August Membership Meeting and International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend. In-person only, no zoom!

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Date/Time
Date(s) - 08/15/2026
10:00 am

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This is one SEARC Member Meeting you will not want to miss!
On Saturday, 8/15, we have the opportunity to meet aboard the Lightship for International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend.
 
Even better, the first 15 club members who RSVP to this email by 8/14 will receive free admission. ($5 Value) 
 
Come join the fun on the Air with Frank KF7NPC, Joe N7BF and Kat KF7KAT, making contacts with Hams participating in ILLW around the world. 
 
Come operate. Come hunt for contacts. Come see the Lightship. Come enjoy the company. Or, come because how often do you get to spend a Saturday morning on a lightship with a bunch of fellow hams?
The Details: 
Saturday, August 15th
Check in: Maritime Museum front desk
Be at the Lightship Gate at 10:15 AM
Free Admission for the first 15 club members who RSVP to this email (Museum members get in free, so let us know if you are a member)
RSVP now, please 🙂
Come Aboard. Get on the air, Make some contacts. Have some fun!
Ham is more fun with friends! Bring a friend you think may be a future Ham.

 

 
Happy to answer questions
Claire, VP SEARC
KM7CYI
 
We hope to see you on the Lightship! 
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Both from the SEARC Website:

The Lightship Columbia radio station has been quite active in various special events such as the annual ILLW (International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend).

The art of radio communication is closely associated with the history of radio navigational aids provided over the years for ships at sea.  The club has activated the radio room of the old lightship, using amateur radio frequencies and licensed amateur radio operators.  The radio club trusts that one of the results of the project will be the retention of the nostalgic memories and experiences of those communicators who have served at sea.

Sunset Empire Amateur Radio Club and the Columbia

Through an agreement with the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Sunset Empire Amateur Radio Club activated the Lightship Columbia radio shack on May 11, 1982. The club call sign W7BU, was on the air at this time with Ed Aho, (NR7F) W7LY, as Trustee. The first antenna tuner used on the lightship was “Homebrew” designed by Phil Veek, WA7RXW. The first antenna used was a “cage antenna” and is still on the ship. The primary operators of the radio station for 28 years were Gene Brown, W7YCK, and Ed Aho, W7LY . Sadly, Gene passed away in 2010 and Ed followed in 2022.  We miss our Silent Keys.