[ILHam] CQ FIELD DAY! CQ FIELD DAY!

[Neil R. Ormos N9NL]

CQ FIELD DAY!  CQ FIELD DAY!

Dear Illinois Hams:

I'd like to encourage everyone to participate in
Field Day, the annual exercise that combines an
emergency communications exercise, fun, operating
skills, creative problem solving, the installation
of antennas in the most unlikely places, fun,
fellowship, friendly rivalries between clubs, good
food, sunburn, mosquitos, and fun!  Second, I'd
like your help with our online Field Day directory
(please see below).

ARRL® Field Day is the largest Amateur Radio
emergency communications exercise, and in 2010
will be held this coming weekend, Saturday and
Sunday, June 26 and 27th.

Amateur radio operators (or "hams") numbering in
the tens of thousands, throughout the US and
Canada, will demonstrate their emergency
communications capabilities by trying to contact
as many other stations as possible over a 24 to 27
hour period, using emergency power sources and
temporary stations and antennas erected in the
field for this event. Many hams participate in
this event as part of a local amateur radio club
or emergency communications volunteer group. Some
clubs/groups operate at the Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) of a government or other served
agency, instead of building stations in the field.

Field Day is not just for experienced
hams. Visiting a club/group Field Day operation is
a great way for new hams to learn more about
emergency communications and to meet other hams in
their neighborhood. And Field Day is an excellent
introduction to ham radio for the general public.

I encourage all amateurs, and prospective
amateurs, to participate in this fun and
educational emergency communications
exercise. Most clubs/groups will be delighted to
welcome you as a visitor, even if you're not a
member of the group, and even if you're not a
licensed ham.  I visit many Field Day operations
every year, and I am constantly amazed at the
variety, diversity, and resourcefulness of Field
Day operations.

Also, please observe these safety precautions from
our ARRL Section Manager Tom Ciciora KA9QPN:

   It looks as if Field Day weekend will be
   extremely hot and humid across the
   Section. Please take all necessary precautions
   for your health and safety during this
   exercise. Please keep an extra eye on our older
   and younger participants. Make sure that
   everyone stays in the shade and keeps well
   hydrated.

   The usual precautions reference portable
   generators and their fuel, batteries and
   charging, and antenna assembly still apply. We
   want everyone to have fun and complete the
   weekend safely.

Maps and additional information on club/group
Field Day operations in Illinois in 2010 are
available at the Illinois and Chicago-Area Field
Day Directory:

  <http://fieldday.n9nl.com/>

For corrections or additions, please send me a
note by e-mail at n9nl /at-sign/ arrl.net.
Thanks.

73 to all for a safe, fun, educational, and
successful Field Day!

--Neil Ormos N9NL
ARES® District Emergency Coordinator
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Cook County/Chicago
Email: n9nl /at-sign/ arrl.net