[CTSARA] !! FIELD DAY !!

[Jonathan Solomon]

Good Morning!

T-5 DAYS UNTIL FIELD DAY!

That's right folks; Field Day is this weekend.  Field Day is held at the
Observatory at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center.
<https://www.google.com/maps/dir//41.1243758,-73.5490971/@41.1242245,-73.5489111,191m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m3!4m2!1m0!1m0>
The address is: 151 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford (Entrance is from
Scofieldtown Rd. the second gated entrance on the right past Gary Rd).  We
will usually be monitoring the 2m repeater if you need to talk in.

Field Day is the biggest SARA club activity each year and requires a huge
effort.  The Field Day group has been busy preparing and testing and the
club is technically ready.  But...

This is a TEAM effort and we need your support.  Whether you are
experienced or inexperienced, low band or high band, voice, digital or CW,
a good cook or a great eater, there are many ways you can help on Field
Day.  The club is committed to full active participation by any member,
though as noted earlier, signing up is important.  (Click here to sign up
<http://ctsara.org/FDsignup.htm> or reply directly to me from this email.)
By providing us with days and times you plan to be at Field Day, we can
make sure you can help the best way possible.

See you this weekend!

Below are some specific examples of ways to help.

*OPERATION:* We will be operating thee stations plus the VHF and GOTA
stations this year: CW, 40m, 10/15/20/80m.
     CW: The CW station is always looking for experienced CW operators.
     10/15/20/80m: This year this tent will be staffed by a group of
dedicated contest operators and loggers.
     40m: Perhaps the most fun tent (I might be a little biased!), 40m is
always looking for operators and loggers.
     VHF: We are stepping up our VHF operation this year.  The great thing
about VHF is that is is often laid back.  Operators and loggers welcome.
     GOTA: If you haven't been on HF, or aren't licensed, this is the tent
for you.  Come experience the fun and learn all about HF operations in a
relaxed and guided environment.  GOTA "graduates" often work the 40m tent
later in the weekend.
   *  NOTE: Bring you kids, grandkids, neighbor kids, etc to the GOTA
tent.  It is very exciting!*

*LOGGERS:* Operating is only half of Field Day.  Logging notes each contact
and is important for tracking the contacts (QSOs) we've made, and for
keeping score.  NO EXPERIENCE OR LICENSE is necessary for this, though it
is helpful if you can use a computer.  We can provide the software ahead of
time for you to become familiar with it.  This is a great role for anyone
who is mic shy, or uncomfortable operating.  It is also a great way to
learn how to operate HF.

*CATERING:* Talking for 24 hours burns a lot of calories.  Ernest and Steve
are doing a great job of preparing meals and snacks for the group. However,
they can always use more help.  Whether it is helping cook, or *bringing a
Pot Luck course (everyone is encouraged to do so)*, helping with catering
is a huge part of the team effort.

*MORAL SUPPORT:* Can't cook?  Don't want to operator or log?  Show up for
moral support.  Especially in the overnights and early Sunday, it can be
tough to keep working.  Generally, moral support is welcome (as long as it
doesn't interrupt operations).

*SETUP AND TEAR DOWN:*  We can NEVER HAVE ENOUGH HELP for setup and tear
down.  We start at *9am on Friday* and work until we're done (usually
between 4p and 6p).  On Sunday, we need the most help for tear down. Often
the folks who setup the stations, and worked them, are the ones taking it
down.  We really need your support on this.  *Anyone who commits to setup
and tear down is giving priority for operating and logging.*

Again, we hope to see you this weekend.

'73 de W1EE!!!

Jonathan
W3EIC