Monday, June 29, 2009

Calling attention

to Jason NT7S's blog, "Ripples in the Ether"; and his really fine post about Field Day. I know Jason is listed down and to the right as one of the blogs that I follow; but if for whatever reason, you didn't read his Field Day report, please make sure you do.

It's very informative and fun to read. It gives a practical methodology for having a fun and productive QRP Field Day. Jason operated from his backyard; but there's no reason his modus operandi can't be followed for any QRP outdoor event. Especially interesting was reading about the new A123 lithium nanophosphate battery, which does seem to be the wave of the future.

This is not by any means a plug for the Buddipole, which is what Jason happened to be using. His Field Day effort could have been just as easily tried using whatever your favorite antenna d'jour is. The point is that he had a ton of fun, without a lot of back breaking effort. I'll bet that set up and tear down were minimal.

And that is the killer for some club efforts. Field Day can become so elaborate that set up and tear down become a major chore and getting volunteers can take some arm twisting. My own experience with Field Day and the Piscataway Amateur Radio Club ran along this vein. We had elaborate, multi station efforts with campers, trailers, generators - the whole shebang. And we had a ton of fun and plenty of good times, no doubt. Unfortunately however, it seemed the same group had the logistical responsibilities foisted upon them year after year; and the inevitable "burn out" reared it's ugly head. That being said, there is a lot to be said for Field Days with just a couple of guys, and one or a few simple antennas, and the main focus being on operating and fun.

Maybe the "super station" efforts can be left to those who want to win the contest aspect of Field Day. But when it comes right down to it; and someday the fecal matter hits the rotary oscillating air movers - it just might be the guys with the easy to set up "go kits" that rule the day with emergency communications.

73 de Larry W2LJ

1 comment:

  1. Hi Larry, thanks for the nice remarks about my post. I'm glad that people are enjoying it! You are 100% correct that the logistics are much easier with a simple setup, especially with the Buddipole. It makes it appealing for a one-person Field Day. 73 de NT7S

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