Let’s Get Ready for Field Day 26

Club members are starting to ask about our Summer Field Day plans.   The SLV/SCARC leadership core is assembling a plan, that will be very similar to last years (successful) event (at the PAR 3 property).  The purpose of this document is to offer a starting point.  Locations and operations are still fluid at this point.

There was some feedback suggesting that we find a different FD site.   The traffic noise at the PAR3 is a bit much.    Our leadership team is looking at other sites.  We reached out to the Monterey Bay Academy.  We’ll know in a week or so whether this site is available.  If you know of a large field that we can operate Field Day, please let us know.  Field Day sites are hard to come by.

The leadership group is starting to assemble 1) Team Captains for the CW, Phone, Digi, FM and Satelite modes.  These are important people who manage the setup, operation and safety of the mentioned stations.  One of the challenges is identifying “Station” assistant builders/Operators.  Last year we did well setting up and breaking down.  During the event, the volunteer operators were 10 deep during certain times.  And the station was unattended the other times.  We hope to spread out the operators.  Night shift operators are a rare commodity.   Sign up lists are being generated.  I suggested contacting the Station Captains directly as well.

Personally, I’ve been doing the Digi station for 25 years.  I would enjoy being captain of the Phone station this year.

The club will need a Safety officer, who will walk the grounds ensuring that good station building, antenna raising practices are being followed. Hard hats need to be worn and fire extinguishers distributed.  Stations should all have first aid kits.   Nothing can ruin a “good time” faster than have an injury during our event.

In the past, we used gasoline generators and massive aluminum antennas.  People are now using lithium batteries to power their stations and lighter antennas.  Be sure to know what your batteries can handle.

The public will be invited on Saturday.   The other times will be limited to the listed Captains and assistant builders/operators.

In the past, volunteers have made breakfast for the members Saturday and Sunday mornings.  We have cooked hot dogs at lunch time for the public Saturday. Tacos may be an option.     Saturday evening is a busy time.  The club usually caters in a meal for the principal Captains/assistant operators.

We offered a training tent where classes were held.  Senior club members from ARES and the club gave short presentations.  These were well received. We should be able to offer a few classes.  If you are excited about a ham related subject, let us know, you can be a teacher.

When the plan is sound, at the attending builders are operating safely, all five stations go up quickly and professionally.  The club manager will be walking the field “Ironing out” problems, ensuring that the build is going safely.  The manager may direct resources to problem areas.   In the past, the great minds in this club have brought their expertise to bear on Computer, Software and Power supply issues.   These are all devices that work perfectly in testing at home, and decide to go buggy once in the field.

We have been doing Field Day for many years and with good organization and management, we will continue to do Field Day for many years.  It is a fun event.

Craig  Capitola Village  N6SBN