Sand Dollar Villa: Ham Radio

Sand Dollar Villa

Beach Villa on Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas

Ham Radio Operation

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We are not ham operators, but we are delighted to provide a vacation spot for radio enthusiasts. Sand Dollar Villa (Villa 621) is equipped with two antennas and two power supplies, and an extensive tool kit. The only thing a guest needs is to BRING YOUR OWN RADIO. The villa has proven to be an excellent spot for people on vacation who also like to engage in casual "DX" ham radio operation.

"I had about 1150 Qs in 127 band-countries in about 45 hours of casual operating." -- N3IQ

"A C6 (Bahamian) call sign off the coast of Florida... works out to be a major competitive advantage!" - K2QM

"My best DX was in the South Pacific and an unexpected contact with the Europa Dxpedition in the Indian Ocean." - K4HGX

Also, check out a web log by AK0M/C6ASB at http://pages.cfu.net/~sjs/c6asb.htm for a great description of a ham vacation at our villa.

There are two antennas in place:

- Butternut/Bencher HF6V vertical for 80m, 40m, 30m

- Cushcraft R6000 vertical for 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m and 6m

The villa is equipped with a Samlex SEC-1223 power supply, and a Astron RS-20 power supply as backup.

There is an MFJ-941C antenna tuner (80-10m) with coax jumpers to the radio and a built-in antenna switch.

We provide an extensive maintenance and repair kit for use by our renters (see our tool kit list for details).

The villas are fortunate to have their own wireless hotspot for internet access. We strongly recommend that you bring a laptop that is equipped with a wireless card, and just ask the villa manager about signing on.

Licensing in the Bahamas is inexpensive but slow. We encourage you to plan ahead in order for your radio license to be processed before you depart for Treasure Cay! The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in the Bahamas has responsibility for radio licensing. To apply for a Bahamian amateur reciprocal license, send a copy of your valid US license, a copy of identification (passport photo page, birth certificate), a letter of request, and an International Money Order for $25. Allow one to three months for processing and mailing.

For more information, contact the Nassau PUC office by telephone at 242-322-4437 or by email at Puc@Pucbahamas.gov.bs. Be sure to specifically ask for the Radio Licensing Department.

Finally, we do ask that ham operators remember that the beach villas are a small community - and voices carry. Please be sensitive to neighbors when operating outside or at night. Thanks!