[Elecraft] Field Day Fun Killers

[kevinr at coho.net]

In the Coast Range on Sunday it rose to a scorching 77 degrees!

FD in the PNW :)

      73,

          Kevin.  KD5ONS


On 6/28/2016 8:04 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> Come to the Pacific Northwest coast. High temps this time of the year are
> generally in the 60's, never above 70, and no bugs.
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of w7aqk
> Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 7:59 AM
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: [Elecraft] Field Day Fun Killers
>
> 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
>
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