26 Nov 2012

Ham radio operators to set up on Campbell Island

3:23 pm on 26 November 2012

A team of amateur radio operators is to set up stations on remote Campbell Island and transmit thousands of messages across the world.

Long before emails, texting and twitter, those keen to exchange messages with people thousands of kilometres away did so using amateur radio.

Expedition leader Tommy Horozakis told Radio New Zealand's Morning Report programme 10 international ham operators from the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand plan to set up shop on the sub-Antarctic island for 10 days.

They will set up 18 antennas and transmit for 16 hours a day, talking to as many radio operators across the world as they can.

The international expedition leaves from Bluff on Monday.