Re: BVARC Field Day planning meeting (Monday 21-Apr-2025, 8-9pm)
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Notes from April 21 Field Day planning meeting ? Present at the meeting were: Bruce Wood, W1BRU Ken Trudel, N1RGK Larry Freitas, N1KLF Martin Bayes, AA!ON Mickey Callahan, K1WMC Peter Sichel, K1AV ? We reviewed the previously published agenda here (/g/W1DDD/message/297) so I¡¯m only including notes and action items; ? Choppiest Hill Field Day site ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª site is confirmed - Bruce Wood has been in contact with Lisa Hopkins from the Scituate Public Works department to arrange the needed permit, picnic tables and trash receptacles. ? - Peter had understood Ray Vilnit arranged to have a Port-a-Jon at the site last year for a cost of $200.? I have since learned that club treasurer Lloyd Merrill has arranged for a Port-a-Jon to be on site. ? - We discussed the state of our operating tents (which leaked last year).? <Action> Martin and Peter agreed to bring extra tarps we can use to cover the tents and equipment if needed.? Mickey has arranged an SUV tent for his vehicle and QSO-a-go-go trailer which should provide better shelter. ? - We discussed ways to have Internet access from the site.? Internet is desired for synchronizing computer clocks for FT8 and for synchronizing logging software if needed.? Larry Freitas said he can borrow a dedicated cellular hotspot from the library to provide basic Internet access.? We agreed this would be easier than trying to gain and extend access to Senior Center network.? <Action> Larry agreed to test this configuration ahead of time. ? Stations and Operating Category ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Our plan is to: - Operate category 2A (or 1A depending on level of interest and operator coverage, 1 or 2 HF stations). An option we discussed is to have 1 station available for more experienced operators to run pile ups and another for more casual search & pounce. ?It doesn't cost us anything to allow a 2nd station even if it's idle part of the time. ?It could be available for BYO QRP or WinLink when not otherwise busy. - have GOTA station (does not count against category) - have VHF station (does not count against category).? <Action> Martin to bring a 6m beam (?) ? The club owns two Icom 7300s available for HF. <Action> Larry Freitas will make a Yaesu FT-710 available for HF. Paul Fontana may bring his own digital station which includes VHF capability (<Action> Peter to confirm) ? <Action> Martin Bayes is working on the clubs tri-bander and will lead beam set up based on condition and available support.? Martin has some tower sections but considering simpler options to suspend the beam.? Martin is a strong advocate for the beam to run pile-ups. ? Mickey expressed a preference for simpler antennas. Peter also wants to setup simple antennas but is open having the beam as an option. ? <Action> Peter has 10 meter fiberglass masts to setup a 40-10 meter EFHW. ? Still thinking about 80 meter coverage possibly using an 41¡¯ or 71¡¯ EFRW. ? The GOTA station will have it¡¯s own antenna along QSO-a-go-go trailer <Action> Mickey ? <Action> Peter to confirm with Mark Hofstra if the tri-plexer is available (so 2 stations can share the beam). ?Yes, the quad-plexer and set of bandpass filters belong to the club. Martin has 3 sets of bandpass filters we can use to reduce receiver overload between stations. ? <Action> Peter to check with Ed Fox about club equipment including radios, generator, and extension cords. Get copy of club inventory. ?[Done] Honda 2000 watt generators: club, Peter, and Paul Fontana(?) <Action> Martin to check if his extension cords are 12 gauge (preferred for long runs). ? Computers and Logging ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª- We need computers for logging and to agree on software. Discussed using N3FJP Field Day Logger and other options. <Action> Peter to check with Mark if he has laptops available. ?[No, they're gone] <Action> Peter to check if N3FJP Field Day Logger can send CW. ?[Yes it can with WinKeyer etc.] Peter has an old Intel MacBook that could run Windows. ? Food ¡ª¡ª Teri Diiorio helped organize food last year including Saturday lunch sandwiches and evening pot luck. <Action> Peter to followup if Teri wishes to volunteer again. ? Activity Sign Ups ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Including Setup, operating, and tear down. Sign-up ¡°sheet¡± to be available on-line, at club meetings, and start of events. Setup time will be noon Friday, and 9am(?) Saturday morning. ? Bonus Activities ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª - Publicity - check with Ron Blaise [Yes] - Copying Field Day Message - check with Bob Baudet (Peter has message schedule) - Message to Section Manager ? Peter used WinLink last year and would be glad to teach another volunteer to do this prior to Field Day. ? Note this pretty much requires VARA HF to be effective which costs $50 to register. - Satellite - may attempt but was not successful last year. [Bruce, Matt, or Jim?] - Alternate Power - need at least 5 contacts using battery charged from solar (or other source) ? Other Topics or Suggestions ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª - Safety Officer - I believe this was Teri or Jim Johnson last year. ?[Jim is available] - Invite Judson to planning as he collected logs and documentation to submit the clubs entry. - Schedule next Field Day Committee meeting for one week before the regular BVARC meeting (May 19th due to Holiday) so the next Field Day meeting would be Monday May 12th at 8pm via Zoom. ? Comments and corrections welcome. ? 73, Peter K1AV |
Peter Sichel K1AV