The UK Radio Astronomy Association (UKRAA, see RadioUser, February 2021: 34-37) is seeking new volunteers to help it develop new projects and to build and test our existing products.

UKRAA was established in 2008 as a registered charity (registration no 1123866) by the British Astronomical Association’s Radio Astronomy Group.  UKRAA’s objectives are to promote the science of radio astronomy and all branches of radio astronomical research. To promote radio astronomy to amateur astronomers, members of the association give talks to local Astronomical Societies and exhibit at astronomy shows.

To date, UKRAA has sold in excess of £46,000 of radio astronomy equipment. UKRAA is a not-for-profit business.  Any surplus income funds the development of new products and our outreach activities. To keep its prices low, UKRAA relies on the volunteers and directors giving their time.

Due to the impending retirements, UKRAA requires new volunteers who can contribute to these areas of expertise:

• The electronic assembly of through-hole and surface mount components. Experience with fault finding electronic circuits would be valuable.
• Expertise in the design of electronic circuits
• Software development in Python for the Raspberry Pi. This is to assist with the development of data logging software.
• Precision woodworking to make up aerial kits and assembled aerial.
• Machining and mechanical assembly to make up enclosures.

Volunteers do not need to have any particular expertise in radio astronomy, although that would certainly be welcome. What is important is enthusiasm for the subject. If you think you have relevant expertise and are willing to get involved with the work of UKRAA, please contact:

[email protected]