APR Air Internet Jamboree

The Air-Internet Jamboree is a regional event which Scouts can contact each other by means of amateur radio and through the Internet. Having a live conversation with a fellow Scout in some other place in the world gives the same excitement like having a normal Jamboree on the land minus the normal expenses. Just like the normal Jamboree, the Air-Internet Jamboree is also an event during which Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared. It’s a great and unique opportunity for Scouts of all age ranges to communicate with each other as if they are nearby when in actual fact they are all in their own countries. Indeed, Radio Scouting eliminates the distances and fosters a closer relationship of the worldwide Scouting movement.

How to take part
Taking part in the APRAJ requires the help of a licensed amateur-radio operator. Such a person can easily be found via the national amateur radio organization in your country. Such organizations exist in most countries. Many radio amateurs throughout the world are keen to demonstrate their hobby and assist with Radio Scouting activities such as APRAJ.

How to proceed
a) Visit an amateur-radio station with your Scout group or invite a radio amateur to install his station in your Scout building;
b) Call “CQ Jamboree” or answer Scout stations calling to establish a contact;
c) All radio stations must observe their national amateur-radio regulations;
d) Any authorised radio frequency may be used.
e) Stations should change to another frequency after establishing communication on the announced calling frequency.

EchoLink
Echolink is a system that connects Amateur Radio stations to each other via the internet. You will require a PC with a soundcard, speakers and a microphone. Your voice is carried over the internet to another Amateur Radio station which is also connected to the internet and may or may not be using radio.

Your amateur radio is required to register with Echolink, a process that takes a few days, so register early.bTo download and register your copy of Echolink, visit www.echolink.org

e-QSL
It is a custom amongst radio amateurs to confirm each radio contact by exchanging QSL cards: a short report with technical details of the equipment that was used and details of the received signals. There is now a system available on the internet, where you can upload your QSL card in an electronic format. The other station can immediately collect their QSL card.

Use during the Air Jamboree: With the advice of your amateur radio operator design an attractive QSL card. Scouts can have the responsibility of sending and receiving QSL cards. One PC dedicated to this function could be your “QSL post office”. A colour printer attached to it, and you’re ready to receive your cards. Registration and information at www.eqsl.cc

The J-Code
The J-Code was introduced for the world-wide Jamboree on the Air, and is a tool to enable conversation where stations do not share a common language. The J-Code was used during JOTA by 40% of all participating countries. The J-code is a set of abbreviations similar to the Q-Code used by radio amateurs. It is NOT a code intended to hide the contents of the transmissions, quite the opposite, it is intended to enable communication. As such it can be used over amateur radio.