[Elecraft] Possible STS-113 Launch Special Event Station

[kc4kgu@ENTERZONE.NET]

On Wed, 6 Nov 2002, Stuart Rohre wrote:

> NASA would not even authorize ham radio grade radios for the on board
> amateur stations of shuttle and space station, they had to be specially
> tested commercial radios.
> 
> I doubt if you can set up a temporary ham station on such short notice,and
> you should call either your sponsor, or base security NOW, to avoid the
> embarrassment of them seizing your radio when you try to enter base.  In
> years past, they were REAL picky about RF on the premises.  All the launch
> controlling is done right across the road from that viewing point, in that
> four story building next to VAB.  (If you mean the viewing point news and
> families use with the big clock, up at the VAB- Industrial area from pad
> 39).
> 73, Stuart K5KVH
> 

We have been and remain in contact with the folks at KSC.  The viewing
point in question is 6mi from pad 39 where STS-113 will launch from.  
With the K2/100 running 100w into a dipole (much more efficient than the
MP1 I'll be using) the RF Power density at the pad from my rig will be
less than 0.0001 mw/cm2 at ANY frequency the K2 is capable of operating
at.  Thus far, there has been no objection to any potential RF problems
but rather to security protocol violations - those being the fact that I
transport my K2/100 + KPA100 + MP1 in an aluminum briefcase.  Post 9/11
security protocol specificly forbids "luggage, large bags and backpacks"
from entering the visitors complex.

As for equipment seizure, I'm not an idiot.  I would never, nor did I
indicate that I would attempt to sneak anything into KSC.  In any event, I
will not unload anything from the vehicle until such time as security
personnel have requested that I do so just prior to embarking to the
launch viewing area.

I am more concerned with operational experience from other HAMS who have
operated onsite at KSC.  What bands are open in the area between 0500Z and
0900Z?  How well can I expect the MP1 to perform?  I'm certain that it
will work better than it does here in central Ohio.  Are there any trees,
etc within 100ft or so of the launch viewing area that could be used to
support one end of a longwire?  Battery transportation on the aircraft
to/from Florida, etc.


73 de John - KC4KGU
K2/100 #2490