This year because of the pandemic, I’ll be participating with my club for Field Day as an operator from my QTH. I usually help the club with the setting up field day, but I’m not that strong at manning the positions. So, this year, I can’t help in the setup, but, I’ll be able to support the club in the overall number of calls but at my own pace. That’s because the ARRL has changed the rules this year to accommodate for social distancing. I’ve always participated in Field Day and filed my contacts, but I’ve never had enough contacts to even make honorable mention, but this year I will be allowed to participate in Field Day and my points can go to my club’s overall points.
Field Day plans from Antrim NH, W1XMM
My QTH doesn’t have a large tower, but it doesn’t need to, I’m on top of a hill that looks out 270 degrees. But along with that great view, I also get strong winds. It’s not uncommon to get 47 MPH winds (at the top of the tower) as a front moves through.
W1XMM HAM Shack
“The Shack” consists of an Elecraft K3S Transceiver, a P3 pan adapter, a 500Watt Amplifier (not planning to use for field day), and a KAT500 Antenna Tuner. For antennas, I have a Big SteppIR MK IV Vertical (40M-6M), and a Mosley Classic CL-33-M (20,15,10M) on a 20’ mast. I also plan to put up an NVIS antenna for 40M and 80M for both Field Day and 13 Colonies. For VHF/UHF I have a Kenwood TM-D700. The antenna for this radio is a Create Log Periodic which is mounted on a rotor located in my attic, short cable run, no need to elevate, and not subjected to weather (high winds). I’ll be using a laptop running N1MM+ to capture my contacts.
Emergency Power
For the duration of Field Day, I’ll be running on a generator. It is an EM2500 watt Honda which will be enough for my station.
Bonus Points
Bonus Points that I will be trying to obtain:
- Transmitting with less than 150 Watts.
- Working from Emergency Power 100% of the field day activities.
- Providing an article about my field day plans to meet the “Social Media” and “Web Submission”
- Participation in message handling
- Passing a message to the ARRL Section Manager or Section Emergency Coordinator.
- Coping the W1AW Bulletin.
- Participation in Zoom meeting with elected government official as well as local Emergency Management representative.
My points add to the club’s points so I’m trying to maximize what I can do for my club.
73,
Brian