[CVRC] Field Day 2004

[James Washer]

I've just been reading the many articles in this months newsletter about field day, and plans for next year. It seems that many are calling for a northern Nevada united field day effort. I'd like to propose an alternative.

When I first became a ham about 14 years ago, I went to a large field day site the first two years. The past 12 years, I've operated from smaller field day sites.  Once or twice, we had 5 hams, the other years, it's been just two of us. 

In the spirit of FD, as an emergency preparedness excersize, I have to argue that the smaller operations provide a greater opportunity to learn. Sure, it's nice to have a big operation, with everything from 160M to microwave.. but I think many smaller groups would better serve our community and help newcomers experience 'real(TM)' emergency communications.

I'd propose that the northern Nevada clubs set up as many smaller stations as possible.. and make an open invitation to newer hams to drop by as many of the sites as possible. These visitors will see a wide range of options for FD. Everything from a mobile operation up on some hill in the Pinenuts, to a midsize group in a hospital parking lot or at a RedCross center or county EOC. Everything from longwires to beams.. gel cells to generators.

When we have a real communication emergency, we won't be setting up a monster station for all of N. Nevada, we'll be setting up dozens of small stations at emergency shelters, wildfire command posts, or government agencies .  Just as likely, we'll be hitting the road in the middle of the night to assist fellow hams many miles away. 

Further, I propose a FD best practices debrief. At the various club meetings following FD, the hams from these many smaller FD sites could discuss what the did. How they overcame hardships. What they wish they'd had in their kit and what they wished they would have left home.

Finally, I suggest that we hold a N Nevada FD net. Perhaps at 11am Sunday morning.. just to see how much coverage we have in the area. What sites can reach eachother on 2m simplex, 2m packet, etc.. 

 73's
 - jim KG7HH