[SMCARA] Field Day Aftermath

[Jason Rearick]

I agree with AJ. FD is many things rolled into one weekend.  It is what you 
or your group what it to be.  From a social event that makes a small amount 
of contacts and has a great dinner, practice of ecomm, a relaxed contest, a 
public demonstration, a recruiting tool, to just a great time for some like 
minded amateur radio operators to get together and do what they enjoy.

That said, I had a great time this weekend and it was really good to see and 
talk to everyone.


Jason N3YUG













-----Original Message----- 
From: farmer.aj at gmail.com
Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2015 9:19 PM
To: kc3dig at gmail.com
Cc: smcara at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [SMCARA] Field Day Aftermath

Field day means different things to different people.  Standing back and 
watching the activity, both from being there and seeing the pictures, I 
would say it was a success for the simple fact that it brings everyone 
together to share thoughts, ideas, and experiences.  To me the contest is 
secondary and the excuse for doing what we do.  Not everyone feels that way, 
but that's how it is for me.

One thing I would like to say is typical ham emcomm call up is after the 
disaster.   It's not typical to set up in the eye of the storm or ahead of 
the tornado. While the severe storm set a backdrop for the event this year, 
in my experience, that's really not the way it goes in real life. We have 
our role when the storm is over. Part of my emcomm training back in the day 
was to take care of your life, family, and property first. If and when those 
are safe and well, then you go help those in need. In real life, we will 
assist those near us that have had the bad day. Those that are safe and well 
will assist us when we have had the bad day.

I'm not sure if this directly answers your post, but it's just my take away 
from field day.  I had a great time.

A.J. Farmer
AJ3U




> On Jun 28, 2015, at 1:23 PM, Chris Ordiway <kc3dig at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> All,
>
> With Field Day fresh in our minds I'm wondering about something... Ham 
> radio Facebook pages are abuzz with complaints about FD being nothing more 
> than an annoying contest clogging up the airwaves. I've seen several 
> comments that it is supposed to be a way to practice emergency 
> communications (etc., etc.) and that the ARRL has ruined it by making it 
> contest-like. Soooo.... If I'm not telling the other guy "3A MDC" what am 
> I supposed to say on FD? The points system is clearly just a way to 
> encourage participation. If the argument is that we shouldn't have the 
> points system then how is it any different than any other day of playing 
> radio? And why would I set up in the pouring rain, blistering heat or 
> nearby tornado when I can be safe and dry at home to test my gear? The 
> points and awards don't actually mean anything in the grand scheme but 
> they are motivation to give it a go. Do these guys actually work FD style 
> at other times, with all of the effort it takes, because they *re
ally* think emcomm is important? I know what I think about that...
>
> So what do you think? Is FD too contest-y? How would you do it different 
> so we can collectively practice emcomm? I'm curious to hear other points 
> of view because so far those comments I'm seeing just don't make much 
> sense to me.
>
> Chris Ordiway - KC3DIG
>
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