Hi All,
Has anybody operated HF/VHF/UHF while on board?
Has anybody asked about seeing the ships 'shack'?
Thanks & 73's
David
I operated on The Magic during the Transatlantic Crossing.
A ) You need a Bahamian license Since the ship is Bahamian registry(reciprocal license was $25 as I recall and took about 4 weeks to process. )
b ) You should have a letter from Disney HQ
C ) You need to let guest services photocopy your US license , Bahamian License and the letter from Disney for presentation to the Captain or his designate.
D ) you will get a voice mail in a day giving permission.
I worked from my balcony and the aft sun deck on level 7
I use the power plug behind the TV in the room and there were standard outlets on the sun deck.
Setup was an Astron SS-30M, Icom IC-7000 into a Lil TarHeels II screwdriver with 56 inch whip.
On May 17th (about half way across the Atlantic Conditions finally opened up to Europe on 17 and 20 M and I worked a number of stations in Italy Spain and Germany.
Conditions were best on the 19th just before we reached the Canary Islands but being a Saturday contesting had the bands packed and my weak signal got only a couple takers. One was the only contact state side I managed on the trip over.
This was my first DXpedition experience and family took most of my time on board so I only managed a few hours on the air. Still it was a great experience and a more experienced Ham would probably have better success.
I assumed that post 911 there was no way to visit the radio operator or radio shack on board. In the digital age the wireless room might be rather sparse and rarely used or even nonexistent.
For my money, there is a Disney Radio Studio in the forward funnel on deck 10. It is rarely used and for very little cost Disney could provide an Amateur radio and a multi band dipole between the stacks.
I did ask if they have many ham operators seeking permission and was told I was the first. Not sure you can take that to the bank but it was nice to hear in any case.
Richard AI4RN
It's late but when I have a moment I'll shrink some of the photos and post them.