Hams take over lighthouse at Swakopmund

NAMIBIA was one of more than 51 countries in the world to participate in International Lighthouse Weekend this month.

The annual event, which usually takes place during the first full weekend in August, is an opportunity for amateur radio operators, known as hams, to try and contact participants in lighthouses across the world through radio communication. The ultimate aim is to create public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and the need to preserve them.It is also a good way for the hobby to be promoted, since members of the public are encouraged to visit and observe.For the duration of the weekend before last, the Namibian Amateur Radio League (Narl) set up shop in the Swakop­mund lighthouse to join more than 377 such locations that registered to take part.On Saturday morning, only three contacts were made from Swakop­mund, whose details such as call sign, signal strength, names and locations were carefully noted in a logbook.”Last year we were able to make about a hundred contacts,” said Karl-Heinz Stier, President of Narl, explaining that natural conditions influencing the quality of radio communication run through an 11-year cycle of which the low point is currently being experienced.”Unfortunately amateur radio seems to be a dying hobby,” said Stier “because prospective hams consider Morse Code difficult to learn.”But Morse Code is no longer essential to hams.Communication can also take place through microphones or computer technology.Many people are interested until they find out that they have to write exams and require a licence.Getting a licence from the Namibian Communications Commission costs only N$50 a year and Narl can assist members with technical training and examinations.”People can obtain a restricted licence for local communication or a full licence which enables them to communicate worldwide.Hams across the world share a common rule that no religion or politics be discussed during contacts.They are not restricted to type-approved equipment, as is the case with most commercial and personal radio services.Therefore hams often construct and modify their own equipment as long as it adheres to national and international standards on spurious emissions.Even today radio communication is often used in emergency situations when infrastructure for other communication modes are damaged.It is reported that this age-old technique was heavily relied on after the 9/11 attacks and the devastation brought along by Hurricane Katrina.It is also considered an important tool in encouraging children to explore the world of science and technology.Some famous people who are said to have been hams, are actor Marlon Brando, actress Priscilla Presley and country singer Patty Loveless.More information can be obtained from Stier at (061) 24 9164 during office hours.Narl’s web address is www.qsl.net/narlThe ultimate aim is to create public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and the need to preserve them.It is also a good way for the hobby to be promoted, since members of the public are encouraged to visit and observe.For the duration of the weekend before last, the Namibian Amateur Radio League (Narl) set up shop in the Swakop­mund lighthouse to join more than 377 such locations that registered to take part.On Saturday morning, only three contacts were made from Swakop­mund, whose details such as call sign, signal strength, names and locations were carefully noted in a logbook.”Last year we were able to make about a hundred contacts,” said Karl-Heinz Stier, President of Narl, explaining that natural conditions influencing the quality of radio communication run through an 11-year cycle of which the low point is currently being experienced.”Unfortunately amateur radio seems to be a dying hobby,” said Stier “because prospective hams consider Morse Code difficult to learn.”But Morse Code is no longer essential to hams.Communication can also take place through microphones or computer technology.Many people are interested until they find out that they have to write exams and require a licence.Getting a licence from the Namibian Communications Commission costs only N$50 a year and Narl can assist members with technical training and examinations.”People can obtain a restricted licence for local communication or a full licence which enables them to communicate worldwide.Hams across the world share a common rule that no religion or politics be discussed during contacts.They are not restricted to type-approved equipment, as is the case with most commercial and personal radio services.Therefore hams often construct and modify their own equipment as long as it adheres to national and international standards on spurious emissions.Even today radio communication is often used in emergency situations when infrastructure for other communication modes are damaged.It is reported that this age-old technique was heavily relied on after the 9/11 attacks and the devastation brought along by Hurricane Katrina.It is also considered an important tool in encouraging children to explore the world of science and technology.Some famous people who are said to have been hams, are actor Marlon Brando, actress Priscilla Presley and country singer Patty Loveless.More information can be obtained from Stier at (061) 24 9164 during office hours.Narl’s web address is www.qsl.net/narl