Sequatchie County ACS Activates Dunlap Coke Oven Park for Parks on the Air
DUNLAP, TN — Members of the Sequatchie County Auxiliary Communications Service (SCACS) successfully took to the airwaves today, transforming the historic Dunlap Coke Oven Park (POTA Reference: K-9342) into a bustling hub of amateur radio activity for a regional Parks on the Air (POTA) activation.
Setting up operations early Saturday morning beneath the shadow of the historic coal ovens, club operators deployed temporary wire antennas, portable masts, and battery-powered transceivers. The goal was simple: demonstrate emergency deployment readiness while connecting with other amateur radio enthusiasts across North America and the globe.
Breaking Through the Static
Operating under the club’s callsign, the group utilized both High Frequency (HF) bands and local VHF/UHF networks. Despite challenging atmospheric conditions early in the session, the team logged over 150 contacts within the first four hours of operation, spanning 34 U.S. states, Canada, and a surprise low-power (QRP) contact from an operator in Spain.
“Portable operations like POTA are the ultimate testing ground for our auxiliary communication capabilities,” said the Club Secretary. “If a natural disaster knocks out standard communications here in the Sequatchie Valley, we won’t be relying on wall outlets or permanent towers. Today proves our team can drop into any location, deploy an efficient station in under twenty minutes, and reliably handle message traffic.”
Community and Training Combined
The activation served a dual purpose for SCACS. Beyond the excitement of chasing “hunters” on the radio bands, the event functioned as a hands-on training pipeline for several newer club members. Experienced operators provided mentorship on tracking signal pile-ups, efficient logging software utilization, and the nuances of deploying resonant field antennas in heavily wooded environments.
Visitors to the Dunlap Coke Oven Park stopped by the command tent throughout the afternoon, curious about the strange wires strung high into the treeline. Club members were on hand to explain the mechanics of ionospheric skip propagation and how modern amateur radio interfaces with regional emergency management frameworks.
What’s Next for SCACS?
With a highly successful activation logged into the official POTA database, Sequatchie County ACS is already pivoting its focus toward upcoming emergency communication simulations later this summer.
The club extends its gratitude to the Dunlap Coke Oven Park museum staff and the local community for their continued support of amateur radio field operations.
For more information about joining the Sequatchie County Auxiliary Communications Service or getting started with amateur radio in the Dunlap area, come to our monthly meetings or contact the Secretary.
