Pedro Rodriguez, president of the Cuban Ham Radio Federation (FRC for its Spanish acronym) told the press that the first 600 units are ready for delivery and using them the operators will be able to ensemble new equipments or update those they already have.

He added that the spreading of this operation, which requires the purchase of 15% of the components abroad, will depend on the country’s economic possibilities, affected by the world economic crisis.

During the recently concluded 8th FRC Congress, it was presented a new prototype, with the brand name “Caiguaran”, designed by several specialists and manufactured at one of the MIC factories.

The term “amateur” reflects the principle that Amateur Radio and its skilled operators are committed to helping communities without financial compensation; whereas Commercial Radio operates for profit.

José Tanquero, one of the experts that worked on the creation of this prototype, explained ACN news agency that it has a simple conception and allows the modification of its reach.

He specified that Caiguaran has a 20 Watts power level and work in the 160 meters band, which it’s the legal for third category ham radios. By adding a device the bandwidth can be adjusted to the 80 and 40 meter bands.

The FRC has 5,500 members and contributes greatly to the country when telecommunications are affected by meteorological events.