Trinidad and Tobago Lighthouse Joins Ham Radio Event

The historic Toco Lighthouse at Point Galera on Trinidad's northeast Coast is a new country for the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend held on the third weekend of August.

The site first began as ship navigation in 1897, with it being recently being refurbished into a centre for tourism and community activity.

The site, registered by Tony Sandy 9Z4A has had its lantern was removed - the structure and surrounds have become a key feature amid the spectacular flora and fauna.

Currently there are 130 registrations have been received from 24 countries for the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend.

Germany remains in the lead with 30, Australia 20, and the USA with 15, followed by England, Scotland and Holland.

More information - http://www.illw.net

SARL Leap Year Challenge

The South African Radio League are holding a Leap Year Challenge on Monday 29 February 2016, challenging amateur radio operators to make as many contacts as possible.

The challenge starts at 00:01 and ends at 23:59 CAT all modes, all bands. Work a station once only regardless of band, mode or call sign.

Submit your log by e-mail to zs4bfn@mweb.co.za by midnight Wednesday 2 March 2016. The log received with the most QSOs will win a SARL membership for 2016/2017.

If you do not take part, you will have to wait until 2020, the next leap year, to put the date 29 February into your logbook!

AX for Australia's National Day

Australian Amateir / Ham Radio Operators can show their support for the Australian National Day by prefixing AX before their VK callsign on Tuesday 26th January 2016.

This gives radio amateurs the chance to be part of the commemoration of the First Fleet's arrival in 1788 at Sydney Gove and the establishment of a European settlement at Port Jackson, with the raising of the British flag by Governor Arthur Phillip.

The same alternative AX prefix applies on ANZAC Day, 25th April and International Telecommunications Day, 17th May.