[PVRCNC] FIELD DAY!!!

[James Jordan]

All right guys, it's been many years since we had a FD extravaganza at Grey
Goose Farm. For those of you who remember, we had SK's Jack, W0UCE, as Chef
Archie and Will, AA4NC, to show us what BIC means.

We'll miss those two, but Kevin, KW4EE, and Hank, K3YDX are joining me to
be the core of a team that we hope will expand to big fun and a big Q
total. Location will be at my son Jon's mini farm at 1153 Dutchville Drive,
Creedmoor. Map it and do a satellite view for you newcomers to see we have
lots of space and trees together with an air-conditioned workshop as the
operating position(s). Basic toilet facilities also in the barn.

Putting up antennas on a hot Friday afternoon is not my idea of fun and
judging from the past turnout, it's worse than that for the few who do
volunteer. So this year EVERYTHING only starts Saturday morning., the
earlier the better. Coffee and Bojangle's biscuits!  At contest start time,
WYSIWYG.

For antennas, I think I have a plan for a rotatable SteppIR at 40'  for 6,
10, 15 and 20. No heavy lifting. I've also got an old, venerable G5RV, but
maybe someone can bring or we can put together some dipoles for 40 and 80.
I also have the big-ass mobile screwdriver we use for NCQP that can be put
in the field with the Gator to give another all band option without any
work. I've got enough coax and control lines around for everything.
We've got a good generator and a backup so no requirements there.

We're not going to be in a public place, nor do we do all the ARRL things
that give you bonus points, and besides, FD isn't a contest. So I'm
thinking we maybe just make it fun and run the allowed 500 watts which
along with the SteppIR should give us one killer run station, expecially on
SSB, where a big signal holds your frequency and everyone comes to you.
I've still got a KPA500 ideal for that along with the K3S. Comments welcome
on this question.

If we have enough people and want to move up a notch, we could go 2A. Don't
know if 500W with one radio would create too much QRM to make it
worthwhile, so we might just stay 1A. More than one radio also fishes out
the pond pretty early making the last hours totally boring. So maybe we
stay 1A.  Just run short op shifts and use our free time socializing,
drinking beer and grilling? Jon also has a nice big gazebo and an outdoor
kitchen, with a big gas grill we can use.if we have a party size turnout.

So, guys, it's up to you. Y'all can leave it to us "Three Musketeers" to
show the PVRCNC flag or far better, all you members we never see except
some who show up at Zoom meetings can join us for a fun time at Grey Goose
Farm. Please let me know as soon as possible so we can plan the logistics.

73,
Jim, K4QPL