It’s beginning to look like Field Day is going to be a lot different this year. Even though it’s still more than two and a half months away, I’m beginning to think that there will still be restrictions on large gatherings, at least here in Michigan.
A week or so ago, the ARRL offered some guidance on this. They suggest that you:
- Encourage club members to operate from their home stations on emergency power (Class E).
- Use the club’s repeater as a means for individual participants to keep in touch during the event.
- Family members interested in operating Field Day and unable to participate as part of a larger group may want to consider setting up a portable station in the backyard with a temporary antenna.
I plan on operating from solar power here at my QTH. I will probably set up my GOTA antenna, which is a 20m/40m fan dipole that I support with a surplus military mast, and operate from my front deck.
Other suggestions
Bob, K0NR, suggested on Twitter, “Encourage everyone to do a single op FD entry, provide award(s) for working other club members, provide award(s) for best FD score among club members and promote operating on 2m/70cm FM so that everyone can participate.” My response was to give a prize for the coolest emergency power/alternative power setup, although I realize this might be a bit subjective.
Matt, WD5ACR, suggested, “Zoom between shacks? Not as much fun unless you have emergency power.” Nigel, G8IFF, said, “Set up a mesh network between your shacks and install cameras and telephones and perhaps a web server so you can look at each other’s log books.”
Let’s not let this situation destroy the fun we all have on Field Day. So, my question to you is, “What’s your Plan B for this year’s FD?”
Adam N5YHF says
Last year I operated 1E-Battery and had a lot of fun. This year I’m thinking the same, but will probably operate phone only (or will dedicate a laptop to digi mode that has good battery life, and use another machine as my on mains logging/slacking/Zoom machine). Any excuse to buy more batteries is a good one, maybe throw a solar panel or two in there…
Milton says
Hola excelente opciones.
Felicitaciones y mucho DX
Milton
HC4Z
73