[TMRA] Field Day Checklist

[Steve Bellner]

This list is intended to help you be prepared not only for field day, 
but for any operating event that is not at your station.

Safety is the most important item that you can bring.

Hope to see you at Field day!

73,

Steve / W8TER


TMRA Field Day Operating Station Checklist

*/Radio Equipment/*
• + Transceiver - Set to a maximum of 150 W
• + Microphone and/or Key
• * Spare fuses for transceiver
• + Headphones and/or external speaker if desired (recommended for CW)
• 2-way splitter for speaker/headphones
• Memory Keyer if desired
• Foot switch if desired (recommended for allstations)
• Tuner/Transmatch
• SWR/Watt meter(s)


*/Antenna/*
• + Bring own or request TMRA Club antenna - coordinate with chairperson
• Antenna switch (if using more than one antenna)
• Dummy load


*/Feed-line/*
• + RG8 or better coax cable for HF - 50' minimum
• + "9913" or equivalent coax cable for VHF/UHF - 50' minimum
• * Coax jumper cables for connecting meters, tuners or other devices 
in-line with the antenna
• * Barrel connectors and adapters (club HF equipment uses PL-259 
connectors - you can never have too many)


*/Power/*
• * Heavy-duty extension cords (prefer 100')
• * TWO plug strips (prefer with surge protection)
• + Power supply - 120VAC input, appropriate voltage output for above 
transceiver (Be sure all equipment connected to the power supply has 
proper mating connectors.)
• * Spare fuses for power supply


*/Operating position and supplies/*
• + Shelter - truck, bus, van, trailer, etc.
• + Table
• + 2 chairs (minimum)
• + Pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, markers, highlighters
• * Lamp with extra bulbs
• * Clock - battery operated (set to UTC)
• * Operating manual (FD rules, logging program instructions, station 
exchange, band plan, section map and  abbreviations, etc.)
• Erasers
• Scratch paper
• Clip board
• Calculator
• Fan and/or heater (this is Ohio weather!)
• Trash bags
• Plastic bags to cover outside power and antenna connections
• Tarpaulin or other plastic sheets, poles to make shelter/awning


*/Computer/*
• + DOS Compatible (386 or better) laptop recommended. WIN9x OK for SSB 
Stations
• UPS backup battery recommended for desktop systems (or laptops with 
dead batteries)
• + Power cords
• External keyboard for laptops (if desired)
• Cables for use with keyer/radio (if desired)


*/Field Day site communications/*
• * VHF HT with extra batteries/charger
• Speaker/microphone (if desired)
Tool Box
• * Flashlight, extra batteries
• * Tape - electrical, duct, etc.
• * Multi-meter
• * Safety glasses or prescription with plastic lenses
• * Hard hat (stray flying tools can be dangerous)
• Cable ties (do not cut excess to avoid being jabbed)
• Wrenches/socket set
• Pliers, side cutters, wire stripping tool, etc.
• Terminals, crimping tool
• Soldering iron/gun, solder
• Scissors, knife, utility knife
• WD-40 or similar oil
• Sledge hammer, regular hammer, hatchet, etc.
• Pry bar, chisel
• Nylon straps (ratchet style)
• First-aid kit
• Pulleys
• Matches, lighter, propane torch


*/Personal and creature comfort items/*
• * Work gloves (especially for set-up and tear-down)
• Rain gear - umbrella, poncho, boots, etc.
• Sun screen, visor, hat
• Insect repellent
• Citronella lamps, torches, candles
• Changes(s) of clothes
• Heavy-duty hand cleaner
• Toilet paper, paper towels
• Cloth towel, washcloth, soap
• Toiletries
• Cooler (stocked, of course)
• Seat cushion


*/Don't worry if you don't have every item on the list./*
Station captains are arranging for the radio and
antenna equipment. Bring whatever you have
available. Most importantly, be sure to mark each
item clearly with your name and/or call!
+ marked items are on the checklist and their
source should be well established.
* marked items are ones you need to bring if you
are providing the related equipment.

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