Newbies On The Air UK

NOTA - Newbies On The Air

Event Details

• Name of the event: NOTA - Newbies On The Air
• Participants: 15 - 20
• Experience Level: Beginner (Newbies)
• Duration: 2 Days (1 Night Sleep)

Location and Facilities

• Space Needed:
  • Dormitory accommodation
  • Fully stocked toilets and shower facilities
  • Canteen with various food options (including vegetarian/vegan)
  • Special events station area for radio operations
  • A small room for teaching and workshops
  • Outdoor areas with marquees for activities

Food

• Meals:
  • Day 1: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, and optionally Dinner (depending on check-out time)
  • Organized by the event team with a variety of options available to accommodate dietary needs

Finances

• Budget:

  • Accommodation: £1,200 - £4,800
  • Food: £1,400 - £3,000
  • Venue: £6,000 - £12,000
  • Bills: £1,000
  • Total Estimated Cost: £9,600 - £20,800

• Funding:

  • Event fees from participants
  • Sponsorships from local businesses or amateur radio clubs
  • Crowdfunding or online donations

Materials and Equipment

• Event Materials:
  • Basic kit-building materials, with pre-organized components and detailed instructions
  • Whiteboard for teaching sessions
  • Radio equipment: transceivers, antennas, cables, computers for logging and digital modes
  • Soldering kits for hands-on activities (seasonal-themed kits like Christmas trees during holidays)
  • Reliable internet connection for research and digital radio modes

Organizer Preparations

• Key Preparations:
  • Create a detailed event timetable, including time slots for operating the event station
  • Pre-prepare kits with all necessary components to avoid confusion
  • Secure access to emergency supplies and snacks
  • Book accommodation and organize food service
  • Set up a Discord server or similar platform for communication and coordination
  • Coordinate with local radio clubs for volunteers to help with setup and mentoring

Participant Checklist

• What to Bring:
  • Handheld radio
  • Sufficient clothing and toiletries for 2 days
  • Some cash or card for personal expenses
  • Any personal radio equipment participants want to use

Event Structure

• Day One:

  • Morning: Arrivals and check-in, followed by an introductory briefing
  • Late Morning: Basic workshops covering the fundamentals of amateur radio (frequencies, antennas, basic operating procedures)
  • Afternoon: Kit building (beginner-friendly kits with instructions) and setting up the event station
  • Evening: Group dinner followed by an icebreaker event (such as a radio-related game or scavenger hunt)
  • Night: Open-air stargazing or outdoor free time by the fire

• Day Two:

  • Morning: Optional group sightseeing or outdoor activity
  • Late Morning: Time slots for operating the event station, with guidance from experienced volunteers
  • Afternoon: Participants split into interest groups for activities of their choice (antenna building, digital modes, satellite communication demos, etc.)
  • Late Afternoon: Closing remarks, certificates of participation, and group photos
  • Evening (optional): Farewell dinner (depending on check-out time)

• Optional:

  • License exam opportunities for participants (if applicable in the region, e.g., UK sub-regional camp)
  • Free time for socializing, relaxing, and experimenting with personal radio setups