[Wswss] [PNWVHFS] Re: KX9X Comments On "VHF and Field Day 2011"

Tue Feb 1 19:44:31 EST 2011

Sean has it correct when it comes to beacons on 6. The band is full from
50.000 to 50.080. US beacons are only allowed the 50.060 - 50.080 segment.

Barry KS7DX

From: pnwvhfs at googlegroups.com [mailto:pnwvhfs at googlegroups.com] On Behalf
Of n6ze at aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2011 4:14 PM
To: kx9x at arrl.org; vhf at w6yx.stanford.edu; wb8imy at arrl.org;
PNWVHFS at googlegroups.com; wswss at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [PNWVHFS] Re: KX9X Comments On "VHF and Field Day 2011"

Groundhog Day, 2011

Kudos to Sean, KX9X, and Steve, WB8IMY, on the newly revised "VHF & Field
Day 2011" narrative. This will do a lot to alleviate the historic Field Day
vs VHF problems.

BUT virtually all 6 meter beacons are between 50.060 - 50.080 MHz. 

In regards to the 2 meter Calling Frequency: The frequency of 146.52 MHz FM
Simplex should be specifically stated in the Field Day Rule narrative. I
have observed that many licensed hams do not know what that frequency is. 

Quote from Field Day 2011 Rules: "Important 6 Meter SSB/CW tips: 1) 6 meter
SSB activity is from 50.125 to 50.200 MHz, and can go up to 50.300 MHz if
the band is open and packed with signals. 

2) 6 meter CW activity will range from 50.080 to 50.100 MHz. from 50.000 to
50.080 MHz, you can listen for CW beacons to help see if the band is open. 

3) 50.100 to 50.125 MHz is the 6 Meter DX window, which is reserved for
stations attempting intercontinental QSOs. Please do not make Field Day QSOs
in the DX Window. There are many non-Field Day operators that focus on 6
meter DX'ing and request the DX window be kept clear."

bt73

Pete Heins, N6ZE/K1FJM

-----Original Message-----
From: Kutzko, Sean, KX9X <kx9x at arrl.org>
To: vhf at w6yx.stanford.edu
Sent: Tue, Feb 1, 2011 4:01 pm
Subject: [VHF] VHF and Field Day 2011

Hi folks-

Immediately following Field Day 2010, there was a lot of activity on
this reflector about the inexperienced operators on 6 and 2 meters. At
that time, I wrote that I would address some of these issues for Field
Day 2011.

Specifically, I wrote:

-----Original Message-----
From: Kutzko, Sean, KX9X [mailto:kx9x at arrl.org <mailto:kx9x at arrl.org?> ] 
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2010 5:40 PM
To: MT; vhf at w6yx.stanford.edu
Subject: RE: [VHF] Field day on VHF

Hi Folks-

This topic greatly interests me. I, too, was a Field Day participant (no
6m prop to my location, though) and read numerous reports of clearly
inexperienced ops on 6 Meters.

Many of the comments I saw flamed the operators for their misdeeds. Yes,
having somebody call "CQ FIELD DAY" on 50.110 as you're trying to work a
DX station is annoying. Yet, I'd be willing to bet they sure would've
liked somebody to answer their CQ.

Okay, so what can we, the VHF community, do about it? Screaming at
somebody that doesn't know any better won't solve anything and will
likely drive potential new VHF'ers away.  I recall a saying from the
1960's that said, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of
the problem." So, as representatives of the VHF community, let's take
some collective steps on a constructive solution. We all want more
activity on the VHF/UHF bands...let's take this opportunity to do what
Field Day in general can do: educate the inexperienced on how to
operate.

1) I'll draft up a "how to operate the VHF bands in Field Day" document
and make sure it's included in the 2011 Field Day packet and highly
visible elsewhere in the promotion before Field Day 2011.

2) I'll provide heavier promotion of the free VHF station that's
available for eligible Field Day entry categories.

3) What can YOU do? Can you give a talk during your club's Field Day
planning committee on how to operate VHF correctly? Can you take the
time to be a VHF coach during your club's Field Day? Can you provide a
training course to club members a week or so before your club's Field
Day on where to call CQ and point the antenna?

It's far easier to sit on your duff and complain about something than it
is to get involved and address the problem. I've outlined what I'm
willing to do from here... what about you?"

*************************************

Here's a status update for 2011:

1) The 2011 Field Day info has just been posted to the web at
http://www.arrl.org/field-day. There is a document for 2011 that is a
VHF Operator FAQ. This document, written by ARRL staffer Steve Ford,
WB8IMY, existed as part of the Field Day packet before this year, and
does a very good job of covering FM and Satellite operations. For 2011,
I expanded this document to include much more coverage on operating 6
and 2-meter SSB/CW during Field Day. I specifically mention to avoid the
6 Meter DX window. I also mention that all Field Day VHF stations should
know the grid square they are operating from, in case somebody asks for
a grid.

2) In 2010, the free VHF station was only available to Class A and F
stations with 2 or more transmitters. For 2011, the free VHF station has
now been made available to ALL Class A and Class F entries, regardless
of number of transmitters. I feel this is a very good move for Field Day
and VHF in general and will continue to promote the responsible,
productive use of VHF/UHF weak-signal activity during Field Day.

I feel I have lived up to my end of the bargain by getting these items
addressed for Field Day 2011. Now it's your turn. What are you willing
to do to help promote VHF weak-signal operating in your area for your
local club? Can you be a VHF operator at a Field Day effort and provide
proper training? Can you give a talk or lecture at your local club
meeting before Field Day occurs to teach good VHF operating skills?

Here's the ball... run with it.

73, 

Sean Kutzko, KX9X
Contest Branch Manager

ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio(tm)
225 Main St.
Newington, CT  06111
860-594-0232
skutzko at arrl.org

-- 
~The Voice of the Pacific NorthWest VHF Society~
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