YF1AR yankee foxtrot one alpha romeo: INTERNATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE/LIGHTSHIP WEEKEND

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INTERNATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE/LIGHTSHIP WEEKEND

GUIDELINES FOR THE EVENT.

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.

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.

SUGGESTED DEFINITIONS

Lighthouse: Generally regarded as a structure which is or has been listed officially as an aid to navigation in a recognised publication such as the British Admiralty List of Light and Foghorns, and which falls into the classic concept of a lighthouse including those which have been moved to a museum and the ever increasing Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) cabinets.
Lightships: Similarly, these are those lightships which are or have been listed officially as floating aids to navigation.
Faux Lights: Faux or false lighthouses are those which have never been an active aid to navigation and never listed officially as such. They are usually replicas, miniatures or other structures constructed for decorative purposes to satisfy some person's whimsy. Their use in this event is discouraged as they are not within the spirit of the event.

Having said that, it should be borne in mind that the ILLW organisers cannot prevent any amateur from operating at any lighthouse but faux lights will generally not be listed on the official entrants list.

Examples of some lights which have been submitted for the event but which have been rejected can be seen on this web page.

The onus is on operators to act within the spirit of the event, the object of which is to have a visible presence at or near the lighthouse because the event is used to obtain maximum exposure for our hobby. We invite the press and, QTH permitting, also the public and try to underline the obvious parallel between the international aspect in lighthouses, lightships and amateur radio.

FREQUENCIES

We generally recommend use the event segment of the 5 'Classic' bands with a centre frequency if conditions are bad, then at least we have one place we can (try to) meet. We request that the centre frequencies are not used as primary frequencies but as a last point of call to other participating stations.

Because it is NOT a contest you may operate on any authorised frequency as per your licence.

OTHER

To assist other stations we request that participating CW stations add LT for lighthouse or LS for lightship, other stations add 'LIGHT', 'LGT' , 'LIGHTHOUSE' or 'LIGHTSHIP' after their call. Some stations obtain a callsign with the letter L in the suffix to assist other stations identifying them as a participating station in the event.

IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS

The ILLW organisers have compiled a list of lights which have participated in the event for the purpose of allocating an identifying number to each lighthouse/lightship. These numbers are simply there for use when conditions make it difficult for the name of the lighthouse to be clearly understood over the air waves.

The list will gradually be expanded but it will never attempt to be a definitive list of every lighthouse in existence. It will assist operators in difficult conditions to issue a contact number in lieu of the lighthouse name. The list thus far is here. If your lighthouse is not listed, don't worry just enter and leave the number field blank. A number will be allocated after your entry is received. Our numbers are primarily for use during the event.

CONTACT

Finally, if you have any questions at all about the event or how to enter, please contact Kevin VK2CE the organiser and webmaster using the enquiry form on this web site. See Main Menu.