ARI Cesena (IQ4FD): Connecting Radio Amateurs and Serving the Community Since 1975

Cesena, Italy – The A.R.I. (Associazione Radioamatori Italiani) Sezione di Cesena, identified by its call sign IQ4FD, is a dynamic local chapter for amateur radio enthusiasts. Founded in 1975, the section brings together radio amateurs from Cesena, surrounding areas, and beyond who are members of ARI.

The section is located at P.LE KARL MARX 140, 47521 CESENA FC. You can contact I4ZRP Marchi Pierino for more information. The section is open on Fridays from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM. For more updates, visit their website: www.aricesena.it.

What is a Radio Amateur?

A radio amateur is someone, duly authorized, who engages in radiotechnology purely for personal interest and without commercial intent. They participate in the amateur radio service, which is dedicated to individual instruction, intercommunication, and technical studies.

It's a niche hobby, pursued in various ways: from continuous experimentation, modification, and construction of radio equipment, antennas, and related computer systems, to the thrill of making radio contact with another amateur as far away as possible, even across the globe. These contacts are often confirmed by exchanging personalized postcards, known as QSL cards, which include contact details and often unique graphic designs.

Beyond a Hobby: A Vital Service

Amateur radio is not just a pastime; it's also a service. The term "amateur radio service" exists for a reason. Radio amateurs frequently support authorities in various social responsibilities, especially within Civil Protection. For instance, if a natural disaster disrupts telecommunications in an area, radio amateurs act as specialized operators. They intervene with their own antennas and equipment, capable of operating with autonomous power sources, to establish alternative emergency radio communication networks, effectively replacing public telecom systems.

Furthermore, every Prefecture in Italy is equipped with an operational room, complete with amateur radio antennas and equipment on various HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies, ready to be activated by the Prefect in response to a calamitous event.

Becoming a Radio Amateur

To become a radio amateur, passion isn't enough; you must obtain a "license" issued by the Ministry of Communications after passing an exam. This exam covers electronics, radiotechnology, and the regulations governing the amateur radio service, making it a significant hurdle.

The ARI Cesena Section, like other ARI sections across Italy, periodically offers preparation courses for this exam when there's sufficient interest. Once the license is obtained, the aspiring radio amateur must apply to the Ministry for a call sign, a unique alphanumeric code recognized worldwide. Finally, after receiving the call sign, authorization to transmit must be requested, after which one can begin using the radio.

Transparency Compliance

The section is committed to transparency obligations under Articles 125-129 of Law 124/2017. For 2018, the section was not obligated to publish details as the total amount of subsidies, contributions, or economic advantages received from public administration between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018, was less than €10,000.00.