[NLRS] VHF @ Field Day this June - possibilities?

[Richard Clem]

I'll be operating class 2E or 2B from close to home, battery QRP.  Since my
wife is a ham, I'm going to make sure that at some point, we're on at least
two bands simultaneously, to put us in the rare (for this year) 2 transmitter
class.  If I'm in my own backyard, it looks like it will be class 2E.  If I
can think of a good location close to home, then it will be 2B.  I'll probably
be on 40, 20, 10, 6, and 2.  I'll try to monitor 2 meter FM constantly.

I've been somewhat disappointed by the number of hams who have decided that
the only way to participate is from their home station, on commercial power,
as class 1D.  There's a lot of complaining that this year, 1D stations should
be able to work other 1D stations.  I think that misses the point.  At least
in part, Field Day is supposed to be an emergency preparedness exercise.  This
year, there's an actual emergency going on, and we ought to be able to rise to
the occasion, rather than bemoan the fact that we can't do it like we always
did.

I've been doing my best to spread the word that the minimum equipment
necessary for Field Day is a $30 Baofeng.  If someone takes their Baofeng to a
high location and calls CQ Field Day, they ought to be able to make a few
contacts.  If they have a VHF mobile rig, that's even better.  If they have an
HF rig that runs off 12 volts, that's better still.  Chances are, they have a
perfectly good 12 volt battery in the garage that can be taken inside without
much trouble.  IMHO, if someone makes one QSO on their Baofeng, that's a lot
more impressive than filling up a log book from the home station.

What might be useful is promoting activity times when some of the big gun
stations will be on 2 meter FM.  (I forget right now if 146.52 is allowed for
FD, but that would be my first choice if it's allowed.)  That way, even with
just a handheld, it might provide an opportunity for a lot of first-time
contesters.

73,
Rick W0IS