Field Day June 23-23, 2001 Always The Fourth Full Weekend In June

Date and Field Day Period:

Always held on the fourth full weekend of June. Begins 1800 UTC Saturday, ends 2100 UTC Sunday (June 23-23, 2001). 3.1. Class A and Class B (see below) stations who do not begin setting up until 1800 UTC Saturday may operate the entire Field Day period of 27 hours. 3.2. Others must begin their setup no earlier that 1800 UTC Friday, and may operate no more than 24 consecutive hours, ie, once on-the-air Field Day operation has started, it must end 24 hours from that point.


How is Useca involved?

The USECA club conducts Field Day as a multipurpose event. It provides an opportunity to expose the general public to amateur radio. It is the major social event of the year for the club. It provides an opportunity for "friendly" competition with other ARRL affiliated clubs throughout the country. And it provides an opportunity for learning new skills related to station set-up and operating, especially under adverse or emergency conditions.

The club's Field Day activity is publicized in the local media to alert the general public to the event and its locations. club members conduct informal tours of the operating stations and answer questions regarding the Field Day operation and ham radio for non-ham visitors.

The USECA Radio Club particpates in "Class A" which is for club portable operation. Stations must be set up at locations that are not regular station locations.

In addition to tower erection, antenna installation, and shelter (tents/camping trailers) set-up for stations; involves major logistics facilities, power and food. The club's own Tent City Engineers sets up the field kitchen and dining tents, electrical power generation facilities, and runs distribution wiring to all the operating locations. A large field kitchen area is set up where meals are prepared and served. Portable sanitary facilities are placed at strategic locations around the site. Signs are placed to guide people throughout the site.


U. S. E. C. A. - Field Day - 2001

FD station equipment checklist

Shelter:

weatherproof shelter
table
chairs
floor
light source
insect repellent
Station Equipment:

radio
power source
battery bank
battery charger
headphones (comfortable)
headphone splitter
audio filter

CW

key (left-handed)
key (right-handed)
memory keyer
computer keying interface

SSB

microphone (headset)
voice keyer
computer keying interface
*** all necessary connecting cables ***

Antenna Equipment:

BANDPASS FILTER
antenna tuner
main antenna
feedline with connectors
mast with clamps
guy rope
guy anchors
SWR/power meter
ground rods
ground wire
SWR analyzer
back-up antenna
antenna switch

Logging Equipment:

computer
power source
software
CW keying interface
SSB keying interface
floppy disks (for log)
paper
pencil

Toolbox Equipment:

screwdrivers
nut-drivers
ratchet w/sockets
pliers
vice-grip pliers
needle-nose pliers
adjustable wrenches
soldering iron
electrical tape
portable vice
misc. wire connectors

Other Equipment:

sunscreen
work gloves
work boots
food
water vnutrients

Additional Equipment:

USECA Field Day Chairman

Dear Field Day Participants:

Each year during the last weekend in June, thousands of amateurs descend on parks, malls, schools, and other venues to participate in the most popular on-the-air amateur radio events: Field Day. From the experienced old-timer to the fledgling newcomer to the hobby, Field Day offers something for everyone: satellites, packet, VHF, CW, Phone, RTTY, traffic handling, experimentation, contesting. If it is your interest, it has a place at Field Day. While listed as a contest, remember that the key element of Field Day is to test emergency preparedness. Annually, Field Day brings together the amateur community, local and state authorities, representative of the agencies we serve, and the general public in a national educational exercise. It serves as a once-a-year focal point to highlight the tremendous amount of time, efforts, and talents which hams contribute to the community.

Besides the information provided in this package for preparation and publicity, remember to refer to the Field Day rules for forms, rules, and entry submission requirements. This information can be found at the Contest Branch Homepage or in the annual Field Day announcement, which appears in the May issue of QST. Remember that you have 30 days from the end of Field Day to submit your entry to the League. Don’t forget interesting photographs showing your group in action and your comments for the Soap-Box in QST. While all of the photos and comments can’t appear in the magazine, we are expanding the information available on the Web Page.

This information package is put together to help the hundreds of local clubs and individuals prepare for a successful Field Day event. All of the materials in this package may be freely distributed and used to promote your club’s efforts. Public awareness is as important to Field Day as is testing your emergency preparedness. Please feel free to contact me at the League if you have Field Day questions. See you on-the-air during the fourth full weekend in June.

73,

Dan Henderson N1ND
Contest Branch Manager, ARRL