Ham Radio in the Republic of Adygea: A Tight-Knit Network in the Caucasus Foothills

Tucked into the lush foothills of the western Caucasus, the Republic of Adygea hosts one of Russia’s most compact yet well-organised branches of the Union of Radio Amateurs of Russia (SRR). Operating from the DOSAAF building in Maykop, this regional division blends the tradition of amateur radio with the formality of a structured sports federation.

📡 Leadership and Organisation

The branch is led by Alexander Gaas (RY7Y), a long-time figure in the local radio scene whose contact network stretches well beyond the republic’s borders. His council includes deputy Aliy Kuysokov (UA6YW) and veteran operators such as Vladimir Velichko (RA6YJ) and Sergey Skripnikov (UA6YE), ensuring coverage of technical, sporting, and administrative duties.

Behind them stands a full audit commission and a qualification commission that oversees exams for new operators—an echo of Russia’s centralised licensing traditions.

🎯 Activities: From Sunday Nets to Contesting

Adygea’s hams keep a disciplined rhythm. Every Sunday at 09:00, a round table on 3.677 MHz brings together local voices—familiar callsigns like RA6YJ, RU6YJ, UA6YE, and UA6YI—exchanging news, technical tips, and contest results.

On VHF, the RR6YA repeater at 145.600/145.000 MHz covers a 50 km radius around Maykop, supporting both casual QSOs and emergency readiness.

🏆 Sports and Youth Focus

In keeping with SRR’s dual role as a hobbyist and sports organisation, the Adygea branch fields competitors in HF and VHF contesting, radio direction finding (ARDF), and high-speed telegraphy. Youth outreach remains a priority, with the DOSAAF location serving as a base for training sessions and workshops.

📮 QSL Bureau and Local Services

The regional QSL bureau, also run by Vladimir Velichko (RA6YJ), operates on weekends from 09:00 to 12:00. Members drop off and collect cards in person—preserving an old-fashioned but deeply valued element of ham culture.

From a small building on Chelyuskintsev Street, Adygea’s amateur radio operators maintain a disciplined and socially connected presence on the airwaves. Their scale may be modest, but their structure and commitment ensure that the republic remains firmly on Russia’s amateur radio map.