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In a unique pairing, the sport of skydiving is being combined with Amateur radio to create “Parachute Mobile.” Experienced skydivers, who are Ham operators, are rigged up with radios and make contact with other Amateur radio operators who are on the ground, while they are skydiving!
The skydivers jump from the aircraft at about 13,000 feet. Once they have safely deployed their parachutes they have about 15 minutes to make as many QSOs as they can.
In addition to making contact on voice frequencies, some of the skydivers will have helmet mounted cameras, which will allow people watching to see the live action, which takes place at the Marina Municipal Airport.
“Jumper 1” and “Jumper 2” will be fitted with APRS that will transmit location and altitude as well as biotelemetry data, which includes SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation) and heart rate. Look for AF6IM for Jumper 1 and KF6WRW for Jumper 2 on your favorite APRS web site. No SSID required.
Amateur Operators who make contact with the jumpers are rewarded with a colorful commemorative “QSL Card.”
Frequency: 146.430 MHz simplex
Times for each jump will be updated as a QST on the K6LY repeater, 146.970 MHz (-) pl 94.8.
For More Information
Contact Rob Fenn at KC6TYD@arrl.net, or visit www.ParachuteMobile.org.
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