[NLRS] SPAR Announces Winter Field Day 2007

[tom at galesvillefiredepartment.org]

Field Day is one of the activities enjoyed by amateurs every June and 
offers an opportunity for camaraderie and a chance to test our ability 
to set up operations in less than ideal circumstances, however, 
emergencies and natural disasters don't always happen in the summer. To 
test our abilities to operate in the winter, SPAR has established a 
Winter Field Day event and invites all amateurs to participate.

The first Winter Field Day will be held from 12:00 noon on Saturday 
January 13, 2007 to 12:00 noon on Sunday January 14, 2007 local time. 
The object of the event is to set up emergency-style communications and 
make as many contacts as possible during the 24 hour period. The rules 
encourage as many contacts on as many bands and modes as possible, 
because during a real emergency, the most important factor is the 
ability to communicate, regardless of band, mode or distance.

 From the FAQ's:

When can we set up our WFD operation?
You can set up your operation at any time, however, if the station and 
antennas are operational before 8:00 AM on Saturday, the station counts 
as a home station.

What if we want to set up a tent in the backyard?
No problem! The station would count as a home station, but you would get 
the 1000 point bonus for being outdoors. If you use batteries or a 
generator to power the radios, you would also get the 1000 point bonus 
for emergency power. You can run an extension cord from the house to 
power the coffee pot!

I'll operate the station, but my (wife, son, friend, ...) will be there, 
too. What operator category would I use?
No problem. If they don't operate the radios or do logging, you would 
still be a single operator. You might be able to convince them to bring 
food!

What bands can be used for contacts?
Just about any, although contest operations are prohibited on the WARC 
bands. In a real emergency, the ability to communicate on many different 
bands is a definite advantage.

What modes can I use?
Just about any, since in a real emergency having flexibility in 
operating modes is an advantage. For scoring purposes, the modes that 
count are CW, Voice, Digital, SSTV, and satellite.

I want to work both SSB and FM on 2 meters. Can I do that?
Sure! Both SSB and FM would count as Voice, so you'd get only 1 
multiplier, but there's no prohibition from using repeaters, either, so 
have at it - with the repeater owner's permission, of course.

My questions weren't answered here. Where can I get more information?
Please check the SPAR Forum where all planning and discussion of the 
Winter Field Day will take place. Registration is free; just use your 
callsign as your user name. 
The official rules can be found at the SPAR web site. The event is open 
to all amateurs, although we encourage everyone to join in the 
discussions and other activities sponsored by SPAR. Information about 
SPAR can be found on the SPAR Home Page. Membership is free and open to 
all amateurs who want to encourage technical and operating skills. You 
can register by going to the SPAR Forum and registering, using your 
amateur callsign as your user name.

Please join with SPAR in promoting amateur radio and keeping our bands 
alive!


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