Well, say goodbye once again for the very last time to the Field Day site that has served us so well this decade. Once again, we've managed to assemble, operate, and teardown a massive communications facility in just a long weekend. Thanks again to Buzz, KA1OMJ for use of his property. Once again, we shall miss it…
Instead of mud, this year we were treated to some extreme hear and dry dusty ground. In fact, it may have been the hottest field day ever. National Weather Service in Taunton indicated a record high temperature on Field Day Sunday at the Blue Hills Observatory in Milton, Massachusetts. A high of 93 degrees was recorded at 1:53 PM. The previous record of 92 was set in 1966. The normal high temperature is 78 degrees.
The band conditions were not quite as good as last year. The higher bands seemed to just shut down for over an hour on Saturday afternoon. We missed beating our all time high QSO count of last year by about 850. Total score is also down about 1,900 points. That was offset some by having an extra two transmitters over last year. In fact, 28A is the highest we've successfully operated.
Despite two stations on 160 meters, we didn't get a single QSO. We should have done better since 160 was at least slightly active. Unfortunately, a shortage of operators at that hour limited the amount of time the 160 stations were operated. Six meters, on the other hand, set a new record. Unfortunately, 2 meters did not do as well, mainly because 162.52 MHz was off limits this year. Although it was frustrating since it was still the most active 2 meter frequency from all reports… Ray, KB1SO, and his team managed to beat their own best for a new high Q count on 20 phone. We also set a new high score on Laser phone. The equipment worked this year and we managed a contact. We also had two RTTY stations this year. A score summary appears later in this issue.
One of the biggest sights this year was the ICOM Funmobile. The Funmobile was host to the 10 meter CW, 160 meter phone, and satellite stations. Additionally, the Funmobile provided state of the art rigs for Novice, 6 meter phone, and the 160 CW station. All you folks that didn't have to rip your shacks apart this year owe ICOM a big thank you! And thanks to Ray Novak, KC7JPA, who brought the Funmobile out from Seattle.
And for the question on everyone's mind; "Will we take high score for a fifth year in a row?", well, we'll just have to wait and see won't we? Our taking first place in total points has always been dependent on whether there's a large (12+) site running battery in California. The added multiplier bonus just takes any non battery station out of the picture. If you don't believe that. Just check back to 1994. Conejo Valley ARC ran 15A Battery, made 3,460 QSOs and scored 30,150 points. We, running 14A made 5,930 QSOs, almost 2,500 more, yet we scored only 18,710 points, almost 40% less. Given that, "Will we take high score"? We stand a good chance. Even though we're down almost 2,000 points, our score is still almost 5,000 points higher than the #2 station last year. However, that number 2 station is W3AO, the callsign of the National Press Radio Club. Many of the members also belong to the Potomac Valley Radio Club, are often operating at W3LPL. Our agent in the area, Don, W1GUU, reports that the July QST article caused quite a stir and that they'll be gunning for us.
Don’t forget to check out the club’s 1999 field day pages for lots of photographs of all the fun. They'll be showing up on the web site over the next few weeks.
As always, there is some lost or found equipment. If you have either lost or found equipment, please let me know. I’ll try to be the clearinghouse to make sure it gets back to the appropriate owner.
On the down side, we once again were short of people to help with teardown. Thanks to all those folks who showed up to help, but when darkness set we were down to just half a dozen people. We were unable to get the site completely cleared on Sunday. Field ranges, fridges, and antennas had to be picked up on Monday and brought to the trailer. It really is important that everyone realizes that the event is over when everything is packed away. Not everyone can work cleanup, but if you can, try to remember to put aside some energy for it next year.
This is, of course, the last field day we could ever possibly conceivably, expect to have at Buzz’s place. We are going to need a new location for next year. Start thinking now, Field Day 2000 is only 11 months away.
73, and see you at next year’s Planning meetings! de Jim, WW1Y