Welcome to The Yasme Foundation website!

Yasme is a storied word in amateur radio DX circles. DX stands for “distance” and the sailboats for which Yasme is named certainly covered their share of DX, crossing the oceans and dropping anchor at exotic islands some six decades ago. In turn, amateurs around the world, the “DX-ers,” would then try to contact the Yasme captain, Danny Weil, VP2VB, an amateur operator of renown.

Over the years, The Yasme Foundation has grown from a support group for those original Yasme adventures into a worldwide foundation supporting projects that help amateur radio flourish. We recognize the volunteers who keep amateur radio vital and vigorous in its second century and sponsor awards for hams (amateur radio operators) who make long-distance DX contacts on the air. This updated website tells our story and explains our mission. We hope you enjoy your visit and, even more, hope to meet you on the air!

73, Ward Silver, NØAX
President, The Yasme Foundation
26 September 2021

The Yasme Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to support scientific and educational projects related to amateur radio, including DXing (long distance communication) and the introduction and promotion of amateur radio in developing countries. Yasme supports various projects relating to amateur radio, with an emphasis on developing amateur radio in emerging countries and encouraging youth participation in amateur radio.

Yasme Foundation – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

A video presentation given on 21 Oct 2021 to the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club (N1NC) by Yasme Foundation President, Ward Silver NØAX was recorded and made available on YouTube. The program is 35 minutes long, following a 4-minute introduction by W1PJE and K1BG. Yasme wishes to thank the club for recording and editing the video for others to enjoy.

Reverse Beacon Network – New Node – Ushuaia, Argentina LU8XW

We are pleased to announce the presence of the world’s southernmost RBN node in Ushuaia on the island of Tierra del Fuego!  Thanks to the host, Radio Club Ushuaia, LU8XW, for installing a new antenna (a long-wire, aimed north) and overcoming some local broadcast interference.  The node is working well and generating data every day.

YOTA: Youngsters On The Air

YOTA Summer Camps are happening all over the world.  In 2023, Yasme helped sponsor a R1 Summer Camp in Budapest, Hungary and a R2 Summer Camp in Ottawa, Canada.  In 2024, the YOTA Region 2 Camp was held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in July and the Region 1 Camp in Prague, Czechia in August.  An R3 Summer Camp is being planned for Japan, as well. Thanks to Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) for supporting the YOTA Camps and other events.

YOTA R2 Summer Camp Attendees – Ottawa, Canada – July 2023

YOTA R1 Summer Camp Attendees – Hungary – August 2023

Thanks to the organizing committees of both camps for their hard work and many hours expended to make the camps a success! Here is some of ham radio’s future. Don’t forget YOTA Month (December) and the YOTA Contest (three periods each year).