[SMCARA] *** SMCARA FIELD DAY *** site information, directions, schedule, food, etc.

[pete.butt at mdtechnology.net]

Folks,

 

  I hope you have time this Saturday to join us at the annual St. Mary's
County Amateur Radio Association ARRL Field Day operating event which will
be held this year in the Event Barn at Historic Sotterley in Hollywood,
Maryland on Saturday, 25 June 2022.  N3AK and WA3UMY will be arriving at 10
AM to begin initial setup and antenna installation and radio setup will
commence at 11 AM and continue for several hours until we are ready to begin
operating at 2 PM.  Feel free to come at any time to either assist with the
setup or give directions or generally have fun.

 

Historic Sotterley is located at 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, Maryland.
Driving north or south on Maryland Route 235 (Three Notch Road), proceed to
the traffic light at Maryland Route 245-N/Sotterley Road (just south of the
Hollywood Volunteer Fire Station).  Turn east at the Shell station on
Sotterley Road for 3.4 miles and then turn right on Sotterley Lane at the
sign.  Proceed into the museum area, following the signs to the main parking
lot in front of the Gift Shop/Admissions Center.  You DO NOT have to stop at
the gift shop or pay admission to visit the Field Day site.  From the
parking lot, walk straight ahead into the historic center to the large barn
building (about 500 feet or so).  If you are handicapped, please call us on
146.520 simplex or 146.640 (-) repeater and we will give you alternate
driving directions to park closer to the barn.

 

  The barn is a unique structure. having been part of the original
plantation for a long, long time.  It has been cleaned up inside with
concrete floors, walls, doors, etc. to make it into the main event center
for the museum.  It will keep us dry in case of inclement weather and comes
fully equipped with tables, chairs, a kitchen, nice bathrooms, etc.

 

  What will you see?  We hope to have several HF radios available and, if
lucky, a GOTA (Get on the Air) station for newcomers to try out.  We will
have the club trailer co-located so you can see all the new VHF radios we
have and what we hope will be used regularly for POTA (Parks on the Air)
events later and to support local community events.

 

  We will be using/displaying modern technology radios that are
software-defined and we will have a few older units that still work fine.
come listen to both and see how each performs with old and new technology.
We are emphasizing the use of emergency power, using high performance
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4) battery technology and an array of solar
cell chargers, etc.  Come see varied options for each of these technologies.
Of course, we will be contacting stations all over the United States using
both voice and digital modes.

 

  Lastly, several of our members will be bringing various interesting items
to show off including digital (DMR) radios, small kits, microcomputers, etc.

 

  We haven't forgot that food keeps everyone happy so we will have lots
available at no charge.

 

  We will be serving LUNCH this year at 1 PM and DINNER at 6 PM.

 

  Here is the planned menu for each:

 

  LUNCH (1 PM)

 

*	Sub Sandwiches
*	Potato salad
*	Cole Slaw

 

DINNER (6 PM)

 

*	Garden Salad
*	Shrimp
*	Pull Beef Sandwiches
*	Hot Dogs
*	Hamburgers
*	Watermelon slices

 

SNACKS (All Day and Evening)

 

*	Cookies
*	Fruit (Apples/Oranges)
*	Deli Tray
*	Potato Chips
*	Chocolate pudding cups
*	Apple Sauce
*	Ice Cream Cones
*	Pretzels

 

Drinks (All Day and Evening)

 

*	Water
*	Powerade (no sugar) - various flavors
*	Coffee

 

Other items. we would be delighted if others might wish to bring something
to share, especially desserts, etc.)  If someone would like to bring some
fried chicken, that would be super.

 

  There you have it.we hope to see everyone on Saturday to spend some
quality friend time swapping stories and showing off equipment.

 

  If you have any concerns about COVID, please wear a mask.  We will all be
happy to wear one as necessary to make you feel comfortable and safe.  I
hope to bring some extras in case you need one.

 

  Feel free to invite your neighbors and friends to see modern day ham radio
in action and get on the air yourself if you wish.  We have wooden chairs
available but feel free to bring your own comfortable chairs if you wish or
anything else needed to enjoy the day.  If you have never visited Sotterley,
go to the gift shop/Admissions and they will be happy to tell you what
exhibits you can visit on-site for a very small fee including the historic
manor home or you can go walk on the trails down to the Patuxent River.  See
www.sotterley.org <http://www.sotterley.org>  for additional information
about the site which is open to the general public on Saturday from 10 AM to
4 PM.  Of course, folks specifically attending the field day activities can
arrive and leave at any time throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.

 

  Kind regards,

 

  Pete Butt - WA3UMY

  301-904-8401 (cell)