CTRI Field Day 2015 Update
By John Lindholm, W1XX
Field Day Site: 47 Peeptoad Rd., North Scituate, RI, home of the Seagrave Memorial Observatory
Just to let everyone know that plans for the CTRI Field Day are progressing swimmingly…thanks to the efforts of the various captains in charge of the different aspects of the operation. Let’s outline some of the plans so far.
Captain John, W1AN, reports that the radios will be a K3 and two TS-2000s – one for VHF. Logging will be N1MM classic on W1AN computers (we may need one more), Heil and Yamaha headsets and Bencher keyers provided. However, it is suggested that you bring your own Heil headset (adapters provided) and keyer. Nothing beats familiarity.
This Field Day is designed to be as simple as possible, so you don’t have to bring a whole heck of a lot. However, if you have any of these items, please bring them along: 5 gal filled plastic camping water bottles, flashlight, t-paper, insect repellent with Deet, cot (if staying over Saturday night).
“Launching” Captain Donn, KW2G, will be going up Friday with W1XX (maybe others) to put nylon string over the trees for securing rope to hold up the 40/20/15 and 80 meter antennas that will go up Saturday morning.
We will need all hands on deck Saturday morning for antenna raising and setting up the radios in the operating building. Suggested arrival time is 9AM Saturday, June 27. With an early start, we should be able to relax with lunch prior to the 2 PM start. Our location is mapped on the ARRL Field Day site locator and all are welcome at any time over the FD weekend to participate.
Speaking of lunch, Commissary Captain Mike KB1RFJ, aka “Captain Cook” (not to be confused with the historical figure) – with sous chef Joan – has an exquisite menu prepared that should make this Field Day memorable. BTW, there is no truth to the rumor that Mike hired a French chef.
A word about operating goals. We are a contest club. We aim to be competitive. We will make a lot of contacts. At the same time we will have assistance available to anyone needing help to gain familiarity with the radio or logging program. There will be an operating schedule.
Did I mention the raffle? Oh, more on that later.
I urge you to attend the meeting this Saturday – June 20th – to tidy up any last minute details. Please try to make it: 10 AM North Kingstown Free Library in Wickford.
73! — John, W1XX, Field Day Chairman 6/15/2015
Great newsletter John. This should be fun!
Jim KS1J
What can we expect of 6 meters on Field Day? Historically, 6 meters has proven to be pretty exciting on Field Day. We are at the peak of the E-skip season right now. Yesterday (June 16), we had a good opening to Europe…in and out much of the day…I worked EA, CT, ZB, IT9, I, VO, 9H, EA9, CN8. Granted, our Field Day station will not compare to my home station, but the band was open in the early evening to much of the USA, as it was during last weekend’s contest…stations we could work on Field Day.
Since we will be using a TS-2000 on 6 meters as well as one on HF, this allows ops to leisurely gain familiarity with the radio while checking out 6 meters, i.e. 6 meters will be like a training ground. Plus, if you are not presently active on the “magic band” … here’s your chance to check it out.
Score-wise, 6 meters is a “free” band and does not count against our two transmitter category.
73! — John, W1XX