ARES
Stan Broadway, N8BHL Ohio SEC, Delaware EC
Ohio ARES NVIS Antenna Day – 2022
An NVIS antenna (Near Vertical Incident Skywave) is an HF antenna that is used to make
contacts near to the originating station – in our case, approximately 400 miles. These antennas
would be used in the case of no other alternatives to make contact within the state of Ohio
specifically to the Ohio EMA.
ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) has been sponsoring an “NVIS Antenna Day” since
2016 offering our amateur radio operators a chance to construct, test, and analyze their
antenna systems selecting the best performing to be used in a real emergency situation. While
by now many operators already have their antenna of choice, we have given different challenges
to continue interest in the day. In prior years, we have operated without commercial power,
send formal messages through the systems, and send the “grid square” locater for their station
location (that was this year’s project.) These additional activities stress not only local HF
communication but accurate messaging as well.
In addition to communicating with nearby counties, stations also try to contact the Ohio EOC’s
amateur station W8SGT. This simulates the flow of communication to be expected in a real
emergency. Our activity is not a contest, we stress being able to make a contact, then switch
antennas to determine the best performing antenna.
This year the day was a success especially since it was the first day in recent memory that did
not offer thunderstorms or inclement weather!
The EOC station (called “The Sarge” based on our FCC callsign) had a successful run. For the first
half of the day, 75 meters (3.902 MHz) was open and productive. We made 15 contacts with 12
counties. As 75 meters faded (typical for daytime use) 40 meters (7.250 MHz) opened up locally.
The Sarge logged 35 contacts with 26 counties, including neighboring counties in Michigan and
West Virginia. We operated for the duration of the 6-hour event.
Log submissions were down from prior years, but the number of stations in various logs
indicated operating at our usual successful levels.
NVIS 2022 Results
Call
County
QSO
Q County
Msg sent
Antennas
KD8JQE
Greene
1
1
1
Buddipole Inv V
KA0AZS
Greene
1
1
1
Little Tarheel w/ 30' coax as whip
N8GD
Jefferson
3
3
Chameleon Emcom II at 6' w 2 60' legs
WF8B
Clinton
6
5
KA8BJA
Coshocton
6
5
OCF Dipole; 6BTC vertical
N8ADX
Licking
6
6
2259,
NN8B
Columbiana
7
7
Dipole
KE8JNN
Tuscarawas
12
10
80 4' 30M 3'
KE8ANU
Licking
13
11
EF 52' at 4'; Emcomm II end fed 4'; 80 doublet a 40'
N8ESG
Cuyuahoga
15
12
1
2 end fed
N8ESG
Cuyahoga
15
12
1
W1ALW
Hancock
38
30
0
SOTA Beams BandHopper dipole 15'
W8HH
Washington
40
?
KE8UFS
Ashtabula
37
Amateur Radio is more than
a hobby- it becomes an
important service when
other forms of
communication fail. It’s up
to all of us to stay ready,
stay trained, and stay
available. We could be
required on a moment’s
notice.
Delaware County ARES is part of the
national ARRL program. We rely on
our volunteers. We operate during
several large public events including
the national-level Ironman
competition.
We hold a radio net on the 145.19
repeater (no tone) on the second
Thursday of every month at 8PM.
We hold a training meeting on the
first Thursday of every month at 7:30
usually at the Red Cross building. All
amateurs are invited!
For information, contact Stan, N8BHL
the Delaware County Emergency
Coordinator, or Joe, K8MP or Craig,
W8CR.