by William Eric McFadden
Pictures
Description
One member 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,
activated Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, MN18 (link)
in Wilberforce, Ohio. He was accompanied by his daughter Kate, KD8KNB, and Kate's dog, Bo.
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. Because of the cool temperature, Eric chose to operate inside the van. Eric quickly deployed the station and was on the air by 1754 UTC.
Eric began the operation with a quick 17m QSO at 1757 with N8XX who was activating the HP11+TR04 two-fer. After that, Eric began running a frequency on 20m and his first QSO on 20m came at 1800 UTC with N8XX who must have seen a spot. QSOs on 20m came quickly and Eric's 13th and final 20m QSO came at 1812 UTC with K9DY. Eric switched to 40m and made his first QSO there at 1816 UTC. QSOs on 40m came quite quickly with Eric's 25th and final QSO coming at 1830 UTC with K9PY. All QSOs were CW at the 5-watt level.
Eric recorded an outdoor temperature of 43°F but the temperature inside the car was quite comfortable.
Map:
(return)