GARS:Field Day

Amateur radio is about knowledge and growth. It is a hobby and service that truly offers “something for everyone.” Amateur Radio stands at a juncture where we can embrace both the old and new. While CW may no longer be a testing element, it is still a strong and favorite operating mode for many. Tens of thousands of operators are embracing digital technologies, from RTTY to newer digital modes like PSK31 and Olivia. Phone operation, probably the largest segment of our hobby, also has new frontiers to be explored with digitized voice, VOIP, and IRLP. And this is why Field Day – the largest annual on-the-air operating event – is so exciting. It gives all – the old timer and the newcomer, the brass-pounder and the computer assisted operator – the chance to share and teach the broad range of modes and technologies we find in our hobby. Field Day is truly the time in which we bring amateur radio to Main Street USA. By setting up in parking lots, malls, Emergency Operations Centers, parks and even at home, amateur operators learn skills that will allow them to better serve their communities. Setting up in these public venues gives added public relations value – their friends and neighbors can see and experience the fun and public service capability that their “ham radio” neighbors bring to the community. There are several rules changes for FD2008. First, the GOTA station may operate on any authorized Field Day band – HF or VHF. And anyone who has been licensed since Field Day 2007 is eligible (regardless of license class). Also, the Demonstration Bonus category has been replaced by an Educational Activity Bonus. Be sure to read the Field Day rules and FAQs in the FD2008 packet for details of these changes. The buildings on Main Street in your town will be different from mine. Your Main Street may speak with a Southern drawl, a Texas twang, or a Yankee accent. But deep down – Main Street is Main Street. Use Field Day 2008 to open up our wonderful hobby to the next generation of amateur radio operators on YOUR Main Street!

The GARS Field Day is a great opportunity to meet our members and get a taste of operating an amateur radio station is all about. You do not need to be a member to attend. We'll be on site from about 09:00 Saturday morning straight through about 2:00 in the afternoon on Sunday. We plan to have a "Get on the Air Station" to allow first hand experience for the first time.

MAP1 2 3 4

Points are awarded for each contact made, 1 point for each voice contact and 2 points for each CW or Digital contact. Multipliers are awarded based on the number of stations operating on the HF bands and other bonus points are awarded for items such as PR, locating in a public location, etc.

Schedule
Saturday Set-up: Begins at 9:00 AM. Several members will eat breakfast at Golden Coral from 7:30 till 9:00. Please bring ALL antennas/coax/equipment you have promised to donate for the weekend. If you don't need to bring equipment, just bring yourself! There will be plenty of things to do before operating begins at 2 PM. All radio operation begins at 2:00 Saturday afternoon, and proceeds for 24 continuous hours!

Talk-in should be operational before 10:00 and be on standby for the complete event.

Supper will be provided for everyone working or supervising. Supper is scheduled for 6:30pm.

Tear Down: Starts about 2 PM Sunday afternoon, and proceeds until the site is completely cleaned up.

Location: Rhodes Jordan Park, 100 E. Crogan Street Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043
Directions: Proceed east on Crogan Street (Hwy. 29) from the center of Lawrenceville. Turn left on Water Works Drive about one mile from the town center. Drive completely past the pond in the park, and turn right at the very back of the park. There is a driveway leading up a short hill into a pine forest. You will see two large group pavilions housing the Field Day site. There will be continuous talk-in on 147.075 MHz.

Band Captains
75 meters SSB
40 meters SSB
40 meters CW
20 meters SSB
20 meters psk31
15 meters SSB
10 meters SSB
talk-in ARES trailer

Hospitality

Food

Lunch Sat.
Dinner Sat.
Midnight Snack
Breakfast Sun.

Publicity

Antennas

Computer Logging

Generators

Transportationl

Porta-Potty

Work Crew with Trucks for Saturday Morning Pick up gear, ice and set up antennas.

Work Crew with Trucks for Sunday 11:00 until tear down, clean up and stow away accomplished.