ARI Latina (IQ0LT): A Half-Century of Radio, Education, and Service

Latina, Italy – The A.R.I. (Associazione Radioamatori Italiani) Sezione di Latina, identified by its call sign IQ0LT, has been a dynamic force in amateur radio since its establishment in September 1968. Born from the passion of a small group of enthusiasts in Latina, this section has continuously upheld the scientific, cultural, and public service values of amateur radio.

The section is located at VIA CISTERNA 8, 04100 LATINA LT. For inquiries, you can contact President IW0GSB Benedetti Stefano. Meetings are held every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For more information, visit their website: www.arilatina.it.

A Rich History of Amateur Radio in Italy

The Associazione Radioamatori Italiani (A.R.I.), originally known as Associazione Radiotecnica Italiana, was founded in 1927 by Ing. Ernesto Montù, one of Italy's first radio amateurs. The Association established its central headquarters in Milan, where it remains today, and began forming peripheral sections across the nation.

In the 1920s, the scientific importance of the association was widely recognized due to the successes achieved by Italian radio amateurs, who, among other things, bestowed the honorary presidency upon Guglielmo Marconi, which the Great Scientist enthusiastically accepted. Since then, the Association has been a founding member of the International Amateur Radio Union (I.A.R.U.), headquartered in the United States, where amateur radio first blossomed as early as 1908, a time when it was difficult to distinguish between professional researchers and amateurs or hobbyists. In 1950, the Association was formally recognized as a "Moral Entity" because, as clearly stated in its Statute, it pursues "purely scientific and cultural" aims.

The Birth and Growth of ARI Latina

In early 1968, Professor Rocco Disimino, then an elementary school teacher but also an internationally certified former merchant navy radiotelegraph officer, became the instructor for six-month radiotelegraphy courses held in Latina by the Consortium for Technical Education. Rocco's great passion and the fact that the certificate issued from these courses was valid for obtaining an amateur radio license turned Latina into a hub for aspiring radio amateurs.

Finally, in the autumn of 1968, the dream became reality: the ARI Latina section was founded, with Rocco Disimino (I1RTC) serving as its first president.

In 1971, the section hosted its first national event, a great success attended by prominent authorities such as the Vice Mayor Avv. Vincenzo Granato, the President of the Chamber of Commerce Avv. Ezio Lucchetti, and with the participation of Princess Elettra Marconi and Ing. Cesare Fantò, General Director of Italcable.

In 1975, Professor Disimino passed the presidency to Rag. Carmelo Dugo (I0DCI). He was followed by various presidents who served for varying periods, including Major A.M. Michelino Catapano (I0MIC), Giovanni Bertoldi (I0GWS), Giovanni Palombo (I0PAB), Michele Sillitti (IK0DMS), Marco Monti (I0MNQ), Piergiulio Subiaco (I0SUB), and others.

This "historical group" immediately set to work with great enthusiasm. Just three years after its establishment, they organized their first national amateur radio event, followed two years later by the organization of the second "Città di Latina" trophy, which had international significance and included a valuable exhibition of home-built amateur radio equipment. Since then, and up to the present day, cultural amateur radio events have been held biennially and during special anniversaries, such as the fiftieth anniversary of the Provincial Capital City and the Pontine Province.

Education and Emergency Service

As part of its institutional duties, the Association conducts preparatory courses for aspiring radio amateurs who intend to take the examination at the Ministry of Communications to obtain their license. These courses, lasting approximately six months, have been held since the section's founding, utilizing various members as instructors for lessons in electronics, radiotechnology, and preparation for the telegraphic reception and transmission test (Morse Code).

One of the most crucial aspects of amateur radio activity is the activation of alternative communication services in emergencies. Over the years, the ARI Latina section has participated in various exercises, including:

• Combined simulated alarm drills and exercises with the Army, Italian Red Cross (C.R.I.), Italian Alpine Club (C.A.I.), National Alpine Association (A.N.A.), and other civil protection groups.
• Monthly technical tests at the radio room of the Latina Prefecture, connecting with the Civil Protection Department and the Ministry of Interior.
• Sports assistance for: cycling races, marathons, Ponza-Circeo swimming crossings, motorcycle races, and the Giro d'Italia cycling tour.
• Territorial rescue assistance for hikers and radio support for the defusing of unexploded ordnance, and in the past, radio assistance for the summer anti-fire service.

Finally, the Association, since its foundation, has organized educational interventions in schools of all levels and at various facilities and associations, as well as series of technical conferences, retrospective historical exhibitions, and displays of home-built equipment. For some time, it has also maintained an active collaborative relationship with the Historical Museum of Piana delle Orme in Latina, for which it has managed and continues to update the "Radio Didactic Laboratory."