[Elecraft] Field Day Fun Killers

[w7aqk]

Hi All,

I have always considered Field Day to be the most enjoyable "event" of the 
year.  Unfortunately, this year I was unable to participate "in the field" 
as I am busy getting ready for a long trip.  Otherwise, I would have been 
out there with the rest of you.

Long ago I determined that there were two things that could ruin Field Day 
for me--excessive heat and bugs (no, not the Vibroplex kind!).  If I can't 
avoid both, I usually don't go!  When I was living in "The South", both 
could be a problem.  Here in the desert, it's the heat issue that I mainly 
have to deal with.  Fortunately, there is a good choice of "high ground" 
nearby, so that problem is solvable.  Since there typically isn't a lot of 
water nearby, the bug problem is usually minimized as well.

My hat is most definitely off to those of you who can endure either or both 
of my "Field Day Fun Killers".  Most of you who do that are probably east of 
the Rockies.  I remember Field Days where the seemingly most important 
pieces of equipment were fans!  The problem is that most of the time all 
those did was blow hot air around!  High temperatures plus high humidity is 
a tough combination to combat.  It doesn't take long before you wish you 
could take a shower--but you probably can't!  It even makes grabbing a 
little shut eye difficult.

Fighting the bug problem can be a bit easier, but takes some advance 
planning.  My Field Day kit includes a large canopy of mosquito netting that 
can be suspended from most anything overhead, like a tree branch.  A 
tent-like canopy with netting works too, but isn't always as convenient to 
locate.  Fully enclosed tents tend to trap heat, so those don't always work 
well either.

Planning for Field Day can be a year long event, particularly for larger 
groups.  However, even the smaller operations need to start making a list 
early!  Your "fun killer" list may not be the same as mine, but whatever it 
includes, you should consider early on how to deal with it.  Starting the 
process now, while the problems are fresh in your mind, is probably one of 
the best things you can do.

I've been reading a lot of complaints about high heat in the reports that 
have been posted so far.  That's always a problem, but it just seems like it 
was more so this year.  Even Wayne Burdick commented about some very high 
temperatures in his area, and I think this may be a sign of the times.  I'm 
getting too old to have that kind of dedication.  Here in my area it was 
well into the 100's down low, but in the 70's higher up.  I will always opt 
for "up", even if I have to drive a bit further.  Besides, there are trees 
up there!

Again, I greatly admire the dedication that many (if not most) of you gave 
to this year's effort.  However, I have to wonder if participating in those 
5A/6A or higher groups, who's location choices are perhaps much more 
limited, is really worth it. Have you considered a 1A, or 2A operation in a 
much more hospitable location?  The food may not be quite as good, but the 
experience can be well worth it!  I know, it's often a "club thing", and 
that may well overrule all other concerns.  However, you still might want to 
try it at least once--you might like it!  For many years now I've operated 
strictly QRP CW in the field, and never had more fun!

73,

Dave W7AQK