[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Alexandria Radio Club Winter Field Day Update for 1/7/2027

[Skip Dronen]

Alexandria Radio Club,

Just over two weeks to Winter Field Day and things are shaping up nicely! Your planning committee is shifting from idea-mode to action-mode.  I have recently been found guilty of sending long e-mails, so I'll try to curtail my excitement. But, I can only do so much... I have a lot to say!  This is not the definitive message on all the event details; that information will be sent nearer to the event. Here we go:

1. WFD parking will not be as restrictive as I have previously passed. You can plan to park behind Alexandria Fire Station 210 (be aware the physical number on the building is "10" not 210).  If there is no parking you may need to shift west down the street to the free Metro parking and hoof it back.

2.  Joe P-KT3I has offered to put together End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) kits. $5 for a 50W kit, $10 for a 100W kit.  The planning team and Joe do not have the capacity to run a build event, so two things are required.  A volunteer to lead the build AND at least three people to commit to attend.  If those criteria are not met we will not have the event and focus on WFD.

3.  12-Band Multiplier Challenge.  The WFD coordinators have determined that getting three QSOs on six bands was too easy, so they have added a 12-band multiplier.  We think we can earn this multiplier, but we will need help with the higher bands. WFD rules prohibit someone who has operated at the event to leave and make QSOs back to that site. So, we need people who have not yet operated at the event or who are not even coming to attempt contact with our station.   And those contacts need to be coordinated because we are planning to use our multipurpose SATCOM/VHF/UHF station.  Mobile equipment can be provided so even if you don't have the gear, you still may be able to help. Can you say, "Road Rally"? Please contact me directly.  Who's in?

4. Computer Logging and Digital Mode/Radio Setup Session (virtual).  Don-KI4D and I are hosting a virtual meeting on Tuesday, 1/20 at 8pm to setup the WFD computers with logging software and digital mode software.  Contact me directly to get added to the calendar invite. Even if you are not interested in WFD this might be a great opportunity to see the software installation and settings process for JS8Call and Winlink.

5.  Dedicated Operating Schedule.  If you have limited availability or want to work a specific station (we will have at least 2 HF stations and a SATCOM/VHF/UHF station) and/or want to work a specific time, please contact me directly so I can build an operating schedule. If we have limited interest in time slots, we will only allow 2 stations to operate at a time. If we have confirmed higher demand, we may increase that to 3. I will be sending an invitation to the Presidents of MVARC and AARC next week and will extend them the same courtesy.  Those that contact me for a specific station at a specific time (first come, first served) will get priority at the event. Operations will commence at 11:00am Saturday until the last person gives up Sunday or the Station kicks us out.

6.  We are supporting an Amateur Radio Exam session proctored under the Laurel Amateur Radio Club, Inc. on Sunday at 12:00pm.  This is a free exam session. https://hamstudy.org/sessions/69436c5e55053eb02a711be7/1

7.  ARES Discussion/Demo:  we are looking forward to an discussion followed by a demo on HF NVIS communications.

Please make all replies to hvrtaxi at hotmail.com and not the W4HFH reflector.

73,

Skip, KO2THF