Wilder Ranch POTA & Winter Field Day
The Parks on the Air event at Wilder was a success. The “overflow parking” field gave us plenty of space to spread out. Most stations had less problems that in previous events. We had less radio interference than in previous events. We had more success spotting our stations and logging this month. Operators called “CQ Parks on the air, parks on the air” and were answered by (a growing number) of park hunters. Mistakes were made, but overall, we had a good event.
Our next park on the air may be done in March depending on the weather.
The key take aways to the Wilder Parks on the air:
We were blessed with decent weather and good band openings on 20 meters at the Wilder POTA.
We learned the lessons that all POTA people learn.
1) have a complete, organized station/logging/ antenna is three boxes. You wont forget anything this way.
2) Test your gear long before any field event. Untested gear will add to your problems out in the field. Better to stick with your well worn antennas and radios. The best station is the one that is familiar and well tested.
3). Be generous with your club members. Giving them a chance to experience a POTA contact with your station. This is great for the club and radiosport.
4). You will make mistakes. This is normal for new ops. Strive to identify your mistakes and learn from them. You will be much stronger the next time around.
5) Have a good understanding of your logger and spotting tools
6) Have fun. Visit the other ops. Share your experience. We can help each other. And we will.
It is time for us to turn our attention to the Winter Field Day event at the “Sheriff’s posse house”, Ocean st extension. This will be the last weekend in January 25th and 26th. We will operate Saturday and Sunday. We will be using the K6MMM callsign. We need to set our CW, Phone, FM and Digi Captains. Captains should assemble assistant operators. This will allow the Captains to visit other stations, and eat Lunch etc. Please review the WFD Rules: https://winterfieldday.org/