The operation of WW2DDM took place on the grounds of the Memorial in Bedford, VA on Saturday, June 7 from 1430 until 2100 UTC. Operators were members of the Roanoke Valley ARC, Franklin County ARC, Lynchburg ARC and the Old Dominion Chapter #202 QCWA. Unfortunately it rained all day and many members got very wet putting up antennas. Due to the weather we moved into a BIG Army Mess Hall tent which has been set up at the Memorial.
A total of 401 contacts were made from the site. The rigs were an FT-1000 on 20 Meters and an IC-756 on 40 Meters. A "Bobtail Curtain" antenna had been erected in sunshine on Friday. A 5-Band Hex Beam and an inverted V dipole were installed Saturday morning in the rain.
Frank, KE4HOA provided SSB contacts with WW2DDM on 50 MHz from his home in Henry, VA. He worked 40 stations in 26 Grids on 6 Meters SSB. Obie, WA4DOX provided CW contacts with WW2DDM on 40 Meters. He worked 66 stations on 40 CW.
Results
Total Contacts = 507
SB - HF Total = 379
40M 20M
24 355
CW - HF Total = 88
VHF/UHF - Total = 40
Despite the all-day rain the operation celebrating the Second Anniversary
of the Dedication of the D-Day Memorial was again enjoyed by all who participated
in putting WW2DDM on the air.
Pictured above is the 5-Band Hex Beam which looks like an upside down
umbrella without any fabric. It was used with the FT-1000 on 20 Meters.
The "regular" umbrellas are attempting to shield the antenna installation
crew from the rain.
The assembly of the Hex Beam in the rain. Not a pleasant task.
But the antenna sure worked great.
View of the inside of the tent with the 20 Meter station
in operation.
For additional pictures of the operation Click HERE
Last year the operation of WW2DDM was concentrated on Saturday, June 8, 2002 and was held at the Liberty Park in Bedford, VA. Click HERE for the description of this operation.
The first operation of WW2DDM was a four day affair running from June 6 through June 10, 2001. It commemorated the dedication of the Memorial on June 6, 2001. Click HERE for the description of this operation.