Survey Momchill

A survey for us to fill in

What are the features and benefits of being part of SUWS?

The Club has two active projects.

G3KMI is the University's Amateur Radio Club. Amateur Radio is a hobby that involves using high-power radio communication equipment to talk to people that could be on the other side of the world. You can build and modify your own kit and even send TV pictures!

SOWN (Southampton Open Wireless Network) is a Wireless Networking project which aims to build a free-to-use wireless network in Southampton, UK. Current activities include IPv6, 802.1x and VoIP deployment on our Community-wide Wi-Fi network.

What are the development outcomes from being part of SUWS? (you can simply list 2-4 things)

From the Amateur Radio side, there is the opportunity to become a licensed radio operator for which we run regular exams. There is also the opportunity to participate in international radio competitions and other events.

From the SOWN side, it is a great opportunity to learn about concepts and skills across the Electronics and Computer Science spectrum, including Wi-Fi propagation, firmware (low-level software) development, IP (Internet) networking, network monitoring, server administration and Web development.

Can only ECS students join the society?

While the majority of our members are from ECS students or staff, we have members across a wide array of different subject areas, (e.g. Physics, Chemistry and Archaeology).

Is it affiliated with SUSU/National Scheme?

We are affiliated with SUSU.

From the Amateur Radio perspective we are affiliated to the RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain).

The SOWN project is registered (separate to the University) with JANet as an Eduroam site. This allows SOWN to offer those with Eduroam-backed (i.e. most UK and EU universities) accounts, properly authenticated access to the SOWN network.

Is it delivered by SUSU?

Not exactly sure what is meant by this question. So the answer below may not be what you expect.

The opportunities provided by SUWS are available as a results of the efforts of the SUWS committee and members. We are supported by SUSU and ECS with some funding for purchasing equipment. Besides that, SUSU provides its small-scale support package, i.e. the opportunity to advertise SUWS at the annual Bunfight and get limited funding to go towards consumables and travel expenses for trips/competitions.

What types of roles can a student occupy withing the society? (president, treasurer etc...)

Our 2014-2015 Committee has the following roles.

President
Secretary
Treasurer
Exams Secretary
Network Deployment Officer
Radio Licensing Officer
Social Secretary
Webmaster

Do you meet on campus? (If yes what building/room)

We usually meet in Zepler CLS (59/1257) on Thursday evenings from 18:00-20:00. The activities undertaken will vary from week to week. Some weeks will be build/hack sessions either for Amateur Radio equipment or the SOWN network. Other weeks will be Amateur Radio operating evenings that might take place in the normal meeting room, outside on campus, on Southampton Common or further afield. Some weeks will be just for discussing planned and previous Amateur Radio and/or SOWN activities/developments.

Can all year students join?

Any student including masters and postgraduate students can join. University staff and alumni can also join but are required to pay higher membership fees.

Is it only during term time that things are happening in the society?

We meet virtually all year round, including over the Summer. The scale of activities we undertake depends on the attendance week on week.

How many hours per week do you devote to it?

Typical Thursday meet ups are two hours long. Commonly members will socialise (e.g. go to the pub for dinner) after meetings for another couple of hours. Some weekends (once a month) we will have day long (approx. 6 hour) "workshops", where we have more time to work on Amateur Radio / SOWN projects. Also outings for Amateur Radio can vary from 2-3 hours to 24 hours plus for Amateur Radio contests like the National Field Day.

Some members will only attend the occasional meeting, whereas others will attend almost all meetings, workshops and outings, as well as working on society projects outside these activities. There is no minimum amount of time a member need to commit. However, you probably want to attend at least a couple of meet ups a month to stay in touch we what the society is up to.

Is there a capacity to the society?

No. We have no limits to the numbers that can join.

Are there any prerequisites to join?

No. Except that a prospective member should be a student, staff member or alumni of the University. In some cases we may consider members that do no fit into one of these categories.

Are any of the roles paid?

No. Although we have had ECS sponsored Summer internships in previous years to work on SOWN or related projects.

What would be an interesting fact about the society?

SUWS is one of the oldest continuously running societies in the University, having existed since at least the early 1960s.
SUWS is responsible for invigilating over 1% of all radio licensing exam passes across UK since 2012.

Do you involve alumni in any way?

Many alumni are still active members of the society. Also, we are still in contact with many of the society's alumni who graduated 20-30+ years ago.

Is there any recognition of the achievements/contributions that members of the society make?

Several of our members have received awards for achievements in radio competitions.

Finally, can you please provide me with a quote from a member of SUWS?

SUWS -- Amateur Radio and Wireless Networking

The zombie apocalypse has begun! No power, no phones, and no internet. What is your plan for contacting fellow survivors to coordinate a resistance? The Wireless Society has your back*. http://suws.org.uk/Zombie_Apocalypse (* --- .-. / -.-- --- ..- .-. / -... .-. .- .. -.)