[K3CAL] Fwd: News Article: ILLW

[eric at christensenplace.us]

Well, I can speak to some of the points brought up here.

AFAIK, a ILLW operation does not have to be open to the public.  The 
operation is supposed to add to the International Lighthouse Heritage 
Weekend that goes on that weekend.  The public we would be entertaining 
are amateur radio operators (and SWLers) around the globe.

When I was speaking about using my boat I was thinking more of 
activating a lighthouse that isn't accessible via land.  I would not 
open my boat up to the public as I have too many problems with my guests 
figuring out how to navigate the decks.  Also, we'd be subject to 
weather windows for operating from the boat so it's a plan that may or 
may not happen.

It appears that there are three lighthouses that are in/near Calvert 
County:

1) Cove Point Lighthouse
2) Drum Point Lighthouse
3) Sharps Island Lighthouse

Of the three, the first two are available via land.  The third would be 
a maritime-only activation.

If there is a priority order the club officers would like to put on to 
that list I'll welcome it.  I plan to start approaching groups within 
the next 30 days to try to secure an operating location.  If anyone else 
would like to suggest a location I'm all ears!

73,
Eric W4OTN/3

On 2014-04-17 10:51, David Hardy wrote:
> Jim, You bring up some good points to consider.  We should discuss
> this at a exec board meeting.
> 
> KB3RAN
> David Hardy
> davehardy0101 at aol.com
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jim Tetlow <k3uga at comcast.net>
> To: Calvert Amateur Radio Association - K3CAL <k3cal at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Tue, Apr 15, 2014 5:50 pm
> Subject: Re: [K3CAL] Fwd: News Article:  ILLW
> 
> 
> 
> Guys, looking at the rules, "how close to the lighthouse do I have to
> be?" The boat type station ( marine mobile) may have to get
> "pre-approval" from the event committee. They suggest a field adjacent,
> but there has to be public access. Is there a pier at the lighthouse
> that a craft could be moored and have public access for visitors that
> are exploring the lighthouse? 
> 
> 
> You could most likely get permission for the marine station, not all
> lighthouses are on accessible land, we have some right here in the bay
> that are only accessible by boat, and don't have visitors. Im thinking
> of Thomas Point for one. 
> 
> 
> I'm thinking that the Marine Museum (last years venue) may be the
> easiest; if they don't  want a large donation. 
> 
> 
> You also have to be concerned, public on private boat, sponsored by
>  Non Profit, big liability issue here.
> 
> 
> Just some thoughts to consider, might be easier to do Md OSO Party! 
> 
> Sent from my iPad, 73,
> Jim Tetlow
> k3uga at comcast.net
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Apr 4, 2014, at 18:27, David Hardy <davehardy0101 at aol.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> KB3RAN
>  David Hardy
> 
> davehardy0101 at aol.com
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: David Hardy <davehardy0101 at aol.com>
> To: webmaster <webmaster at k3cal.org>
> Sent: Fri, Apr 4, 2014 1:14 pm
> Subject: News Article:  ILLW
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  The International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend will be held August
> 16-17, 2014.  At our last meeting, CARA opted to participate again this
> year.  We operated last year from the Drum Point LIghthouse at Calvert
> Marine Museum at the Pavilion.  This is a low key event where
> participating lighthouses make contacts with other lighthouses around
> the world.  The following from Wikipedia:
> 
>  
> 
> (January 2014)
> The International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend (ILLW) is an annual
> event held on the third full weekend of August each year. The event was
> started by John Forsyth and Mike Dalrymple who were members of the Ayr
> Amateur Radio Group in Scotland. The event has developed into an
> international gathering of amateur radio operators from an estimated 54
> countries.[1]
> 
> 
> 
> Objective
> 
> 
> The objective of ILLW event is stated as "to promote public awareness
> of lighthouses and lightships and their need for preservation and
> restoration, to promote amateur radio and to foster International
> goodwill."[2] A classic example of what should not be allowed to happen
> to a lighthouse is shown here on YouTube featuring the lighthouse
> remains on Culebrita Island [3] in Puerto Rico
> 
> Format
> 
> The basic format of the event is that a local amateur radio club will
> set up a radio station either in, or near to, a lighthouse. They will
> then operate from that station over the whole or part of the weekend.
> The goal is to contact other amateur stations, particularly those
> operating from other lighthouse sites. Visiting public are invited to
> watch the operators and even use the equipment under supervision while
> visiting the lighthouse. YouTube[4] has numerous video clips about the
> weekend which have been submitted by participants.
> 
>  
> 
> This info from ILLW website: 
> 
>  
> The event is NOT a contest. There are no prizes, certificates or other
> enticements to participate and therefore, participation is free. Each
> station's operators decide how they will operate their station regards
> modes and bands.  Participants  are not committed to being on the air
> during the entire period - only as much as they can. There are no
> restrictions on aerials or power.   We wish operators to enjoy
> themselves and have fun whilst making contact with as many amateur
> radio stations as possible. We request that stations take time to work
> other lighthouses or lightships as well as the slow operator, or the
> newly-licensed or QRP stations. 
> 
> How close to the Lighthouse do I have to be?
> 
> 
> As most available space in many lighthouses is usually filled to
> capacity, our activity does not have to take place inside the tower
> itself.  Field day type set-up at the light or other building next to
> the light is OK.  Our guidelines require that the station must be AT or
> ADJACENT to the light. Adjacent means next to or as close as possible
> in the field next door. The intention behind this requirement is that
> the station should have a visible presence to the passing public who
> may be visiting the lighthouse over the weekend.  Permission to operate
> from a lighthouse / lightship should be obtained from the relevant
> authorities. Operation from faux or false lighthouses, lights on poles
> etc. is discouraged as they are not within the spirit of the event.
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> This year's plans are still being formulated.  Options are:  1. Rent
> Cove Point Lighthouse B&B for the weekend.  2. Go back to Drum Point
> Lighthouse again. 3. Use Eric's catamaran and anchor offshore of the
> Cove Point Lighthouse and operate marine mobile.  Option 1 is
> expensive.  Options 2  and 3 are more realistic.  If you are interested
> in participating in the event, please contact me (410-394-0095) or
> Eric  (editor: fill in Eric's callsign please and phone if you have it)
>  
> 
> 
> KB3RAN
>     David Hardy
> 
> davehardy0101 at aol.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
>