[FieldDay] proposed FD changes

[fieldday@mailman.qth.net]

Hi all,

I have to tell you that after several years of going around to various field 
day sites in this area, I decided to go it on my own last year and really had 
a blast.  I am not a current member of any club, due to time constraints.

The last straw was when I went to a local club site in 2000 and helped them 
set up several antennas.  Once the contest started, I was finally able to get 
on the air and made a number of contacts.  Then I was asked to give the mic 
to some of the younger members.  I did that gladly, but finally after 
watching them tune around and tune around and tune around seemingly forever 
whiteout even attempting a contact, I really got exasperated and went over to 
another tent where much of the same thing was happening. There seemed to be 
no attempt by the OTs to help these folks along or encourage them to make a 
call, and since I was not a club member, and in fact a stranger to most 
present, I didn't feel it was my place to butt in.

I can only remember my first field day when I had just received my novice 
ticket in 1954 at the ripe old age of 14. I had never operated phone before, 
but the OTs put me on a mic and got me started.  I started piling up 
contacts, maybe since my unmatured voice sounded like a YL, of maybe because 
it cut through the QRM better than those with lower octaves. All I know is 
that when I finally had to take a break, they couldn't wait to get me back on 
the air.  Maybe I wasn't shy like these other youngsters seemed to be, but I 
know that I was not the least bit intimidated by the Collins 75A/32V stack I 
was sitting in front of.  Field day became a much awaited event each year 
until work interfered.

Last year, I made up my mind to go it alone so I secured use of a small park 
in our development, took a couple of boatanchor rigs and a WW II generator, 
tossed up a Windom and a G5RV in the trees and proceeded to have a great 
time. I did loose some good time due to learning the PSK 31 is not a good 
mode when one wants to make lots of contacts, so I would up back on CW and 
SSB. I have to say that I was quite satisfied with my score and plan to do it 
again this June.  I had several visitors, mostly neighbors, who didn't know 
there was an active ham in their midst, and received a nice write-up in the 
community's news letter, complete with photo.

To wrap it up, I think the comments I have been reading about beginner 
stations are a great idea and something that should be looked at seriously. 
Elmers can help these folks get over the jitters and maybe even help 
introduce other youngsters to the hobby.

73 and Happy New Year,


John,  W4AWM