K3L  

AM Expedition to Thomas Point Light

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The call sign K3L was issued by the Federal Communications Commission as part of a special event station that helped commemorate:

  • 100 years since radio's first voice communications, Amplitude Modulated (AM).

  • 125 years since first illumination of Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse.

  • The U.S. Coast Guard's birthday, Aug. 4, 1790.

  • National Lighthouse Weekend, Aug. 3-4-5, 2001.


The AM Expedition to Thomas Point Lighthouse (TPL) was the first-ever civilian radio station at the site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The automated, solar-powered TPL remains an active Aid to Navigation under the authority of the U.S. Coast Guard, and is located about a mile offshore near Annapolis, Md. in the Chesapeake Bay.

This was the first time "hams" taking part in the commemorative National Lighthouse Weekend amateur radio operating event have "activated" TPL, designated #845 on the world list maintained by the Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society.

The event underscored the importance of restoring and maintaining lighthouses as part of maritime heritage, and showcased how the development of radio has improved safety on the high seas.

We are grateful to the U.S. Coast Guard for allowing us to help mark the founding of their organization with this nostalgic combination.

Please see the USCG News Release


News Release

A full write-up about K3L is in the September, 2001 issue of Electric Radio, a monthly vintage radio magazine published at Durango, Colorado by Barry Wiseman, N6CSW.

                                              Get data from TPL and panoramic photos.     

 

- WA3VJB@ARRL.net -

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