About | NWSMS

The Northwest Satellite and Microwave Society brings together amateur radio operators, engineers, educators, experimenters, and other technically curious people who want to advance radio communication through satellite and microwave technologies.

Our purpose

NWSMS is committed to exploring the upper bands and to developing the skills required to use them well. That includes satellite communication, terrestrial microwave work, antenna systems, RF hardware, software-defined radio, embedded control, instrumentation, and the software that ties modern stations together.

We support both the communication and technical sides of radio. Operating skill matters, but so does understanding why a system works, how to improve it, and how to build the next one.

What we aim to do

Help newcomers develop practical satellite and microwave operating skills.
Improve station design, operating technique, and technical understanding.
Develop and document innovative hardware and software for upper-band communication.
Share useful information, measurements, designs, and experience among members.
Work with educators, professionals, volunteers, and technical organizations where collaboration can advance radio science and communication.

Amateur-radio foundation

The society grows from amateur radio's long tradition of experimentation and self-education. Amateur operators have always been both communicators and builders, and the satellite and microwave disciplines make that combination especially visible.

NWSMS is broader than a conventional radio-club meeting calendar: the emphasis is on practical technical work, experimentation, education, responsible operation, and creating systems that people can use and learn from.

Current phase: NWSMS is actively building its public technical resources, online systems, project documentation, and membership infrastructure. The website will continue to expand as that work comes online.