See site map at 7IL Ranch. This map shows the four checkpoints. Checkpoint 1 is at the south end, 2 is near the ranch entrance, 3 is at the north end and 4 is at the trail start/finish.

The control station is located at checkpoint 4. Special Event station W5NC is located in the pasture just east of the control station.

Click here for worker details of meeting place, route, assignments, procedure and what to bring.

This year the SIRE Special Event Station W5NC will be operated by Bill Stietenroth K5ZTY. Bill will set up antennas and equipment in a pasture north of the trail starting point and east of the ending point. A small gas powered generator will provide electric power.

Bill expects to begin operating on 20 meters SSB at about 10:30 Central Time. Listen at 14.220 to 14.230 MHz. If there is little activity he will move up to 15 or down to 40 meters depending on band conditions. He expects to do all operations using SSB in the lower portion of the General class license band allocation.

Ask any questions you have about the event. Bill will be positioned so that he may observe riders starting and finishing the trail ride.

Any station that works W5NC is elegible to receive a certificate that confirms the contact. The station call must appear in the W5NC log. SWL contacts are also accepted and will receive a certificate if the SWL station correctly identifies the transmitting frequency, time and call letters of an actual contact.

To request a certificate send a SASE to: NARS Special Event Station W5NC P O Box 90387 Houston, Texas 77090-0387 The certificate is 8.5" X 11" (standard letter size). So be sure to include extra postage on the SASE if you wish to receive the certificate without a fold.