MARS

Amateur Radio Society

Technical Presentation - "Tiny ground station for LoRa satellites"

2024 Jan 20 OM Diwakar VU2FFW

The year began with the very first members’ meeting of MARS Amateur Radio Society which was held on Saturday, 20th Jan, 2024 at 6.15 pm IST in “The Hall of 1960”, Department of Chemistry, College of Engineering, Guindy campus (CEG), Anna University, Chennai.

A gathering of 35 members graced the occasion. It was heartwarming to see many senior HAMs gather together keeping up the spirit of the hobby despite their waning years. Of course, the younger generation was also represented but not as much as one might expect. Nevertheless, any HAM is always young at heart!

After the initial pleasantries and light refreshments, the meeting commenced but on a solemn note. The Secretary, OM N.Deepan - VU2DPN, requested Dr Shanmugham - VU2CSM to read out the condolence message for OM N.T.Balasubramanian – VU2DZD, who became silent key on 12th January 2024. Later, all the members stood up to observe a minutes’ silence as a mark of respect.

Following this, the secretary called the President, OM Thyagu - VU2PTR, to preside over the meeting. The President greeted all the members and gave a brief detail of the programmes and events in the pipe line. Then he welcomed all the new life members and requested them to give a self-introduction. Subsequently, mementos were handed over to all the new members by the Vice President, OM Rajesh Kannan – VU2OW.

It was now time for the main event. OM Arun Kumar - VU2BBF introduced the speaker of the evening, OM Divakar – VU2FFW. What followed was a splendid presentation on “Tiny GS - Ground Station for LORA Satellites”. It was a very detailed power point presentation followed by an equally interesting demonstration including the antenna set up. At the end of the presentation, as a gesture of thanks, a memento was presented to OM Diwakar

Then the President informed the members about the proposed FOX HUNT event scheduled for 11th February. He elaborated on the rules and regulations to be followed and also spoke of the pre-event briefing meeting that would be conducted through ZOOM for the benefit of all.

Later, OM Clement - VU2CWO invited everyone for the MAHAMEET Eye ball meet scheduled for 10th February, the 2nd Saturday, at Sowmiyaa Mahal, TKM Salai, Mahabalipuram and gave details of programme and process of registration.

The meeting wound up finally with the Vote of Thanks delivered by OM Deepan – VU2DPN.