by William Eric McFadden

Pictures

Description

Two members of the Southeast Ohio Radio Adventure Team succeeded in activating Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument as part of the ARRL's year-long National Parks on the Air (link). Eric McFadden, WD8RIF, and Miles McFadden, KD8KNC, activated Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, MN18 (link) in Wilberforce, Ohio, following their attendance of the WWI Dawn Patrol Rendezvous (info) at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. They were accompanied by Eric's daughter Kate and her puppy, Bo.

As at previous activations, Eric's station consisted of his Enhanced KX3 Travel Kit, his MFJ-1910 33' fiberglass telescoping mast, and a custom clipboard.

The trio (plus dog) arrived at the park at about 2200 UTC. Eric chose not to deploy his folding table but to operate from his car's front passenger seat. With Miles' help, Eric quickly deployed his antenna and radio.

Eric and was on the air by 2207 UTC and made his first QSO at 2210 UTC with N2CX who was operating mobile on the New Jersey Turnpike. Propagation was excellent and Chaser-interest was high. QSOs came quickly and steadily until Eric's 25th and final QSO at 2231 UTC with WA5DTK. Highlights of the operation include working N2CX/M and working N8XX who was at TR04 in Michigan. Eric operated only 40m CW and all QSOs were made at the 5-watt level.

Miles did not operate but helped with set-up and tear-down and did all of the activation photography.

Map:

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