06/27/2005 | KA4AXS Field Day 05 solo operation from the tail of my aircraft at a remote island--Pictures attached are from my "dog-pedition" to Dog Island, FL for Field Day 05. The only way to travel to Dog Island is via plane (landing on a short turf/sand runway) or by chartered boat. I flew to Dog Island to simulate flying my aircraft (Van's RV-4 experimental aircraft) into a disaster area to set up communications. I operated from the tail of my aircraft using a Yaesu 897D, a Buddipole, and used a Honda EU2000 generator for power. I made a few contacts with battery power as well. After researching for this trip, I found that Dog Island has never been activated in the US Islands Directory. I operated for 3.5 hours before having to depart due to weather. I was able to make 36 QSOs from the island including 2 countries (Canada and Kuwait) all on 20 meter phone. In the future, I'd like to have an organization that flies bush planes into disaster areas to set up communication. Field Day 05 gave me the opportunity to prove this concept.
If you have any questions, email me at KA4AXS@yahoo.com.
73,
Edward H. "Ned" Linch III
KA4AXS
Niceville, FL
ARRL Member
Dog Island: FL-005 / IOTA NW-085 -- KA4AXS