[HCRA] Field Day - 4 Days & counting

[Jim Mullen]

OK folks,

Just a little over four days until the RF hits the air waves. Have you
started preparing yet? How can you help HCRA have the best FD ever? Good
questions, huh.

First, if you can, plan on stopping by for a minute  an hour, a day -
whatever you can fit into your busy schedule. I guarantee you it will be fun
and add immeasurably to everyone's FD experience.

Second, if you can't make it to Dufresne Park then get on the air and work
some FD stations from home. Of course, looking for W1NY or WB1Z would not be
a bad thing!

Third, if you can't find the time because of other commitments then tell
somebody about ham radio and Field Day. The more that know....

WHAT'S HAPPENING:

1. Meeting for anyone that wants to be involved at Dufresne Park, Wednesday,
June 22 between 5PM and 7PM. Final station and antenna locations and band
planning will be the result of the meeting.

2. Set-up Friday afternoon at the park, starting at 2:00 PM. A great time to
learn about towers & antennas.

3. Finish set-up Saturday morning, go on the air at 2:00 PM  And lots of
good food too!

4. Go off the air Sunday at 2:00 PM, tear down and get ready for next year.


WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

1. A great, fun experience. The perfect opportunity to get on the air, on HF
(even if you don't hold an HF license), make some contacts and 'get your
feet wet'. There will be voice (SSB), digital (PSK, SSTV) and code (CW)
stations on the air - all will welcome you if you want to participate.

2. A little shy about operating? Then have a seat at a station and do some
logging or simply sit down and watch. There is no need to do anything more
if you don't want to.

3. See some new modes demonstrated. ATV, SSTV, R/C aircraft, digital - all
will be on display at some time during Field Day.

4. See a solar powered station in operation. Send a message with the NTS
system.

5. Learn the basics of setting up a station, building antennas, raising
towers - a learning experience that is second to none.

6. Enjoy some great food and the company of other hams like yourself.

7. Help show ham radio to the general public that is visiting the park.

8. Bring the family, the park offers a large pond, swing sets & hiking
trails in addition the ham radio extravaganza going on!

The weather is promising to be just fine. What a great way to spend the
weekend supporting your own radio club (HCRA) and ham radio - all at the
same time.

'73... I look forward to seeing everyone this weekend.

Jim, KK1W