DX Engineering Equipment Helps Make It Possible
The dedication of the University of Scranton’s ham radio station (W3USR) will take place October 25, 2024, showcasing the significant value that amateur radio can bring to higher education and scientific research.
Hosting the event will be members of the University of Scranton student Amateur Radio Club and Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., W2NAF, associate professor of physics and engineering, and founder of Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI)—an organization started by ham-scientists to study upper atmospheric and space physics.
Housed on the fifth floor of the university’s Loyola Science Center, the station has been used by students and faculty to conduct research projects, including studying the effects of the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse on the Earth’s ionosphere. Such research at the University of Scranton has been supported by grants from NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Amateur Radio Digital Communications foundation (ARDC), and other organizations.
In a news release, the University of Scranton recognized some of the groups and individuals who have lent their support to the station, including the ARDC; Mary Lou West, Ph.D., KC2NMC; Edward Hayes, N6XEM; Jeffrey DePolo, WN3A; the NSF; and DX Engineering.
W3USR, part of the university’s Physics and Engineering Department, features a DX Engineering Tri-Band (20/15/10M) Skyhawk Yagi and additional gear provided by the company to foster on-air activities and research initiatives.
Other donated equipment includes:
- EAntenna Five-Band Multi-Fan Dipole Antenna
- RM Italy MLA100 HF Amplifier
- DX Engineering RG-8X 50-0hm Coaxial Cable
- DX Engineering Receive Short Element Active Vertical Antenna
- DX Engineering Receive Feedline Voltage Injector
- ACOM 1010 HF Linear Amplifier
Watch the video below from Channel 16 WNEP News in Scranton showing the DX Engineering Skyhawk antenna being installed last year on a 40-foot tower on the roof of the Loyola Science Center. The video features Dr. Frissell and others discussing the antenna’s impact on gathering research data.
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“As the faculty and students at the University of Scranton prepare to dedicate W3USR, all of us at DX Engineering celebrate with them and wish them the very best.
“It has been an honor and privilege for our team to have played a part in helping to build a station that will benefit so many students while contributing to the ever-growing body of scientific knowledge generated through the use of amateur radio.
“We look forward to a long and lasting relationship with our friends in Scranton.”
Tim Duffy, K3LR, DX Engineering CEO
You can read much more about Dr. Frissell and his work with HamSCI in this two-part interview on OnAllBands. Click here for photos and more details about the dedication ceremony.
