Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Fun Killers

[Jim Johns]

If you come to North Texas, be prepared for high temperatures and lately
high humidity. Oh, and don't forget a black light to illuminate all the
bark scorpions we have here too.

Jim KA0IQT
On Jun 28, 2016 9:59 AM, "w7aqk"  wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I have always considered Field Day to be the most enjoyable "event" of the
> year.  Unfortunately, this year I was unable to participate "in the field"
> as I am busy getting ready for a long trip.  Otherwise, I would have been
> out there with the rest of you.
>
> Long ago I determined that there were two things that could ruin Field Day
> for me--excessive heat and bugs (no, not the Vibroplex kind!).  If I can't
> avoid both, I usually don't go!  When I was living in "The South", both
> could be a problem.  Here in the desert, it's the heat issue that I mainly
> have to deal with.  Fortunately, there is a good choice of "high ground"
> nearby, so that problem is solvable.  Since there typically isn't a lot of
> water nearby, the bug problem is usually minimized as well.
>
> My hat is most definitely off to those of you who can endure either or
> both of my "Field Day Fun Killers".  Most of you who do that are probably
> east of the Rockies.  I remember Field Days where the seemingly most
> important pieces of equipment were fans!  The problem is that most of the
> time all those did was blow hot air around!  High temperatures plus high
> humidity is a tough combination to combat.  It doesn't take long before you
> wish you could take a shower--but you probably can't!  It even makes
> grabbing a little shut eye difficult.
>
> Fighting the bug problem can be a bit easier, but takes some advance
> planning.  My Field Day kit includes a large canopy of mosquito netting
> that can be suspended from most anything overhead, like a tree branch.  A
> tent-like canopy with netting works too, but isn't always as convenient to
> locate.  Fully enclosed tents tend to trap heat, so those don't always work
> well either.
>
> Planning for Field Day can be a year long event, particularly for larger
> groups.  However, even the smaller operations need to start making a list
> early!  Your "fun killer" list may not be the same as mine, but whatever it
> includes, you should consider early on how to deal with it.  Starting the
> process now, while the problems are fresh in your mind, is probably one of
> the best things you can do.
>
> I've been reading a lot of complaints about high heat in the reports that
> have been posted so far.  That's always a problem, but it just seems like
> it was more so this year.  Even Wayne Burdick commented about some very
> high temperatures in his area, and I think this may be a sign of the
> times.  I'm getting too old to have that kind of dedication.  Here in my
> area it was well into the 100's down low, but in the 70's higher up.  I
> will always opt for "up", even if I have to drive a bit further.  Besides,
> there are trees up there!
>
> Again, I greatly admire the dedication that many (if not most) of you gave
> to this year's effort.  However, I have to wonder if participating in those
> 5A/6A or higher groups, who's location choices are perhaps much more
> limited, is really worth it. Have you considered a 1A, or 2A operation in a
> much more hospitable location?  The food may not be quite as good, but the
> experience can be well worth it!  I know, it's often a "club thing", and
> that may well overrule all other concerns.  However, you still might want
> to try it at least once--you might like it!  For many years now I've
> operated strictly QRP CW in the field, and never had more fun!
>
> 73,
>
> Dave W7AQK
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
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>
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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Fun Killers

[Dan Presley]

Yes-I was just down the road from you Kevin at Stub Stewart state park. Set up 
with the KX2 and the Alexloop for a minimalist station. I only had a short time 
hand conditions were't very good, but I managed to work a few guys around the 
country mostly on 20. Only signal on 15 was a KH6 but nabbed him easy with 5 W. 
The KX2 is perfect for this type of operation. Also, as you said weather was 
perfect  :)
Dan Presley  N7CQR
n7...@arrl.net


On Jun 28, 2016, at 8:31 PM, kev...@coho.net wrote:

> In the Coast Range on Sunday it rose to a scorching 77 degrees!
> 
> FD in the PNW :)
> 
> 73,
> 
> Kevin.  KD5ONS
> 
> 
> On 6/28/2016 8:04 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>> Come to the Pacific Northwest coast. High temps this time of the year are
>> generally in the 60's, never above 70, and no bugs.
>> 
>> 73, Ron AC7AC
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of w7aqk
>> Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 7:59 AM
>> To: Elecraft Reflector
>> Subject: [Elecraft] Field Day Fun Killers
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> I have always considered Field Day to be the most enjoyable "event" of the
>> year.  Unfortunately, this year I was unable to participate "in the field"
>> as I am busy getting ready for a long trip.  Otherwise, I would have been
>> out there with the rest of you.
>> 
>> Long ago I determined that there were two things that could ruin Field Day
>> for me--excessive heat and bugs (no, not the Vibroplex kind!).  If I can't
>> avoid both, I usually don't go!  When I was living in "The South", both
>> could be a problem.  Here in the desert, it's the heat issue that I mainly
>> have to deal with.  Fortunately, there is a good choice of "high ground"
>> nearby, so that problem is solvable.  Since there typically isn't a lot of
>> water nearby, the bug problem is usually minimized as well.
>> 
>> My hat is most definitely off to those of you who can endure either or both
>> of my "Field Day Fun Killers".  Most of you who do that are probably east of
>> the Rockies.  I remember Field Days where the seemingly most important
>> pieces of equipment were fans!  The problem is that most of the time all
>> those did was blow hot air around!  High temperatures plus high humidity is
>> a tough combination to combat.  It doesn't take long before you wish you
>> could take a shower--but you probably can't!  It even makes grabbing a
>> little shut eye difficult.
>> 
>> Fighting the bug problem can be a bit easier, but takes some advance
>> planning.  My Field Day kit includes a large canopy of mosquito netting that
>> can be suspended from most anything overhead, like a tree branch.  A
>> tent-like canopy with netting works too, but isn't always as convenient to
>> locate.  Fully enclosed tents tend to trap heat, so those don't always work
>> well either.
>> 
>> Planning for Field Day can be a year long event, particularly for larger
>> groups.  However, even the smaller operations need to start making a list
>> early!  Your "fun killer" list may not be the same as mine, but whatever it
>> includes, you should consider early on how to deal with it.  Starting the
>> process now, while the problems are fresh in your mind, is probably one of
>> the best things you can do.
>> 
>> I've been reading a lot of complaints about high heat in the reports that
>> have been posted so far.  That's always a problem, but it just seems like it
>> was more so this year.  Even Wayne Burdick commented about some very high
>> temperatures in his area, and I think this may be a sign of the times.  I'm
>> getting too old to have that kind of dedication.  Here in my area it was
>> well into the 100's down low, but in the 70's higher up.  I will always opt
>> for "up", even if I have to drive a bit further.  Besides, there are trees
>> up there!
>> 
>> Again, I greatly admire the dedication that many (if not most) of you gave
>> to this year's effort.  However, I have to wonder if participating in those
>> 5A/6A or higher groups, who's location choices are perhaps much more
>> limited, is really worth it. Have you considered a 1A, or 2A operation in a
>> much more hospitable location?  The food may not be quite as good, but the
>> experience can be well worth it!  I know, it's often a "club thing", and
>> that may well overrule all other concerns.  However, you still might want to
>> try it at least once--you might like it!  For many years now I've operated
>> strictly QRP CW in the field, and never had more fun!
>> 
>> 73,
>> 
>> Dave W7AQK
>> 
>> __
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>> 
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message
>> delivered to r...@elecraft.com
>> 
>> 

Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Fun Killers

[kev...@coho.net]

In the Coast Range on Sunday it rose to a scorching 77 degrees!

FD in the PNW :)

 73,

 Kevin.  KD5ONS


On 6/28/2016 8:04 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

Come to the Pacific Northwest coast. High temps this time of the year are
generally in the 60's, never above 70, and no bugs.

73, Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of w7aqk
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 7:59 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] Field Day Fun Killers

Hi All,

I have always considered Field Day to be the most enjoyable "event" of the
year.  Unfortunately, this year I was unable to participate "in the field"
as I am busy getting ready for a long trip.  Otherwise, I would have been
out there with the rest of you.

Long ago I determined that there were two things that could ruin Field Day
for me--excessive heat and bugs (no, not the Vibroplex kind!).  If I can't
avoid both, I usually don't go!  When I was living in "The South", both
could be a problem.  Here in the desert, it's the heat issue that I mainly
have to deal with.  Fortunately, there is a good choice of "high ground"
nearby, so that problem is solvable.  Since there typically isn't a lot of
water nearby, the bug problem is usually minimized as well.

My hat is most definitely off to those of you who can endure either or both
of my "Field Day Fun Killers".  Most of you who do that are probably east of
the Rockies.  I remember Field Days where the seemingly most important
pieces of equipment were fans!  The problem is that most of the time all
those did was blow hot air around!  High temperatures plus high humidity is
a tough combination to combat.  It doesn't take long before you wish you
could take a shower--but you probably can't!  It even makes grabbing a
little shut eye difficult.

Fighting the bug problem can be a bit easier, but takes some advance
planning.  My Field Day kit includes a large canopy of mosquito netting that
can be suspended from most anything overhead, like a tree branch.  A
tent-like canopy with netting works too, but isn't always as convenient to
locate.  Fully enclosed tents tend to trap heat, so those don't always work
well either.

Planning for Field Day can be a year long event, particularly for larger
groups.  However, even the smaller operations need to start making a list
early!  Your "fun killer" list may not be the same as mine, but whatever it
includes, you should consider early on how to deal with it.  Starting the
process now, while the problems are fresh in your mind, is probably one of
the best things you can do.

I've been reading a lot of complaints about high heat in the reports that
have been posted so far.  That's always a problem, but it just seems like it
was more so this year.  Even Wayne Burdick commented about some very high
temperatures in his area, and I think this may be a sign of the times.  I'm
getting too old to have that kind of dedication.  Here in my area it was
well into the 100's down low, but in the 70's higher up.  I will always opt
for "up", even if I have to drive a bit further.  Besides, there are trees
up there!

Again, I greatly admire the dedication that many (if not most) of you gave
to this year's effort.  However, I have to wonder if participating in those
5A/6A or higher groups, who's location choices are perhaps much more
limited, is really worth it. Have you considered a 1A, or 2A operation in a
much more hospitable location?  The food may not be quite as good, but the
experience can be well worth it!  I know, it's often a "club thing", and
that may well overrule all other concerns.  However, you still might want to
try it at least once--you might like it!  For many years now I've operated
strictly QRP CW in the field, and never had more fun!

73,

Dave W7AQK

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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Fun Killers

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Come to the Pacific Northwest coast. High temps this time of the year are
generally in the 60's, never above 70, and no bugs. 

73, Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of w7aqk
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 7:59 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] Field Day Fun Killers

Hi All,

I have always considered Field Day to be the most enjoyable "event" of the
year.  Unfortunately, this year I was unable to participate "in the field" 
as I am busy getting ready for a long trip.  Otherwise, I would have been
out there with the rest of you.

Long ago I determined that there were two things that could ruin Field Day
for me--excessive heat and bugs (no, not the Vibroplex kind!).  If I can't
avoid both, I usually don't go!  When I was living in "The South", both
could be a problem.  Here in the desert, it's the heat issue that I mainly
have to deal with.  Fortunately, there is a good choice of "high ground" 
nearby, so that problem is solvable.  Since there typically isn't a lot of
water nearby, the bug problem is usually minimized as well.

My hat is most definitely off to those of you who can endure either or both
of my "Field Day Fun Killers".  Most of you who do that are probably east of
the Rockies.  I remember Field Days where the seemingly most important
pieces of equipment were fans!  The problem is that most of the time all
those did was blow hot air around!  High temperatures plus high humidity is
a tough combination to combat.  It doesn't take long before you wish you
could take a shower--but you probably can't!  It even makes grabbing a
little shut eye difficult.

Fighting the bug problem can be a bit easier, but takes some advance
planning.  My Field Day kit includes a large canopy of mosquito netting that
can be suspended from most anything overhead, like a tree branch.  A
tent-like canopy with netting works too, but isn't always as convenient to
locate.  Fully enclosed tents tend to trap heat, so those don't always work
well either.

Planning for Field Day can be a year long event, particularly for larger
groups.  However, even the smaller operations need to start making a list
early!  Your "fun killer" list may not be the same as mine, but whatever it
includes, you should consider early on how to deal with it.  Starting the
process now, while the problems are fresh in your mind, is probably one of
the best things you can do.

I've been reading a lot of complaints about high heat in the reports that
have been posted so far.  That's always a problem, but it just seems like it
was more so this year.  Even Wayne Burdick commented about some very high
temperatures in his area, and I think this may be a sign of the times.  I'm
getting too old to have that kind of dedication.  Here in my area it was
well into the 100's down low, but in the 70's higher up.  I will always opt
for "up", even if I have to drive a bit further.  Besides, there are trees
up there!

Again, I greatly admire the dedication that many (if not most) of you gave
to this year's effort.  However, I have to wonder if participating in those
5A/6A or higher groups, who's location choices are perhaps much more
limited, is really worth it. Have you considered a 1A, or 2A operation in a
much more hospitable location?  The food may not be quite as good, but the
experience can be well worth it!  I know, it's often a "club thing", and
that may well overrule all other concerns.  However, you still might want to
try it at least once--you might like it!  For many years now I've operated
strictly QRP CW in the field, and never had more fun!

73,

Dave W7AQK 

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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Fun!

[David Y.]

Bill and All,

Like  Bill, I've been doing this ham radio stuff for a long time--54 years. 
It still floats my boat!

I committed very late to join a couple of ham friends on a camping outing up 
on Mt. Lemmon, which is 9K feet and 30 degrees cooler than the 100's here on 
the desert floor.  The best part is I can go from my house to the top in 
about an hour.  That fact alone makes Tucson a better place to live than 
Phoenix!!!

I took my K2, and some battery packs, and headed up the mountain on Friday. 
I also used an end fed HW for simplicity.  The others with me are hams, but 
alas, they aren't all that interested in CW or QRP.  So, I was the only 
op.

I've been on many intense Field Day operations, but I'm just as happy to do 
it very casually.  I operate a couple of hours, then go visit with everyone 
for even longer, or just go take a long walk!  I also like to sleep, so you 
won't hear me in the middle of the night.

I only made about 160 contacts, but since I'm not really a threat to win 
anything, I usually just try and see how many different sections I can work. 
In the process, I pass up a lot of contacts I could easily make to up the 
total.  I probably didn't operate more than 5 or 6 hours total, and much of 
that was searching for new sections.  I ended up with 67 sections, and I 
missed a few that I shouldn't have.  But what the heck!  It's fun to have a 
mini objective like that if you aren't trying to rack up a big score.

K2 worked great, and the WX at 8400 feet was very nice too.  Ate well, and 
even had a little nectar of the Gods with my steak!  Now, how can you beat 
that?

Dave W7AQK
- Original Message - 
From: Bill W4ZV btipp...@alum.mit.edu
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 7:12 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Field Day Fun!



 My XYL was participating in a singing event this afternoon so I made a 
 hasty
 decision to pack up my QRP K2 and head for the top of Morrow Mountain (NC
 State Park).  After several misfires with my slingshot (out of practice) I
 got my Par EndFedz-20/40 installed in a tree over a picnic table. 
 Connected
 my 7AH SLA battery to the K2 and turned it on.  Nothing!  Are the 
 conditions
 that bad?  Went to 40 and it sounded the same.

 I hadn't used the EndFedz in several years after removing it from a
 semi-permanent installation at a mountain cabin.  Apparently I must have 
 had
 a nearby lightning strike sometime which blew out the sealed matching 
 unit.
 Fortunately I had my Emtech ZM-2 tuner which loaded the wire from the
 EndFedz (no radials).  I set the K2 to 5 Watts on 20m and was finally 
 ready
 to go.

 I made my first QSO at 1846z and operated ~3 hours, mostly SP on 20m but
 also a few on 15 and 40.  Made 107 total QSOs including KH7 and KP3 with 
 the
 last one at 2201z when it was time to pack up and head for home.  If you
 worked me, you can congratulate yourself on your good ears.  I was frankly
 amazed anyone could hear me with QRP to that band-aided antenna!

 After almost 52 years on the air I'm still thrilled with this hobby.  It's
 just amazing that we can communicate across the country with 5 watts to a
 piece of wire.  What fun!!!  And thanks to Elecraft for the K2...the ideal
 Field Day QRP rig.

 73,  Bill  W4ZV
 -- 
 View this message in context: 
 http://n2.nabble.com/Field-Day-Fun%21-tp3168641p3168641.html
 Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.

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