[FCARC] Field Day and Logging

[Craig Szczublewski]

This messages it for the benefit of everyone participating in Field Day and is a 
reprint of the message I sent about this time last year...

Even if you don't plan on running in the contest, consider assisting an operator 
with logging QSOs.  If you plan on running, please let me know if you DO NOT 
have a laptop to bring out.  We have used a program called FDLOG in the past few 
years, which allows us to have a report ready to file in a matter of hours 
versus the days it would usually take.  FDLOG is cross platform, and will run on 
Mac, Linux, or Windows.  Since the only Mac users I know of are Lindsay/Angela, 
and I already have them setup with the software, I'll presume everyone else is 
running Windows.  I have a ZIP  file available here:

http://k8bxq.org/tmp/fdlogexe.zip

If you have Linux, let me know.  If you do not have a laptop, I have a few 
spares I can bring out.  The program does not need to be installed in a 
conventional method, just extract the contents to your Desktop and open the 
fdlogexe folder.  There is a single executable that will be run on Field Day to 
allow your laptop to communicate with the other logging systems, so you always 
have a current copy of all QSOs.  There is a manual of sorts in the folder 
called "fdlogman.txt" I would encourage you to view.  I have created a couple of 
simple PDF cheat sheets that can be downloaded here:

http://k8bxq.org/tmp/FDLOG-QSObyExample.pdf
http://k8bxq.org/tmp/FDLOG-CheatSheet.pdf
http://k8bxq.org/tmp/fdlogmanual_excerpt.txt

Go ahead and try the software out so you can get a feel for the flow of logging 
a QSO.  Try logging a duplicate QSO on the same band and mode to see the result.

A couple of suggestions:

1. have a band plan handy to make sure you stay in amateur portion of the band
2. print a copy of the ARRL section cheat sheet
(http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2016/2016FD_packet.pdf)
     it helps to have this reference when some tells you "Greater Toronto Area" 
you know it will be "GTA".
3. Review the ARRL Field Day 2016 Packet! (see point 2)

Last, I have an old equipment checklist which is, quite honestly, a little 
overkill, but it might help inspire your pack list for the event:

     http://k8bxq.org/tmp/FD_Checklist.pdf

See you all this weekend!


-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Craig Szczublewski KD8KBU