Vegesack radio operators make international contacts at the harbor!

Vegesack radio operators make international contacts at the harbor!

Something very special has been brewing at Vegesacker Hafen. At the Nautilus House, an eye-catching display invites you to listen to the amateur radio operators at work. The “Delta Kilo Mike Tango Victor” station is the gateway to the world for the radio operators who have gathered there. Six dedicated amateur radio operators - including five men and one woman - work in a small and lively room and show how much joy and community there is in this hobby.

The group belongs to the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC) and is active at the international lighthouse and lightship weekend. This event, founded in 1998 by two Scotsmen, aims to shine a spotlight on the restoration and preservation of lighthouses and lightships. This year the Vegesackers are representing the old headlight in Lemwerder, better known as the “Black Lighthouse”. For amateur radio operators, this is not only a technical challenge, but also an opportunity to make international contacts and recruit potential new members.

International exchange and member recruitment

Jens Knorr, the chairman of the local association, is pleased about the international connections that will be made during the weekend. The radio operators have already had success in discussions with enthusiasts from Ireland and Moscow, including an exchange with Sergei from Moscow. “We want more young and female memberships, because there are only two women among our 42 members,” emphasizes Knorr.

One of those interested, Matthias Dobschinski, brings a breath of fresh air into the group. The aspiring radio operator has already learned 15 percent of the questions for the amateur radio exam and can go straight to the microphone. Proof that the hobby is also exciting for the younger generation! The group also follows the movements of the International Space Station (ISS) on a monitor and receives data packets, which makes the technical side of volunteering even more exciting.

Cooperation in focus

The amateur radio operators in MTV Nautilus have been working actively since 2017 and also exchange ideas with the Nautilus youth. Knorr sees great potential for cooperation with schools in the region to further promote interest in amateur radio. Conversations with radio operators from Northern Ireland and Edinburgh demonstrate a lively exchange. The lively atmosphere in the small room shows that it's not just technology that inspires, but also community and mutual exchange are in the foreground.

In the past, the group was able to welcome prominent interlocutors such as the King of Jordan, but this time the big name didn't attend. But what happened at Vegesack harbor was a complete success for the radio operators, both in terms of new contacts and the communication of their interests. The amateur radio operators bring a breath of fresh air into the scene and cordially invite everyone interested to become part of this exciting hobby.