MARC Field Day 2004

On Saturday and Sunday the weather was excellent, the surroundings were pleasant and the 2004 MARC Field Day became a reality.

The discussion started with a very low key comment at an early Spring meeting – as it does every year – “What is your pleasure for Field Day? Will it be 2F again or back to 2A or something else?” So the club members began a search for a new FD site – we knew or suspected that Mr. Godek’s pasture was not going to be available. Bill KB1GZJ secured permission to use the recreation field at Ashlar Village. A lovely site about 300 feet above sea level, a large open field, a food pavilion, paved parking, and flush toilets – all the amenities of the 21^st century.

Friday set up was crammed with the normal headaches – the chief archer, W1KKF, found suitable trees to launch his fusillade – tent locations verified – towers, ladders, power and all the miscellany were finalized. Working steadfastly, the Friday set up abruptly ended about 6:30 when an incoming lightning storm arrived.

Final details were completed on Saturday morning, and then at 14:00 – CQ FD rose like a clatter. Let the games begin! MARC operated as a class 2A unit with an HF-CW, HF-SSB, and VHF stations under the call W1NRG. We also sported a GOTA station using the call KB1KEA. For the first time in many years, all the stations operated flawlessly for the next 24 hours. No storms, no visits from the gremlins, no equipment failures and generally open bands.

The new surroundings did bring some new adventures. The field was a wee short of the 450 foot V-Beam causing a last minute shift in the tent, tower and associated equipment locations. Some of the village residents were a bit concerned about all these ‘crazy’ people running around – but their concerns turned to enthusiasm as they were told of our purpose. The residents were the most enthusiastic group of public observers we have ever enjoyed. A few minor wind gusts emphasized  those tent stakes that were not secured. Even the road-kill was almost tasty – I said almost – in the civilized pavilion.

The QSO counts and point totals are still being tallied, but we seemed to be able to add the maximum bonus points to our score. Included in the bonus were the three demonstrations for hams and the general public. Bob KB1FYL demonstrated “Visual Observations of Sunspots” and “Receiving µWave Signals from the Sun and Moon.” Chuck N1KGY had a wireless internet set up (Wi-Fi). In one of the tents, Haggie KB1HCC had a APRS set up going. Of course the village residents provide more than the required need for the public information points.  The tally for Field Day 2004 is being totaled and the preliminary box score should be available at the July meeting.

Field Day 2004 is now a part of MARC history. As every year, it would not be possible for the extraordinary effort of many able bodies. I will not list them all so as not to offend by an omission – A very big FB and hats off to you! MARC can only exist with a group of active members – join in on the fun.

The Photo Gallery

The Box Scores

The MARC Field Day stations were on the ball and the conditions were not bad considering we are near the low in Sun Spot Cycle 23. Definitely better than 2003 when the conditions were almost nonexistent.

We won`t know untill the ARRL publishes the results in December.