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Swampscott High students revive ham radio club, secure FCC call sign N1SHS
Summary
Swampscott High School’s ham radio club described its renewed activities, a newly issued club FCC license and vanity call sign N1SHS, hands‑on student projects and donated equipment supporting STEM and emergency communications training.
Swampscott High School students have revived the school’s ham radio club and obtained a Federal Communications Commission club license with the vanity call sign N1SHS, presenter Mr. Casey told the School Committee on May 28.
"The ham radio club here started last school year," Mr. Casey said, describing early demonstrations and student interest that led to a formal club. He explained that the FCC issued a club license and that the club operates under his trustee privileges; the group applied for and received the vanity call sign "N1SHS" (November One Sierra Hotel Sierra) to represent the school.
Students and Mr. Casey detailed the club’s hardware and activities: a high‑frequency radio for long‑distance contacts, VHF/UHF radios for local and digital modes, rooftop and window‑feed antennas, and logging systems that publish contacts online. Club members described international contacts — including reports of connections with Germany and a West African expedition — and hands‑on learning (antenna construction, soldering and circuit work). Mr. Casey said the program supports STEM learning, robotics overlap, and volunteer service such as weather reporting and communications for local events.
The club received equipment through a grant and donations facilitated by the American Radio Relay League; alumni and local operators have offered mentorship and materials. Mr. Casey said the club intends to pursue licensing for more students in the fall and to integrate radio activities into relevant classes, including astronomy and technical shop courses.
Committee members praised the program for its technical literacy and resilience training; the superintendent and chair encouraged the club to return with progress updates at future meetings.
The committee did not take a formal vote related to the club; members asked staff to note the program and to publicize opportunities for student participation.
