Signals in the Sauerland: The Quiet Consistency of OV Sundern (O02)

Nestled within the rolling green of North Rhine-Westphalia’s Sauerland region lies the town of Sundern, where winding roads weave through wooded valleys and pastoral tranquility meets subtle technological ambition. Among its hills, 22 individuals keep an ancient but evolving tradition alive—not through loud proclamations, but through steady signal and regular conversation.

This is the Ortsverband Sundern (O02), a small yet robust outpost of the Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club (DARC). Their presence is quiet, their ambition modest—but their commitment is unmistakable.

From Pizza to Propagation

Every second Friday of the month, the heart of OV Sundern pulses to life not in a sterile conference hall but at the Da Domenico restaurant in Sundern-Hachen. Over pasta and pizza, a different kind of menu is explored: updates on antenna tuning, propagation quirks, digital modes, and the latest from DARC.

This seemingly casual setting belies the technical conversations unfolding over Chianti and circuit diagrams. Mareike Schaurich (DG6MBS), the club’s point of contact, leads with clarity and cordiality, ensuring the atmosphere remains as accessible as it is informed.

Sauerland's Subtle Frequencies

With 145.375 MHz as their primary calling frequency and JO41AH as their locator, O02’s operations may seem local. But this small club forms a vital link in Germany’s national ham radio tapestry, helping maintain spectrum vigilance, technical excellence, and community education.

Members span a range of interests—from Morse to mesh networking, QRP to QSO contests—reflecting amateur radio's eclectic DNA. What unites them is not equipment but ethos: a shared belief in radio as a bridge between generations, disciplines, and distances.

Signals of Resilience

In an era when membership numbers at many amateur radio clubs waver and social isolation encroaches, Sundern’s model offers a blueprint. Its size is its strength: every voice is heard, every idea weighed, every new call sign greeted with encouragement.

There are no large-scale contests here, no sprawling field days—at least not yet. What there is, however, is consistency. Month after month. Year after year. A beacon of analogue integrity in an increasingly digitized world.

The View from Am Knick

From Am Knick 38, Mareike and the club help maintain not only signals in the air but a deeper signal—a message that even the smallest community can maintain relevance through commitment, openness, and the simple joy of shared curiosity.

As with many small clubs across Germany, O02 reminds us that amateur radio is not just about gear or licenses. It’s about people, purpose, and keeping the airwaves—and communities—connected.