We will have lots of great activities for folks who are interested in operating on the VHF and above bands at Field Day 2019. Here are some of the activities that we’ll be doing:
- Satellite Contacts using a Portable Computer Controlled Satellite Stations
- Weak Signal SSB, CW, and FT8 Contacts on 6m, 2m, and 70cm
- Fox Hunting using Radio Direction Finding (RDF) to find hidden 2m Radio Transmitters
- Satellite Station, VHF+ Station, and Fox Hunting Training
Satellites at Field Day
We will have a lot of great satellite passes during Field Day this year! The table above shows a summary for Saturday. Sunday passes are also very good! You can see view the passes and associated details in our 2019 Field Day Satellite Pass Book.
We will be using a Computer Controlled Portable Satellite station which features the new Icom IC-9700 Transceiver.
Our Portable Satellite Station uses circularly polarized yagis and an Az/El Rotator system to enable us to track and make contacts through LEO satellites. You can learn more about the station hardware and software here.
VHF+ Station
We are planning a serious VHF+ effort at Field Day 2019. We will be putting up a dedicated 40 ft tower with yagis, low-loss feedlines, and preamps for the 6m, 2m, and 70cm bands.
The VHF+ station will use an Icom IC-9100 Transceiver and will support all modes including FT8 Digital operation via WSJT-X.
Fox Hunting
We will have several “Foxes” out during Field Day 2019. Fox Hunting (locating hidden transmitters using Radio Direction Finding) is a great way sharpen your RDF skills and have fun.
Training, Training, Training
We will be offering training on all of these activities at the start of Field Day 2019. Training will begin at 11 am at the VHF+/Satellite Station Tent. We will cover Satellite Operating, VHF+ Operating, and Fox Hunting then.
It might be worth coming to Field Day 2019 just for the training – Don’t Miss It!
See you at Field Day!
Fred, AB1OC