URE Valencia: The Heart of Radio Waves and Civic Purpose in the Mediterranean

VALENCIA, SPAIN — Nestled within the polytechnic campus of the University of Valencia (UPV), in Edificio 7F, the headquarters of EA5URV — the Valencia section of Spain’s national amateur radio union — is more than just a meeting point for enthusiasts. Under the stewardship of Juan Alfonso Martí Bowen (EA5TW), URE Valencia champions not only RF propagation but also civic engagement, international cooperation, and scientific curiosity.

A Frequency Without Borders

Amateur radio is unique among hobbies. It transcends language and geography, relying on a physical medium — the electromagnetic spectrum — regulated by the ITU, the UN’s telecommunications arm. In this world, Valencia is not just a city in Spain; it is Region 1, sharing propagation forecasts and potential interference zones with Africa and Europe under the careful watch of international and national regulations.

The Unión de Radioaficionados Españoles (URE), founded in 1949, serves as Spain’s voice in the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). As such, URE Valencia acts as a crucial node in this international web — both compliant and collaborative.

A Local Hub for a Global Cause

While global in reach, URE Valencia is intensely local in operation. Every Thursday evening, the section opens its doors to members and newcomers alike. Not just to discuss antennas or propagation — but to reinforce values of community, responsibility, and education.

Members benefit from the full suite of URE services: legal advice, QSL bureau access, antenna insurance, and more. But Valencia goes further — its online members' area allows tracking of QSL exchanges, publishes meeting minutes, and encourages second-hand gear sales or activations.

Why Join?

URE Valencia doesn’t only maintain amateur tradition; it adapts it. The section promotes:

• Technical study and experimentation, encouraging modes from CW to digital FT8.

• Education, supporting the responsible use of spectrum among newcomers.

• Solidarity, offering collaboration on humanitarian radio projects in developing countries.

• Representation, acting as a mediator between radio amateurs and public/private entities.

• Community building, through both formal meetings and informal gatherings.

In short: it’s a place where analog values and digital potential meet.

Final Thought

In a world obsessed with streaming and satellites, the members of URE Valencia quietly remind us that two-way communication — grounded in mutual respect, legality, and experimentation — is still not only relevant but essential.

Whether you're a seasoned operator chasing DX on 160 meters or a curious newcomer exploring propagation curves, this is the place to tune in. And perhaps, to transmit.