FAQs

Y.A.C.H.T. stands for Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team.

The purpose of YACHT is to inspire youth to enjoy the hobby of amateur radio, connect with others with similar interests, and create friendships. 

Anyone interested in promoting youth in ham radio is welcome to be a part of YACHT. While YACHT is focused on youth, adults are also welcome and encouraged to join and show support. Adult hams can also allow unlicensed youth to use their callsign to check in to the EchoLink sessions as third party as long as the licensed ham is with them.

Becoming a member is free, the youth section goes up to age 23 and there are plenty of adult members as well. All you need to do is either fill out the form here: https://yachtyouth.net/join-yacht/ or join one of the chat sessions and ask to become a member there. 

YACHT meets on the EchoLink app Monday through Saturday at 5pm Pacific Time, 6pm Mountain Time, 7pm Central Time, 8pm Eastern Time (currently 00:00 UTC*) on the YACHT EchoLink conference (node number 954283). We are also connected to AllStar node number 65757, XLXGBP – Module D (DMR or YSF), Yaesu System Fusion 54304, and TGIF DMR Talk Group 54304. Monday through Friday are the informal chat sessions which includes two rounds and you might hear some jokes as well. YACHT has its main net every Saturday which is more formal and includes one round.

*The United States observes Daylight Saving Time from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November so from March to November, the YACHT net is at 00:00 UTC and from November to March it is at 01:00 UTC.

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The EchoLink app can be downloaded on a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop and you will need to download the official copy of your amateur radio license from the FCC website (Instructions here) and submit it to EchoLink to be authenticated. Once you are verified you can find *YACHT* in the list of conferences or search for node number 954283. 

If you don’t currently have an amateur radio license, you will need to get one before you can set up your own EchoLink account and become a member of YACHT. Only a technician class license is required. To get your technician license, you need to pass a 35 question multiple choice test. Check out this page on the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) website for more info: https://www.arrl.org/getting-your-technician-license.

EchoLink provides many useful advantages for operators. Since it doesn’t depend on propagation, you can make reliable connections at any time without worrying about band conditions. There’s also no need for costly equipment, which makes it accessible to more people. Another helpful feature is the built-in chat box, where participants can type messages to one another without interrupting the voice conversation. Checking in is straightforward as well: just connect to the conference, and your callsign and name will automatically appear on the screens of the other stations.