[HCRA] Field Day - 2002

[Jim Mullen]

Well folks, the time is almost upon us. Field Day 2002 - the weather looks
good, propagation seems to be fair and the HCRA FD team has put together a
great operation again this year. We expect to be operating 7A (seven
transmitters on the air), both phone and cw, on just about every band. Food
is being provided at a nominal fee and it should be "good and plenty"! We
will have some neat alternative mode demonstrations including ATV, SSTV, R/C
airplane, and perhaps APRS. Sounds like fun, doesn't it. A "welcome table"
will be there to show prospective hams how easy it is to get into our fine
hobby. Field Day pins will also be available for $5, quantities are very
limited so get yours early! The site at Dufresne Park in Granby, MA is
outstanding so bring the family or friends. In addition to radio operating,
there is playground  equipment, hiking trails, fishing ponds & streams and
an undercover pavilion with real bathrooms!

So, if  you have been waiting to see the weather forecast before committing,
you no longer have THAT excuse. If your plans have changed and you've got
some open time, come on down. No experience or appointment necessary! Even
if you only have a few minutes, or an hour, or a day - we would welcome your
presence.

To see a complete run-down of the operation, visit our web site at
http://www.hcra.org/field_day.htm.

Still can't make it? That's OK, but if you have a few moments at home, why
not turn on the base station and look for W1NY on the bands. I'm sure you
will hear us, and we would love to work you. When operating from home, most
stations would be class 1D and your section would be (most likely) WMA. If
you live outside of Western Massachusetts, then check out the ARRL section
list - it's part of the FD Primer and is available on the same web site
noted above.

Field Day is amateur radios most visible event to the public. It lets us
showcase our hobby, showing the average person what we do and how we do it.
With the recent focus on emergency communication, it's a great way to
demonstrate how we can be of assistance in times of civic emergencies.
Please try to set aside a few moments of your time this weekend and do your
part to make this years Field Day one of the best ever.

Thanks & '73...

Jim, KK1W