by William Eric McFadden
Pictures
- Eric and Tom at the park banner; photo by Miles McFadden
- Eric's operating under the mulberry tree; photo by Miles McFadden
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) 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 1935 UTC. The park being closed, there were no rangers to speak to.
Eric had stamped his Passport 2016 at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park activation
earlier in the day.
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. To protect himself from the direct sun, Eric set up his station under a tree which Vickie later identified as a mulberry tree heavy with fruit.
Eric operated CW on 40m. His first QSO was with NA2X at 1952 UTC. Thereafter, QSOs came steadily until Eric's 19th and final QSO with AD4AA at 2015 UTC. All 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.
Map:
(return)