[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] ARC 2019 Field Day Planning

[Ian]

Suggests that we're no longer 5A?
73, Ian N8IK

On Mon, Mar 25, 2019, 13:07 Don (KI4D) <don.ki4d at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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.  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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