In November 2017, UBarU Camp and Retreat Center was given a grant to build a Ham Radio Station. Amateur or Ham radio allows users to communicate across town, across the country, and on some occasions, internationally, without the internet or cell phones. Licensed operators can communicate using a variety of frequencies across the radio spectrum. If you tune your radio to some of these FCC-approved frequencies, you can listen in.

 Under the supervision of our licensed operators, learners have the opportunity to use and learn more about amateur radio, including newer digital and satellite operations. Our solar-powered station is near the top of our property, on Windy Hill. It includes a radio tower and antennas located near the Art Barn and Observatory. With a battery back-up to its solar array, the Ham Shack can operate as a stand-alone, regional communication center during emergency conditions even when the local power grid is down.

We are most grateful to David Riehl, who lives in Austin. Dave is a dedicated Ham operator, who was looking for some way to make a larger contribution to UBarU, given his retirement status. He designed and supervised the construction of the station. He continues to pursue new course content and solve technical issues at his home station. He makes occasional trips out to UBarU for station maintenance, and for classes when needed. We are lucky to have him available.

Come visit UBarU and learn more about how world-wide communication is possible without an Internet.