The steamship SS Badger, a car ferry that runs from Manitowoc, WI to Ludington, MI, is set to sail this weekend carrying several amateur radio operators and equipment for the W8S special event station. Built in 1952 and first set sail in 1953, the Badger has provided regular ferry service for 60 years on the waters of Lake Michigan.

In my previous post: SS Badger Steamship Special Event Station I mention how the Kankakee Amateur Radio Association put together the special ham radio cruise on the ship. Now as the weekend draws near, the members of the ham cruise have released the frequencies and operating plan for the event. [pq]During the weekend voyage, W8S will be on the air to help commemorate the 60th anniversary of service for the SS Badger.[/pq]

Where to find the Badger Special Event Station on the Air:

SS-Badger-at-nightThe Badger leaves port in Manitowoc promptly at 2:00pm CDT on Saturday September 14, 2013. Look for the stations to be on the air soon after their departure. Conditions may be quite variable this weekend not the greatest for DX. Frequencies and operating modes are approximate, listen around. The voyage is approximately 8 hours. Return trip from Ludington to Manitowoc will start on Sunday September 15th at 8:00am CDT.

  • 160 Meters: SSB 1.935 LSB
  • 40 Meters: CW 7.0404 – 7.050. SSB 7.248,7.285
  • 30 Meters: CW 10.140
  • 20 Meters: CW 14.040, SSB 14.300
  • 18 Meters: CW17.040. SSB 17.135
  • 15 Meters: CW 21.040
  • 10 Meters: SSB 28.410

Antennas and equipment:

Elecraft KK-3, Kenwood TS-440, IC-7000, FT-900 and tuner.

Hustler 5 band trapped vertical, Tar Heal 160 to 6 screw driver, 15 and 33 foot long wires, 75 ft random length long wire, Assortment of mag mount VHF mobile antennas, Ham sticks for 80,20,17,15,12,10,6 meter with some railing mounts.

QSL Information

QSL via Bill Peterson K9OWQ with a large SASE to receive a 8×10 inch full color commemorative QSL card.

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