by William Eric McFadden
Pictures
- Eric posing with the Interpretive Center sign; photo by Miles McFadden
- Eric posing with the NCNST trailhead-marker; photo by Miles McFadden
- Eric operating; photo by Miles McFadden
Description
Two members of the Southeast Ohio Radio Adventure Team succeeded in activating
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and North Country National Scenic Trail
as part of the ARRL's year-long National Parks on the Air (link).
Eric McFadden, WD8RIF, and Miles McFadden, KD8KNC, activated Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park,
HP11 (link) and the North Country National Scenic Trail, TR04 (link)
at the Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center.
The pair arrived at the Interpretive Center about 1930 UTC. Eric stamped his Passport 2016 and spoke with the ranger who readily gave Eric permission to perform the operation at the park gate at the intersection of the park and the North Country National Scenic Trail.
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.
At the gate, Eric and Miles quickly deployed his antenna and radio. Eric phoned Wright-Patterson AFB security forces to alert them of his activities. The security officer seemed happy to have the "heads-up" and no security members visited the site during the operation. Eric was on the air by 1950 UTC.
Eric started operations on 20m and made his first QSO at 1951 UTC with K5LH. QSOs came quickly and steadily until Eric's 21st QSO on 20m at 2013 UTC with KH2TJ in California. Eric switched to 40m and he made his first QSO there at 2017 UTC with N8XX. QSOs on 40m came steadily and quickly and Eric made his 39th and final QSO at 2039 UTC with K4MY. 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:
(return)