Amateur Radio and Boy Scout Troop 73
Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) was introduced to Troop 73 in 1994. Scoutmaster (N2ZQF) and scouts (N2ZSH) and (KB2RMW) had received their Technician Class License and shared their interest and knowledge with the other troop members. For the first year or two, members of the troop used portable radios, similar to walkie talkies, to communicate with each other on hikes and other scouting events. To this day, they are still used, however more equipment has since been added. The Troop has picked up better communications and radio equipment. Presently more scouts have become members of the troop radio club, (N2YBT, KB2YNT, KC2GLA, KC2GMX, KB2ZTS, KC2IBF, KC2IBI, KC2IBE, KC2IBH, KA8GRH). At this time we have several scouts studying to get their licenses as well. Any member of the troop is welcome to join the Amateur Radio Club with or without a license.

Pictured here is the troop's latest project. This is our KA2BSA MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS VAN. The van is used for contesting, special events like Jamboree On The Air (JOTA), public service events, and emergency communications. It is designed to be a self sufficient mobile radio station. It is equipped with its own power source which is a 4000 watt generator, a 12 volt battery bank, with an AC inverter. The van is set up for 2-3 operators and has the capability for VHF, UHF, HF, and Packet radio with its own on-board computer.
Other miscellaneous equipment found in the van are: Microwave oven, refrigerator, TV with VCR, external antenna brackets with pole masting, assorted lengths of coax cable, dipole and beam antennas, and other miscellaneous items.

Our first Amateur Radio project was building a UHF repeater which is presently located at Rotary Scout Reservation in Poestenkill, NY. It is transmitting on 444.600mHz. and receiving on 449.600mHz. with a PL tone of 136.5.

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Past activities of KA2BSA: