[K3CAL] CARA Field Day Plans

[Shawn Donley]

All,

Here's a summary of our 2021 Field Day plans as of June 16. 

WHEN:     June 26-27   Start setup at 9:30am.  On the air at 2pm.   FD ends at 2pm Sunday but we usually quit earlier.   Must leave the site by 3pm Sunday.

WHERE:  King's Landing Park, Covered Picnic Pavilion #2;  Marked as the green picnic table #2 near the equestrian center in the map link below . Restrooms near the riding rink shown on the map.  No electric available at the pavilion but there is water and a charcoal grill.  Side note:  There is electric at the equestrian judging stand near the riding rink.  Might be handy to fill an air compressor for an antenna launcher.

https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6925/KingsLandingPark?bidId=    

38°37'28.1"N 76°40'18.0"W  ( 38.624473, -76.671677)

2021 FD RULES:  http://www.arrl.org/field-day-rules

STATIONS:   At this time we're planning on three HF/6m stations operating from generator power, so our exchange will be 3A MDC

TALK-IN:  146.985 (-) 156.7

OVERNIGHT:   We have permission to stay and operate overnight.  The park normally closes at 8PM and opens at 9am. We will be given the code for the camper's gate lock (gold with blue tape) but should endeavor to limit the number of nighttime entries and exits.  The gate MUST BE LOCKED after passing through even if the intention is just to drop off something and quickly leave again.

CONTACT LOGGING:  In order to avoid duplicate contacts and help with log submissions, each station should have a logging computer running N3FJP's Field Day software.  The latest version is V6.6 and needs a Windows 7 and up computer.  The new software will not work with XP.  The computers will be linked by either WiFi or Ethernet to a server laptop.  We are short a laptop or two so please help if you can.  The software can be downloaded from https://www.n3fjp.com/fieldday.html  CARA has a password to use the software (if we can find it).

FOOD:  Still in planning stage but Saturday lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast. 

PARTICIPANTS: As of June 16, the following operators are planning to participate part or all of the time.  If I've missed you, please let me know.   The list I have is based on our FD net yesterday and lunch meeting today.     * indicates will stay overnight.   ** indicates might stay overnight

N3AE **
KB3RAN *
KC3RKP *
W3PQS
KC3QQD
N3PPH
WW3N
KH6CUJ

ANTENNAS:   The number of stations we run will be constrained by the number of antennas we can erect in a fashion that avoids excessive coupling between them.  We visited the site today and believe we can get antennas up to cover 80m thru 6m.  Likely candidates are a 40M dipole (which should work on 15m as well) and a Carolina Windom.  Possibly an end fed long wire or a vertical.

CAUTION:   One disadvantage to this site is a power distribution line (probably 7.2KV) that runs just south of the pavilion.  No antennas can be placed that could contact this line under any circumstances, including antenna support failures or storms.

CAUTION #2: The road to King's Landing goes right by the Huntingtown Elementary School.  There's a speed camera just waiting to get you so keep it down. The school zone is in force all the time.   IMHO the school zone and zone speed are poorly marked...no flashing yellow lights, no speed sign.  Beware.

WHAT WE HAVE & WHAT WE NEED  (subject to change after a run to our storage area at Mt Hope):

We have ( and source ):
Honda 2000w quiet generator (rental is reserved at Jim's Air Tools)
Kenwood TS-440 HF Transceiver with antenna tuner  (CARA)
Elecraft K3 Transceiver (CARA)
Two Astron Power Supplies (CARA)
2m Transceiver (CARA)
Coax - Several runs of RG-8X about 75ft long (CARA)
Ropes (CARA)
Plastic dinner plates and silverware (CARA)
40m dipole (CARA)
Carolina Windom (CARA)
RadioWorks Super Loop 80 antenna (CARA)  May be too big for this site

What we need ( no doubt incomplete ):

Additional HF antennas such as an end fed with 9:1 UNUN, a multiband vertical (ground independent preferred)
A 2m antenna for the Talk-In station
SWR bridge and/or antenna analyzer
Weather alert radio (remembering the nearby tornado a few years back)
Antenna masts to support wire antennas (will try to use trees but may come up short)
Yellow caution tape to mark trip hazards
A couple of Windows laptops with the latest N3FJP logging s/w installed
Extension cords (prefer heavy duty,  #12 wire)
Power strips
Tennis ball launcher with air compressor or slingshot with fishing reel
Generator fuel
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Lighting for each station area (prefer LED to reduce load on generator)
Barrel connectors for PL-259's
Electrical tape
Ice chest and ice
Typical electronic tools (DVM, cutters, screwdrivers, etc)
Comfortable chairs for those not liking picnic table benches


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Below is a Field Day Equipment Reminder List.  Feel free to bring extra.  Better to have extra with someone than none at all from everyone.

POWER/ELECTRICITY SOURCES

Includes:  Generators, Generator fuel, Oil for generators, Deep Cycle 12v Batteries, Extension Cords, Power Strips, Spare Fuses, Surge Protectors


RADIOS

Includes:  HF RIG/Power Supply/MIC/Spare Fuses, VHF RIG/Power Supply/MIC/Spare Fuses, Antenna Tuners, Coax patch cords, Key/Electronic Keyer for CW, Headphones, Scratch paper, pens/pencils

LIGHTING

Includes:  115v LED Lights, LED Desk lamps, Flashlights

COMPUTERS:

Includes:  Windows aptops with latest N3FJP logging software installed with their power bricks

ANTENNAS

Includes:  Antennas (Dipoles and Verticals [ground independent preferred]), Antenna Supports/Poles/Towers, Antenna Insulators, Antenna Analyzers, Antenna Tuners, Slingshot and Fishing Reel, Feedline (50 or 75 ohm coax w/connectors both ends) and (450 ohm ladder line), Ropes and Pulleys, Tennis Ball Launchers, Air Compressor, Tools, etc.

MONITORING AND METERING EQUIPMENT

Includes:  SWR Meters, Volt Ohmmeter, Battery Operated Clocks, Tool Kits, VOM, Analyzer, etc.

CABLES AND WIRES

Includes:  50’ RG-8 or RG-8X, Short Coax Jumpers with PL259’s,  Adapters – Coax and Audio, Electrical/Duct Tape

PERSONAL ITEMS

Includes:  Hat, sun block, bug spray, medicines, cell phone+charger, stadium seat with backrest or chair if you dislike picnic benches

MISCELLANEOUS

Includes:  Paper towels, plates, cups, utensils, napkins, trash bags, broom for cleanup







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