Lighthouse & Island Activation Sunday Aug 18

Pomham Rocks and Ruth Island activations:

We will try to activate both islands in one day, Sunday August 18. These two islands are only about 100 yards apart. Pomham has both a dock and a lighthouse. Ruth has only weeds and a shallow water beach. High tide on the August 18 is between 10-11 AM.

US Islands nos:  Pomham: RI-037, Ruth Island: US-038;

Pomham lighthouse ARLHS no. USA-643

Schedule:

0800 Meet at Brewer Cove Haven marina (address below)

0830 Depart for Ruth Island

0930 Operational on Ruth Island

1100 Goto Pomham Rocks island

1300 (approx) Successfully terminate radio ops

Logistics:

TURMOIL, our trusty 24 foot RIB, will be at Brewer Cove Haven 101 Narragansett Ave, Barrington, 401-246-1600

After action debrief at: Thames Waterside Bar & Grill, 251 Thames St, Bristol Next to DeWolf Tavern. YL’s welcomed.

W1SYE Islands on the Air from Florida!

**** UPDATE  Mar 2 18:25 UTC ****

The activators are QRT for good on this Florida trip.  Long trip back to the home port and lots of cleaning to do.  They will be packing up tomorrow, so this was the final island.

The team was fast and agile, successfully activating a total of 12 never on the air before islands in the Indian River near Fort Pierce.  (So fast that the author failed to contact them on a few of the activations as he was too busy documenting them having fun).  The list of islands activated (most recent on the top):

  • FL552R (Spoil Island SL2)
  • FL554R (Spoil Island SL4)
  • FL566R (Spoil Island SL14B)
  • FL553R (Spoil Island SL3)
  • FL555R (Spoil Island SL5)
  • FL556R (Spoil Island SL6)
  • FL542R (Spoil Island SL7)
  • FL557R (Spoil Island SL8)
  • FL564R (Spoil Island SL14)
  • FL569R (Spoil Island SL17)
  • FL570R (Spoil Island 13W)
  • FL549R (Coon Island)

Excellent job and congrats to Pete W1LAB, Willy W1LY, and John K1JSM plus the rest of the crew!

Sun sets Saturday on the Florida activations

Team dinner a few days ago: (at table left, John K1JSM, and Pete’s friend Steve). Standing from left: Marshall, Linda, Willy, Pete, and Bonnie

Black lab Becky on “Becky’s Barge” pontoon boat

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 2 18:25 UTC ****

Change of plan — they are on SL2 (FL552).  On the air now on 7.261  I understand this is the final activation for today.  Still more to come tomorrow.

A curious onlooker about to be intercepted by Becky the guard dog

Imagine Willy W1LY at the mic!

 

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 2 17:45 UTC ****

Becky and the rest of the Island Activators were successful with the SL554R activation, and are now moving toward Spoil Island SL1 (FL548).  This is the Northern-most of the Spoil Island chain.  Expect them back around 7.260 around 18:45 UTC.  Keep an eye out on the spotting network in case they QSY.

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 2 17:15 UTC ****

The crew is on the air on 7.260.  Much less QRM but a bit tougher propagation.  They are on Spoil Island S4 (FL554).  Also known as Bird Island.  Island is quite long and thin with a bit of a bulge right where they landed.

Pete W1LAB walking his black lab Becky, on the beach of Spoil Island SL4 (Bird Island)

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 2 15:50 UTC ****

The gang has QRT from SL14B and are underway, likely to SL4 (FL554)

Becky on lookout for Spoil Island SL4

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 2 15:50 UTC ****

The crew is on Spoil Island SL14B (FL566).  Busy band with ARRL SSB DX Contest going on.  They are on 14.270 MHz . Expect SL4, SL1, and maybe SL2 to follow later in the day.

On the air from Spoil Island 14B FL566

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 1 19:00 UTC ****

The boys are done for today, having activated four islands successfully.  Congrats!

More islands tomorrow.

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 1 18:15 UTC ****

Actually on 40 meters — hearing nobody on 20.  Try 7.260 MHz  and they are on Spoil SL3 FL553

The sun giveth and the sun taketh away

All setup on Spoil SL3

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 1 17:45 UTC ****

Spoil SL5 now officially FL555R.  They decided to do another island today, their 4th for the day, so they are headed to Spoil SL4 (FL554) and will be on the air by 18:00 – 18:15 UTC.

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 1 17:25 UTC ****

John, Willy & Pete are on a new never before activated island Spoil SL5 FL555.  14.258 MHz.  Good signals again!  Good DX to Panama, Spain, Canada, UK, etc.

Willy W1LY takes a nap after getting to SL5 FL555. John K1JSM logging and on the air.

John K1JSM on the air at Spoil SL5 (FL555)

Willy’s nap was a success! He’s taking down the gear so they can move to SL4

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 1 16:55 UTC ****

The prior activation was successful (hugely so), so it is officially FL556R.

They are having lunch and heading to SL5, FL555, and should be on the air very shortly — maybe by 17:30 – 18:00.

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 1 16:30 UTC ****

They are on Spoil Island SL6 FL556 and on the air, 14.258  Signals are MUCH improved from earlier this morning.

On Spoil Island SL6, soon to be FL556R

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 1 16:00 UTC ****

The activation of Spoil Island SL7 was a success, so now officially FL542R.

They are moving on to Spoil Island SL6 (FL556) a bit to the north and should be on the air by 16:30 UTC. QRM is fierce, please be sure to check from 14.250 to 14.270 or the spotting networks.

 

 

**** UPDATE  Mar 1 15:20 UTC ****

Da Boys are now ON THE AIR Spoil SL7, US Islands Award Program FL542.  14.258 MHz.

It’s a hard life activating islands in Florida during the winter!

View from RI – temp in the 20s and that white stuff is snow, not sand. Activation crew will return to a foot of new snow and temps in the teens.

John K1JSM at Toshiba logging laptop, Willy W1LY on the IC-706. A ClearSpeech speaker, MFJ tuner, and 30 AH LiFePO4 battery completes the setup

Pontoon boat on shore with antenna plunked into the sand.

Rare sighting of Pete W1LAB on the air!  Usually Pete is dealing with the boat and taking photos

 

 

**** UPDATE  Feb 28 19:10 UTC ****

The crew has packed up and are heading back home after successfully activating three islands today (Spoil Island SL17, SL14 and SL8).  Many thanks to all that found them on 20 meters.  The band was not very cooperative today.  They will be back on the air tomorrow for more first time activations!  Watch this page and the spotting networks for details.

 

 

**** UPDATE  Feb 28 18:00 UTC ****

The crew is ON THE AIR from Spoil Island SL8, which is FL557  14.258.0

John K1JSM on the air from Spoil Island SL8 (FL557) – antenna ashore

Some crew members seeking shade (hot for a Yankee)

 

 

**** UPDATE  Feb 28 17:15 UTC ****

Both SL14 and SL17 (earlier) were successfully activated.  The crew has gone QRT and will be moving to a new island (likely SL6, SL7, or SL8), but final determination will be made by the sea conditions.  They should be on the air by 18:00 to 18:30 UTC

 

 

**** UPDATE  Feb 28 16:30 UTC ****

The crew has finished SL17 and has moved to Spoil Island SL14.  They will be on the air in a few minutes.  SL14 is FL564

Willy at the mic, and John logging

 

 

**** UPDATE  Feb 28 16:00 UTC ****

The gang has been on the air at Spoil Island SL17 Look for them on 14.258 +/- QRM.  SL17 is FL569.

Willy W1LY and John K1JSM at Spoil SL17

Not a bad view from Spoil SL17

Antenna ashore (and pontoon boat aground) on Spoil Island SL17

The radio noise attracted some mermaids

Spoil Island SL17 view from above

 

 

**** UPDATE  Feb 27 19:15 UTC ****

The crew is going QRT for today.  Anticipate they will be on the air again tomorrow between 15:00 UTC and 15:30 UTC from a few more new, never before, activated islands.  Thanks for everyone who participated today in two new activations.

 

 

**** UPDATE  Feb 27 18:30 UTC ****

The crew is on Spoil Island 13W as described below. Is listed as FL570 on US Islands website.  14.260.0  Good signal into RI.  We are unsure if these islands will be listed as “R” for river or “S” for shore.  The Indian River is salt water, but it is between Florida and a barrier island.  Probably R, but we will discuss this with the US Islands folks. (EDIT: All these islands will be “R” according to US Islands Award Program)

Also IOTA NA-141 ” Florida State South East (Dade to Indian River County) group”

John K1JSM on boat run ashore on Spoil SL13W. Note antenna is on the island

Willy W1LY on the air on Spoil Island SL13W

 

 

**** UPDATE  Feb 27 17:20 UTC ****

The activation of Coon Island FL549R was a success.  Thanks to everyone who gave them a call.  They are shutting down on Coon and moving north to Spoil Island SL 13W.  Anticipate them back on the air, on 20 meters, 14.260 +/- at about 18:30 UTC.  If they do land on that island it will be FL570.  SL13W is the small island to the southwest of the one marked on the map below (SL 13B is immediately to the west).

 

 

**** UPDATE  Feb 27 16:33 UTC ****

They are ON THE AIR from Coon Island FL549.  14.259.5 (to avoid some QRM).

John K1JSM on air from Coon Island FL549S

Willy W1LY on the mic, and John K1JSM logging (bright FL sun requires laptop in box). Note antenna on Coon Island.

 

 

**** UPDATE  Feb 27 15:40 UTC ****

The crew is on their way to Coon Island and will arrive about 16:00 UTC.  This being their first activation on a new vessel, we can expect them on the air between 16:30 and 17:00 UTC (11:30 AM to Noon EST).

Coon Island has never been activated and is listed as FL549 on the US Islands on the Air website.  They will start on 20 meters, near 14.260 MHz and shift to 40 meters later in the day.

 

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Several of the usual suspects (Pete W1LAB, John K1JSM and Willy W1LY) have met up in Florida today and will be activating a bunch of never before heard islands over the next five days.

On Air activity begins Wed Feb 27 and ends Sunday Mar 3, anticipating operations will begin in the 10 AM to 11 AM range (they depart the dock at 09:00 daily), and they will be back at the dock by 5 PM daily).  Perhaps a total of ten islands over the period. Being their first day on the air, and the long travel day on Tuesday, I expect Wednesday’s activity will begin closer to noon.  The usual operating procedure is to start near 14.260 then switch to 7.260.  Callsign will be W1SYE.

They are starting from Fort Pierce each day, which is in St. Lucie County.  Fort Pierce is on the Indian River, and is about half-way between Daytona to the north and Miami to the south.  I believe they will stay within St. Lucie County, probably activating a group of islands called “Spoil SL 1” to “Spoil SL 17”  As the map below indicates, SL 17 is closest to their home port and southern-most.  All the other islands are North of there.  Many of them have multiple names like Spoil SL 14A, 14B, 14C.

 

Island Activation Crew Ready for Tomorrow

Congratulations to the activation team for three successful new island activations and a brief lighthouse activation.

The NCRC Island Activation is in the Elizabeth Islands again for the next three days and have plans of activating multiple islands for the first time.  Note all islands in that area are part of the NA046 IOTA Group.

Likely targets are Bull, Slates, Gosnold, Lighthouse USA215, and Weepecket (Marked in RED if activation is currently underway).

They should be spotted on the networks as W1SYE.  Usual operating time is around 11 AM Eastern (1500Z), and usual frequencies are 7.260 and 14.260 +/- QRM.

Island Activation Team – Front row left to right: Jim KA1ZOU, Mike AC1DV, Willy W1LY, Paul K1YBE. Back row: Pete W1LAB, Marshall, John K1JSM, Rosemary and Grant

 

Weepecket Island (July 25 Activation)

UPDATE July 25 1614Z – The activation is official so it is now Weepecket MA061S

UPDATE July 25 1520Z – The crew is on the air  14.257.  Will move to 40 later in the morning (7.261).  Conditions are MUCH better today and they are working a large pileup.

UPDATE July 25 1500Z.  The crew is on the island (MA061).  Expects to be on air by 1520Z.  14.260 and 265 are occupied — guessing 14.257.

Weepecket Island off the coast of Naushon

 

Gosnold Island (July 24 Activation)

Update July 24 1700Z.  The activation of the Lighthouse has gone QRT.

Good news is the team has officially activated Gosnold Island MA-059S, which allowed them to switch over to the Old Cuttyhunk Lighthouse early.  Many thanks!

Update: July 24 1600Z:  Still on 7.260 seeking enough contacts to qualify Gosnold.  They do plan to change locations to the Old Cuttyhunk Lighthouse ARLHS USA-215 at 1800Z.

Update: July 24 1550Z:  Shifted to 7.261 (20 meters was quite long skip)

UPDATE: July 24 1510Z- The team is on Gosnold.  Will likely begin at 14.257 (a tad lower to avoid QRM).  Expect on air by 15:30Z

UPDATE: July 24 1430Z – The activation team is waiting for transportation to Gosnold island (MA059/NA-046).  Should be on the air starting with 14.260 in the next hour or so.  The crew is still considering a second activation later today for the Old Cuttyhunk Lighthouse ARLHS USA-215.

Crew on Gosnold Island MA-059. Long rough trip to get to the island.

Waiting for the raft to take them over to Gosnold

 

SLATES ISLAND (July 23 Activation)

UPDATE: July 23 1625Z – Station now OFF AIR.  Check back on Tuesday July 24 for a new island starting around 1500Z.

UPDATE: July 23 1615Z – Station now on 7.260 MHz

UPDATE: July 23 1600Z – Slates Island activation is officially MA058S and IOTA NA046 now.  Congrats on another activation.

At table (L to R): Jim KA1ZOU, John K1JSM, Willy W1LY. Behind table: Mike AC1DV, Paul K1YBE. Photo by Pete W1LAB

UPDATE: July 23 1500Z – They gang is on Slates Island MA058 and IOTA NA046.  40 may be a bust due to high local noise.  They are currently on 14.260

UPDATE: July 21.  First Island planned is Slates (MA058) and IOTA NA046 on July 23, starting about 14:00 UTC near 7.260

Slates Island

Check back often for updates.

 

W1SYE Official Hen Island Activated RI032S

The Island Activation crew made it on the air at Hen Island today.  They were on the air shortly after 12:30 local time on the 40 meter band.  It was pouring rain, in the 50s as they setup.

As of 18:00 they were on 20 meters, 14.265 MHz.  At that point they have reached all the criteria for an official activation of RI032S.

Congrats to Pete W1LAB, John K1JSM, Evan K1GEA, Willy W1LY, Jim KA1ZOU, and Paul K1YBE.  They were QRT at 18:15 UTC.

Front to back: John K1JSM, Willy W1LY, Jim KA1ZOU, Evan K1GEA, Paul K1YBE — Operating in the rain

Antenna literally at the edge of the water (tide rising, antenna almost underwater @ 18:00Z)

John K1JSM (left), and Paul K1YBE under the tent out of the rain.

Thanks to Pete W1LAB for the photos — he’s usually on the other side of the lens.  However there was a sighting of the “Rare Pete” actually on Hen Island

Pete W1LAB standing, with Willy W1LY at the mic

Another Successful Activation – Naushon Island MA006S

If it’s not one thing (heavy rain, HF Contest), it’s another (solar storm, failing TX). Nevertheless, the Activation Crew of Jim KA1ZOU, Willy W1LY, Pete W1LAB, John K1JSM, and Paul K1YBE, had an exciting time activating one never before on the air island a day in the Elizabeth Island chain.

Today’s activation became official at about 15:10 UTC, meeting the US Island program rules, making Naushon Island MA006S.  Even thought Murphy was nipping at their heals, causing their radio to fail to transmit on 20-meters this morning, he was behind the curve just enough to allow them to make 30 contacts before the rig refused to transmit on 40-meters as well.  Whew!

The crew setup in Tarpaulin Cove to be leeward of the WSW winds.

Crew is on Naushon Island in Tarpaulin Cove (NE most red mark)

Unfortunately there was a Geomagnetic Storm going on today as well, making conditions very poor on both 20 and 40-meters.

Bad Propagation across all bands

Jim KA1ZOU at mic, John K1JSM logging, Willy W1LY and Paul K1YBE looking over the cove

Paul K1YBE, John K1JSM, Willy W1SYE (standing), Jim KA1ZOU