Nestled in the heart of Bad Säckingen, Germany, the Ortsverband Bad Säckingen (A17) of the Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club e.V. (DARC) is a vibrant community that fosters technical expertise, collaboration, and camaraderie among amateur radio operators. Whether engaging in technical projects, organizing club meetings, or maintaining vital relay stations, A17 is committed to keeping the spirit of amateur radio alive.
Regular OV-Abende: Connecting Enthusiasts Every Month
The OV-Abend (Club Evening) is a cornerstone of the club’s activities, bringing members together for technical discussions, social gatherings, and club updates.
📅 Meeting Schedule:
🕢 First Friday of every month at 19:30
📍 Gasthaus zur Säge, Öflingen
🏠 Oberdorfstraße 5A, 79664 Wehr, Ortsteil: Öflingen
🔊 Upcoming Club Evenings:
✔ February 7, 2025
✔ March 7, 2025
✔ April 11, 2025
✔ May 9, 2025
✔ June 6, 2025
All members and guests are welcome to participate, discuss their latest radio experiments, and enjoy a friendly atmosphere.
Exploring Technology: Club Events & Technical Activities
🏭 Visit to the Kavernenkraftwerk Bad Säckingen
The club recently organized a visit to the Kavernenkraftwerk Bad Säckingen, an underground hydroelectric power plant. Guided by OM Michael, club members explored the facility's engineering, construction, and operation before gathering at Café Melange for a technical discussion over refreshments.
📡 Updates on DB0SAC Relay Station
The DB0SAC relay station, located on Eggberg, is a crucial asset for local and regional amateur radio communications. While the analog relay remains operational, recent network disruptions affected Echolink, D-Star, and Packet Radio services. A temporary VPN-based solution has restored some functionality, but ongoing infrastructure work at Eggberg is delaying full restoration.
📡 LoRaAPRS Deployment on Eggberg
In a significant step towards enhancing long-range communication, the club has deployed a LoRaAPRS receiver on Eggberg, extending APRS tracking coverage to Basel, Albbruck, and parts of the Fricktal region. Despite its low transmission power (20mW), the system has demonstrated impressive reception capabilities.
🔧 Antenna and Mast Inspection
A thorough antenna and mast maintenance operation was carried out at DB0SAC, including the removal of outdated 23cm antennas, repairs to cable entry points, and installation of new 70cm omnidirectional antennas.
Preserving Legacy: The Closure of the Sägeberg Station
The Sägeberg station, which had played a vital role in Packet Radio, APRS, and emergency communications, was officially decommissioned in December 2018. The high-altitude site (1000m) near Engelschwand once served as a critical relay point for 9k6 digital links. However, with the rise of HAMnet and the decline of Packet Radio, the station became redundant. In an organized dismantling operation, antennas were removed, and valuable infrastructure was secured for future use.
🖼️ Photo Gallery: Sägeberg Station Decommissioning
Relay Stations Operated by OV Bad Säckingen (A17)
The club operates several relay stations essential for local, regional, and digital amateur radio communications.
📡 DB0SAC – Eggberg Relay Station (JN37XN)
- 📶 70cm Analog Relay – 439.425 MHz (-7.6 MHz)
- 🔗 D-Star Hotspot – 438.450 MHz (-7.6 MHz)
- 💾 Packet Radio Gateway – 438.525 MHz (-7.6 MHz, 9k6)
- 🌍 Echolink Node – 145.2375 MHz
- 📍 APRS Gateway – 144.800 MHz
📡 DB0SAE – Sägeberg (Decommissioned)
- APRS Digi (Shut down in 2017)
Leadership & Contact Information
The Ortsverband Bad Säckingen (A17) is led by dedicated individuals who ensure smooth club operations and foster a strong amateur radio community.
📢 Club Chairman (OVV):
📌 Lothar Haensel (DM4VPF)
📧 Email: de4vpf@t-online.de
Why Join OV Bad Säckingen (A17)?
Becoming a member of OV Bad Säckingen (A17) connects you with a passionate community of amateur radio enthusiasts who share a love for technology, communication, and innovation.
✔️ Regular club meetings for technical discussions
✔️ Access to high-performance relay stations
✔️ Engaging excursions and community events
✔️ Opportunities for hands-on learning and experimentation
Join Us & Explore the World of Amateur Radio!
Whether you are a seasoned radio operator, a technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of radio communications, the Ortsverband Bad Säckingen (A17) is the perfect place to learn, share, and connect.
🔗 Visit our website for more details: DARC A17
📡 Explore, Innovate, and Connect with OV Bad Säckingen (A17)! 🚀🎙️
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