Discover the vibrant community of YACHT, where young amateur radio enthusiasts and supportive adults come together! In this video, learn how easy it is to join YACHT through the EchoLink app, including details on specific meeting times and formats. Membership is entirely free, but make sure you have your technician class amateur radio license to get involved in all the exciting activities. Start your journey in amateur radio today and meet like-minded individuals from around the world. Don’t forget to share this video to spread the word!
Transcript:
Hey everyone! Let me tell you about this club that’s all about connecting young ham radio enthusiasts – the Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team, or YACHT! This club is a vibrant community where young people can explore the fascinating world of ham radio, make new friends, and learn from each other. So, what is YACHT all about? Well, it’s a community for young amateur radio operators who want to make new friends and promote the art of ham radio. It’s a place where you can share your passion for radio communication, learn new skills, and participate in exciting activities. Adults are welcome too! They can join and support the young hams, provide guidance, share their own experiences, offer mentorship, and help to foster a love for ham radio in the next generation. Now, if you’re wondering how to join, it’s simpler than you think. Just visit our website: yachtyouth.net and fill out the Join YACHT form. The net control operator Ed KG8CX is always happy to welcome new members and help them get started. YACHT meets on the EchoLink app, Monday through Saturday. This app is a fantastic tool that allows you to connect with other ham radio enthusiasts from around the world, right from your smartphone or computer. The sessions happen at 5PM Pacific Time, 6PM Mountain Time, 7PM Central Time, and 8PM Eastern Time. But YACHT isn’t just limited to the United States. We have members from countries like Australia, Japan, India, the UK, and Argentina, making it a truly global community. Monday through Friday are informal chat sessions with two rounds of fun and maybe some jokes. These sessions are a great way to unwind, share stories, and enjoy some light-hearted conversation with fellow hams. Saturday is the main net, a bit more formal and includes one round. Don’t have the EchoLink app yet? No worries! You can download it on your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. It’s available on multiple platforms, making it easy to stay connected no matter what device you prefer. Just grab an official copy of your ham license from the FCC website and submit it to EchoLink for authentication. This step ensures that all users are licensed operators, maintaining the integrity of the community. Once verified, search for YACHT in the list of conferences or use node number 954283. This will connect you directly to the YACHT community, where you can start participating in sessions and making new friends. The youth section is for ages up to 23, and there are plenty of adult members too. This diverse age range creates a rich environment for learning and sharing, with everyone bringing their own unique experiences to the table. If you don’t have an amateur radio license yet, you’ll need one to set up your EchoLink account and join YACHT. But don’t worry, getting your license is a straightforward process. Only a technician class license is required. This entry-level license is perfect for beginners and opens up a world of possibilities in ham radio. To get your technician license, you’ll need to pass a 35-question multiple-choice test. There are plenty of resources available to help you study and prepare, so you can feel confident going into the exam. And that’s it! YACHT is a fantastic way to explore ham radio, make new friends, and be part of an awesome community. Whether you’re interested in the technical aspects of radio communication or just want to connect with like-minded individuals, YACHT has something for everyone. So, whether you’re a young ham or an adult looking to support the youth, YACHT is the place to be. It’s a welcoming and inclusive community that values learning, friendship, and the joy of ham radio. Thanks for watching! And as us hams like to say, 73!