{rokbox title=|TITLE :: CAPTION| float=|right|}images/stories/2010/0727/k2bsa.jpg{/rokbox}Scouts can earn an amateur radio license and the Radio merit badge at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree by visiting the K2BSA tent located southeast of the Mahone staff area.
Participants may talk to people across the United States and throughout the world. K2BSA demonstrates a technique called DXing, which allows radio operators to tune in distant radio transmissions and identify themselves. During past jamborees, K2BSA has also made contact with satellites in orbit and the International Space Station.
Daily sessions allow aspiring radio operators to earn the first amateur radio credential, the Technician license. The sessions are six 45-minute study groups, and most groups are able to earn a license valid for 10 years. Sessions start at 9 A.M. today. Scouts can talk on all VHF/UHF amateur bands and selected high frequency bands. The Radio merit badge is also offered. Scouts learn basic radio technique, safety and how radios work. They do not need to know Morse code as previously required.
Especially dedicated scouts may participate in K2BSA’s sessions for the advanced General and Extra amateur radio licenses. These more advanced classes allow radio operators to use additional frequency bands.
According to Louise Ramsey Moreau, of American Radio Relay League magazine, the first use of the term “ham” radio was about 1909, when it referred to two amateurs who would block out all commercial operations because of their powerful radios.
K2BSA has operated at the jamboree since 1973.