Wick field day is a first for Caithness Amateur Radio Society since the coronavirus
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE Caithness Amateur Radio Society held its first field day since the coronavirus pandemic struck over 18 months ago.
The club set up a mobile unit at the Wick Pilot House and used a converted caravan as a studio. The event, which attracted radio enthusiasts and short wave listeners from all over the world, was "very successful," according to club spokesman, Hamish Duncan.
He said: "Many locals and visitors came to see what the big mast which carried the transmission antennas was all about, many were astonished to hear our members talking to people from other countries without a mobile. It was a very successful event and we thank everyone for their support."
Mr Duncan pointed out that the club had to be closed as a result of Covid-19 but stressed the tuition by Skype and Zoom continued
"This is very successful with new members locally and further afield benefiting from this unique one-to-one tuition provided by our Caithness Club. Local membership has doubled and we have equipment and plans made which will interest schools by indicating that electronics as a career is indeed a very desirable route to consider.
"The online one-to-one tuition continues and we also do a 'on air' net on Wednesday and Saturday so that members can keep in touch. Others out of area also join in so again another successful addition to our activities which has helped maintain the success of the club."
He added: "We did the 2021 Lighthouses on the Air worldwide event from Noss Head and from Stroma and were pleased with a really great result. We managed 268 contacts in 37 countries from Noss and and 162 in 18 countries from Stroma."
Mr Duncan said the club has two internet sites. "One is just for general info https://www.facebook.com/CaithnessARS/
"The second and most informative one which we created in March 2020 is aimed at club members and people interested in radio. It can be accessed at://www.qsl.net/ms0fnr/."
