[SMCARA] Start thinking about field day 2014.

[Rene Ramirez]

Afternoon everyone.

I have accepted the position of 2014 field day co-ordinator.  And as in
previous years, no time like NOW to start planning what we want to do and
where we want to do it at.

And for the first official request:  Gene T, we good for the usual spot
this year at the Fire Station?

I want to bypass most of the other details and bring up something that a
few folks have already brought up as an important concern for 2014.  Night
ops!  This year, we need to set up a night ops watch.  I really need
everyone to think of this and see what your body/schedule can handle.  We
need at least 2...TWO...AWAKE...operators on site starting at 2345 on 4hr
shifts going to at least 0800.  Yeah just like back on the ship again
folks.  The reason behind this is well, safety and security.  there is a
significant financial investment just sitting there on tables with no one
up and looking after them.  it would be a shame to wake up and find out
they went missing or if only one person is up and there was an issue that
required two people (WX stuff, rig issues etc).  Another issue is a control
operator.  Technically (and legally) if there is only a technician on site
then that person can only work tech bands not all over the extra class
spectrum just because it's field day.  So we would like to make sure that
we have a higher license class operator on site (and awake preferably) to
act as control as well as provide guidance to the junior operators that
wish to stay the night.  We will more than likely secure the higher band
stations and just run 40/80m and maybe 20 if we have enough but 40/80 at a
minimum.  If we cannot get commitments on operators (minimum 2 per shift)
to man night ops then I will suggest right now that we will need to secure
the site and lock up the radios, computers etc prior to 2300.  We have been
fortunate all these years that nothing has come up missing or damaged and
we do not need to press our luck.

Food tents modes etc.  Make notes for the next meeting or start sending
emails to me personally or via the group and I will send out a digest
weekly of what we have and want.  But seriously, NIGHT OPS!  we need to get
hard commitments so think about your physical  capabilities/commitments and
look at your schedule!

Ok, nuff for now...And think about being a Night Owl with us!

73,

Ren...W3BNY.