by William Eric McFadden
Pictures
- Eric and Tom posing at the Visitor Center sign; photo by Miles McFadden
- Eric's station
- Tom's station
- Eric's station
- Tom operating; photo by Miles McFadden
- Eric operating; photo by Miles McFadden
Description
Three members of the Southeast Ohio Radio Adventure Team succeeded in activating Hopewell Culture National Historical Park as part of the ARRL's year-long National Parks on the Air (link). Eric McFadden, WD8RIF; Miles McFadden, KD8KNC; and Tom Witherspoon, K4SWL, activated the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, HP15 (link) at the Mound City Group on their way to the Dayton Hamvention.
The trio arrived at the park about 1345 UTC. They spoke with the rangers and Eric stamped his Passport 2016. The rangers presented Tom with an ARRL NPOTA lapel pin and a window-cling. Unfortunately, the NPOTA banner had been sent to Dayton for use at a large activation at the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and was unavailable for this activation.
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.
Tom's station consisted of an LNR (link) LD-11 transceiver Tom is
reviewing for his blog, Eric's 44' doublet, and Eric's LDG Z-11 ATU. He powered his station with a Hardened
Power Systems (link) QRP Ranger power-pack.
Eric set up the station alongside the parking-lot circle and was ready to go on the air about 1412 UTC. Tom set up under a friendly tree which he used to support the doublet; he was on the air about the same time.
Eric began operations on 40m and his first QSO was with KD0IZL at 1422 UTC. Thereafter, QSOs came steadily until Eric's 15th QSO with KB3VVE at 1433 UTC. Just for fun, Eric then changed to 20m SSB and worked Tom at 1438 UTC. All of Eric's QSOs were made at the 5-watt level.
Tom began operations on 20m SSB and his first QSO was with N0AT at 1424 UTC. After a second QSO on 40m he switched to 40m SSB where his first contact was with WD8RIF at 1437 UTC followed by N4TL at 1439 UTC. Tom's 12th and final QSO was with NN4II at 1453 UTC.
Miles did not operate but helped both Eric and Tom with set-up and tear-down and he did most of the activation photography.
As at Eric's previous activation of Hopewell Culture NHP, the rangers made the group feel very welcome at the par.
Map:
(return)