Royal Union of Belgian Radio Amateurs

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Koninklijke Unie van de Belgische Zendamateurs
Union Royale Belge des Amateurs-Emetteurs
Königliche Union der Belgischen Funkamateure
Royal Union of Belgian Radio Amateurs.png
Abbreviation UBA
Formation January 25, 1947 [1]
Type Non-profit organization
Purpose Advocacy, Education
Location
Region served
Belgium
Membership
3,000 [2]
Official language
Dutch, French, German
President
 Claude van Pottelsberghe de la Potterie ON7TK
Affiliations International Amateur Radio Union
Website http://www.uba.be/

The Royal Union of Belgian Radio Amateurs (UBA) (in Dutch, Koninklijke Unie van de Belgische Zendamateurs, in French Union Royale Belge des Amateurs-Emetteurs, in German Königliche Union der Belgischen Funkamateure) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Belgium. UBA is the national member society representing Belgium in the International Amateur Radio Union. [3]

Dutch language West Germanic language

Dutch(Nederlands ) is a West Germanic language spoken by around 23 million people as a first language and 5 million people as a second language, constituting the majority of people in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is the third most widely spoken Germanic language, after its close relatives English and German.

Koninklijk or Koninklijke is an honorary title given to certain companies and non-profit organisations in the Netherlands and to a lesser extent Belgium, by the monarchs of each country. It was first introduced by Louis Bonaparte in 1807, then King of Holland, who awarded the title to cultural associations. Companies awarded with the title may opt to use the English equivalent 'Royal' instead. It is comparable with the Royal Warrant in the UK.

French language Romance language

French is a Romance language of the Indo-European family. It descended from the Vulgar Latin of the Roman Empire, as did all Romance languages. French evolved from Gallo-Romance, the spoken Latin in Gaul, and more specifically in Northern Gaul. Its closest relatives are the other langues d'oïl—languages historically spoken in northern France and in southern Belgium, which French (Francien) has largely supplanted. French was also influenced by native Celtic languages of Northern Roman Gaul like Gallia Belgica and by the (Germanic) Frankish language of the post-Roman Frankish invaders. Today, owing to France's past overseas expansion, there are numerous French-based creole languages, most notably Haitian Creole. A French-speaking person or nation may be referred to as Francophone in both English and French.

Contents

History

The UBA was founded on 25 January 1947, when separate amateur radio organizations based in Flanders and Wallonia merged. The Réseau Belge (literally, "Belgian Network") was founded in September, 1923 in Brussels and drew its membership primarily from the French-speaking radio amateurs in Brussels and Wallonia. In February 1926, the Réseau Belge began publishing a membership magazine called QSO . Flemish amateur radio operators were eager to see Dutch language articles in QSO, but were unable to persuade the editor of Réseau Belge to publish them. With the support of the publisher of a small Dutch language magazine called Radio, the Vlaamsche Radio Bond ("Flemish Radio Association") was founded in Ghent on September 22, 1929. The new organization established its own magazine called CQ VRB . After World War II, the two organizations agreed to combine into a unified national radio society for Belgium. [1]

Flanders Community and region of Belgium

Flanders is the Dutch-speaking northern portion of Belgium and one of the communities, regions and language areas of Belgium. However, there are several overlapping definitions, including ones related to culture, language, politics and history, and sometimes involving neighbouring countries. The demonym associated with Flanders is Fleming, while the corresponding adjective is Flemish. The official capital of Flanders is Brussels, although the Brussels Capital Region has an independent regional government, and the government of Flanders only oversees the community aspects of Flanders life in Brussels such as (Flemish) culture and education.

Wallonia Region of Belgium

Wallonia is a region of Belgium. As the southern portion of the country, Wallonia is primarily French-speaking, and accounts for 55% of Belgium's territory and a third of its population. The Walloon Region was not merged with the French Community of Belgium, which is the political entity responsible for matters related mainly to culture and education, because the French Community of Belgium encompasses both Wallonia and the majority French-Speaking Brussels-Capital Region. The German-speaking minority in eastern Wallonia results from WWI and the subsequent annexation of three cantons that were initially part of the former German empire. This community represents less than 1% of the Belgian population. It forms the German-speaking Community of Belgium, which has its own government and parliament for culture-related issues.

Brussels Capital region of Belgium

Brussels, officially the Brussels-Capital Region, is a region of Belgium comprising 19 municipalities, including the City of Brussels, which is the capital of Belgium. The Brussels-Capital Region is located in the central portion of the country and is a part of both the French Community of Belgium and the Flemish Community, but is separate from the Flemish Region and the Walloon Region. Brussels is the most densely populated and the richest region in Belgium in terms of GDP per capita. It covers 161 km2 (62 sq mi), a relatively small area compared to the two other regions, and has a population of 1.2 million. The metropolitan area of Brussels counts over 2.1 million people, which makes it the largest in Belgium. It is also part of a large conurbation extending towards Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven and Walloon Brabant, home to over 5 million people.

On January 9, 2001, the Royal Union of Belgian Radio Amateurs was officially recognised as an amateur association by ministerial decree under legislation dealing with the establishment of amateur radio stations. [4]

Services

UBA supports amateur radio operators in Belgium by sponsoring amateur radio operating awards, radio contests, and Amateur Radio Direction Finding competitions. The UBA also operates a QSL bureau for those members who regularly communicate with amateur radio operators in other countries. UBA represents the interests of Belgian amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners before Belgian and international telecommunications regulatory authorities. The UBA also publishes a monthly membership magazine called CQ QSO .

Amateur radio operator

An amateur radio operator is someone who uses equipment at an amateur radio station to engage in two-way personal communications with other amateur operators on radio frequencies assigned to the amateur radio service. Amateur radio operators have been granted an amateur radio license by a governmental regulatory authority after passing an examination on applicable regulations, electronics, radio theory, and radio operation. As a component of their license, amateur radio operators are assigned a call sign that they use to identify themselves during communication. There are about three million amateur radio operators worldwide.

Amateur radio operating award award

An amateur radio operating award is earned by an amateur radio operator for establishing two-way communication with other amateur radio stations. Awards are sponsored by national amateur radio societies, radio enthusiast magazines, or amateur radio clubs, and aim to promote activity on the amateur radio bands. Each award has its own set of rules and fees. Some awards require the amateur radio operator to have contacted other stations in a certain number of countries, Maidenhead grid locators, or counties. Because amateur radio operators are forbidden by regulation to accept financial compensation for their on-air activity, award recipients generally only receive a certificate, wooden plaque, or a small trophy as recognition of their award.

Contesting

Contesting is a competitive activity pursued by amateur radio operators. In a contest, an amateur radio station, which may be operated by an individual or a team, seeks to contact as many other amateur radio stations as possible in a given period of time and exchange information. Rules for each competition define the amateur radio bands, the mode of communication that may be used, and the kind of information that must be exchanged. The contacts made during the contest contribute to a score by which stations are ranked. Contest sponsors publish the results in magazines and on web sites.

Related Research Articles

RTBF is a public-service broadcasting organization delivering radio and television services to the French-speaking Community of Belgium, in Wallonia and Brussels. Its counterpart in the Flemish Community is the Dutch-language VRT, and in the German-speaking Community it is BRF.

Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club German amateur radio organization

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The Réseau des Émetteurs Français (REF) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in France. Key membership benefits of the organization include QSL bureau services, a monthly membership magazine called Radio REF, and the promotion and sponsorship of radio contests and operating awards. REF promotes amateur radio by organizing classes and technical support to help enthusiasts earn their amateur radio license. The REF-Union also represents the interests of French amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners before French and international telecommunications regulatory authorities. REF is the national member society representing France in the International Amateur Radio Union.

The Federacion Mexicana de Radio Experimentadores, A.C. (FMRE) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Mexico. Key membership benefits of the organization include QSL bureau services, the promotion and sponsorship of radio contests and operating awards, and an organization dedicated to emergency communications. FMRE promotes amateur radio by organizing classes and technical support to help enthusiasts earn their amateur radio license. Members receive a bimonthly magazine published by the organization, Onda corta. The FMRE also represents the interests of Mexican amateur radio operators before Mexican and international telecommunications regulatory authorities. FMRE is the national member society representing Mexico in the International Amateur Radio Union.

The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Thailand. The organization is founded under the royal patronage of the King of Thailand, and qualifies as a charitable entity pursuant to a Thai Ministry of Finance declaration. The organization was founded on August 22, 1963 by a group of amateur radio operators who met at a restaurant in Bangkok. Among the first orders of business was to address official objections to the communications of radio amateurs in Thailand with amateur radio operators in other countries. The RAST represents the interests of Thai amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners before Thai and international telecommunications regulatory authorities. RAST is the national member society representing Thailand in the International Amateur Radio Union.

The Chinese Radio Sports Association (CRSA) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in the People's Republic of China. The CRSA's primary mission is to popularize and promote amateur radio in China. Early activities of the organization focused on radiosport, and the CRSA was active in promoting Amateur Radio Direction Finding and High Speed Telegraphy competitions throughout the country. Although the CRSA has broadened its scope and now supports many kinds of radio activities, the organization's name continues to reflect this early heritage. Key membership benefits of the organization include QSL bureau services, a quarterly membership magazine called Ham's CQ. CRSA was also responsible for the administration of the amateur radio license certification program in the People's Republic of China until 2010.

The Chinese Taipei Amateur Radio League (CTARL) is a national non-profit organization based in Taiwan for amateur radio enthusiasts in the Republic of China. Key membership benefits of the organization include QSL bureau services and a monthly membership magazine called HamFormosa, CTARL represents the interests of amateur radio operators before telecommunications authorities in the Republic of China as well as international authorities. CTARL is the member society representing the Republic of China in the International Amateur Radio Union.

The Unión de Radioaficionados Españoles (URE) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Spain. The organization has approximately 12,000 members, predominantly amateur radio operators in Spain. URE promotes amateur radio by sponsoring amateur radio operating awards and radio contests. The URE also represents the interests of Spanish amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners before Spanish and international telecommunications regulatory authorities. URE is the national member society representing Spain in the International Amateur Radio Union.

The Radio Club Argentino (RCA) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Argentina. RCA was founded in Buenos Aires on October 21, 1921. Key membership benefits in the organization include the use of a QSL bureau for those amateur radio operators in regular contact with amateur radio operators in other countries, a group insurance policy, and a quarterly membership journal called Revista del Radio Club Argentino. The Radio Club Argentino represents the interests of Argentine amateur radio operators before Argentine and international regulatory authorities. It is also the national member society representing Argentina in the International Amateur Radio Union.

The Föreningen Sveriges Sändareamatörer (SSA) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Sweden. Key membership benefits of the SSA include the sponsorship of amateur radio operating awards, radio contests, and a QSL bureau for members who regularly communicate with amateur radio operators in other countries. SSA represents the interests of Swedish amateur radio operators before Swedish and international telecommunications regulatory authorities. The SSA publishes a membership magazine called QTC. SSA is the national member society representing Sweden in the International Amateur Radio Union.

The Österreichischer Versuchssenderverband (ÖVSV) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Austria. Key membership benefits of the ÖVSV include the sponsorship of amateur radio operating awards, radio contests, and a QSL bureau for members who regularly communicate with amateur radio operators in other countries. ÖVSV represents the interests of Austrian amateur radio operators before Austrian and international telecommunications regulatory authorities.

The Slovenský Zväz Rádioamatérov (SZR) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Slovakia. Key membership benefits of the SZR include the sponsorship of amateur radio operating awards, radio contests, and a QSL bureau for members who regularly communicate with amateur radio operators in other countries. SZR represents the interests of Slovakian amateur radio operators before Slovak Republic and international telecommunications regulatory authorities. SZR also supports local competitions in Amateur Radio Direction Finding as well as a national team that travels to regional and world championship events. SZR publishes a membership magazine called Rádiožurnál SZR. SZR is the national member society representing the Slovak Republic in the International Amateur Radio Union.

The Federaţia Română de Radioamatorism (FRR) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Romania. Key membership benefits of the FRR include the sponsorship of amateur radio operating awards, radio contests, and a QSL bureau for members who regularly communicate with amateur radio operators in other countries. FRR represents the interests of Romanian amateur radio operators before Romanian and international telecommunications regulatory authorities. FRR is the editor of "Radiocomunicaţii şi Radioamatorism" magazine. FRR is the national member society representing Romania in the International Amateur Radio Union.

Association of Radio Amateurs of Slovenia organization

The Association of Radio Amateurs of Slovenia is the national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Slovenia.

The Experimenterende Danske Radioamatører (EDR) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Denmark. Membership benefits of EDR include the sponsorship of amateur radio operating awards and radio contests, and a QSL bureau for those members who communicate with amateur radio operators in other countries.

The Norsk Radio Relæ Liga (NRRL) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Norway. Key membership benefits of NRRL include the sponsorship of amateur radio operating awards and radio contests, and a QSL bureau for those members who regularly communicate with amateur radio operators in other countries. NRRL publishes a membership magazine called Amatørradio. NRRL represents the interests of Norwegian amateur radio operators before Norwegian and international telecommunications regulatory authorities. NRRL is the national member society representing Norway in the International Amateur Radio Union.

The Eesti Raadioamatööride Ühing (ERAU) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Estonia. Key membership benefits of ERAU include the sponsorship of amateur radio operating awards and radio contests, and a QSL bureau for those members who regularly communicate with amateur radio operators in other countries. ERAU publishes a semi-annual membership magazine called ES-QTC. ERAU represents the interests of Estonian amateur radio operators before Estonian and international telecommunications regulatory authorities. ERAU is the national member society representing Estonia in the International Amateur Radio Union.

The Telsiz ve Radyo Amatörleri Cemiyeti (TRAC) is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Turkey. The organization was founded in 1962 as the Türkiye Radyo Amatörleri Cemiyeti, adopting its current name in 1980. With its headquarters located in Istanbul, TRAC has branches in 46 locations across Turkey. TRAC is the national member society representing Turkey in the International Amateur Radio Union.

The Íslenskir Radíóamatörar, ÍRA, in English, Icelandic Radio Amateurs is a national non-profit organization for amateur radio enthusiasts in Iceland. Key membership benefits of the IRA include the sponsorship of amateur radio operating awards and radio contests, and a QSL bureau for those members who regularly communicate with amateur radio operators in other countries. IRA represents the interests of Icelandic amateur radio operators before Icelandic and international telecommunications regulatory authorities. IRA publishes a monthly membership magazine called CQ TF. IRA is the national member society representing Iceland in the International Amateur Radio Union.

References

  1. 1 2 Royal Union of Belgian Radio Amateurs (2008). UBA History.
  2. ↑ Royal Union of Belgian Radio Amateurs (2008). "L'association". Retrieved Aug. 8, 2008.
  3. ↑ International Amateur Radio Union (2008). "Member Societies". Retrieved Aug. 1, 2008.
  4. ↑ Decision of the Council of BIPT Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications, 2 August 2006
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