VK3 - ILLW Weekend Report

During the International Lighthouse and Lightship weekend (ILLW) on the 18th and 19th of August 2007, the folks from Amateur Radio Victoria (ARV) activated the Lighthouse and Time Ball Tower at Point Gellibrand near Williamstown with the call sign VK3WI.

The weather was perfect during most of the weekend. Terry VK3UP and Michele VK3FEAT worked stations on a (mobile!!) TS440S making contacts from a 4-Wheel Drive parked on the grounds of the lighthouse. The main station at the base of the lighthouse consisted of another Kenwood being operated by the folks of ARV. People visiting during the weekend used the station at the base of the lighthouse. Tim VK3IM transmitted CW on his Yaesu 897D on Sunday. A barbeque fed hungry operators at lunch time and a kettle and coffee kept the well fed operators awake when conditions on the air deteriorated. The stations worked all bands and the whole place was buzzing with activity.

Jim VK3PC kept a watchful eye on the proceedings including guiding visiting operators to have a go at the main station. Apparently VK3WI had around 400 contacts and more than 23 lighthouses during the weekend.

Throughout the weekend, locals gathered to have a look and ask questions and were handed the now familiar "Calling CQ" brochures. The weather held out but was very cold. Other than that, it was an action packed ILLW weekend and a very good time was had by all. Well done all.

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