[SEDXC] Grenada (J3) contest opportunity....

[Bob Allphin]

Hi Y'all,
    I had a nice chat with Harry, AC8G while at Dayton.  Among other things we talked about the old J3A contest station.  I am sure you remember the huge signal from down there for many years. He informed me that most of the antennas, towers and some gear is on the island in storage.
    He is looking to put together a team for the CQWW Phone contest and I offered to help him find some operators.  If you have an interest in this project send Harry an email (a copy to me).
     Thanks,
Bob


OPERATING SITES:
The main site is the Government Emergency Operating Center (and it's regular office staff).  You should be able to locate it on Google Earth by closing in on general Grenada location and if you get the STAR for St. George's and go on in tighter.  The EOC is rather long narrow building complex on a ridge at 12 Deg 02'57.11 No. and 61 Deg 44' 18.82 W.  The other site is the QTH (J39AL) Findley Gill (uses Gill as handle).  He is about 100' lower about due West from top of EOC complex, RED roof at 58.41 N and 22.89 W.  The small square shape bldg. just South of the home is his 2 story shop.

We have used the EOC in years past for CQ WW SSB contests, many times having 6 stations.  In addition others have used it in many other contests.  I have done a number of other contests from Gill's.  I do consider that the EOC/Gill's location could have a top score in ARRL DX contest as MM and perhaps even some bands as SO.

The locations have excellent view toward USA/Japan.  Toward EU the higher terrain to NE cuts off the lower angle, but only marginally IMO.  The roof of the EOC hinders the NE direction with its metal roof.  Some antenna have to be higher than I like for temporary installations.  Recent expansion has taken away some good antenna locations.

In the EOC is what we call the radio room.  In the past we used all of it, but we lost about 1/3 of it.  Still we can get four stations in the useable portion and most of the time we can spill into a large conference room.  It must be reserved for other than the weekend days.  Usually we can have cots for ops to rest (I usually stayed all night at EOCat least for first contest night).  The radio room needs to be reserved also.

The EOC has emergency power and rather good lighting.  The radio room has a long bench with both 110 and 220 out lets.  I have no idea what 110 wattage is available.  There are a few Icom 706 but we do not use them.  We do 'borrow' a couple of the 20 amp 220 to 12v. power supplies.  Gill also have some and gets more if needed.  The EOC has internet link which we have used in past and we have linked our computers.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Grenada has many hotels , guest house, etc.   We have settled down to two locations.  One is a more commercial like site (Tropicana Inn) with around twenty rooms and a 7AM to 11PM restaurant and bar located on the water down from Gill's/EOC about a 5 minute drive.  Good food and adequate rooms (A/C) at reasonable prices.
The other (Allamanda) is about two miles South on main road.  A little more room cost (depending on season) but is a more resort like location with property to ocean (Gulf?.)  A restaurant on the property is a bit more pricey.  Within 5 minute walk are several others including KFC with reasonable prices.  A well equipped drug store and  a grocery are also in 5 minute walking range.   The airport is roughly a 10 to 15 minute trip from the Allamanda.  Ann, WA1S likes the Siesta owned by the same interests.

OWNERSHIP OF EQUIPMENT:
Other than the specific items of Gill's, there is no firm owner.  Much of the costs were from trip members pooling around $100 each .  Some of the antenna were donated.  Grants bought one of the 811H (flea market purchase, the one without meter problem) and replaced the 40 meter 2 ele beam destroyed in the hurricane a few years back.  The EOC or others have picked up the duty on items shipped in.

Most of antenna, tower sections and masts are stored at the EOC (antenna in major pieces).  Gill stores the rest of the goodies in his basement and shop.  I did not list the 6 meter beam he has in shop.

His son, Ivor, has taken over part of the basement, remodeled it, put in A/C and runs his stateside computer service from there.

HISTORY:
This could be long but in late 80's I visited Grenada and later returned on the invite of a local who became ill during our visit and asked his employee Gill to take over as hosts.  Gill later went out on his own with refrigeration service and add TV repair and locksmith duties.  He has hosted us (mainly licensing and arranging EOC plans).  Without him I doubt I would have continued with Grenada visits.  So far something like 40 visits.

I would be happy to answer any questions and help with anyone wanting to take over oversight activities.  By the way I had (not renewed for 2 years) the J3A call.  In past they have allowed renewals if not otherwise issued by paying for past years.  It is difficult to get a natural J3 call, but I think someone pledging regular visits might be able to get one (or buy some property).

My email is hflasher at dayton.net.  Home phone is 937-434-9616.  For longer calls I suggest Skype if one should have available.       73  Harry  AC8G  J37K