DX RXThe Doctor of DX prescribes the |  |
DX RXThe Doctor of DX prescribes the | |
Like stuff you can't possibly go to a New Hampshire Field Day bash without.
First, and foremost, if you are an operator, you need a nice comfy chair Not too comfy though.....you might fall asleep. "Dyed in the Wool" contesters like John Gaffey and Rex Lint will operate virtually the entire 24- hour period without letup. It helps to have a chair that doesn't require the use of a "Whoopy" cushion. Also bring a pair of cushioned headphones to spare us all the noise......and your ears. After several hours, your head feels like it's in a vice with a less cushy pair. Come to think of it....bring two pairs. The first pair will "crap out" about 5 microseconds into the contest (Murphy's 14th Rule of Contest Preparedness).
Secondly, bring your "Polairis Popcorn" (submariner talk for Aspirin or other pain killer). Murphy's 3rd Axiom of Contesting states unequivocally that the migraine headache you never got before WILL happen 15 minutes into the contest and last until just before the contest ends. Pain killers are also effective for sore backs, stiff necks, and aching muscles from tower shinnyin'. Lots of Deep Woods Off or Skin So Soft (terrible stuff, but effective) will keep you from blowing up from all the skeeter and New Hampshire State Bird (black fly) bites.
If you are supplying a rig, bring extra fuses, mics, keys, cable, wire.......heck, just bring along your junk box. Inevitably you'll have a need to rummage through it. Bring a personal First Aid Kit......I know I always manage, somehow, to scratch, cut, or burn myself at Field Day (klutz).
Snacks......man, ya gotta have the jelly beans, Snickers, Oreos, crackers and cheese, etc. Toss in a couple of extra helpings of cold sodas or 807s. You might not have time during the "heat" of the contest to break away to grab a bite. (Sorry Rex, this does not apply to Phone Operators working at 33.6Kbaud). Bring along at least one change of clothing. There is nothing....absolutely nothing....to beat the thrill of operating for 24 hours in dirty, wet, and torn clothing. Also bring a "ditty bag" with soap, toothpaste, etc......(don't forget the deodorant). Sometimes, when you feel really dragged out, the simple act of changing clothes and washing your face and brushing your dentures (speak for yourself Maharg) will spark new life in you. A pair of slippers.....yes, slippers...also make your feet feel more comfortable. Lightweight jacket if it gets cool.....this year it might snow.
Bring lotsa paper, pencils, pens, whatever......even though many of us will be operating with PCs, you'll still find that you need them for something. I'm sure that there are many other things which I have no doubt forgotten, but you get the idea. Be like the old Boy Scout slogan says: "Be Prepared".
Speaking of being prepared, prepare yourself mentally and physically (if you are an OP). Try to "tank up" on a few extra hours of sleep one or two nights before the contest. Again, I think about how John and Rex operate; they really push it. However, not everyone has the fortitude those two super-ops do. Don't try to do too much physical stuff the day before. Yes, I know…..towers to go up. But take it easy too. And as John and Rex said it, "Set yourself a realistic goal, and GO for it!" Review in your mind the tips and tactics that were mentioned, plus use your own wealth of knowledge and experience with FD. Don't be ashamed to ask for help when things get thick. Grab someone…..get him or her to assist. Be consistent….find an operating mode and tempo which suits you and work it.
As a parting thought, I might suggest that everyone try their hand at operating, even if for only an hour or two........this, in order to "spell" the primary operators. If you do not desire to operate, perhaps you can assist with logging chores, or even carry food to the ops if they wish to continue during meals. But most of all, let's every one of us get out there, work hard, have fun and win our third straight, and do the "stuckee" real proud. The guys and gals who have worked so hard for this really deserve another big one. Also, bring a friend out to FD….who knows, we may see some new hams because of that.