The optical telegraph or semaphore (a composition of the Greek words 'sign' and 'carry') was the first usable optical telecommunication apparatus. Although the principle was already described in antiquity is not sure whether it was really used at that time. At the end of the 18th century Frenchman Claude Chappe designed a semaphore, also known as the Chapptelegraph, and in the following years a chain of semaphores connected Paris to Lille. Napolean understood the importance of this communucatiesystem and had built a 5,000 km network across France. The Chappetelegrafh played a big role for 50 years, until being replaced by the electric telegraph.
The semaphore inspired artist Philippe Druez (ON1PHD) in a mixed / multi-media project.

During the month of December many countries will be on the air with the YOTA (Youngsters On The Air) suffix. It is being used to encourage young people to get on the air with the help of licensed operators or indeed to use their own callsign to gain experience. Mentor operators from ON are encouraged to use the ON4YOTA callsign, with a young person to operate. All modes & bands will be used with lots of awards available to stations working the YOTA stations.

During the summer of 2014, a youth radio camp “Youngsters on the Air” will be held in Finland, organized by the Finnish Radio Amateur League.

During this week teams of young radio amateurs from 15 different European countries will be participating during different activities: presentations, competitions, visiting radio stations, workshops, ARDF etc…