MSU Amateur Radio Club traces its roots to 1919, when students used radio to broadcast weather reports and farm market prices with the call letters 8YG. In 1925, that early station became part of the history of WKAR, MSU’s public broadcasting station, while a separate amateur radio station was formed as 8XBU and later renamed 8SH.
Today, W8MSU and W8SH make up MSU Amateur Radio Club, giving students hands-on experience with radio communication, technical operations and community service.
The club recently participated in the Michigan QSO Party, a Michigan-based contest in which amateur radio stations try to make contact with operators in as many counties as possible. A “QSO” is a contact with another amateur radio operator through the airwaves. During the contest, operators earn points by contacting other amateur radio stations across Michigan counties, U.S. states, Canadian provinces and countries around the world. Contacts can be made by voice or Morse code.
MSU Amateur Radio Club logged contacts in 25 Michigan counties, 38 U.S. states, three Canadian provinces and the Slovak Republic.
The club typically operates from room 2121 in the Engineering Building on Shaw Lane. During this year’s contest, members also set up a portable station near the MSU Pavilion and the old Observatory. The portable station allowed members to operate on additional frequencies at the same time and gave students and visitors another location to see amateur radio in action.
This summer, the club will participate in Parks on the Air, or POTA, events, where members gather at local state parks to practice portable and remote communications. In August, the club will participate in Sparticipation, where students can visit the club’s table, learn more about amateur radio and sign up for future event notifications.
MSU Amateur Radio Club welcomes new members interested in radio, communication and contesting. Events are open to students from across campus, and newcomers are encouraged to attend. While engineering students are a primary draw for the club, students from all majors are welcome at events and meetings.
Written by McKenzie Schrah, a student writer in the College of Engineering Marketing Communications Office.
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page