[ILHam] Field Day... Don't forget VHF

[M.T.]

It is only a couple days away from FD.   There has been a huge push in the 
midwest by some of the VHF operators for activity on FD.

Many FD sites are going to have at least 2m all mode capabilities.  Others 
will have several bands all the way up to uWave.

The VHF stations will be monitoring 146.550 and 446.000 FM all weekend for 
those of you around population centers.  Please tell your local repeater 
groups or friends to get on from home or their car and operate FD on 2m/440 
FM simplex.

Furthermore, while traveling to and from FD sites, it is perfectly 
acceptable for you to work stations with your own call as 1C IL.  You 
cannot work the station where you are operating, but you can work the 
others.  This is good way to pass the time while you drive to/from or while 
you are out running Sat/Sun errands.

If you have friends going to other FD sites, please hint to them to take a 
set of paddles for the VHF station. If you think your site has VHF, put 
some paddles/keyer in your car.  In years past, this has been a huge 
obstacle as many FD sites think the VHF station is for inexperienced/new 
hams.   As I have stated many times,  if you can work someone on SSB, the 
nice thing about VHF is that you dont have to move to work CW.  1 point can 
quickly turn into 3 points without moving the VFO and just changing modes.

W9CA in Wauconda, EN52wg and we will be on 6m 2m 70cm SSB/CW/FM.

Hope to work you, both modes :)  If you have VHF questions, email me and I 
will be happy to help off the reflector.

Mark
N9UM