by William Eric McFadden

Pictures

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) in Wilberforce, Ohio.

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.

The pair arrived at the park at about 1740 UTC and quickly deployed the station. Eric was on the air by 1755 UTC.

Eric started operations on 20m and made his first QSO at 1757 UTC with N6HC. QSOs came quickly and steadily with Eric making his 17th QSO on 20m at 1815 UTC with K1DAT. Eric switched to 40m and made his first QSO there at 1820 UTC with W1YRC. QSOs on 40m also came quickly and steadily with Eric making his 32nd and final QSO at 1833 with K2TV. All QSOs were CW at the 5-watt level.

The highlight of the operation was the unexpected QSO with K9FD in Hawaii.

Miles did not operate but helped with set-up and tear-down and did all of the activation photography.

Map:

(return)