{"id":6512,"date":"2013-05-10T08:47:35","date_gmt":"2013-05-10T14:47:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/?p=6512"},"modified":"2013-05-27T09:08:58","modified_gmt":"2013-05-27T15:08:58","slug":"amateur-radio-field-day-get-out-and-operate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/?p=6512","title":{"rendered":"AMATEUR RADIO FIELD DAY – GET OUT AND OPERATE JUNE 22 – 23, 2013"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Field Day Is Just Around The Corner \u2013 Plan Now !<\/a>\u00a0by W2IK<\/h3>\n
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Field Day is coming, so here are a few thoughts as you plan your group\u2019s operation (or if you just wish to do a Field Day operation on your own in your back yard or at a park.)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

A FEW TIPS FOR ANY FIELD DAY OPERATION\u00a0 \u2013 I\u2019ve posted\u00a0some of this\u00a0before but I think they should be repeated. (I\u2019ve updated them a bit for 2013<\/span>)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

1. When setting up antennas within close proximity to each other:<\/strong> If you are using wire antennas such as dipoles, and they run parallel to each other there will be interference on your HF operating bands in the form of hash\u00a0so arrange them at right angles to each other and at slightly different heights. If you use wire antennas such as dipoles, try to stay away from trap dipoles and use full length antennas instead.\u00a0 You may also wish to run your dipoles in different configurations such as have one as an \u201cinverted V\u201d and another as a sloper, etc. An antenna cut to the exact band you are using will decrease interference to and from other bands. Do not use compromise, trap\u00a0or \u201call band\u201d antennas. (The only efficient \u201call band antennas\u201d\u00a0are a log periodic\u00a0and a \u201cfan dipole\u201d NOT a \u201cfolded dipole\u201d or others that claim they use \u201cbalancing resistors\u201d as\u00a0this only wastes rf energy in the form of heat- some, depending on frequency will squander as much as 75% of your power.)\u00a0With others you may make a few contacts, but they are junk and will cause harmonic radiation.<\/strong> Dedicated operating needs the right antenna. Wasted energy on trap antennas<\/strong> (some of your RF energy is used up in the form of heat) and that\u00a0equals an inefficient radiator, especially as you go lower in frequency.\u00a0On HF,\u00a0if you can, do not use\u00a0vertical antennas as they receive too much man-made noise from sources such as generators, etc. If you can only have one vertical mast instead of three to make a dipole, make your antenna\u00a0a sloper instead. I use slopers when I do county activations as they are easy to erect and cost very little.<\/p>\n

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2. When NOT to use a tuner!\u00a0 <\/strong>Tuners are great and some people use them all the time. (This includes any rig\u2019s \u201cbuilt in tuner\u201d or any \u201cout board tuner\u201d) HOWEVER, you need to concern yourself with something called \u201cinsertion loss\u201d. Every time you use a tuner, there is a power loss due to heat of matching an antenna system to a rig. READ THIS: If the antenna system is measured at an SWR\u00a0(standing wave ratio) of 1:1.5 or less before using a tuner\u00a0you do not need to use a tuner to do a perfect match as the insertion loss of using the tuner will be off set by any matching it does. Power (erp) will be lost in the form of heat within the tuner. <\/strong>If you don\u2019t believe me, do a test, using a field strength meter at a distance of several wavelengths away from the antenna and you will see that what I\u2019m saying is correct. Tuners do not work miracles, so don\u2019t expect them to. \u00a0Using a tuner for NVIS is another story as it is an emergency \u201ccompromise antenna\u201d. Using a tuner to compensate for an antenna that is way \u201cout of whack\u201d should tell you to use a better antenna (or FIX it), matched by it\u2019s length, for whatever band you wish to operate. If you use a tuner to match, say a 20 meter signal to work with a 15 meter antenna, it will also create harmonic distortion on the other bands!<\/p>\n

\"ICE_Bandpass_402x\"3. When operating within a tight area<\/strong>, as required by FD rules, it also pays to use \u201cband pass filters\u201d such as those manufactured by ICE<\/a>. I have a full set of these HF filters and they work great. They are only about $ 38 per band and drastically reduce interference from your other operating posts. Make sure they are grounded as seen by the grounding lug on the photo.\u00a0If your pocketbook can\u2019t afford them, use coax \u201cstub\u201d filters. The lengths of these and how to build them can be found at: http:\/\/www.k1ttt.net\/technote\/k2trstub.html<\/a> They are simple to make and easy to use. Both systems have been used by the major DXpeditions all over the world with great success. On HF frequencies make sure each operating station is properly grounded. Do NOT use a common ground for all your operating posts. If you do, you will get \u201cground loops\u201d with energy going where you don\u2019t want it, including in to computer logging systems and the possibility of rf burns by operators or anyone touching the equipment. <\/strong><\/p>\n

4. Make sure that each operating position has a laminated chart of frequencies<\/strong> that can be used under your station\u2019s or club\u2019s operating license. Watch out and don\u2019t operate too close to the band edges. (and remember: no one \u201cowns\u201d a frequency)<\/p>\n

5. If using computer logging, always have paper logs and scratch pads ready<\/strong> to use in case your computers bog down or crash. (ever use a \u201cdupe sheet\u201d? Don\u2019t know what it is? Find out!)<\/p>\n

6<\/strong>. Whenever \u00a0I operate either in contests or operating events, I find it advantageous to camp out (remain on) a frequency rather than tune around (hunt and pounce).<\/strong> Remember that propagation conditions will change so stick with it even if you think the band has died or other stations appear on your frequency that weren\u2019t there earlier. That\u2019s just how propagation works. Save \u201chunting and pouncing\u201d for\u00a0near the\u00a0end of the event.<\/p>\n

7. Keep your calling frequency active by calling CQ often.<\/strong> Don\u2019t wait! Leave a gap of\u00a0only 4 <\/strong>seconds between calls or stations tuning by will miss your call and other stations \"http:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/mfj434b.jpg\"<\/a>wishing to camp out may take over your frequency. In events such as FD, it also pays to use an automatic voice unit such as MFJ 434B \u201cvoice keyer\u201d. (Cost is about $170.) If you can\u2019t obtain one or your rig has no voice keyer built-in, use a cheap electronic memo reminder and just play back your pre-recorded CQ while holding it close to your microphone. This form of \u201cacoustic coupling\u201d is an inexpensive way to save your voice. I have used both methods over the years with success. Keep your calls \u201cshort and sweet\u201d using ITU phonetics ONLY<\/span>. Don\u2019t use any \u201ccutesy\u201d phonetics.<\/p>\n

8. If you are lucky enough to cause a \u201cpile up\u201d (several stations calling you at once) answer the easiest one to hear first.<\/strong> If you can\u2019t make out complete callsigns, ask for the station with the easiest partial call to reply. The others will wait. Do not get flustered. If you do, simply state \u201cQRX\u201d.<\/strong> This will give you a few seconds to re-focus your thoughts. It is at this time where it also pays to have another person with you to help sort out any call signs or help with logging.<\/p>\n

9. Ignore jammers.<\/strong> Do NOT bother answering them. They are idiots who hunger for attention.<\/p>\n

10. Have your station\u2019s callsign and exchange info posted in large letters<\/strong> at your operating position in case you get a bit tired or flustered\u00a0so you won\u2019t forget and announce your own call by mistake.<\/p>\n

11. If possible, bring your own headphones<\/strong> to make your life easier and to cut down on ambient noise from your area. An \u201codd ball\u201d pair of headphones can actually put stress on you if they don\u2019t fit properly.<\/p>\n

12. Talk in a loud, clear voice.<\/strong> No need to shout as it distorts your signal and makes it splatter to adjacent frequencies. Speak in to the microphone at an angle.<\/p>\n

13. Pace yourself, drink plenty of fluids<\/strong> and let whomever is in charge know when you need a break. Do NOT be a \u201cmic hog\u201d as other people may wish to gain the experience of operating. I\u2019m sure there will be plenty of ops around which will\u00a0allow you the chance to rest a spell.<\/p>\n

14. Learn a bit about propagation characteristics for each band<\/strong> and time of day before you come to FD. With sunspots on the raise, the higher bands will be a bit more active than in pervious years, unless there is a solar flare or other disturbance.<\/p>\n

15. If there are enough people, have someone do the logging for you.<\/strong> This way they will learn to copy callsigns under less than perfect situations and will make life easier for you. A \u201cdouble set of ears\u201d makes it easier to operate and log. It might even entice non-hams to get their license. If you aren\u2019t operating at the moment, try to keep the \u201cchit-chat\u201d down at any operating post. Save the talk when you are away from whomever is operating as it may confuse them.<\/p>\n

16. If you want your FD to be more successful, WAIT until all members have arrived before deciding what amount of stations you wish to put on the air for the event.<\/strong> You can always change bands, even with a 1A station. Years ago one club I was a member of on Long Island\u00a0decided to operate 20A<\/strong> ! That\u2019s 20 stations operating. The only problem was there wasn\u2019t enough people to man all the stations for the length of FD, so we were stuck at times with 10 stations we couldn\u2019t use. You can\u2019t change your exchange once the event starts. Talk about bad planning. Make sure everyone signs a log-in sheet so operator tally can be accounted for.<\/p>\n

17. Flag all coax runs, power cords and antenna guy lines<\/strong> with brightly colored caution tape so no one walks into them or trips over them.<\/p>\n

18. Never assume you\u2019ve \u201cworked them all\u201d.<\/strong>\u00a0 In 1991 a pair of inexperienced ops came out of the 40 meter SSB tent claiming they \u201cworked the band dry\u201d. I told them they hadn\u2019t and taking another op to log for me, in 30 minutes I worked an additional 60+ stations on that \u201cdry band\u201d by hunting and pouncing. Lesson learned: There are always other stations out there to work.<\/p>\n

19. Know the rig you are operating <\/strong>by reading\u00a0each radio\u2019s instruction manual. By doing so you\u2019ll avoid problems and make more contacts.\u00a0 Be especially careful of the filters in complex radios as they could filter out wanted signals. Keep your operations simple<\/strong> so the next person assigned to your station won\u2019t get confused twisting and turning knobs! Have a rig\u2019s \u201ccheat sheet\u201d handy.<\/p>\n

20. Turn off all gear during refueling <\/strong>of any gas generators. Use proper safety procedures so voltage spikes won’t harm your radios. This means to turn off your radios BEFORE the generator shuts off and wait until it reaches operational speed before turning your gear back on. You can get voltage spikes during the shutting off of the generator and the start up cycle. Use care when refueling the generator and NEVER gas it up while it is running. A gas spill even when the generator is off but HOT can also spell disaster.<\/p>\n

21. Try Something New or Different – <\/strong>The purpose of Field Day is to test your skills, so try something different. Make just a few contacts using CW. No matter how slow your code might be, others will slow down to your speed to contact you. It might encourage you to give CW a try even after the event is over.\u00a0\u00a0 Use a different antenna – one you’ve made from scratch – because in an emergency you may have to build one for essential communications.<\/p>\n

22. Make your event known – Tell people you know about Amateur Radio and invite them to visit your operation. <\/strong>If you are operating with an informal group, have a few QSTs or CQ magazines so visitors to your operation may learn about amateur radio. Spend a few cents and print up some flyers to hand out. The only way a hobby grows is if others can experience the joy of talking around the world without the internet. Explain about the hobby and that the only form of reliable communications is via amateur radio.<\/p>\n

23. GROUND your system – <\/strong>In order to avoid RF burns, etc. make sure you ground your rig and antenna tuner with a copper pipe or rod\u00a0hammered in the ground. Be sure to use as short a length of grounding wire as possible. If you are at an unknown location, be careful that you don’t hammer a rod into a\u00a0buried water supply pipe. We had this happen at one park and it was embarrassing and messy. If you have more than one radio in operation, be sure to ground each one by itself and not to a “common ground” as it may cause “ground loops” which will mess up you operation and create shock hazards.<\/p>\n

24. Learn , but most of all : Have fun. Also, have your\u00a0station license handy (the call sign you are using and your personal license)\u2026 it\u2019s an FCC requirement.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have a great time!\u00a0 W2IK\u00a0 If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at:\u00a0 alonestaryank@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Field Day Is Just Around The Corner \u2013 Plan Now !\u00a0by W2IK Field Day is coming, so here are a few thoughts as you plan your group\u2019s operation (or if you just wish to do a Field Day operation on your own in your back yard or at a park.) A FEW TIPS FOR ANY […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[19,4],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6512"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6512"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6512\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6516,"href":"https:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6512\/revisions\/6516"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6512"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6512"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanantoniohams.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6512"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}