ARI Imola (IQ4HI): A Post-War Beginning for Radio Amateurs

Imola, Italy – The A.R.I. (Associazione Radioamatori Italiani) Sezione di Imola, operating under the call sign IQ4HI, has a rich history that began shortly after World War II.

The section is located at C/O C. SOC. ''LA STALLA'' - VIA SERRAGLIO 20/B, 40026 IMOLA BO. For inquiries, you can contact IK4NYV Camaggi Giampiero. Meetings are held on the 1st and last Friday of each month, from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. You can also visit their website at www.arimola.it.

The Early Days: 1946 Gathering at Ristorante Zio'

In the immediate post-war period, during the Allied occupation, amateur radio in Italy was a less formal affair. Call signs were assigned by the Associazione Radiotecnica Italiana (the precursor to today's ARI), and all stations shared the I1 (Italia 1) prefix.

It was in this pioneering atmosphere that a group of nine Imolese radio amateurs gathered at Ristorante Zio' in 1946 to lay the groundwork for what would become the Imola radio amateur group.

Among those present at that formative meeting were (from left to right):

• Giuseppe Montuschi
• Aldo Babini
• Paolo Bartolini I1AUG
• Fernando Casadio I1KF
• Armando Nildi I1ACO
• Giorgio Beghini I1AHW
• Aldo Balocco I1BA
• Augusto Minardi

This early assembly marked the start of a long-standing tradition of amateur radio in Imola, fostering a community of enthusiasts dedicated to the fascinating world of radio communication.