"Rao Garu VU2RM: A Name Etched Alongside Marconi in Radio History"

Mr. Rammohan Rao (VU2RM) had a passion for electronics since childhood. He worked as a Wireless Communication Engineer at Kakinada Port Trust, where his job perfectly aligned with his hobby. He spent most of his time experimenting with circuits, and at just 22 years old, he built a complex Single Side Band (SSB) transmitter on his own and used it to communicate with hams across India and abroad.
In those days, building such a circuit was a huge challenge—there were no online orders, limited tools, and component availability was poor. Yet, Mr. Rao succeeded in building a fully functional SSB transmitter, which was a remarkable feat.
One day, Mr. Raju (VU2NR), a well-known ham nearly 10 years older than Mr. Rao, traveled from Visakhapatnam to Rajahmundry just to see Rao’s transmitter. At that time, Rao was just 23. Mr. Raju visited his home unannounced and, despite Rao being in deep sleep, he welcomed him warmly and demonstrated the transmitter. They stayed up into the night, testing the device live on air. Initially skeptical, Mr. Raju was soon convinced when international stations confirmed they were receiving the signal in SSB mode. He congratulated Rao and appreciated his brilliance.
Both Mr. Rao and Mr. Raju became close friends and shared ideas, circuits, and knowledge with fellow hams. Mr. Raju’s NR-60 and Mr. Rao’s RM-96 circuits gained great fame in the ham community. These two pioneers from Andhra Pradesh played a key role in reviving amateur radio in India. At the Millennium Ham Meet in 2000 in Vijayawada, both were specially honored for their contributions.
After the event, they embarked on a road trip across South India, meeting hams in towns like Guntur, Nellore, and later in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Everywhere they went, they inspired radio enthusiasts with their dedication and expertise.
Mr. Rao was known not only for his technical skill but also for his strict adherence to ham radio rules and ethics. He insisted on proper call sign usage and correct Morse code transmission. His presence on a frequency meant everyone followed the rules meticulously. In doing so, he greatly supported the Wireless Monitoring Authorities by ensuring self-regulation within the ham community.
He was also highly skilled in satellite communications and weather prediction. Even before the internet era, he would track satellite passes and storm patterns, sharing real-time updates with other hams. During the 1999 Orissa Super Cyclone, he correctly predicted the cyclone’s path and impact well before it hit. His timely warnings helped hams and authorities prepare for disaster response. His guidance during that crisis was invaluable.
Mr. Rao's home in Kakinada became a hub for ham radio operators from across India. Visiting hams would go straight to his house to learn and seek advice. He welcomed everyone with warmth and shared his knowledge generously, always encouraging others to explore and grow in the field.
The passing of Mr. Rammohan Rao is a huge loss to the ham radio community. His legacy lives on in the circuits he built, the hams he mentored, and the countless lives he touched. We are proud to have had such a dedicated and visionary Elmer among us.