The Woodstock Amateur Radio Group, spearheaded by Carl Dennis NX3A and supported by several SVARC members from Shenandoah County, operated Special Event Station K4S from inside Shenandoah Caverns in Quicksburg, VA, on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22, from 9AM to 5PM each day. The event was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Shenandoah Caverns.
The station was set up 90 feet underground at the foot of the stairs where tour groups descended from the main building. Setup was a big undertaking, with 260 feet of coax from the off-center-fed 80-meter dipole down to the station’s ICOM 7300.
In spite of the high noise level, well over 250 contacts were made to stations throughout the United States as far west as California as well as in Canada and Puerto Rico. We later learned that many stations heard us and tried to call, but we couldn’t pull them out of the noise. Certificates were available for those contacting K4S during the event in exchange for a QSL card and an 8.5 X 11 SASE.
We got lots of looks and a few questions from tourists passing by. Literature about Amateur Radio was offered to those interested. Joe Proctor of Shenandoah Caverns was extremely enthusiastic about the special event station being a part of their anniversary events planned throughout the day that culminated in an impressive fireworks display Saturday evening.
Thanks to everyone who participated in this unique event.