[HCRA] Field Day with HCRA

[Mike N0HI]

A network?  We haven't done that since we all used CT and ran cables on
the ground between all of the stations!  It sounds so ridiculous, but we
really did run cables station-to-station to network a DOS-only program.

N1MM is SUPER easy to set up and use in multi-user mode.  There are no
real tricks, just connect everything and make sure all the stations have
"multi-user mode" checked in the drop-down.

No 6m beam here, but still have 4ele and 3ele 10m monobanders bundled and
not doing much at the moment...

-- 
Mike DeChristopher, N0HI
http://www.n0hi.net



> ______________________________________________
> -------Hampden County Radio Association-------
> -----------e-mail list (reflector)-------------
> ______________________________________________
> George,
>
> Super, that rig should do the trick to get us on SSB. Do we need to come
> up
> with a power supply or do you have one to go along with the radio? We may
> as
> well go for 432 while we are at it, kind of like that local amusement park
> ad- more bands, more fun!
>
> Chuck,
>
> Bring your rig along as well. Since you're familiar with it you will
> easily
> get it up and running making FM contacts. If you haven't done much SSB on
> VHF we can get you going on that with George's rigs. With three bands
> available you'll have a lot of VHF opportunity. Will you need a power
> supply
> for your rig? Do you have a laptop capable of running N1MM logger? If the
> laptop has wifi even better as Matt will be trying to network most of the
> stations.
>
> Thanks guys for volunteering your time and equipment. This year's FD is
> shaping up very nicely and promises to be great fun!
>
> '73...
>
> Jim, KK1W
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: gjcollins at cox.net [mailto:gjcollins at cox.net]
>> Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 10:05 PM
>> To: Jim - KK1W; 'Carriere, Charles'
>> Cc: 'HCRA'
>> Subject: Re: [HCRA] Field Day with HCRA
>>
>> Jim,
>>
>> I'll bring the FT-897D, which can be used on 6, 2 and 432 ssb/cw.  I
>> have
>> a
>> 14-el 2-m beam and two sizes of K1FO 432 yagis that I can bring.  I
>> should
>> have a good run of 9913 type coax for a 432 antenna.  I don't know if
>> you
>> are thinking about 432 or not.  The FT-897 only runs about 20 watts on
>> 432;
>> enough to make a few Qs, but its a little limited.  Perhaps someone else
>> will come up with some other options.
>>
>> I hope you are considering a rotator (other than the Armstrong), as the
>> 2-
>> m
>> and 432 antenna are somewhat directional.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> George
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Jim - KK1W" <kk1w at charter.net>
>> To: "'Carriere, Charles'" <charles.carriere at marriott.com>
>> Cc: "'HCRA'" <HCRA at mailman.qth.net>
>> Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 5:49 PM
>> Subject: Re: [HCRA] Field Day with HCRA
>>
>>
>> > ______________________________________________
>> > -------Hampden County Radio Association-------
>> > -----------e-mail list (reflector)-------------
>> > ______________________________________________
>> > Chuck,
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > I've replied to the list so everyone can get a handle on Field Day
>> > planning
>> > as we answer your questions.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > There will be power available. It will be from generators for the rigs
>> and
>> > there is 120 VAC available for fans, lights, etc. If you have a
>> folding
>> > table that would be great, we don't have any extra tables I'm aware
>> of.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > As far as setup goes we won't be starting until 6:00 AM Saturday
>> morning.
>> > So
>> > there is no need for the beam prior to Saturday and we won't be
>> camping
>> > out
>> > Friday night. (we used to start setup on Friday but because we pay by
>> the
>> > day for the park it was just getting too expensive). That being said
>> we
>> > WILL
>> > be there Friday afternoon/evening to shoot the supports for the wire
>> > antennas into the trees. You're most welcome to stop by, say hello and
>> get
>> > up to speed on the latest plans for Saturday.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > We will be erecting a military AB-577 50' tower that will be used to
>> > support
>> > the VHF antennas, a tri-band HF beam and the center support for an
>> 80/40
>> > meter dipole. That will get built Saturday morning so your antennas
>> will
>> > need to be on site prior to raising the tower. As of right now we have
>> > enough feedline for at least two VHF antennas.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > I see your rigs are primarily FM. I'm reaching out for at least a
>> > multi-mode
>> > rig on 6M and 2M to augment the VHF station. Our experience has been
>> there
>> > are quite a few more contacts available on SSB so if we can make it
>> happen
>> > it will be more fun.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > We are using N1MM logger this year at all the stations. It is a free
>> > program
>> > and you can download a copy at http://www.n1mm.com
>> <http://www.n1mm.com/>
>> > .
>> > Do you have a laptop that can run the program that you can bring? If
>> it
>> > has
>> > wireless even better as we may be networking the station computers
>> this
>> > year.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Stay tuned and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > '73.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Jim, KK1W
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >  _____
>> >
>> > From: Carriere, Charles [mailto:charles.carriere at marriott.com]
>> > Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 7:00 AM
>> > To: Jim - KK1W
>> > Subject: RE: Field Day with HCRA
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Jim,
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Thanks for the information, and adding me to the mailing list. I have
>> a
>> > few
>> > questions, will there be power and  a table already in place at the
>> > gazebo?
>> > and for the use of my beam, do you need it before I get there Saturday
>> > morning? I was thinking of pulling in on Friday night and putting up
>> my
>> > tent
>> > after work but I wouldn't want to wake anyone if they were already
>> > sleeping.
>> > Thanks for now,
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Chuck KB1JFQ
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >  _____
>> >
>> >
>> > From: Jim - KK1W [mailto:kk1w at charter.net]
>> > Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 10:10 PM
>> > To: Carriere, Charles
>> > Cc: westcoastbayou at gmail.com; w1mjb at arrl.net; k1jaw at usa.com
>> > Subject: RE: Field Day with HCRA
>> >
>> > Most excellent Chuck!
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Don't worry about stepping on any toes, Dave volunteered to help out
>> but
>> > doesn't quite have the equipment to band captain the station. I'm sure
>> he
>> > will be thrilled to operate right along side you during the event.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > I took the liberty to add you to the HCRA mailing list. Welcome aboard
>> and
>> > please use the list with any FD planning message so everyone stays in
>> the
>> > loop. You may have noticed we're also doing a little fishing (begging)
>> for
>> > a
>> > multi-mode VHF rig. It would be nice to have SSB available for the VHF
>> > station as well, it could easily double your contacts.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > We should have firmed up most everything by the end of next week but
>> feel
>> > free to call or email with any questions.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > '73.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Jim, KK1W
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >  _____
>> >
>> >
>> > From: Carriere, Charles [mailto:charles.carriere at marriott.com]
>> > Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 10:59 AM
>> > To: Jim - KK1W
>> > Cc: westcoastbayou at gmail.com
>> > Subject: RE: Field Day with HCRA
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Jim,
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Finally we have made contact, I most defiantly wouldn't mind working
>> the
>> > VHF/UHF station, as far as VHF Captain goes,  If  KB1JVB doesn't mind
>> > seeming he was first to sign up for the station, I would like to give
>> it
>> a
>> > try.  I can bring a lap top loaded with the N1MM logger w/ wi-fi.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > I have an Elk 2m/440 Log Periodic beam I can bring along, it works
>> very
>> > well for me when I'm out mountain topping for SOTA. I have a Yaesu
>> > ft-7800r
>> > that can do 2m/70cm, and my VX-8r will do 2m/6m/70cm/1.25m I will have
>> > both
>> > with me even if I don't need them.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Now the downer, I had to work Friday night so I was unable to make it
>> to
>> > the
>> > tailgate & meeting so this info is a little late coming, I hope it
>> doesn't
>> > change around your plans to much for field day. I will be working
>> Friday
>> > the
>> > 25th 3:30pm to 12:am, but will have 26-27 off so I'm planning on both
>> days
>> > at field day. One last question was are we allowed to tent and say the
>> > night
>> > during field day?
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > I think most things have been cleared up for me, working today 7:00am
>> to
>> > 3:30pm but if you have any questions you can call me at 265-8310. 73
>> for
>> > now
>> > Chuck KB1JFQ
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >  _____
>> >
>> >
>> > From: Jim - KK1W [mailto:kk1w at charter.net]
>> > Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2010 10:26 PM
>> > To: kb1jfq at yahoo.com
>> > Cc: 'Wes'; 'Jim W'
>> > Subject: Field Day with HCRA
>> >
>> > Hi Chuck!
>> >
>> > Welcome to Field Day, the HCRA way. I just received a copy of your
>> email
>> > from Jim, K1JAW and want to welcome you to our Field Day planning.
>> >
>> > First, of course you are welcome to participate in our Field Day. I
>> see
>> > you're not yet a member but that isn't a requirement for anything you
>> > would
>> > like to do at Field Day. I'm sure you've be now checked out the FD
>> > information so far on our web site, but if not you can see a snapshot
>> of
>> > the
>> > event plans so far at: http://www.hcra.org/fd2010.htm.
>> >
>> > We have one member that has volunteered to operate VHF at Field Day,
>> > Dave -
>> > KB1JVB. The station so far, at least until your email, has been
>> planned
>> > with
>> > using an Icom IC746 on 6 and 2 meters, coupled to a 6M and 2M beam
>> mounted
>> > on an AB-577 50' tower. The station location is planned for the gazebo
>> and
>> > there were no plans for housing other than the gazebo.
>> >
>> > I don't know if you've operated VHF/UHF at any Field Days in the past,
>> if
>> > so
>> > you may have more input into the process than the rest of us. In years
>> > past
>> > we have used 6M, 2M and 70cm, nothing higher. We don't have much
>> available
>> > for antennas, the plans are for a small 2M beam and we're shopping
>> around
>> > for a loaner 6M beam. Do you have any easily available antennas for
>> these
>> > or
>> > higher bands? We're quite flexible with our operation and can
>> accommodate
>> > most anything you would want to try.
>> >
>> > Logging will be electronic, the plan is for band captains (will you be
>> the
>> > VHF captain?) to supply a PC running N1MM logger. If you're not
>> familiar
>> > with this logging program you can learn more at http://n1mm.com/.
>> Although
>> > it may look complicated at first we'll just be using only a small
>> subset
>> > of
>> > the program. We're also contemplating networking all the logging PC's
>> via
>> > wifi. Matt/W1MSW, the FD co-chair and log manager, is the guy to talk
>> with
>> > concerning logging.
>> >
>> > Whew, long message so far - sorry! In a nut shell the answer is YES,
>> come
>> > on
>> > down! We will supply a tower, coax for two antennas, generator power
>> and
>> > possibly a rig and two antennas if you need them. We have some
>> operators
>> > and
>> > I'm sure more will show up if there's a VHF station on the air. Of
>> more
>> > importance is we offer support for your efforts with a large cadre of
>> > experienced operators, loggers and installation mechanics. Even if
>> this
>> is
>> > your first Field Day you won't be left high & dry trying to figure out
>> and
>> > do everything yourself.
>> >
>> > Our next club meeting is this coming Friday, June 4th. This is our
>> annual
>> > Tail Gate party, elections and final FD planning. If you can make it
>> to
>> > the
>> > Feeding Hills Congregational Church that would be great. Again, club
>> > membership is not necessary to participate. It's our hope that you
>> will
>> > like
>> > what you see, pitch in and join the fun and eventually become a
>> member.
>> > Oh,
>> > one more thing - hot dogs and soda at the tailgate parte as well, how
>> can
>> > you go wrong.
>> >
>> > We're looking forward to your participation and thanks so much for
>> > offering
>> > your equipment and time. If you have any questions at all please
>> respond
>> > to
>> > either me, Matt or Jim and we will do our best to get them answered
>> for
>> > you.
>> > I've copied them on this email so just a 'reply all' will get your
>> > questions
>> > answered. Have you considered joining the HCRA mailing list? Take a
>> look
>> > at
>> > http://www.hcra.org/mailing_list.htm for details about the list. It is
>> > usually pretty quiet on the list but as Field Day draws closer you can
>> > expect to see all the last minute plans falling into place. You don't
>> need
>> > to be a member of HCRA to join the list, your interest in amateur
>> radio
>> is
>> > all that's important.
>> >
>> > '73 for now and hope to see you at this Friday's meeting. Please be
>> sure
>> > to
>> > come forward and introduce yourself so we can get you integrated into
>> the
>> > planning.
>> >
>> > Jim, KK1W
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > From: Chuck Carriere <kb1jfq at yahoo.com>
>> > Subject: 2010 field day
>> > To: k1jaw at yahoo.com
>> > Date: Thursday, May 27, 2010, 10:13 PM
>> >
>> > Hi Jim,
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > My name is Chuck KB1JFQ, I am not yet a member of HCRA but would love
>> to
>> > partake in Field day, I would like to be an operator if possible, I'm
>> not
>> > sure how many operators you are allowing, and I can bring my own gear,
>> I
>> > have gear for 2m/6m/1.25m/70cm/10m, also can operate satellites. I
>> would
>> > like to be able to tent the event if it's allowed, any information
>> would
>> > be
>> > greatly appreciated as this would be my first Field day, Thanks in
>> > advance.
>> > 73 Chuck KB1JFQ
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > ______________________________________________________________
>> > HCRA mailing list
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>> >
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>
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