Where the Black Sea meets the Crimean mountains, radio waves find both challenge and opportunity. The peninsula’s topography—steep ridges, wide steppes, and saltwater coastlines—demands skill from its operators, yet offers propagation paths that can carry a signal far beyond the horizon.
Leadership at the Crossroads
At the centre of Crimea’s amateur radio network is Konstantin Ernev (RX7K) in Simferopol, who chairs both the regional office and its council. His deputy, Ekaterina Romashkevich (UB6KAP), and secretary Ilya Kovalyov (R7KAY) form part of a diverse leadership team, supported by council members from across the peninsula—from Yevpatoria’s western shore to Feodosiya on the east coast.
Training and Standards
The Qualification Commission, headed by Kovalyov, ensures new operators meet licensing requirements. Its membership reflects a mix of technical depth and local knowledge: veterans such as Valery Bogun (RK7KR) and Andrey Burlaka (R7KET) are joined by newer voices, maintaining both tradition and adaptability. Exams are held monthly at the Simferopol College of Radioelectronics.
Infrastructure and Coverage
Crimea’s radio network relies on the RR7KAA repeater, managed centrally and designed to serve the peninsula’s varied terrain. While the coastal lowlands enjoy strong coverage, the mountainous south demands careful placement and tuning—an ongoing project for the community.
QSL and Community Links
Paper QSL confirmations still matter here. Alexander Vlasov (RA7KW) oversees the regional QSL bureau, ensuring contacts made across the peninsula and beyond are confirmed. Roundtables, when held, serve as both technical exchanges and a cultural touchpoint, reinforcing the sense of a close-knit yet far-reaching network.
The Peninsula’s On-Air Identity
Crimea’s amateur radio culture blends maritime reach with inland resilience. A contact here might begin in a Simferopol shack, bounce off the Black Sea breeze, and end in a port city across the water. In a place defined by its crossroads of history and geography, every call sign tells a story of connection.
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