Best of Tambov: Signals from the Sugar Beet Capital

Tambov, better known for its fields of sugar beets and its role in Russia’s agricultural heartland, is also home to a disciplined amateur radio outpost. The regional division of the Union of Radio Amateurs of Russia operates from a modest address on Shirokaya Street — a location that doubles as clubhouse, examination centre, and QSL exchange hub.

A Council of Callsigns

At the helm is Alexander Yuryevich Kuznetsov (RW3RN), supported by a council whose members span decades of operating experience: Viktor Rudol'fovich Rossolov (UA3RC), Anatoly Vladimirovich Boytsov (R3RK), and others. Their responsibilities are neatly divided between administration, qualifications, and the QSL bureau — the latter run with an efficiency that ensures even the most far-flung DX cards make it back to their recipients.

Air Time and Ground Rules

Tambov’s round tables are concise affairs. The VHF net on 145.300 MHz — once a regular Wednesday evening fixture — is temporarily on hold. The HF gathering, however, persists every Saturday at 09:00 Moscow Time on 3.668 MHz, led by UA3RA. Public hours at the club are Wednesday evenings, with other days available “по договоренности” — by arrangement, underscoring a culture of structured flexibility.

Gatekeeping the Hobby

The qualification commission meets on the first Saturday of each month, giving newcomers a predictable path into the hobby. Exams are conducted on-site, in a room likely to feature both modern transceivers and the lingering scent of solder flux — a tangible reminder that amateur radio here is as much about craftsmanship as it is about communication.

A Quiet Strength

While Tambov’s airwaves may not carry the traffic volumes of Moscow or St. Petersburg, its operators embody the steady, agricultural patience of their region. Much like the city’s harvest cycles, their nets, exams, and QSL exchanges happen with reliable regularity — a steady signal in an often noisy spectrum.