GIBRALTAR AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
11th April 2008
11th April 2008
Amateur Radio started in Gibraltar shortly after the Second World War. Today GARS is a small but active society representing the interests of Amateur Radio both locally and internationally as a full IARU member society. We are also affiliated to the RSGB. The Society also operates the QSL bureau for Gibraltar.
We will be holding a field-day on the 22nd October to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar.
This will be held at Parson's Lodge Battery in Rosia Bay, This is a battery over looking the Bay where Lord Nelson's body was brought ashore after the battle.
We will be transmitting as ZB2TRA from 10.00 till late in the evening, and of course, the event will carry a commemorative QSL card.
GARS Operates as ZB2LGT
How to Contact GARS
Postal Address : PO Box 292, Gibraltar, Europe
Club meetings
We have new club premises! After many years at Hargraves Ramp where we could not transmit, receive or erect antennas we have moved !
Map of GARS HQ on COALING ISLAND
Meetings are now Wednesdays at 20.30 Please come and check out our spacious club premises featuring the infamous super comfortable armchairs 'as seen on GBC Television'.
Awards and Certificates
The ZB2BU award can be obtained by submitting proof of having worked or heard the club station on three bands in any mode.Applications for either award must include a log certified by your club. QSL cards are not required.
The ZB2 award can be obtained by having worked or heard any six ZB2 stations. Please write to the Awards Manager at our mail address PO BOX 292, Gibraltar enclosing $3 for postage.
Thinking of operating in Gibraltar ?
UPDATE June 2006 - Due to recent problems caused by visitors causing serious interference with essential services the authorities have suspended the issue of reciprocal licences for HF operation and visitors are ONLY allowed use of VHF for the time being.Please do NOT write to the regulator asking for a HF licence as it will not improve the situation !
The Police and customs take a serious view of unlicenced operators and under Gibraltar law wireless equipment may be confiscated even if it is not in actual use.
THE WIRELESS OFFICER
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
Europort
Gibraltar Telephone: + 350 74636 Fax: 72166 WebsiteGibraltar is not currently part of the CEPT scheme and foreign licences are not valid in the territory.
Class of Licence issued locally
- Class B (ZB0xx) for operation for above 50Mhz
- Class A (ZB2xx) the full licence including HF
- Foundation (ZB3xx)VHF plus restricted HF
Non-residents can only obtain a reciprocal call, not a ZBxxx call and may be specifically restricted from operating from some areas of the rock. Maritime Mobile operation with a Gibraltar licence is restricted to operation in Gibraltar waters.
Packet radio
ZB0BBS
The GARS Packet BBS seems to have
been eclipsed by the Internet.
Special Events
The club organises a number of special events including operating once a year on National Day (September 10th) with the prefix ZG replacing the more familiar ZB. On more normal occasions you can often hear the club station ZB2BU.In 2004, to celebrate the tercentenary, local amateurs used the callsign ZB300 in August with a special QSL card issued for all contacts.
Qualifications Needed
In the past there was a written examination set by the
CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE covering
- Licencing conditions and transmitter interference
- Operating practices, procedures and theory
For the foundation licence, the GARS provides training and an examination which is approved by the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
Morse Code Tests
The Society is responsible for conducting morse tests required to qualify for a licence where appropriate. These require sending and receiving at 12 words/min -or- 5 words/min and a certificate is issued to successful applicants. If you require a morse code test in Gibraltar please enquire by post for details of charges and to make an appointment.
Morse code, although remaining a very effective and popular mode of communications for amateurs has been replaced in most other areas and is no longer seen as a requirment for a licence.
GARS Officers
- President Alan Guerrero (ZB2IF) [Photo]
- Secretary Tano Guerrero (ZB2IH)
- Treasurer Louis Payas (ZB2IT)
(Wilfred ZB2IB [Photo] Secretary for many years
died suddenly on 26th June 2002 he is greatly missed.)If you want to see what we actually look like click on the [Photo] link.
This website by Jim Watt ZB2JW [Photo] Email Me
Some Interesting Links to Radio Related Web Sites
Access a real radio!
Tune it in and
Listen to what
you receive.
eQSO is a system for linking repeaters and talking to hams in other countries using the internet. Is is amateur radio? Try it and see for yourself. Its free and its good, and yes it does work with a dial up connection. Read all about it here
GARS Members Home Pages
ZB2JW - Jim Watt ZB2FX - Martyn ZB2X - Jorma Saloranta
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