In the picturesque town of Bocholt, nestled in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, the local chapter of the Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club (DARC), Ortsverband Bocholt (N17), continues to thrive as a hub of technical innovation and community spirit. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1982, the club has evolved into a vibrant community of radio enthusiasts, united by their passion for technology and communication.
A Legacy of Connection
The Bocholt Amateur Radio Club has a long history of fostering connections—both on and off the airwaves. From its early days, the club has been a center of technical innovation, with members actively involved in building and maintaining radio equipment, including the iconic DB0BOH repeater and the DB0JG beacon. These installations have become landmarks in the local amateur radio community, providing reliable communication links and serving as a testament to the club’s technical prowess.
A Commitment to Innovation
The club’s recent efforts to modernize its infrastructure highlight its commitment to innovation. In 2023, the club unveiled a new analog repeater, DB0BOH, built around a Raspberry Pi and designed to be energy-efficient and remotely controllable. This project, led by Kai (DH0SK), Jens (DL1LEP), and Markus (DO2MHB), showcases the club’s ability to adapt to new technologies while maintaining its legacy of technical excellence.
The club is also at the forefront of digital communication, with a digital repeater supporting DMR, D-Star, and C4FM modes. This repeater, installed on the Bocholt water tower, provides members with access to cutting-edge communication technologies and serves as a hub for digital amateur radio in the region.
A Focus on Education and Outreach
The Bocholt Amateur Radio Club is also dedicated to promoting amateur radio through education and public outreach. The club’s licensing course, which prepares aspiring operators for the Bundesnetzagentur exams, is a key initiative in this regard. By demystifying the technical and regulatory aspects of amateur radio, the course has inspired countless individuals to take up the hobby.
Public outreach remains a priority. The club’s participation in events like the Mühlentag (Mill Day) in Rhede, where members demonstrated satellite communication using the QO-100 geostationary satellite, has been instrumental in raising awareness of amateur radio. These efforts are complemented by the club’s online presence, which includes a wealth of resources for aspiring operators.
A Welcoming Community
At its core, the Bocholt Amateur Radio Club is a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for technology and communication. Weekly meetups, technical workshops, and special events like the annual Grünkohlessen (kale stew dinner) provide ample opportunities for members to connect, learn, and grow.
The club’s leadership, led by Johannes Schwitt, is committed to ensuring that the club remains a welcoming space for all. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or a curious newcomer, there’s a place for you in the Bocholt Amateur Radio Club.
Looking Ahead
As the club looks to the future, it faces the dual challenge of preserving its rich heritage while embracing new technologies and modes of communication. The upcoming Jahreshauptversammlung (annual general meeting) is an important opportunity for members to come together and chart a course for the future.
The Bocholt Amateur Radio Club is more than just a group of radio enthusiasts; it’s a community that values connection, learning, and innovation. In a world where communication is often fleeting and impersonal, the club stands as a reminder of the power of meaningful, long-lasting connections—both on and off the airwaves.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.