What the VE forgot to tell you, and the FCC didn’t print on your ham license…
Almost every ham radio related event will require you to get up before the chickens do. Yep, the early bird gets the worm!
Question: When is the best time for bargains at Ham Swap-Fests?
Answer: During the first hour of the event, which will mean getting up, driving across the town or even part of the state, to get there first in line when the doors open at 8am.
Question: When do you need to be ready to drive your SAG van for the big bike tours?
Answer: 5am for the Houston BPMS150, 6AM for the San Antonio BikeMS
I’m being sort of sarcastic here, but the point is that 99% of the ham radio events, other than Field Day (which involves staying up way after the chickens go to sleep, and stay awake until way after the chickens have rested comfortably all night), require you to get up before dawn if you want to participate. FD starts around Noon or 1pm, and runs 24 hours straight, non-stop, but the operators can change out and take breaks. You aren’t chained to your chair / stool for 24 hours without a potty break. 🙂
Don’t let that stop you from volunteering, however, the free t-shirt is usually worth it, but the thank-you from the participants and knowing you helped make the event a safer event by being there, is priceless!
Thanks for Volunteering! PS: I’m currently looking for a few more hams to help with next month’s Tour de Cure bike event. Contact me for details at 210-771-7075 or via email.
