Ham radio operators reach out from Souris lighthouse

Ham radio enthusiasts are inviting the public to join them at the Souris lighthouse this weekend as they try to make contact with other amateur radio operators from around the world.

George Dewar will make a portable antenna from 52 feet of copper wire and suspend itfrom a flagpole to the top of the lighthouse.

His friend "Bernie from Moncton" is also setting up two vertical antennae.

'People are always watching these spotting programs and they'll say 'Oh my heavens, there's a rather strange place, Prince Edward Island, and a lighthouse there, let's give them a call.'" George Dewar

Dewar said there is a lot of "romance" connected with lighthouses, and they are attractive to radio operators around the world. He said he's notoptimistiche'll reach Asia, but should at least make contact with New York and the Eastern United States.

Once he makes a contact, Dewar hopes to do what he calls a spot, where participants willgo onthe internet and say they made contact with alighthouse.

"People are always watching these spotting programs and they'll say 'Oh my heavens, there's a rather strange place, Prince Edward Island, and a lighthouse there, let's give them a call,'" he said.

"And that's when you get into what's called a pileup. You're on the radio and seems everybody in the world is trying to call you."

Dewar said his motivation is to promote P.E.I. He expects to be at the Souris lighthouse until late Sunday afternoon.

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