Able Archer 83 2022
The annual Able Archer 83 event at Fort Miles, Cape Henlopen State park in Delaware.
What was supposed to be achieved by this project?
The plan was to set up our annual display for Able Archer
83 along with operating on multipole bands and modes using period correct
equipment with the special event callsign W3A.
What was actually achieved?
I arrived Friday afternoon, Walt was already there and had
set up the tables and displays in building 607, I unloaded the mutt and a bunch
of stuff from the truck including a Harris RF-350 K and the MX-10151 secure
communications terminal along with some other radios and worked on setting up
the antennas that we would be using. Started operation on Saturday morning at
0900 by participating in the 7087 RTTY Net and worked the Net for about
forty-five minutes. Good copy on everyone and think most had solid copy of the
GRC-106 in the mutt. At 1000 local checked into MMRCG 7296 USB Net using the 106
with good results and at noon checked into the Moos & Squirrel Net on 5357 and
was able to work the net but required a relay because although I did copy most
of the stations had poor copy on net control. Did work a couple QSO before the
Nets and after the Nets move indoors and operated the big Harris on forty for a
couple contacts but the majority of contacts that occurred were from Walt inside
the building over the next twelve hours.
I did try direct 51.0 FM contacts with N2IA over in NJ and
although he was able to hear me I was not able to copy him. On Sunday morning I
decided to activate the old Rehoboth Airport, the one-time location of Civil Air
Patrol base two during WW2, no part of the airport exist today except for a
historic marker. It is located about five miles from Fort Miles. I used both my
Sunair PRC-108 on sixty meters and a PRC-77 on 51.0 and although W3A was solid
copy on my Sunair W3A only had week copy of the Sunair, the PRC-77 worked very
well across the distance with the RT-524 located in the mutt.
What aspects of the project work?
The RF-350 worked well from the building along with the
inverted V antenna for forty and although we did not establish a QSO with N2IA
across the bay on 51.0 did have some success with 51.0 and the old airport.
What didn't work and why?
Walt’s Sunair 9000 did develop an issue and stopped
operating Sunday morning just leaving us the Harris on forty meters. Did have
the radios onboard the mutt but I did not show up until late Sunday morning and
was not inspired to do any operating beyond the old airport thing.
And we need to try to get more people out to participate.
We have a great venue, plenty of space and a host that’s very supportive. At
this point have no idea what it will take to get more people out to take part.
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OCTMAR 22