The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum and its sister range light on Gasparilla Island will gain worldwide broadcast exposure from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3.
"The objective is to activate two historical lighthouses on air and communicate all over the world promoting the Boca Grande lighthouses," said Bill Franklin of the American Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society.
Franklin said his operators also will demonstrate how amateur radio communications can be set up in the field for any situation.
There's no power at the range light location in southern Gasparilla Island. Picnic tables with canopy and restrooms are available. The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum has power, restrooms and gazebo available.
Communications between the two teams will be VHF frequency 146.550 Repeater frequency if unable to use VHF simplex will be 444.975 PL tone 136.5
"We also need hams to explain to visitors and guests what is going on while we operate," he said.
Fact Box
To Go
What: Worldwide ham radio broadcast
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3
Where: Gasparilla Island lighthouses
Contact: Bill Franklin at (941) 350-2547
Suggested calling frequencies for SSB: 1.970, 3.970, 7.270, 14.270, 18.145, 21.370, 28.370
For CW: 1.830, 3.530, 7.030, 10.130, 14.030, 18.070, 21.030, 28.030
You should know: Common operating frequencies used on digital modes. On VHF and UHF, repeater operation is allowed, but the usual national calling frequencies are encouraged.
Note: Frequencies can get crowded during operating events so spread out. Any clear frequency +/- 20 kc of these can be used.
Note, too: Be courteous and use good operating practices. Listen before transmitting.
All hams and guests invited. The cost is $6 for the island toll and $3 to park.
"We will be using our own calls for the Boca event," he said.
Operators without a portable station who would like to operate can do so at Franklin's station or at other stations if OK with station operator. Each station will use its own call sign.
'We'd like to thank Sharon McKenzie, executive director of the Barrier Island Park Society, for her help in notifying the U.S. Coast Guard," he said.
