Best Waves by the Mediterranean: Badalona’s Quiet Radiance

In the shadow of Barcelona’s cultural clout and industrial legacy, Badalona rarely makes front-page news. But for a select group of dedicated amateurs, this coastal Catalan city hums with radio waves, history, and quietly consistent innovation. At the heart of this signal-rich enclave is the Unió de Radioaficionats de Badalona (EA3UBR) — a club that, like the city itself, prefers to let action speak louder than words.

Founded with the intent to make amateur radio both visible and approachable, EA3UBR, under the leadership of Manuel Quintero Núñez (EA3AHT), has done more than simply keep the lights on. It has built a culture of accessible, practical operating, one that balances tradition and participation with notable finesse.

Their annual hallmark, the Diploma Ciutat de Badalona, may lack the glamour of a global DXpedition, but it’s an exercise in tactical engagement. Participants across Spain, Portugal, and Andorra are challenged to complete a contact phrase—one QSO at a time. It’s gamified ham radio, done with elegance, and offers more than just paper: community, routine, and a reason to turn on the rig.

Their activation of iconic local sites, like the Torre del Rellotge in the Ca l’Arnús park, is not just a symbolic nod to history. It’s a statement of continuity—where past, place, and technology converge under the EA3UBR/P banner. Operating from monuments like MVB-1215 and MVB-1216, the club aligns itself with the city’s cultural landmarks, grounding their radio enthusiasm in public heritage.

The club’s May festivities and radio raffles, including a TECOM walkie generously sponsored by Mercury Barcelona, add yet another layer to its approach: inclusivity through incentive. For many, these local contests and prize drawings offer the first spark of curiosity about amateur radio—often proving more effective than abstract technical lectures.

Open each Tuesday evening, nestled inside a civic centre on Carrer Germà Bernabé, the EA3UBR is more than just a hobby hub. It’s a model of community-driven technical engagement, functioning with modesty but sustained passion. In a world awash with online noise, this quiet corner of Badalona still believes in the clarity of a well-tuned signal.