Hi,
Field Day 2020 is nearly here. Obviously this has been a really weird year. Setting up at a park where we would be interacting with public is probably not a good idea. Also, sharing radio equipment, headsets, microphones, etc is also likely not wise at this time. So it begs the question, what is plan B? Field Day 2020 is going to happen. So how do we adapt and overcome??
For starters, the SBCARA group has sort of kind of thrown out a Club vs Club challenge. SBCARA vs GVARC. I personally love the idea, but only if we win. So...
ARRL has made some rules changes this year.
- 1D stations are now (2020 only) allowed to contact other 1D stations for points. Normally, single "1D" stations, (sitting in your house on your own radio, by yourself), do not get any points for contacting other 1D stations. This year 1D stations can make contact with any other station for points.
- Also for 2020, we can submit an aggregate club score combining any class (including 1D stations). So everyone works their own home 1D station, and when you submit your logs, you also indicate they are part of the GVARC club and our individual stats will be combined for a single GVARC score.
A club member has indicated they would allow a few stations to set up on their private property if club members wished to set up and operate as another station class, as we have in the past (We have typically operated as 3A or 4A, the A being a Club, of more than 2 people, set up somewhere not usually set up for ham radio, that is operating on battery/solar - off grid). I do not know that we have enough interest in perusing this option this year. I currently do not plan to bring the tower out. I also do not see us pursuing a GOTA station unless someone has a spare station they could set up with remote hams and do it that way (which is really intriguing now that I thing about it).
W6KRK with the SBCARA group had an neat idea about sharing our home machines. He and I (And maybe others in the clubs) have Remote Hams capability on our rigs. Remote Hams uses a piece of software called RCForb that allows you to remotely operate a remote radio. It is the same system we use that allows K7DAA to continue hosting the Wednesday night net from Utah. It is super easy to install and use. I am certainly not going to be running the full 24 hours, so why not let someone else have a chance to operate remotely? I was thinking of making some time slots available that club members that would be interested in making contacts on Field Day could do so even if they do not have their own gear at home. Remote Hams works exceptionally well as long as you have a decent headset, and internet connection.?
So, the question is...? Who would be interested in.
- Participating as a 1D from their own home and contributing to the overall club score?
- And/or wish to reserve some time on a remote machine (like mine), keeping their own logs, and submitting for the club score?
You are all BYOF (Bring your own food. You will have to walk all the way to your own fridge. Take the long route through the living room, you need the exercise.)?
You can also get creative if you want. I may just set up in the back yard, and run on solar/battery anyway.
Ray Dzek