[OFARC] Fwd: Field Day 2022

[ralph phillips]

I have been checking out the various Field Day locations suggested and put together a table to highlight the conditions at each.  See the attached file named “FIELD DAY 2022”.

Several people have heartily endorsed the idea of having a weekend event at Brazos Bend State Park, so I have dug into it.
So far, 6 club members have confirmed they will overnight at the park if we hold Field Day there.

There are some possible issues with doing Field Day at the observatory, but it looks like we can do a GOTA station at the observatory and then have our main set up in the camping area.  Map of the Park is attached.
Park entrance fee is $7 per person
There is a group shelter available for $150 per day but you Must leave by 10pm.
Smaller screened shelters are $25 a night and will allow 8 people per shelter
Regular camp sites with power and water are $25 per night and allow 8 people per site.
I have some questions to resolve … listed below.

I will give an update when I have more to share.

I welcome any comments, suggestions, questions and HELP!
Send notes to the reflector or direct to me at KE5HDF at ARRL.NET<mailto:KE5HDF at ARRL.NET>

73
Ralph
KE5HDF

QUESTIONS FOR BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK AND THE OBSERVATORY
OBSERVATORY
Current observatory rules require a staff member present when anyone is on the deck or at the telescopes.
Groups wanting to use the deck must pay a fee to cover the staff member and building usage.
Can we get a waiver???
We may be able to set up in the picnic area next to the observatory BUT that is about 15 ft below the deck elevation.  Observatory domes and concrete/rebar base may interfere with radio signals

CAMPING AREAS
Need to evaluate how far the group shelter or camp sites are from the observatory if we want to have a GOTA station at the observatory
Are the camp sites with power and water under trees or in open areas or some of both?
Can we get someone out Friday Afternoon to grab suitable camp sites (park may fill up and sites are first come basis)
Assume 3 camp sites: 2 sites to allow for 16 people overnight plus 1 for the station
Reserve camp sites for 2 nights so we can pick out sites Friday afternoon and beat the crowds

Field trip planned before April 20 to resolve all questions

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