In the world of amateur radio, establishing your own setup and making your first contact can be a rewarding experience. This was evident in the recent project undertaken by Adam LaczkĂł, OM2ADM, an 18-year-old HAM enthusiast from Slovakia. Adam decided to build a QO-100 station as part of his final school project, and here’s a look at how the IceConeFeed antenna from nolle.engineering played a crucial role.
The Beginning: Seeking Knowledge and Support
Adam, like many young HAM enthusiasts, was intrigued by high-frequency communication. For his school project, he chose to build a QO-100 setup—an ambitious task that had never been attempted at his school. However, building a functional helix antenna proved challenging. To overcome this, Adam reached out to nolle.engineering to inquire about purchasing an IceConeFeed antenna.
He promptly received information on how to purchase the IceConeFeed V2.1. Recognizing the educational value of Adam’s project, nolle.engineering offered a sponsorship discount, understanding that this was a blend of personal interest and academic pursuit. Adam expressed his appreciation, hoping that his QO-100 station would inspire others at his school.
Overcoming Challenges and Building the Setup
Like many technical projects, Adam encountered obstacles along the way, including issues with a faulty upconverter. Nevertheless, he remained committed and kept nolle.engineering updated with his progress, sharing images of his developing setup. Despite these challenges, his enthusiasm for the project persisted, supported by the encouragement from the nolle.engineering community and other fellow HAM radio operators inside Slovakia who helped out design and finalization of the project.
After weeks of effort, Adam successfully completed his QO-100 setup, with the IceConeFeed antenna becoming a key component of his station. His first QSOs (contacts) were successful, marking the completion of his project.
A Project with Purpose
What makes Adam’s project noteworthy is not just the technical achievement, but his broader vision. Beyond fulfilling his school assignment, Adam aimed to promote HAM radio within his school and potentially across Slovakia. He plans to present his project in a competition known as SOČ (Stredoškolská odborná činnosť), which recognizes outstanding student projects. Adam hopes that his QO-100 setup will inspire his school to establish a permanent station.
The Future: Sharing Knowledge and Inspiring Others
As Adam prepares to present his project in 2025, nolle.engineering is pleased to have contributed to his journey. His dedication, combined with the right tools and support, has resulted in a project that not only meets academic requirements but also has the potential to influence others in the HAM community.
We look forward to seeing how Adam’s project is received and hope it encourages greater interest in HAM radio among his peers. The images he shared, showcasing his clean and organized setup, reflect his hard work and commitment.
At nolle.engineering, we believe in the value of amateur radio as a tool for education and connection. We are always open to supporting young enthusiasts like Adam and wish him success in his competition and future endeavors.
For those interested in the technical details or supporting similar educational projects, more information about the IceConeFeed antenna is available on our website. If you’re a student or educator looking to integrate amateur radio into your curriculum, feel free to reach out—nolle.engineering is here to assist.