Hi, Our local NBC affiliate, WVIT Television, has donated one of their news gathering vans to us. The vehicle is a 1998 Ford Econoline E-350 with less than 100,000 miles. It is equipped with a pneumatic 56 ft telescopic mast. Our Lab Engineer, Bob Allison, was familiar with this particular vehicle since he helped maintain it when he worked for WVIT. Bob is also familiar with the safety requirements and training required for operators of this type of vehicle. I've attached a picture. The donation came about through the efforts of Bob's former boss and my longtime friend, Joe DiMaggio, WA1HFQ, WVIT's Assistant Chief Engineer. WVIT has requested that we not publicize the donation. The van is in good mechanical condition, but it does need some minor body work. It is currently assigned to the Lab where it will be used for finding and measuring RFI in the field. We also intend to use it for demonstrations of this capability, and other Amateur Radio services, at nearby conventions. We don't intend to put a lot of time or money into this project but, with some minor, mostly cosmetic work, it could become a useful vehicle for us. 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL -the national association for Amateur Radio 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 (860) 594 -0220
