[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] ARC 2019 Field Day Planning

[Don (KI4D)]

This note is to report progress made regarding planning for Field Day 2019.
The kickoff planning meeting was held as scheduled on April 10th and was an
important step forward in planning for Field Day.   See the attached Field
Day 2019 planning timeline for additional details, including all scheduled
events leading up to Field Day as coordinated with the Field Day Planning
Group.

 

Please take note that the first digital mode practice session takes place
this coming Sunday at 8:00 a.m. at Jefferson Manor Park, weather permitting.
Please send me a note letting me know if you are planning to attend, so that
adequate operating resources will be available for the session.

 

Don, KI4D

Field Day Chair

 

 

 

From: Don (KI4D) <don.ki4d at gmail.com> 
Sent: Monday, March 25, 2019 1:07 PM
To: 'alexandriaradioclub at mailman.qth.net'
<alexandriaradioclub at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: ARC 2019 Field Day Planning 

 

Field Day Planning for 2019 has begun.  The "kick-off" planning meeting will
be held on April 10th at 7:00 p.m. at the John Marshall Library (across from
the Rose Hill Shopping Center).  Attendance is open to all club members.
This year an effort is being made to expand club digital capabilities on
Field Day and to provide operating time for more attendees.  A key part of
this process is providing an opportunity for club members at-large to shape
our Field day experience.   

 

The details of Field Day 2019 planning are being discussed in an on-going
basis via a Google group that was set up exclusively for that purpose.  If
you are a member of the Alexandria Radio Club and would like to be added to
the planning group, please send an email request to join the group to
don.ki4d at gmail.com <mailto:don.ki4d at gmail.com> .  Please provide email
notification by March 30th so that adequate accommodations can be made. 

 

One new area for emphasis this year will be digital mode operations, meaning
computer generated digital communications.  If we have a sufficient number
of skilled operators for digital modes, digital mode stations will be added
to our Field Day line-up for the first time.   As you know the ARRL awards 2
points for each digital mode contact during Field Day, something we have not
taken full advantage of in the past.  During this period of relatively poor
HF propagation, digital modes offer the best promise for contacts because
they are far less affected by noise levels.  Taking advantage of this with a
strong digital modes capability could improve our Field Day performance.
For improved performances on Field Day and for potential benefits to
emergency services, amateur radio clubs across the U.S. are increasingly
using digital modes during Field Day.

 

To offer an opportunity for club members to demonstrate proficiency in
digital mode operations, I am proposing that we set up 3 Field Day digital
stations as follows: (1). VHF/UHF/Satellite - SSB/FM/Dig; (2). 80/40 - Dig;
and (3). 10/15/20 - Dig.  To support such a capability, first and foremost,
we need more operators with experience using digital modes.

 

To strengthen club digital modes capabilities, I am proposing we conduct
digital modes practice operating sessions during April and May.  Weather
permitting, plans are to conduct these sessions on Sunday mornings from
April 17th thru May 5th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Jefferson Manor
Park, 2909 Farmington Drive Alexandria, VA.  More sessions will be added if
needed.  These sessions will involve use of FLDigi and WSJT-X software, see
attached file FLDigi with PSK31 for Field Day.  Those with proficiency in
digital modes are highly encouraged to attend as mentors and operators;
however, this effort is mainly aimed at relatively new hams who may not have
HF privileges or the equipment, but want to get involved in Field Day HF
operations.  Those attending the sessions do not need to bring their own ham
gear, but they do need to bring chairs and writing materials. Those with FCC
Technician Licenses are welcome because a control operator with all
privileges will be present at all sessions.  Please send me an email letting
me know if you are interested in "digital crew" participation by March 30th.
This will help me gauge the size of the effort, and how to organize and
supply the ham radio gear needed for practice sessions.   

 

Another new area of emphasis this year will be increasing opportunities for
"hands-on" operating time for all participants.  The goal is not only to
draw maximum attendance and interest, but to keep those in attendance busy
around the clock.  This will be achieved by conducting a sign-up for
operators.  In addition to ARC members, Arlington Radio Club members will
join us again this year for Field Day.  Just recently I was told by a member
of the Arlington club that they look forward to being scheduled for operator
duties, even after midnight.

 

To make Field Day 2019 successful with these new efforts, strong volunteer
support from club members is essential.  Your help and ideas are needed in
many areas from planning to execution of the event.  Thanks in advance for
your cooperation and support.

 

Don, KI4D

2019 Field Day Coordinator, Alexandria Radio Club

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