[K3PZN-List] WX3B wants 40m SSB, and one CW band (Field Day Commentary)

[James Nitzberg via K3PZN-List]

Dear CCARC field day enthusiasts,

First...I have a confession to make:  there is a very good possibility that Rob K1RH and his family are going to participate as helpers and operators this year rather than the herculean effort they have always made for the last (7+) years of hauling their motor home around, putting up all those towers, and supplying electricity for a good portion of field day enthusiasts while hosting up to 3 operations...on their own!!    

This means that the traditional 20m SSB (and15m SSB) band slots will remain open for someone else to lead.

The second rumor...and it is a credible one, is that N3SB and I are teaming up to do (2) band modes this year, one SSB and one CW.  I would like 40m SSB myself, and I am guessing N3SB will pick a CW band/mode to round our effort out.  

Regarding the interference between stations, the reason it is so hard to solve is due to our relaxed and non-centralized approach, which everyone enjoys!

PVRC/CCARC field day eliminates most interference by mandating the type of Tranceiver that is acceptable, the type of antenna, the spacing of the antenna and the ORIENTATION of the antenna.  Much of the radio equipment and antennas CCARC enjoys are on the forbidden list BECAUSE of the interference potential....and it would ruin people's fun to tell them "leave your radio (or antenna) at home".

If there are multiple band captains for different modes, it is helpful for those that like "running stations" to set up as far away as possible from other stations on the same band, and if possible, orient their antenna side ways to maximize side lobe attenuation.  Finally, working out an operational plan on the fly (you do the odd hours/I'll do even hours) is a good way to work out an unsolvable interference problem.

So...sign me up for 40m SSB this year and one yet to be determined CW band.  I can promise that both of our stations will be bi-lingual in SSB and CW if the need arises.

73!

Jim   WX3B