[TMRA] NVIS Antenna Day in April: "Sure, But Does That Emergency Antenna Really Work?"

[W8TER]

Seen in the latest ARRL ARES E-Letter (Jan 21, 2015):

http://www.arrl.org/ares-el?issue=2015-01-21#toc09


NVIS Antenna Day in April: "Sure, But Does That Emergency Antenna Really 
Work?"

Ohio ARES is sponsoring the /NVIS Antenna Day/, April 25, 2015. We are 
encouraging groups in every Ohio county to devise several portable NVIS 
antennas that they think will perform, and then test them on the air. 
The program grows out of an annual antenna party in Ashtabula County, 
which is both an operating event and a great time in early spring to 
break out the hamburgers and have some fun. They have found a vast 
difference in actual antenna performance, and have been able to narrow 
down their choices for a real emergency setup.

The /NVIS Antenna Day/ will begin at 10 AM Eastern time. We will operate 
on both 40 and 80 meters, operating at 100 watts as you might during a 
real emergency. While a typical session might go through the afternoon, 
there is no official closing time. It is not necessary to set up a 
completely portable or remote station, although the location should have 
enough room for several antennas and be in a fairly quiet RF 
environment. This is not a contest for QSO rates and points; rather it's 
aimed specifically at determining the best of several NVIS antennas 
through signal reports, and through coverage. A group could make several 
contacts with the same station as they try different antennas. Stations 
at key locations such as the Ohio state EOC will be on the air.

Groups should compile a list of their top three antennas with 
descriptions and photos. Ohio ARES will see if any particular antenna 
design bubbles up as the top performer across the entire state.

Antenna experimentation is an integral part of the hobby and the outcome 
will benefit each ARES group or club by helping to create an arsenal 
that can be deployed during a real emergency. It could be a great time 
to test potential Field Day antennas, too. This is open to all hams as 
we hope they will become interested in joining their local ARES 
organization. - /Stan Broadway, N8BHL, Section Emergency Coordinator, Ohio/

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