Amateur Radio Station WD8RIF | NPOTA Activation Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

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 a USO concert at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. Eric and Miles were accompanied by Vickie McFadden, KC8MAJ, and Kate McFadden, KD8KNB.

The family arrived at the park at about 1515 UTC, later than had been planned. Eric stamped his Passport 2016, spoke with rangers, and collected the banner to display at the operating location. The rangers also had ARRL hand-outs for Eric to make available at the operating location

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 and was on the air by 1538 UTC.

Eric operated only CW on 40m and his first QSO was with AB4WL at 1540 UTC. QSOs came steadily until Eric's 14th and final QSO with KR0P at 1555 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 all of the activation photography. Neither Vickie nor Kate operated.