GB0REL
International Lighthouse / Lightship Weekend
Introduction
GB0REL is the callsign allocated to the amateur radio station operating from the Rathlin East Light at Altacarry Head, Rathlin Island, usually over the third weekend of August every year. This is only one of hundreds of amateur radio stations operating from lighthouses and lightships all over the world to celebrate what is now known, in amateur radio circles, as International Lighthouse Weekend.
This is a fun weekend and is used to obtain maximum exposure for the hobby of amateur radio. There are many close connections between lighthouses and ham radio, one of the most important being communications but many of those who work in the lighthouse service are also keen ham radio operators. There are also many “Hams” who just have a great love of lighthouses and lightships.
This special event station has been on the air every year since 2001 with Jim (GI0PGC) being the main organiser and operator with guest appearances from a few other ham friends (Ernie GI0GDF, George GI4SRQ, Colin GI0RQK and Gareth SWL). Also a special thanks to Jim GI0DVU for helping with the QSL cards.
This and previous operations netted numerous contacts from all over the world. Information about Rathlin and its lighthouses was exchanged with ham radio operators in all corners of the world.
Lighthouse Information - Rathlin East Lighthouse (Altacarry Head)
Background
An application from mariners for a light on Rathlin was first made in 1827. Due to differences of opinion, final approval was not obtained until March 1847 and construction did not start until May 1849. Two lights, an upper occulting and a lower fixed, so as not to be confused with other lights when approaching and passing through the North Channel, were established on 1st November 1856. The tower of the upper light is built of stone from the island and is 26.8m (88 feet) overall height. The light is 74m (243 feet) above high water. It once had a light tower which consisted of a fixed or non flashing lantern. This was discontinued on 1st July 1894 and at the same time the tower light was intensified.
Other historical dates:
18th Jan 1866
Fog signal using 18 pounder gun.
1918
Gun replaced by tonite explosion.
Sept 1965
Explosion accompanied by a brilliant flash during hours of darkness.
1972
Fog signal discontinued.
31st March 1995
The lighthouse was converted to automatic operation and the Keepers were withdrawn.
Aids to Navigation
Light F1 (4) W 20s exhibited 24hrs
Nominal range 26 nautical miles
Radar Beacon - Morse 'G' on vessel's radar display
Amateur Radio Information - GB0REL (Rathlin East Lighthouse)
GB0REL CREW 2008
(Click callsign to lookup on qrz.com)
James Forsythe (BARLS039)
RIGS
Icom IC-706MKIIG
ANTENNAS
Carolina Windom 160S / Carolina Superloop 40
QRA LOC
IO65VH
IOTA
EU-122 Rathlin Island
WAB/WAI
D15 County Antrim
Unitary Authority (District)
Moyle
Latitude
55' 18.1 N
Longitude
6' 10.2 W
Lighthouse Reference Number NTI-011
WLOTA Lighthouse Reference Number L-0039
QSL cards via the Bureau
E-card also sent via eQSL
GB0REL 2003/2004 and 2008 QSL CARD (Photography by Jim GI0PGC)
Click here to view GB0REL QSL CARD
[ 2001 | 2002 | 2003/2004 | 2005/2006 | 2007 ]
[ Marconi 100th Anniversary (1998) QSL CARD ]
Click here to view GB0REL Photo Diary
[ 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 ]
Click here to view GB0REL Logbook
GI0RQK and GB0REL Logbook Search click here .
[ Top | CIL | International Lighthouse Weekend | GI0PGC | GI0RQK | Photos ]
Thanks to all those who make the weekend possible.
Last Revised: 18t8h March 2011 (Colin Williamson GI0RQK)