastic way to start the day while enjoying the stunning Austrian scenery one last time.

There were a multitude of interesting activities after lunch. Henry, M0KUQ finished assembling his QMX+ transceiver along with the accompanying paddle and microphone accessories, bringing to a close a week-long construction project led by Hans Summers, G0UPL. After several days of carefully soldering components, it was incredibly satisfying to see the finished transceivers ready for their first outings on the air.

Tom, M1TJM put his newly built QMX+ straight to work by taking the Flying Mozart cable car up to Saukarfunktel (OE/SB-458) for one final Summits on the Air activation. Using the QMX+ together with the End Fed Half Wave antenna built earlier in the week, he made eight SSB contacts across the 40m and 20m bands, including a superb QSO with Robert, GW0RQC, in Cardiff. There was something incredibly rewarding about successfully activating a summit using equipment that had been built from scratch only a few days earlier – proof that all the soldering and careful construction had paid off!

Outside, participants took part in a workshop on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications. It was fascinating to learn about tracking satellites as they raced across the sky and understanding just how small the operating windows can be. Successfully taking advantage of those brief passes demonstrated yet another exciting aspect of amateur radio.

After the LEO satellite contacts, Tom and Milo, M9ILO attended a Morserino workshop hosted by its creator, Willi, OE1WKL. Having the opportunity to learn directly from the person behind this innovative Morse learning platform was a truly special experience. Willi shared not only the technical details behind the device, but also his passion for making CW approachable, enjoyable and accessible to new operators. We explored the Morserino’s many features, from Morse training exercises and games to on-air practice modes, discovering how modern tools can help inspire the next generation of CW operators. Every participant was given a Morserino to continue their CW journey at home, so listen out for Team GB on CW in the near future!

The day’s activities ended after dinner with a final closing ceremony, providing a fitting end to an unforgettable week in Wagrain. Looking back, we’ve built antennas and transceivers, activated mountains and castles, experimented with MeshCom and emergency communications, spoken to an astronaut aboard the International Space Station, and made friendships that span the globe.

The week also ended with some fantastic personal achievements. Congratulations to Henry and Tom, who both achieved their US Amateur Extra licences during the camp. Filip, M7SZW earned his US General licence, while Milo completed his US Technician licence. It was a fantastic accomplishment from everyone, and we are incredibly proud of all four – who now have even more opportunities to get on the air when visiting the United States.

Perhaps the biggest thing we’ll be bringing home isn’t just new equipment, but new ideas and inspiration. We’ve seen countless ways of encouraging young people into amateur radio, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learnt with our clubs and communities back in the UK.

Tomorrow we leave YOTA Camp, but the memories, friendships and experiences we’ve shared here in Austria will stay with us for many years to come.

Last 73s from the whole of RSGB team here in Wagrain, Austria!

Category: YOTA Austria 2026 updates