by William Eric McFadden
Pictures
- Eric posing with the Visitor Center sign; photo by Miles McFadden
- Eric's station
Description
Two 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, and Miles McFadden, KD8KNC, activated Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, HP15 (link) on the way to Dayton, Ohio to attend the Vectren Dayton Airshow the following day. Eric and Miles were accompanied by Vickie McFadden, KC8MAJ, and Kate McFadden, KD8KNB.
The family arrived at the park at about 1720 UTC to find the park busy with National Picnic Day. Eric stamped his Passport 2016 and spoke with rangers. Thinking the banner was still in northern Ohio, Eric didn't ask about the ARRL NPOTA banner but later learned that it had, indeed, been available.
Eric's station was his now-standard NPOTA station: his Enhanced KX3 Travel Kit,
his MFJ-1910 33' fiberglass telescoping mast and tripod, and a custom clipboard. Eric chose to set
up in the shade of a large tree. Eric was on the air by 1735 UTC.
Eric operated only CW on 40m and his first QSO was with N4EX at 1737 UTC. QSOs came steadily until Eric's 16th and final QSO with K4SPD at 1957 UTC. All of Eric's QSOs were made at the 5-watt level.
Miles did not operate but helped Eric with set-up and tear-down and did most of the activation photography. Neither Vickie nor Kate operated.
Two visitors to the park for National Picnic Day spoke with Eric and Miles about amateur radio and both seemed quite interested.
Two visitors to the park for National Picnic Day spoke with Eric and Miles about amateur radio and both seemed quite interested. Also at the park that day was a family who had corporate sponsorship from Subraru to travel to National Park Service units.
Map:
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