Many thanks to Scott (VA3EKR) who shares the following field report which was originally posted on his blog:
August 4, 2024, HMCS Haida National Historic Site (CA-4870)
by Scott (VA3EKR)
I wanted to try out a new park, and so I visited the HMCS Haida National Historic Site (CA-4870).
Band conditions were simply awful, so thankfully Dave Burroughs, VA3CP, and his help getting out the word to the Hamilton repeater, I was able to make this a successful activation.
There were some nice trees, next to some nice picnic tables, and I asked if I could use them, assuring them that I would be exceptionally careful and cause no damage. The male teen suggested I not, so I set up with 20m antenna mounted to the car.
The next priority was to get a picture of my faithful mascot, QRP-Bear.
With antenna set up, I next found the least ergonomically attractive configuration possible. One that made me twist my torso for every time I had to send. If you can avoid this silliness, it’s probably for the better.
I then took a tour of the vessel.
This is on the from the deck of the ship.
Next, I really wanted to see the radio room. I was hoping they would have the transceiver running, as they sometimes do, and let me send some QSOs as the Haida callsign, but that really only happens occasionally.
This is the radio room. They keep a modern radio tucked behind some of the older equipment, and they have a 20m dipole on the deck.
These are from the control room.
Looking up the bow.
A view of the lake.
Some historical context.
Some weaponry shots.
So, while the propagation was not so great, the tour made up for it, and I had a good time!
Wow, great photos ! Thanks for sharing.
When I operate my KX2 from the car I sit it on a legal-sized clipboard in my lap. This gives me lots of space for the rig and my notebook for logging and keeps everything close. I normally use the attached KXPD2 paddle so this setup is convenient.
Michael VE3WMB
PS I sometimes attach a precut length of rubberized shelf liner to the clipboard by putting one end under the clip and wrapping the other end over the opposite end of the board and securing with a “bulldog” binder-style clip. This stops the rig from sliding around.
Back in 2003 I had the good fortune to be invited to operate during the museum ships weekend from inside the radio room aboard HMCS Haida. It remains one of my fondest ham radio memories.
I’ve always wanted to tour the Haida since I was a young boy growing up in Toronto where the ship was moored for many years. My dad was in the RCN joining on his 18th birthday in 1942 and often talked about the various ships that he served on during WWII when we drove the Haida. I will have to make a point of taking the Haida tour next time I’m in Hamilton. Maybe I’ll bring a radio. Rod VA3MZD
Scott – Looks like you had a lot of fun. Love touring the old ships, here and in the UK. Toured the HMS Belfast nr Tower Bridge and the Britannia in Edinburgh, but couldn’t operate from them.