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

[Jim Froemke]

Rick, that's a good idea. So, we'll also run batteries (borrowed from my
rover) to power an existing fixed station at EN26. 
- W0ALX, Class 1E- MN - Runestone ARC, Alexandria, MN.
- We're have HF (wire antennas on 40 & 20 meters) and VHF (yagis on 6 & 2
meters). 
- CW, SSB, FT-8/4 & MSK144 modes are available, depending on individual
operator preferences. 

Our "social distancing" solution is to have participating operators (other
than the control operator) run the station remotely from their home PCs. The
only FD setup is a software download & install.

Hopefully, there will be more clubs announcing their intention to operate
during these real emergency conditions and include the "free" VHF station.
I like your suggestion of activity times. What did you have in mind?

73, Jim
K0MHC

-----Original Message-----
From: nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net <nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf
Of Richard Clem
Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2020 11:33 AM
To: nlrs at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [NLRS] VHF @ Field Day this June - possibilities?

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

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