About CARS

Connecting amateur radio operators in paradise

Our Mission

The Cayman Amateur Radio Society (CARS) is dedicated to fostering the growth and enjoyment of amateur radio within the Cayman Islands and inviting operators from around the world to our beautiful shores. We promote technical excellence, emergency communications, and the spirit of amateur radio in the ZF territory.

History

Originally, Cayman Hams operated as VP5 which was later changed to ZF.

The Cayman Amateur Radio Society (originally known as Cayman Radio Society) was formed in 1979 by 8 hams who were resident here and got its permanent club shack in Savannah in 1990.

Cayman Hams have been very active through the years with emergency communication and have played important roles in various hurricanes which affected Cayman and other Caribbean Islands.

Our club has been instrumental in:

  • Establishing and maintaining repeater infrastructure
  • Supporting emergency communications during natural disasters
  • Promoting amateur radio licensing and education
  • Hosting visiting DXpedition teams and POTA activators
  • Organizing Field Day and contest activities

Charter Members

The original founding members who established CARS in 1979:

  • ZF1AK - Alan Kimble
  • ZF1HJ - Jack Hollingworth
  • ZF1GJ - Gordon Jacobus
  • ZF1MT - Michael Trickett
  • ZF1RR - Kernilon Owens
  • ZF1SV - Dale Green
  • ZF1MA - Joseph Jackman
  • ZF2xx - Charles Tweedle
  • ZF2xx - David Fayman
  • ZF2xx - Mayo McAllister

Leadership

Current Officers:

  • President: ZF1DM
  • Vice President: ZF1ZZ
  • Secretary: ZF1YA
  • IARU Representative: ZF1EJ

What We Do

Weekly Activities

  • Sunday Net: 19:00 UTC on 146.760 MHz (-600)
  • HF Net: Wednesdays on 14.230 MHz
  • Emergency Net: As needed during severe weather

Annual Events

  • Field Day: June - Operating from scenic locations
  • CQWW Contest: Full contest station operation
  • POTA Activations: Regular Parks on the Air events
  • JOTA (Jamboree on the Air): 3rd Saturday of October @ club shack, 65 Pedro Castle Road. For more information, see our events page.
  • License Testing: Coordination with OfReg for examinations

Services

  • QSL Bureau: We handle QSL cards for ZF operations
  • Technical Support: Antenna modeling and RF consulting
  • Emergency Communications: Disaster response coordination
  • Visitor Support: Information and assistance for traveling hams

Join Us

CARS welcomes both resident and visiting amateur radio operators. Whether you’re interested in casual conversation, DXing, contesting, or emergency communications, you’ll find a home with us in paradise.