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W2SZ Amateur Radio Club records

 Collection — Container: Records
Identifier: 2010-14

Scope and Contents

The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Amateur Radio Club records (2010-14) collections primarily consists of QSL cards mailed to W2SZ by ham radio operators from around the world.  Each card documents the sender's call letters along with the date, time, and location where a W2SZ message was received.  Many of the cards also contain a graphic image representing the institution or area in which the message was received. The collection also contains two record books from the 1950s to the 1960s, a 1925 relay station certificate, and miscellaneous items.

Dates

  • Created: 1924-1974

Creator

Biographical or Historical Information

The RPI Amateur Radio Club was established on the Rensselaer campus around 1924.  Originally formed at the Troy, New York, YMCA as radio station 2SZ, it later became W2SZ when the FCC mandated the addition of a W or K prefix to stations’ call letters.  For many years the station was located in the attic of Sage Laboratory, and its antennae became a prominent feature on the building’s rooftop.  After several moves, the station now resides in a trailer known as “the shack” on Sunset Terrace, where it overlooks the campus. Club members maintain and operate radio equipment, hold licensing examinations, offer training, and participate in competitions.  In addition to honing their skills on a variety of equipment, operators offer public services such as emergency communications in times of need.

Note written by

Extent

4.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Ham radio QSL cards and other records of the R.P.I. Amateur Radio Club.

Arrangement Note

Arranged in two series:  I. QSL cards (arranged in rough chronological order), and II. Miscellaenous records.

Related Materials

W2SZ Amateur Radio Club, #2000-12.

Author
T.A.Gobert
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
eng

Repository Details

Part of the Institute Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
110 8th Street
Institute Archives and Special Collections
Rensselaer Libraries, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy NY 12180-3590 US
518 276 8340