Experienced Aussie DXers 43DA162 Brett and 43DA001 Darren will embark on a Lighthouse On The Air (LOTA) Tour of New South Wales Northern Rivers lighthouses commencing in early January 2012.
This thrilling DX adventure is set to take in all four of the region’s breathtaking lighthouses which include the Richmond River (also known as the Ballina Head Lighthouse), Fingal Head, Evans Head and Byron Bay lights.
This last LOTA DXstination, interestingly, is located on the most easterly point of Australia in the township of Byron Bay. Also an ideal whale watching location and one appreciated by thousands of tourists every year, the Byron Bay Lighthouse is regarded by lighthouse admirers as one of Australia’s most charming lights.
All LOTA DX activities will be undertaken in accordance with guidelines outlined by the Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society (ARLHS) with the aims of the Northern Rivers Lighthouse team also consistent with those of the ARLHS.
On this note, the Rules of Operation used will be both the visual sight AND 1000m rules with all four activities taking place on lighthouse grounds with magnificent views of surrounding seascapes.
Of course this will make for some spectacular photographs too, and along with the team’s lighthouse on the air station which includes a 3 element Skypper antenna made by 30DA016 Dave, these will be displayed on the DA-RC website soon after each day’s DX heroics.
Commencing with the one of the state’s oldest lights, the Richmond River Lighthouse (AUS-142) which will be on the air from early January, all LOTA activities will occur on weekends and holidays through this year and into next, until 125 progressive numbers have been achieved from each structure. The target number of contacts then is 500.
A special full colour QSL card featuring all callsigns and images of all of the amazing Northern Rivers lighthouses will be available to confirm any contact made with the LOTA team from the QSL Manager whom is 43DA001 Darren.
The complete list of lights and callsigns is:
- 43DA/AUS-142, Richmond River Lighthouse
- 43DA/AUS-073, Fingal Head Lighthouse
- 43DA/AUS-025, Byron Bay Lighthouse
- 43DA/AUS-175, Evans Head Light
All details have been uploaded to the Cluster dk database.
Hi Brett,
Thanks for the contact to 43DA/AUS-142. Low this morning on my side on the longwire, station woman on 27.500 USB same all the time. No problem copy and on your log. Looking out for next activatie.
Hi Brett and Darren ,
I’ve seen on the street view ( google earth ) Ballina Head lighthouse , very nice position for the DX , panoramic view on the Ocean Pacific . Not many parks for the cars , but nice high position on the cliff .
Don’t forget your horizontal antenna and make yours contacts via SP and LP .
Thanks mates .
73′s Fab 14DA024 .
Hello again DA Friends. For info..I will be active from Ballina Head Light sporadically throughout 2012 (Starting January) , until 125 progressives are in my log.
Cheers & good Hunting for this new & exciting venture for 11 Meters.
43DA162 Brett
G’day all,
I plan to activate 43DA/AUS-142 from Ballina Head Lighthouse in January 2012 for LOTA. I am unsure which weekend yet but will confirm something soon. I will operate out of my mobile station next to the Lighthouse, satisfying both 1000m and visual sight rules.
Cheers & 73′s,
43DA162 Brett