[Elecraft] Field Day Fun Killers

Thu Jun 30 15:31:33 EDT 2016

Yes-I was just down the road from you Kevin at Stub Stewart state park. Set up with the KX2 and the Alexloop for a minimalist station. I only had a short time hand conditions were't very good, but I managed to work a few guys around the country mostly on 20. Only signal on 15 was a KH6 but nabbed him easy with 5 W. The KX2 is perfect for this type of operation. Also, as you said weather was perfect  :)
Dan Presley  N7CQR
n7cqr at arrl.net

On Jun 28, 2016, at 8:31 PM, kevinr at coho.net wrote:

> 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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> 
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