From searching for ET to the latest amateur satellites

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence is by no means something of the past; radio amateurs and space enthusiasts have taken over where governments have left off.

The subject is one of many to be discussed at the Sentech AMSATCON 2005 to be held on Saturday 14 May at the National Amateur Radio Centre.

Entitled "Project Argus -join the search for detecting microwave radiation from technologically advanced civilizations out to a distance of several hundred light years", will be discussed by Prof. Alex Antonites of the University of Pretoria and the South African representative of the SETI League, an organisation spearheading the research.

The conference is celebrating the Southern African Amateur Radio Satellite Association's 25th anniversary.
"The sponsorship we have received from Sentech has enabled us to assemble an array of interesting speakers
from around South Africa," SA AMSAT President Hans van de Groenendaal said.

Our aim was to cover a wide range of topics which will not only be of interest to radio amateurs but touch a wide spectrum of people who are interested in making an aspect of science their hobby. The other objective was to make it affordable and that is why the sponsorship became so important."

The programme covers topics such as how to get started on satellite communications, designing an automatic antenna tracker and communication by reflecting signals off the moon. The SA Rocketry Association will present a paper on amateur rocketry, another interesting activity available to young and old. Some of the latest communication technologies such as 3G and Vsat communication will also be reviewed.

A full programme as well as registration details can be found on www.amsatsa.org.za or by sending fax or email details to saamsat@intekom.co.za. There is an early bird registration fee for reservations made before 7 May.

Courtesy of The South African Radio League

Other recent stories..

Other News Stories

• Get our news headlines for your website - click here
• Submit your news story - click here