[Rover] Woonsocket Hill, FN41

[Rick R]

Yes, I used to live in RI, but the prob is that you need the permission of 
the local police, and the key to a fire-tower that is up on the ridge. 
Finding it without a local guide is near impossible also, as it is a real 
back road, then a gated access,,,I have operated from there both in the 10G 
contest and VHF/UHF, but that was about 15 yrs ago when I had a friend who 
lived in Woonsocket, and he knew the police and fire guys. The tower is a 6 
story climb, it has AC up there, and also had a 12VDC PS, It's really not a 
rover spot, but again, need to get permits, keys, etc. The ridge is the 
highest in RI, and we easily worked VUCC on 10G from inside the tower 
top...but doubt you can get permission at this time. From inside the lookout 
on top it is LOS to Watchussetts and th LIYou will be totally in the trees 
if you try to drive and operate from a vehicle there.
Another reasoble spot might be Neutakonkaneut Hill, where the Providence 
Radio Ass'n has a club house. It is at the base of a commercial 50KW TV 
station, but it has a reasonable QTH for a rover. Put 1 Ludlow St, Johnston, 
RI in UR mapquest. If you find PRA folks there, tell 'em ur a friend of 
K1DS.
There is also a wide open high field in the central western part of the 
state near a commercial cell installation. It's been too long since I was 
last there, so forgot exactly where it was...
Of couse, the highest spot in the state is Jeremoth Hill (somewhere in the 
western part of the state off route 102? I forget, but easily located on a 
map. Thereare some comm'l installations there also...and proabbaly lotsa 
trees.
The other spot we operated from for may yrs was the top of the Barus-Holly 
Physics Bldg at Brown Univ, but again, you need clearance, keys, access, 
etc...
If you don't have anything sticking out of your car-top, there are parking 
lots at the Warwick Mall that can get you some elevation.
I am planning to be at Watch Hill at the lighthouse (again, permission from 
the Watch Hill Police)--that is a sealevel spot, but with the rover and our 
micro equip, it looks very useable. There is also Weekapaug, a few miles 
east from there, shoreline, and lastly, Point Judith. 73 es GL, Rick, K1DS