The Experimentele Telecommunicatie Groep Drienerlo (ETGD) is the official association for amateur radio and hobby electronics for students and staff at the University of Twente. It provides a welcoming environment for members to collaborate on a diverse range of projects.
Club Evenings and Location
The ETGD holds its weekly club evenings every Monday at 7:30 PM.
- Location: The ETGD shack is on the 5th floor of the Carré building on the University of Twente campus.
- Arrival: Members and guests gather at 7:30 PM between the Carré building and the Nanolab (refer to the map for exact location). From there, the group proceeds to the shack together.
- Late Arrivals: If you arrive later, you can call them at 053-4892833, and someone will come to pick you up. If you have a building pass for Carré, you can go directly to the shack on the 5th floor.
What is Amateur Radio?
Amateur radio, or "ham radio," is a hobby focused on the technical aspects of radio communication, rather than broadcasting music or programs. It offers a wide array of fascinating facets:
- Building Equipment: Design and construct your own transmitting and receiving equipment and antennas, whether aiming for simplicity or peak performance.
- Software-Defined Radio (SDR): The ETGD is at the forefront of this technology, with its groundbreaking WebSDR receiver. Developed by the group, this innovative receiver allows hundreds of people worldwide to simultaneously use it via the internet.
- Global Communication: Communicate with other radio amateurs using various modes, including voice, Morse code, image transmission, or digital computer-based methods. This global reach is often achieved through shortwave signals reflecting off the ionosphere, via amateur-built satellites, or even by reflecting signals off the moon (Earth-Moon-Earth, or EME).
- Contesting: Participate in radio contests, aiming to make as many contacts as possible within a weekend.
Other Activities
The ETGD's interests extend beyond traditional amateur radio:
- Radio Astronomy: ETGD members are actively involved in the restoration of the historic Dwingeloo radio telescope (CAMRAS).
- "Foxhunting": A fun activity involving tracking down hidden transmitters.
- Listening to Non-Amateur Signals: Receive signals from various sources like distant broadcast stations, aviation, maritime communications, and ionospheric sounders.
Licensing and Support
Anyone can receive radio signals without a license. However, to transmit, you need a sending license, which requires passing an exam. The ETGD provides assistance and support to students preparing for this exam, which is generally not difficult for university students.
The ETGD is also formally affiliated with the national amateur radio association, VERON, serving as one of its local chapters.
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